Plant Breeding

Cod y Modiwl: BDM8420
Teitl y Modiwl: Plant Breeding
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2027/2028
Semester: Dysgu o Bell
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Sarah Watson-Jones
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Sandy Cowan; Dr David Lloyd; Dr Sarah Watson-Jones; Professor Athole Marshall; Dr Ifat Shah; Dr David Cutress

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Interactive Task: 1500 Words	40%
Asesiad Semester	Case study: 2500 Words	60%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Interactive Task: Students must retake elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to module failure. 1500 Words	40%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Case study: 2500 Words	60%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the principles of plant breeding, and the relationship between plant reproductive biology and commercial opportunity for varieties.
2. Compare and contrast the way varieties are produced in crop species that differ in reproductive biology.
3. Analyse a progeny trait dataset and explain the decision making process for progeny selection in a composite variety.
4. Appraise the plant variety commercialisation pathway in the UK.
5. Critically evaluate an existing breeding system or present a rationalized plan for commencement of a new breeding system.

Disgrifiad cryno

This module is designed to give those with an interest in plant breeding a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to bring a variety from concept to market. Featured crops include: beans, peas, oats, ryegrass, clover and energy crops. We consider all aspects of what makes a commercial plant breeding program successful. Real datasets will demonstrate the challenges a breeder faces when making selections. You will undertake case studies to look in depth at the process of breeding a crop of your choice.

Cynnwys

The module will involve 20 hours of formal teaching and consider the following units (approximately 2 hours each).
• Plant reproductive biology
• Control of pollination and uses in breeding
• Breeding systems for self and cross-pollinated plant species
• Defining breeding objectives
• Trait measurement and selection methods
• Agricultural experimentation and trial design
• Defining breeding objectives
• Variety legislation and commercialisation
• Marker-assisted and genome wide selection
• Utilising diversity, mutant and biotechnology in breeding

The module will deliver the content through a series of recorded lectures and interviews between researchers from IBERS and representatives from the seed marketing industry. Students will be given a reading list comprising reference texts and articles. Students will be expected to interact through forums with other students and the course tutor/researcher. The module will also contain assessments which will encourage the students to apply the knowledge gained to real-life scenarios.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in their assignments.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	This module will provide the theory required to undertake research projects in plant breeding, and provide the platform for breeding program management. The knowledge will also be invaluable to those in seed marketing and related industries when talking about the importance of variety selection for arable and forage production systems.
Datrys Problemau	Problem based learning challenges alongside online forum posts will be used throughout the module to help develop and improve student’s problem solving skills.
Gwaith Tim	Online assessments will require students to debate among themselves to develop a consensus of opinion.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Detailed feedback will be given for assignment work. This will be assessed through the feedback providing general guidance towards the student’s next assignment.
Rhifedd	Numeracy will be demonstrated in the assessed selection task using a real dataset. Resource deployment will also be discussed as a rationalization of breeding objectives in relation to potential commercial return.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	Students will gain a theoretical knowledge of plant breeding and experience of selection via the dataset challenge.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Students will be required to undergo directed self-study, so will develop their literature research skills.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication data bases and to use Blackboard for all aspects of the module.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 7