Module Information

Module Identifier
BR37220
Module Title
Advances in Crop and Grassland Production
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Oral Exam  20 minute presentation with questions at the end. Oral on-farm Scenario 30 Minutes  50%
Semester Assessment Critical Review of Scientific Paper  2000 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Oral Exam  20 minute presentation with questions at the end. Oral on-farm Scenario 30 Minutes  50%
Supplementary Assessment Critical Review of Scientific Paper  2000 Words  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

Demonstrate retained knowledge of recent developments in systems of crop and grassland production.

Identify and evaluate a range of crop / environment interactions.

Describe and appraise the use of crops for bioenergy production.

Discuss issues associated with modern plant breeding strategies.

Explain the mechanisms behind the major biotic constraints to crop productivity in the UK.

Identify and evaluate appropriate crop protection strategies.

Brief description

The module describes the development of Crop Management Strategies and Decision Support Systems as a means of improving efficiency of forages and arable crops, especially in areas of nutrient utilization and crop protection.
Biotic constraints on production will focus on canopy management in arable crops. Introduction of novel crops will be considered, including biomass crops.
In an environmental context, the subject material will consider ways of reducing environmental pollution and the potential impact of climate change.
Issues of food security will be discussed. Iintroduction of gene editing within plant breeding along with alternative plant breeding strategies will also be discussed.

Content

Crop Management Strategies / Decision Support Systems
Improvements in crop nutrient efficiency
Alternative crops; food / feed / fibre / fuel
Alternative crop uses: cereals and grass for bioethanol production
Environmental pollution
Climate change
Food security
Novel plant breeding strategies including gene editing
Plant disease resistance and its exploitation
Disease management strategies
Pest management strategies, including biological control
Weed control including herbicide use and non-chemical approaches
Integrated crop protection

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Students will evaluate and interpret published data in their review of a research paper.
Communication Listen effectively in lectures and on field visits. Write for different purposes and audiences – through the production of the review of a research paper which will be assessed as part of their coursework. The on-farm oral exam will be assessing their communication.
Improving own Learning and Performance Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines for the coursework and exam. Feedback on this will be given for the coursework.
Information Technology Students will be expected to produce and present a critical review (some may choose to create new infographics to summarise key messages).
Personal Development and Career planning Not assessed, but students will have contact with employers as part of the field visits which will mean that career destinations will be made known to students and thus their career planning will be developed. The on-farm exam aims to give students a taste of disseminating information to industry which may be of interest to some students' future career plans.
Problem solving The critical review will involve problem solving relating to Crop and Grassland Production Science.
Research skills Students will research topics beyond the scope of the lecture material for the oral exam. They will also evaluate research methods, design and procedures for the critical review of a research paper.
Subject Specific Skills Interpretation, evaluation, application of research evidence and communication with non-specialist audience in relation to crop and grassland production and utilization and systems change to adapt to climate change.
Team work Not a significant component of this module.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6