AP3A106-Horticultural Crop Technology

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Mr Luke Bell

Email: luke.bell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Crop technologists in the horticulture industry are required to be innovative and to design new technologies to improve production efficiency. Learn about specific aspects of crop technology and the development of new horticultural technologies. Build on your previous knowledge by focusing on subjects in greater detail. Examine advanced technical and scientific elements of horticultural production systems in temperate areas, which illustrate the relationship between plant physiology and genetics. Research these technologies and appraise their potential. Through interactive lectures and seminars, gain experience in evaluating scientific research critically. In addition, learn on the ground during field visits to local farms.

Aims:

This module provides students with an understanding and knowledge of specific aspects of horticultural crop technology. A number of advanced technical and scientific aspects of horticultural production systems in temperate areas are also covered to illustrate the relationship between plant physiology and genetics, and the development of new horticultural technologies. Crop technologists in the horticulture industry are required to be innovative and to design new technologies to improve production efficiency. This module will enable students to research technologies and appraise their potential critically. The course builds on a previous module by studying subjects in greater detail. Interactive lectures will allow the students to gain experience in evaluating scientific research critically.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of specific aspects of horticultural crop technology. They will be able to appraise and critically assess the scientific information that supports this knowledge. They will be able to summarise and explain specific aspects of horticultural crop technology and production systems from assembled scientific information.

Additional outcomes:

Students will enhance their presentation and communication skills via a presentation to the other students on a topic of their choice. Self-learning will be encouraged through use of formative quizzes during each semester.

Outline content:

Autumn semester – this is an indicative outline only:

Week 1	Lecture 1	Introduction // Horticultural Robotics	LB < br />
Week 2	Lecture 2	Technology of fruit crop production under protection	MO
	Field trip 1	Field trip	PH/LB
Week 3	Lecture 3	Biotechnology of fruit crops	JD
Week 4	Lecture 4	Control of flowering in fruit crops: apple & strawberry	CT
Week 5	Lecture 5	Post-harvest storage of horticultural crops	LB
	Seminar 1	Formative Quiz I	LB
Week 6
Week 7	Lecture 6	Effects of temperature and light on crop growth, development and yield	PH
Week 8	Lecture 7	Field-based imaging technology	LB
Week 9	Lecture 8	The potential of spectral filters for protected cropping	PH
Week 10	Lecture 9	Disease & pest management technologies	LB
Week 11	Lecture 10	Precision irrigation technology	LB
	Seminar 2	Formative Quiz II	LB

 

Spring semester:

Week 1	Lecture 11	Responses of vegetable crops to fertiliser inputs	PH
Week 2	Lecture 12	Improvements in vegetable seed technology	LB
Week 3	Lecture 13	Controlled environment research as an adjunct to field experiments	PH
Week 4	Lecture 14	Hydroponic growing systems	PH
Week 5	Lecture 15	CO2 enrichment of glasshouse crops	PH
	Seminar 3	Formative Quiz III	LB
Week 6		< /p>
Week 7	Lecture 16	Development of novel horticultural crops	LB
Week 8	Lecture 17	Vertical and urban farming	LB
	Seminar 4	Presentation seminar (preparation session)	LB
Week 9	Lecture 18	Waste reduction & valorisation of horticultural crops	LB
	Field Trip 2	Field trip	PH
Week 10	Seminar 5	Presentation seminar (assessed)	LB
Week 11	Seminar 6	Formative Quiz IV	LB

 

CT – Carrie-Anne Twitchen

LB – Luke Bell

MO – Matthew Ordidge

PH – Paul Hadley

The staffing of modules is correct at the time of writing.

Global context:

This module will give students comprehensive knowledge of technologies used in modern horticulture. International students will gain insight into UK production methods, and gain knowledge of how this fits into a global context. The module will also address the implications of global issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and labour shortages on horticultural production and international supply.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A mix of lectures, seminars, field trips, and industry engagement.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	16
Seminars	4	10
Project Supervision		4
External visits	6	6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20	20
Wider reading (directed)	10	10
Exam revision/preparation	10	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Group study tasks		4
Carry-out research project	20	20
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	20
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One, two-hour exam.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One individual presentation (10 minutes) – week 10, Spring semester

One written report based on independent research (2,500 words) – week 1, Summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books


2. Specialist equipment or materials


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear - £50


4. Printing and binding


5. Computers and devices, with a particular specification


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence

Last updated: 27 July 2020