--To obtain basic knowledge necessary to understand topics of modern plant biology
--To obtain understanding on the current trend of research on plants
--To understand modern plant biotechnology which aims to provide solutions to food, energy, environment, and health problems

exams 40% + presentation 20% + participation in discussion 20% + homework 20%

Part I by Kyuha Choi (the first 8 weeks)
Plant genetics and genomics
Plant epigenetics and control of flowering time
Flower development
Light signaling and plant development (chapters 17, 18)
Plant reproduction (chapter 25)
Plant Biotechnology

Part II by Professor Jonghum Kim (the second 8 weeks)
How do plants defend themselves? (chapter 13)
Auxin: The growth hormone (chapter 19)
Gibberelins:
Cytokinins: Regulators of cell division (Chapter 21)
Abscisic acid (chapter 23) and stress responses (chapter 26)
Brassinosteroid and Strigolactones
Plant biotechnology industries in the world economy
Current status and future of GMO, industrial perspective

Exam : you can use your books, notes, etc., but you cannot copy other’s work. Wrong statements and statements out of scope of the question will cause deduction of points.
Presentation: 20 minute duration (25-30 slides), one (or two) for each student, followed by open discussion for about 15 min.
Homework: one per each class, 1-2 page summary and one question on the day’s topic of discussion or lecture. Due at the end of each class. Must be hand-written.

Guests from plant-related industry and government organizations will give a few lectures.