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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2022/2023

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : BSc Hons (Royal (Dick) Sch of Veterinary Studies)

Undergraduate Course: Genetic Improvement of Crops (VETS10037)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe course develops the principles of genetics introduced in year 1 and Crop Production Systems in year 2. It provides an understanding of conventional and modern methods of plant breeding with an assessment of the advantages and limitations of each. The course will enable a realistic appraisal of the contribution that plant breeding can make towards increasing food production and agricultural efficiency.
Course description The aims of the course are to develop an understanding of the basis for and methods behind plant breeding; its role in addressing existing and developing challenges facing UK and global agriculture; and the legislative mechanisms that protect plant breeders and end users. The course will cover 'conventional' methods of breeding as well as 'modern' (new and emerging) biotechnological approaches, and how the two relate to each other. The course will be illustrated with examples from major crops, as well as new and underutilized orphan crops, include temperate and tropical species. The following themes will be covered:
- The contributions of plant breeding to the yield and quality of crops.
- Current and evolving breeding objectives for genetic improvement.
- 'Conventional' and 'modern' breeding methods for different crop types.
- Phenotypic and genotypic selection techniques for key breeding traits.
- Sources of genetic variation for breeding, including landraces, wild relatives and genome editing.
- Variety testing and regulatory mechanisms and approaches.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2022/23, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  20
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 22, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 20, Formative Assessment Hours 10, Summative Assessment Hours 50, Revision Session Hours 2, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 92 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 40 %, Coursework 60 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 40% exam / 60% course work
Feedback Feedback will be supplied within 15 days of the submission deadline
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Evaluate the contribution plant breeding has made, and may continue to make, to crop production in a world of evolving challenges.
  2. Describe and justify methods of breeding appropriate for specific crop types and situations.
  3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of selection.
  4. Discuss the issues around, and the practical implications of, the regulatory framework for plant breeding.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Graduate attribute mindsets:
Enquiry and lifelong learning
Aspiration and personal development
Outlook and engagement

Graduate attribute skill groups
Research and enquiry
Personal and intellectual autonomy
Personal effectiveness
Communication

Illustrate how your course helps to form these attributes, not all courses will address all attributes, but the programme should provide ample opportunity to develop all.
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Ian Dawson
Tel:
Email:
Course secretaryMr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel: (0131 6)51 7454
Email:
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