CPSC20020 Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module is presented in four sections.
Part 1 and 2 (Dr A Feechan ) Crop Genetics and Breeding / Crop Pathogens
Plant genetics, genomics and molecular assisted breeding including plant reproduction in the context of breeding will be covered.
Crop pathogens will be examined and the genes involved in determining the outcome of plant-pathogen interactions.

In part 3 ( Dr T McCabe) Arable cropping systems and crop rotations in Europe are compared and contrasted with world cropping systems. Key practices and innovations in crop farming worldwide are introduced including GM crops and no-till agriculture. Intensive cropping systems are outlined with input : output details and the student is given an opportunity to complete a short computer-based project on input and output studies in winter wheat.

In part 4 (Dr. J. Sanchez) information is provided, needed to understand the key concepts affecting crop production. Themes covered include crop development phases using the Zadoks scale, factors affecting crop growth and development, and the role of sink /sources in yield production

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the student will have
- an understanding of the genetics associated with crop breeding.
- the role of recent biotechnology advances in crop productivity and crop yield will be understood.
- knowledge of the different organisms that are crop pathogens.
- an understanding of different cropping techniques on a European and world level
- the details of intensive high input-high output crop production practices.
- an understanding of the importance of key aspects of crop physiology

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

78
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The approaches to teaching and learning in CPSC20020 include:
active/task-based & problem-based learning ( assignment on crop genomes)
lectures
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Three questions with choices (a & b) will cover the lecture material.
The three topics cover crop physiology, agronomy and the genetic basis of breeding and pathogen resistance.		 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

60
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: 2 in-class tests will cover the topics in lectures. Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30
Assignment: An assignment will be covered in class which introduces the concept of crop genomes.
A 20 question assigment will be handed in.		 Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Draft hand in deadline will be given for the assignment where students will receive independent feedback via Brightspace which they can use to improve the assignment before the final submission. An in class session will also take place. There is the opportunity for student feedback in class. Two MCQs (one before the study break and one at the end of term) should indicate to students areas for improvement before the final written exam.

Name Role
Dr Cathal McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tomás McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Conor O'Flaherty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer