BI1283, Environmental Issues in Crop Production, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Horticultural Science, 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 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.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

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

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Biosystems and Technology

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0201

The Course Replaces

BI0900, BI1191, BI1232