PNRI offers CPD-accredited virtual course on induced genetic variability in plants
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI) will be conducting the Virtual Training Course on Induced Genetic Variability in Plants via Zoom on June 8 to 30, 2023.
The course will introduce the use of gamma radiation as a physical mutation agent to induce genetic variability in plants for the development of mutant varieties, widening of genetic base, and discovery of novel genes.
Participating agriculturists who are licensed by the Professional Regulation Commission will receive 19.25 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points from the course, as approved and indicated in the CPD Program Accreditation PTR-2019-254-1007.
This 40-hour course which consists of lectures, exercises, writeshop, and examinations will be held every Thursday and Friday in a purely virtual mode. Aside from discussions on gamma irradiation and mutation breeding, the course will also cover self-pollinated, cross-pollinated, and asexually propagated crops; plant tissue culture techniques; and molecular techniques, among others.
Lecturers include Mr. Fernando B. Aurigue, Career Scientist I and PRC-licensed agriculturist from DOST-PNRI; Mr. Christopher C. Cabusora of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Department of Agriculture; and Mr. Jerald B. Bongalos, PRC-Licensed Professional Teacher and PRC-Registered Chemical Technician, also from DOST-PNRI.
Target participants include undergraduate and graduate thesis/senior students pursuing BSc/MSc in Biology, Agriculture, or any related discipline; professional plant breeders or researchers in related fields; academic professionals/lecturers of related topics in the senior high school and tertiary levels; amateur plant breeders; plant hobbyists; and garden owners.
Highest CPD units course at DOST-PNRI
The 19.25 CPD points offered by the course is so far the highest approved credit units awarded out of all CPD-accredited PNRI courses.
Agriculturists who will complete the virtual training “will benefit so much in renewing their licenses because of the high equivalent CPD units,” says Mr. Aurigue, the course director. “This is also a welcome news for the International Atomic Energy Agency because one of the target activities for RAS5088: Enhancing Crop Productivity and Quality through Mutation by Speed Breeding is capacity building of researchers and teachers in plant breeding.”
The expected 150 participants will come from selected government agencies, research and development institutions, state universities and colleges, and the private sector, including the Ornamental Plant Industry stakeholders. Performance of each participant will be based on examinations (55%), report on radiosensitivity study (30%), and attendance (15%). A certificate of completion will be issued to each participant who will obtain an overall grade of at least 75%.
How to apply
Applicants for the virtual course need to prepare electronic copies of required documents for uploading, such as recent ID, endorsement letter, and other course-specific requirements. These should be uploaded with the online application at https://services.pnri.dost.gov.ph/portal/. After three to five working days, applicants will receive a notice of acceptance if the documents and application fulfill the course application requirements.
Partnership
The offering of the virtual training course is a partnership between the Agriculture Research Section of the Atomic Research Division and the Nuclear Training Center of the Technology Diffusion Division, both of the DOST-PNRI.
The Center offers professional certificate courses throughout the year that are mainly designed to meet the regulatory requirements for radiation protection or safety officers and authorized personnel of instruments and processes involving radioactive materials. Further, the Center offers specialized courses for scientists, researchers, professionals in the nuclear science and technology fields, faculty, students, and other stakeholders who are interested in learning about the peaceful applications of nuclear science in various fields.
(By the Nuclear Information and Documentation Section | TDD | DOST-PNRI)
