Module BIOL3311: CROP PROTECTION (BE)

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

BIOL3311: CROP PROTECTION (BE)

Prerequisites

• Molecular Biology BIOL2201, Biochemistry BIOL2191.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To give the student a thorough understanding of the interactions between plants and their major pests and pathogens, with an emphasis on understanding those interactions at the molecular level.
• To outline how modern technology is developing new methods of protecting crops against pests and pathogens, and to set this new technology in the context of modern agriculture.
• To take the Biological Enterprise where students are introduced to the key processes of business start-up, whether as a new, free-standing business, or as a new venture within an existing organisation.
• To enhance students' enterprising skills and behaviours.

Content

• Molecular techniques in plant breeding.
• Genome analysis.
• Marker assisted gene isolation.
• Interaction of plants with pathogens: cell signalling.
• The oxidative burst.
• PR proteins, cell wall modification, phytoalexins.
• Systemic responses.
• Fungicides.
• Constitutive and induced defences.
• The role of secondary metabolism.
• The wounding response.
• Digestive systems in phytophagous insects.
• Detoxification mechanisms in insects.
• Genetics and evolution in the host-predator interaction.
• Molecular technologies for protection of plants against insects.
• BT toxins, plant defensive proteins, other strategies.
• Transgenic technologies: protection of crops against viruses.
• protection of crops against nematodes.
• Environmental impact of insect-resistant GM crops.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module each student should be able to: Describe the modular bases of interactions between plants and pathogens, and plants and pests, and how these interactions are kept in balance in nature.
• Appreciate how interactions are altered in an agricultural context.
• Understand how modern methods of biotechnology are being employed in the production of crops with inherent resistance to pests and pathogens.

• Understand how to plan for the launch of a new business venture and appreciate the challenges encountered.

• Acquire, interpret and critically analyse experimental and field data and present the results effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Taught Component: Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through the means of lectures and seminars.
• Skills will be acquired through the searching, retrieval and presentation of data.
• knowledge will be summatively assessed through a written examination.
• Understanding will be assessed by means of a multiple choice question test at the end of the module to ensure students have understood the material presented.
• Enterprise Elective: Teaching and learning will be through short formal lectures and business workshops and simulations.
• Assessment will be by presentation of an externally assessed business plan and by individual SWOT analysis.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Self-assessed problem solving exercise.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University