Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Field Trip | 3 x 3 Hour Field Trips |
| Lecture | 20 x 2 Hour Lectures |
| Practical | 1 x 3 Hour Practical |
| Workshop | 4 x 3 Hour Workshops |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Review of scientific paper. | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Seminar presentation. | 20% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours | 60% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 40% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 60% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe and evaluate recent developments in systems of crop production.
2. Identify and evaluate a range of crop / environment interactions.
3. Describe and appraise the use of crops for bioenergy production.
4. Discuss issues associated with modern plant breeding strategies.
5. Explain the mechanisms behind the major biotic constraints to crop productivity in the UK.
6. Identify and evaluate appropriate crop protection strategies.
Brief description
The module describes the development of Crop Management Strategies and Decision Support Systems as a means of improving efficiency, especially in areas of nutrient utilization and crop protection. Biotic constraints on production will focus on the impact of diseases, weeds and pests in arable crops. Introduction of novel crops will be considered, including biomass crops. In an environmental context, the subject material will consider ways of reducing environmental pollution, water usage and the potential impact of climate change. Issues of food security will be discussed. Arguments for and against the introduction of GM crops will be considered along with alternative plant breeding strategies.
Aims
To provide an explanation of the science underpinning current crop management strategies in the areas of crop protection, plant breeding and environmental management.
Content
Improvements in crop nutrient efficiency
Alternative crops; linseed/flax/hemp/chicory/
Miscanthus/Willow as biomass crops
Cereals and grass for bioethanol production
Environmental pollution
Climate change
Soil management and water usage
Food security, introduction of GM crops
Novel plant breeding strategies
Plant disease resistance and its exploitation
Disease management strategies
Pest management strategies, including biological control
Weed control including herbicide use and non-chemical approaches
Integrated crop protection
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will evaluate and interpret published data in their review of a research paper. |
| Communication | Listen effectively in lectures and on field visits. Write for different purposes and audiences – through the production of the review of a research paper which will be assessed as part of their coursework. Present a seminar which will be assessed as part of the coursework. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to produce and present a seminar in Powerpoint (or similar). |
| Personal Development and Career planning | |
| Problem solving | |
| Research skills | Students will research topics beyond the scope of the lecture material for the seminar presentation. Evaluate research methods, design and procedures for the review of a research paper. |
| Subject Specific Skills | |
| Team work |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6