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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Luke Bell
Email: luke.bell@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Prof Paul Hadley
Email: p.hadley@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 a field visits to a local farm and the National Fruit Collection (COVID19 restrictions permitting).

Aims:

This module provides students with an understanding and knowledge of specific aspects of horticultural crop technology. Several 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 seminars 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:

A diverse range of technologies and approaches for use in horticultural productions will be covered across the autumn and spring semesters. Many technologies have great potential for improving horticultural food production, but face issues relating to their implementation and uptake by growers and consumers. Specific topics will be accompanied by seminar sessions for group discussions around social and ethical issues associated with the technologies and their implementation. Lectures and screencasts will cover topics such as: robotics, genetic modification technology, precision irrigation, hydroponics, glasshouse technology, and development of novel crops. 

Students will also be asked to research a topic of their choice and prepare and deliver it as a presentation (assessed, spring) Formative quizzes will be used periodically to revise lecture/screencast content and promote retention of key information. Students will also research and prepare an essay basedon lecture content or a topic of their choosing that relates to horticultural crop technology.

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, and formative quizzes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8	5
Seminars	4	2
Project Supervision		2
Supervised time in studio/workshop		2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20	20
Wider reading (directed)	20	20
Exam revision/preparation	20	20
Preparation for presentations		6
Preparation for seminars	6	6
Completion of formative assessment tasks	2	2
Carry-out research project		20
Reflection	10	5
Total hours by term	90	110	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 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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:  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: 30 March 2023