Current Issues in Crop Science

Code

BIOS3008

School

Biosciences

Level

3

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This integrative module considers future options and possible strategies for crop production in UK and world agriculture. Students are introduced to a number of issues that have current or possible future impacts on crop production systems and the environment. Examples of issues that will be addressed include: the future of genetically modified crops, impact of crop production on biodiversity and prospects for organic crop production. The content will change every year to reflect current issues in crop science. This module is suitable for students interested in applied plant science, crop science agriculture and the environment.

Target Students

Only available for Biosciences students.

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

One half day per week throughout the semester to include presentations from invited speaker and seminars..

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Coursework Essay, 2000 words.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

1) Appropriate terminology and nomenclature to appreciate and express knowledge of contemporary issues in crop science
2) A diverse range of the essential information, major concepts, principles and theories associated with current issues in crop science, including genetically modified crops, organic production, biodiversity
3) The latest trends and developments within crop science, and the philosophical, ethical and policy issues associated with them4) The ability to acquire, interpret and critically analyse biological and/or management data and information data derived from a variety of sources.

Intellectual Skills:

1) Recognise and use appropriate theories, concepts and principles from a range of relevant disciplines and use these to critically analyse current issues associated with crop science
2) Collect and integrate several lines of evidence and apply them in a balanced manner to support an argument, taking ethical considerations into account where appropriate
3) Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems
4) Critically analyse, synthesise and summarise information drawn from various sources, including published research papers and reports
5) Demonstrate the provisional nature of facts and principles associated with the latest developments within crop science.

Practical/Professional Skills: 

1) Collect, record and analyse information and data in the library, and to summarise it using appropriate techniques.
 

Transferable/Key Skills:

1) Communicate accurately, clearly, concisely and confidently to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and visual form
2) Work productively as an individual or as part of a team including identification, allocation and assessment of individual and collective roles and responsibilities
3) Listen to, appreciate and evaluate views of others and contribute to group discussions
4) Manage and organise time efficiently and work to deadlines by using flexible and effective approaches to study
5) Process, analyse and present data using a variety of methods, including the use of computer based information handling and data processing tools where appropriate
6) Use the internet and other electronic means critically for communication and as a source of information.
 

Conveners

• Dr John Foulkes