Climatic factors and distribution of plant species. Effects of climatic factors and climate change on plants: direct effects and physiological responses - temperature, water, light, carbon dioxide, other conditions affected by climate change. Phenotypic plasticity. Genetic flexibilty of plant populations - evolutionary adaptation to climate change. Plant breeding in a climate change context.

The course will provide broad knowledge on how plants respond and adapt to climate and other environmental conditions. This includes acclimation (how plants perceive seasonal and other environmental cues and adapt phenotypically) and adaptation in the longer time scales of evolution and breeding. The obtained knowledge will enable students to better understand which effects climatic change may have on natural and man-made ecosystems and global and regional food production, and how we may approach problems and possibilities related to plants and climatic change.

Lectures. Colloquia were students present and discuss relevant literature.

Communication through Fronter

Relevant book chapters, review papers, original research papers

Basic knowledge of genetics (BIO120), plant physiology (BOT200)

All students must present a paper in the colloquia and attend minimum eight presentations given by other students. Students are expected to take part in a discussion after the presentations.

Final oral exam counts 100%.

300 hours

Special requirements in Science

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2-4 hours per week

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External examiner