Seed Science and Technology
Seeds are not only the world’s major source of human and animal nutrition but also provide the basis for improving agricultural practices and managing genetic resources. High-quality seeds are required for successful crop production, propagation and breeding. Seed quality comprises a multitude of processes and events that occur during the successive stages of seed development,
Computational Biology
This course focuses on using computational modelling to explore biological systems and test specific hypotheses. Students learn to construct exact models and analyse their behaviour to gain insight into the original biological system. The course draws on a broad range of biological questions across evolutionary, developmental, ecological, and molecular biology. Topics include evolutionary dynamics such
Markers in Quantitative Genetics and Plant Breeding (online)
In this course, the students will be made familiar with the use of molecular markers in genetic research and plant breeding, the estimation of genetic distance based on marker genotype frequencies in different types of segregating populations, the construction of linkage maps, concepts and applications of quantitative genetics, the analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs)
Digital innovation
In the course Digital Innovation we focus on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the fundamental transformations of industries and societies. After introducing the nature of ICTs, the first part of the course starts by providing an historical and theoretical introduction to digital innovation from a societal perspective. Specific emphasis is on
Data Analysis for Biosystems Engineering
The following topics will be addressed in the course: linear regression and multiple linear regression, including model formulation, meaning of model parameters, checking model assumptions and prediction; data transformation; experimental design, including completely randomized design, block design and factorial design, and calculating the required sample size to obtain a certain precision; analysis of variance and
Advanced Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a broad term for all technologies that utilize biological systems, living organisms, or their parts to develop or create different products. This course covers topics ranging from the development of climate-resilient and herbicide-resistant crops using CRISPR/Cas to the development of mRNA therapies and the usage of fungi for removing contaminants from the environment.
Science, Technology and Society
Do you think science and technology are neutral tools in gaining economic and social prosperity? Do you think innovation is always a good thing? In this course, we will question such assumptions by studying the relation between science, technology, and society. This relationship is both complex and ambiguous. For example from a societal perspective, self-driving
Biotechnology and the Societal Challenge
This course explores how biotechnology can address key societal challenges identified by the European Union. These include health and demographic change, food security and sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and climate action. Students are introduced to plant and microbial biotechnology, ethical considerations, and patent systems. As part of the course, students formulate their own biotechnology-based solutions
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genomics is a new area of research that relates to holistic study of the genome a the gene, transcript, protein and metabolite levels. Due to the large amounts of data involved in this study computer tools are extensively used. During the course we will present basic concepts of genomics and introduce students to the problems
Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions
The aim of this course is to understand how the immune system of plants functions, how plants and beneficial or pathogenic microbes interact with each other, and what the determinants are for their success in these different interactions. In the course several integration levels of plant-microbe (and -insect) interactions are discussed: from genes, signal molecules,