Syllabus

BI1295 Sustainable Plant Production - from Molecular to Field Scale, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

The course offers a synthesis and further deepening of the basic principles of sustainable production in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. The factors and processes that affect the sustainability and multifunctionality of production systems are integrated, by considering the different scales from the molecular to the stand level. The course also provides knowledge of the associated relevant methodologies. The course presents a review of the relevant theoretical basis and a set of specific examples relative to selected plants and production systems.

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• describe the origin of cultivated plants, the basic breeding strategies for them, and their molecular and physiological features relevant for production

• discuss the effects of plant features and growing conditions on the production, yield and resource use efficiency of cultivated plants

• evaluate the impacts of different management solutions on the production and yield of cultivated plants, with reference to different criteria for sustainability and multifunctionality

• plan and execute the research activities necessary to answer specific research questions in the subject area, under limited guidance

• present the results of these research activities in a scientifically-appropriate way

Content

The course offers a synthesis and further deepening of knowledge in plant production research, as well as the integration of different methodologies emplyed in, among others, plant physiology, plant breeding and process-based modeling. The course provides a solid foundation for research in the subject area, but also professional training. The course consists of lectures and compulsory seminars and excercises, as well as a group project. The lectures review the basics of the origin, breeding, physiology and production of cultivated plants, and link them to soil ecology and nutrient dynamics at the field level. The effects of disturbances on plant production and possible improvement strategies are also described, both qualitatively and quantitatively. These aspects are discussed at different organizational levels. In addition, the complexity and multifunctionality of production systems are explored with reference to different systems, focusing on sustainability and the inherent tradeoffs. The lectures provide also an overview of important tools and methods for research. The seminars and exercises train the ability to read scientific literature and extract key information, identify knowledge gaps, and present and compare different points of view. The group work trains the students in different research methods and offers the opportunity of practical applications of the knowledge acquired during the rest of the course. The seminars and exercises include compulsory activities.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

Written and oral exam with passing grade; participation in the compulsory seminars and exercises; written report and oral presentation of the group project work.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

Responsible department

Department of Crop Production Ecology