Overview

This module will build upon and explore some of the topics of the forest protection module (which is a pre-requisite) in more detail. It is future facing and will focus on subject areas and research techniques essential for forest pathology and will prepare you to conduct innovative research projects at Forest Research and Kew, where you will work alongside leading scientists at State-of-the-Art research facilities including the brand-new tree pest and disease quarantine laboratories at Forest Research.

Students will gain a broad and thorough understanding of Forest genetics and the genetic basis of disease resistance, covering the full range of forest pathology diagnostic techniques including Metagenomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques, DNA extraction, QPCR, PCR, sequencing and blasting against databases, as well as complementary traditional forest pathology diagnostic techniques and image analysis.

Students will also engage with applied forest science experimental techniques and methods such as dendrology, tree cloning/propagation and seed storage.

Practical work will include lab and computer work and a field visit with Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

Assessment Strategy

Grading Criteria

Threshold - A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written work should demonstrate a basic ability to synthesise and interpret data from lectures and readings in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge. (Grade C; mark range 50-59%)

Good - A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading into coherent arguments. (Grade B; mark range 60-69%)

Excellent - An excellent student should have a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, developed arguments. (Grade A; mark range 70-100%)

Learning Outcomes

• Apply theoretical knowledge of epidemiology and disease transmission pathways to predict development and emergence of novel diseases and to design systems aimed at mitigating these.

• Demonstrate expertise and advanced understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of pathogenesis, molecular diagnostic techniques, bioinformatics and dendrology.