Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1283 Environmental Issues in Crop Production, 15.0 Credits

Miljörelaterade frågor i växtproduktion

Subjects

Horticultural Science Biology Biology Horticultural science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0201

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 120 credits including 30 credits in Biology, Horticultural Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science or Landscape Architecture, and English 6 (Swedish upper secondary school).

Objectives

The course focus on environmental problems arising in crop production. It provides students with knowledge and experience generally applicable within the utilisation and conservation of natural resources, independent of whether the crop is used for food, feed, raw materials for industry or urban landscape management.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe in principle the effects of crop production on the environment, with focus on biological and ecological processes

• choose methods and tools for describing, analysing and evaluating environmental issues

• independently describe, analyse and evaluate the use of non-renewable resources within agricultural and horticultural crop production, the effects of these on the environment and finally be able to propose alternatives

• independently describe, analyse and evaluate the use of pesticides within agricultural and horticultural crop production, the effects of these on humans and in the surrounding environment and finally be able to propose alternatives

• describe how certification and labelling systems can be used to decrease negative environmental impact of crop production

• propose solutions and preventative measures for crop production that could lead to sustainable practices, the conservation of natural resources, fulfilment of the environmental goals, and contribute to sustainable development

• present a topic, relevant to the course, in a scientifically and critically reflective manner.

Content

The course consists to a large extent of projects that train the students on how to formulate, analyse and solve environmental problems. The project reports are presented both orally and in written form. Project work is supported by lectures and literature seminars.

• Introduction of the various environmental and resource conservation problems that arise in crop production.

• Introduction to environmental and sustainability goals in relation to crop production.

• Description, analysis and evaluation of the effects of crop production on the environment and the use of renewable and non-renewable resources, such as energy, nutrients, water and pesticides.

• Methods for describing, analysing and evaluating environmental effects e.g. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Cost-Benefit Analysis and other systems analysis methods. Training in the use of LCA.

• Measures to reduce the negative effects on the environment and the use of non-renewable resources.

• Possibilities for sustainable crop production to contribute to biological diversity and aesthetic values in the landscape.

• Systems for documenting and directing environmental protection. Certification of marketable agricultural and horticultural products.

• Discussions on the socio-economical processes affecting how natural resources are exploited in crop production.

Scheduled supervision, seminars as well as excursions are mandatory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

To pass the course, approved written reports, oral presentations, and participating in compulsory course activities are required.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Biosystems and Technology