Module Information
Module Identifier
BR37220
Module Title
Advances in Crop and Grassland Production
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Oral Exam 20 minute presentation with questions at the end. Oral on-farm Scenario 30 Minutes | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Critical Review of Scientific Paper 2000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Oral Exam 20 minute presentation with questions at the end. Oral on-farm Scenario 30 Minutes | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Critical Review of Scientific Paper 2000 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate retained knowledge of recent developments in systems of crop and grassland production.
Identify and evaluate a range of crop / environment interactions.
Describe and appraise the use of crops for bioenergy production.
Discuss issues associated with modern plant breeding strategies.
Explain the mechanisms behind the major biotic constraints to crop productivity in the UK.
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 of forages and arable crops, especially in areas of nutrient utilization and crop protection.
Biotic constraints on production will focus on canopy management 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 and the potential impact of climate change.
Issues of food security will be discussed. Iintroduction of gene editing within plant breeding along with alternative plant breeding strategies will also be discussed.
Biotic constraints on production will focus on canopy management 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 and the potential impact of climate change.
Issues of food security will be discussed. Iintroduction of gene editing within plant breeding along with alternative plant breeding strategies will also be discussed.
Content
Crop Management Strategies / Decision Support Systems
Improvements in crop nutrient efficiency
Alternative crops; food / feed / fibre / fuel
Alternative crop uses: cereals and grass for bioethanol production
Environmental pollution
Climate change
Food security
Novel plant breeding strategies including gene editing
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
Improvements in crop nutrient efficiency
Alternative crops; food / feed / fibre / fuel
Alternative crop uses: cereals and grass for bioethanol production
Environmental pollution
Climate change
Food security
Novel plant breeding strategies including gene editing
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. The on-farm oral exam will be assessing their communication. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines for the coursework and exam. Feedback on this will be given for the coursework. |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to produce and present a critical review (some may choose to create new infographics to summarise key messages). |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Not assessed, but students will have contact with employers as part of the field visits which will mean that career destinations will be made known to students and thus their career planning will be developed. The on-farm exam aims to give students a taste of disseminating information to industry which may be of interest to some students' future career plans. |
| Problem solving | The critical review will involve problem solving relating to Crop and Grassland Production Science. |
| Research skills | Students will research topics beyond the scope of the lecture material for the oral exam. They will also evaluate research methods, design and procedures for the critical review of a research paper. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Interpretation, evaluation, application of research evidence and communication with non-specialist audience in relation to crop and grassland production and utilization and systems change to adapt to climate change. |
| Team work | Not a significant component of this module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6