Course overview
Genetic manipulation in plants has underpinned improvements in productivity and has enhanced sustainability of farming systems worldwide. As well, plant genetic diversity is fundamental to understand adaptation in natural systems. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of plant breeding and plant adaptation that are applicable to agricultural and natural systems. Extensive industry engagement is also undertaken as part of the course curriculum where students connect with industry leaders in the plant breeding discipline, whether in broad-acre cropping (e.g. wheat, barley, canola, faba bean breeding) or horticulture (e.g. almond breeding). The topics covered include: genetic diversity in relation to adaptation, productivity, pest and disease resistance and end-use quality; strategies for setting breeding objectives and maximising selection and improvement of key traits; breeding methodologies for self or cross pollinated plants.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe sources and types of genetic variation andexplain their importance for plant improvement.
- Describe the progression of stages within a modern breedingprogramme from the setting of breeding objectives, through the development andimplementation of breeding strategies to the commercialisation of plantvarieties and the protection of intellectual property.
- Describe methods that are used in plant breeding.
- Locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise informationrelevant to plant breeding.
- Judge which plant breeding methods are appropriate forspecific objectives and situations.
- Formulate and justify a plan for the application of plantbreeding methods to achieve a specific objective.
- Carry out specific plant breeding activities, such asselection of parental germplasm, observation and recording of phenotypicvariation and selection among progeny.
Availability
Class details
Waite Campus
Class number 24690
Section PR01
Size 24
Available 24
Class number 24691
Section WS01
Size 30
Available 30
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.