Module Information

Module Identifier
BRM1510
Module Title
Grassland Science
Academic Year
2014/2015
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 1 x 1 hour lecture per week (11 hours)
Other 3 x 3 hour visits (9 hours)
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Grassland/forage assignment.  30%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   70%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Detail the range and distribution of grasslands and forages and the characteristics of the major herbage species

Critically evaluate the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and critically appraise forage cropping programmes

Understand grazing and forage conservation requirements and evaluate grassland and forage management plans and conservation systems in order to provide optimum yield and quality.

Advise on the husbandry, harvesting and storage of forage crops.

Critically appraise the potential for current research in grassland and forage crop production and utilisation to provide alternative methods of livestock feeding.

Brief description

This module will consider in detail the principles and practices underpinning the husbandry of grassland, forages and non-cereal arable crops with particular reference to livestock nutrition. The range and distribution of grassland and forage crops and factors influencing growth and development and their manipulation will be examined. The specific needs of individual animal species, forage based problems and disorders and the role of plant breeding and management will be investigated. The roles of nutrient management and environmental protection will be a theme throughout as will strategies for grazing and forage preservation. Through an integrated programme of lectures and practicals, students will evaluate the management requirements of a range of forage crops and the factors that underpin a range of forage cropping programmes. Current research being carried out in IBERS will have a significant impact on the precise module content.

Content

This module will consider in detail the principles and practices underpinning the husbandry of grassland, forages and non-cereal arable crops with particular reference to livestock nutrition. The range and distribution of grassland and forage crops and factors influencing growth and development and their manipulation will be examined. The specific needs of individual animal species, forage based problems and disorders and the role of plant breeding and management will be investigated. The roles of nutrient management and environmental protection will be a theme throughout as will strategies for grazing and forage preservation. Through an integrated programme of lectures and practicals, students will evaluate the management requirements of a range of forage crops and the factors that underpin a range of forage cropping programmes. Current research being carried out in IBERS will have a significant impact on the precise module content.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in their assignment and written examination.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Information Technology Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication data bases
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving
Research skills Students will be required to undergo directed self study and work towards their assignment and so will develop their literature research skills. Student’s laboratory skills will be developed in their practical laboratory work.
Subject Specific Skills The relationship between animals and their feeding/foraging environment
Team work Students will be required to work in pairs in the practical sessions

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7