World Agroecosystems
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS3114 | Biosciences | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK, Spring UK |
- Code
- BIOS3114
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK, Spring UK
Summary
This module introduces the range of natural and agricultural species and their geographical distributions. Teaching is divided into three themes:
Theme 1: Agroecology and climate considers characteristics of climate and soil factors that determine the current and potential distribution and productivity of contrasting vegetation types.
Theme 2: Biodiversity and Agriculture discusses the present-day distributions and original centres of diversity of the major crop types in terms of natural resources and human interventions, in particular the so-called `Green Revolution’
Theme 3: Agroecosystems and Agrobiodiversity considers the principal factors determining diversity of agroecosystems and the potential for increasing agrobiodiversity through research on alternative crop/animal species. Examples are presented from current research activities as well as the published literature. Intercropping. Crop rotations , Forage crops, Tillage Zero
Target Students
Agriculture, Environmental sciences, Plant Biology, Plant biotech, Life ScienceY3 and Masters Students.
Classes
Sessions will be available for lectures and coursework preparation throughout the semester.
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: Group report based on consultancy exercise. This requires individuals to contribute a maximum of 1500 words each to the group report. Students will be allocated into consultancy groups and will be required to prepare an environmental and crop management plan for a specific global location
- 30% Report: Production of a scientific report
- 10% Oral: Oral Presentation
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module is designed to give students an introduction to the range of natural and agricultural species and their geographical distributions. This module requires the student to integrate knowledge from crop science, plant physiology, climate and incorporated that into real world situations. This module will also introduce climates and agroecosystems, agroecological areas around the world (South America, North America,Africa and Asia, comparewith the Europe). The assessment will be a coursework a group report based on a consultancy exercise. Students will be allocated into consultancy groups and will be required to prepare an environmental and crop management plan for a specific global location.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of - to learn of
• The principal environmental and physiological factors determining the global distributions of crops and natural vegetation
• The types and structure of agroecosystems
• Future research priorities for world agroecosystems
Intellectual skills - the ability to
-Interpret biological and physical principles and combine them within a conceptual understanding of agroecosystems.
Practical skills - the ability to
-Apply an understanding of biological and physical principles to agroecosystems in contrasting environments and composed of different species.
Transferable/key skills - the ability to
-Communicate clearly and concisely in a written form
-Discuss concepts and data as part of a group
-Manage time efficiently