BI1256, Field course in crop production, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2025-04-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2027 (2027-01-18)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Biology, Agricultural Science

Biology Area

Other biology courses

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

Aim The course aims to give an overview over cropping system in Sweden and factors that influence the production with a focus on winter survival and establishment. Sustainable development and sustainable use of the natural resources are brought up in this perspective. The course also intends to give an insight in field trials as a research method and possible professional roles for soil/plant agronomists.

Intended learning outcomes Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the biological preconditions for crop production and yield limiting factors
• account for cultivation measures during spring and early summer in the crop production
• interpret simple experimental designs and know at a general level to how the establishment and development of the crops are studied in field
• identify commonly occurring weed and plant crops in early developmental stages
• account for characteristics and lifestyles of the most common groups of plant pathogens and insect pests
• describe how Swedish cropping systems have been developed through the history
• suggest and justify sustainable crop sequences for different aims that are feasible in practice

Content

The course is to a large extent based on exercises in the field. At study visits at experimental and ordinary farms cultivation technique and crop sequences with special focus on cultivation measures during spring and early summer will be discussed. During field exercises, winter survival, establishment, development, growth and occurrence of weeds and pests are studied as well as the importance of crop sequences . Field trials are used for studies of experimental technique. The exercises include determination of cultivated plants, weeds, pests and their natural enemies as well as field and lab studies of developmental stages of cultivated plants. In lectures, connections between observations made in the field and scientific theory are discussed.

Compulsory components Exercises, laboratory sessions, seminars and study visits are compulsory components.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

- Passed written tests and passed written and oral presentations of project work. Passed participation in compulsory course modules.

•  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.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Crop Production Ecology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Crop Production (BSc)
• Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Plant and Soil Sciences

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0101

The Course Replaces

BI1003

Other Information

The course is scheduled together with the course Ecology, 7.5 credits.

• 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.