AP1A29-Crop Physiology, Nutrition and Protection

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Only available to BSc Agriculture
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Donal O'Sullivan
Email: d.m.osullivan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Understanding crop physiology is key to maximising yields in sustainable agricultural systems.  This module will introduce you to the science underpinning crop physiology and uses a range of taught and practical sessions to support your learning.  You will critically analyse the impact of biotic and abitioc stress on crop development and understand the importance of nutrition.  

Aims:

To introduce students to the main concepts of crop biology, including vegetative physiology, reproductive physiology, nutrition, biotic and abiotic stresses.  Lectures will be supported by seminars and practical classes.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Intended learning outcomes:

• Evaluate the role of key physiological components (roots, shoots, leaves, flowers)


• Evaluate crop nutrition requirements and identify deficiencies


• Critically analyse the impact of biotic and abiotic stresses

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module it is expected students will be able to:

• Discuss the main vegetative characteristics of crops


• Discuss the main reproductive characteristics of crops


• Critically analyse the impact of abiotic stress


• Understand the process of photosynthesis including C3, C4 and CAM


• Discuss plant nutrient update and redistribution

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop a range of transferrable and employability skills including time management, project management, written communication, verbal communication, presentation, critical analysis and teamwork.

Outline content:

This module will be run in the autumn term of Part 1 and will be supported by practical classes at CEL and seminars.

Students will be introduced to the main basic concepts of crop biology including:

• Vegetative growth


• Reproductive growth


• Abiotic stress


• Biotic stress


• Photosynthesis


• Nutrient update and redistribution

Global context:

Reference to tropical and temperate crops and international research where appropriate.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be taught using a series of lectures and seminars alongside independent study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	15	15
Wider reading (directed)	15	15
Advance preparation for classes	20	20
Essay preparation	30	30
Reflection	10	10
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	30
Report	25
Oral assessment and presentation	45

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are 3 summative components:

1. An annotated mindmap of each of the main components of a plant (roots, stem, leaves, flower), detailing key biological features (week 5 autumn term)


2. For a named crop, produce a 2000 word literature review (autumn term)


3. A presentation focusing on a topic/crop with annotated notes and a 1-page handout Spring term)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment of the failed element.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 16 September 2021