ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr B Seddon

Pre-requisites

BI 25P1 or EV 1505 or appropriate Level 2 Biology.

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 3 or above.

Overview

This course will cover those aspects of crop protection that provide alternative approaches to the sole reliance on agrochemicals and which promote protection of the environment and long-term sustainability. Emphasis will be placed on the science of crop protection and an understanding of the interactions involved in the plant crop agri-environment. Topics will include: Integrated Crop Management, varietal strategy; weed, insect, fungal and bacterial pests and diseases and biological, environmental and integrated control; plant response to stress, phytoalexins, systemic, acquired and induced resistance, integrated control with fungicides; modes of action.
6 week course - 3 two-hour lectures, 2 three-hour seminar sessions, 2 three-hour tutorials, and 1 four hour site visit. Slots B and C
1 two-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr I E Edwards

Pre-requisites

Only available to final year Honours students in Organic Agriculture.

Overview

The principles behind the setting of standards for Organic Agriculture (with particular reference to the UK) and the means by which they are enforced, including an overview of current standards.
The practice, operation and limiting factors of the main current systems of organic farming in the UK (including organic horticulture, crop and animal production) and the way in which current practice embodies organic standards. Lectures from staff of AUCOA, the Soil Association and/or SOPA will be included.
6 week course - 3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
1 two-hour examination (67%) and continuous assessment (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor K Killham and Professor R E L Naylor

Pre-requisites

Only available to final year Honours students in Organic Agriculture.

Overview

A series of tutorials on advanced topics in Organic Agriculture.
Up to a total of 10 two-hour tutorials over 6 weeks.
Continuous assessment (100%): 80% essays, 20% oral presentation.