YLS-14003 Orientation Plant Sciences II

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Studiepunten 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

The aim of this course is to obtain insight in the various aspects that are of importance in the food chain. Barley and tomato have been chosen as examples to demonstrate the 'farm to fork' approach. Orientation on Plant Sciences I is focussed on quality aspects, while this course deals with crop protection. Students will do various experiments to quantify the influence of nematodes, viruses, insects, fungi and weeds on barley. The basics of how to identify and quantify these pathogens and parasites will be demonstrated. Students work in groups of two persons, and will design and carry out field and laboratory experiments. A workplan will be made and carried out with the help of specialists in crop protection and a report will be written in the format of a 'mini-publication'. At the end of the course the students will give a presentation of the results. In the second week there will be an excursion to a brewery and to a farm which is one of the front-runners in organic farming. Both conventional and organic farming will be discussed and evaluated in detail in order to increase the awareness among students on these different appoaches.

Aims:

See above.

Activities:

- active participation in lectures, practicals discussions and excursions;
- designing workplan, field and laboratory experiments, writing mini-publication and giving presentations.

Examination:

The final grade is based on the workplan, written report and the presentation.

Literature:

A study guide, books, hand-outs for laboratory work.