BI1484, Sustainable Plant Production - from Molecular to Field Scale, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Ordförande PN-LT Programnämnden för utbildning inom landskap och trädgård , 2025-11-14
Valid from : Spring semester 2027 (2027-01-18)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Subject

Science

Biology Area

Botany (plant biology)

Grading Scale

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

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course offers a synthesis and further deepening of the principles of sustainable plant production. The factors and processes that affect the sustainability and multifunctionality of production systems are integrated by considering the different scales from the molecular to the stand level. The course presents a review of the relevant theoretical basis and a set of specific examples relative to selected production systems.

Upon successfully completing the course, students will be able to:

• discuss the effects of plant traits and growing conditions on the production, yield formation and resource use efficiency of cultivated plants
• describe breeding strategies for improving morphological, physiological and phenological traits of cultivated plants that are relevant for their sustainable production
• interpret and discuss the various interactions between cultivated plants and other organism groups and their implications for ecosystem services and ecosystem functioning
• evaluate the impacts of different management strategies on the production and yield formation of cultivated plants with reference to different sustainability and multifunctionality criteria
• systematically search for and critically evaluate scientific literature to answer specific research questions in the subject area with limited guidance
• present the results of these studies in an appropriate way to a non-scientific audience.

Content

This course provides an in-depth exploration of plant physiology, plant breeding, plant-insect, plant-plant, and plant-microbe interactions, plant nutrient use efficiency, and plant production systems. It emphasises a holistic and systemic approach to plant production systems, promoting evidence-based assessment and development of improvement strategies for various sustainability aspects. The course curriculum comprises lectures, mandatory seminars, an excursion, and a group project.

Subject-related content

The lectures and seminars are linking knowledge in breeding, physiology, ecology and production of cultivated plants with nutrient dynamics and management practices at field level. The effects of crop management on plant productivity and ecological sustainability are discussed and possible improvement strategies are described. The seminars train the ability to read scientific literature and extract key information, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss different points of view. The group work trains the students ability to communicate research results to a non-expert audience in both written and oral form.

Teaching formats

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:

• Regular lectures serve as the foundation for acquiring the required knowledge in the subject area, while compulsory seminars facilitate a discussion of ongoing research within the field.
• The course incorporates reading assignments that are complemented by meet-the-author seminars, where scientific articles are thoroughly discussed with the lead authors of the respective publications.
• In dedicated seminars, ongoing research projects are presented and discussed with the respective lead researchers, with the objective of identifying and highlighting the current knowledge gaps within the respective subject areas.
• Visit(s) to ongoing field experiment(s) provide opportunities to further deepen the course content, employing practical examples and research questions. This experience allows students to apply and connect their acquired knowledge from the molecular to the field level, engaging with actual research inquiries.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

The lectures and seminars are designed to foster the development of the following key competencies:

• Systems Thinking: The course is intended to strengthen the ability to connect and utilise knowledge from diverse disciplines, enabling the students to adopt interdisciplinary approaches to achieve sustainability goals in the plant production sector.
• Critical Thinking: The course will strengthen reflective and independent thinking, systematic clarification of diverse perspectives, and the comprehension of the logical connections between ideas.
• Creative Thinking: Individuals will be encouraged to devise innovative solutions to problems within the course subject. This will involve exploring different perspectives, seeking novel insights, and conceptualising novel approaches and perspectives.

In addition, a group project work is designed to foster the development of the following skills:

• Proficient written communication as demonstrated in a group project work.
• Contribute to a collaborative and collegial work environment.
• Provide constructive feedback to and receive it from colleagues and supervisors.
• Value and acknowledge the contribution of individual team members.
• Contribute constructively to problem-solving within the team and strive for consensus in finding solutions to challenges.
• Participate actively in the team’s information-gathering and decision-making processes towards the attainment of team objectives.

The following course elements are compulsory:

All seminars, excursions, reading assignments, and the group project are compulsory. Additionally, there are several compulsory lectures that provide essential knowledge for achieving the intended learning outcomes. All compulsory course elements are clearly indicated in the annual course schedule.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through

The course provides valuable perspectives on ongoing research projects and field trials that address critical knowledge gaps in the subject area. The selected projects and trials are carried out in close collaboration with farmers and advisors, ensuring practical relevance for agriculture and society.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Written and oral exam with passing grade; participation in the compulsory seminars and exercises; written report and oral presentation of the group project work.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Crop Production Ecology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's Programme

The Course Replaces

BI1295

Other Information

The course is part of the Master program in Plant biology for sustainable production and the program in Agriculture – soil and plant science.

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.