Undergraduate Course: Genetic Improvement of Crops (VETS10037)
Course Outline
| School | Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The 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.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Evaluate the contribution plant breeding has made, and may continue to make, to crop production in a world of evolving challenges.
- Describe and justify methods of breeding appropriate for specific crop types and situations.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of selection.
- Discuss the issues around, and the practical implications of, the regulatory framework for plant breeding.
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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.
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Ian Dawson
Tel:
Email: ian.dawson@sruc.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel:
Email: Gordon.Littlejohn@ed.ac.uk |
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