CSA-30806 Research Methods in Crop Science


Code last year: (CWE-31306)

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Individual Paper1
Practical intensively supervised56
Tutorial51
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. WJM Lommen
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. L Bastiaans
dr. ir. E Heuvelink
JE Hofman
dr. ir. WJM Lommen
drs. CA Langeveld
and others
Examiner(s)dr. ir. WJM Lommen

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Crop Ecology, Basic Statistics, Crop Modelling and Management

Continuation courses:

Thesis Crop & Weed Ecology, thesis Horticultural Production Chains.

Contents:

Modern concepts and methods for research in crop and weed ecology are presented. Emphasis is given to ongoing research at the Centre for Crop Systems Analysis. Topics are yearly updated. They may include management of nutrients and water in crop production; (functional) biodiversity; crop constituents; (micro) nutrient accumulation; ecology and management of weeds, pests and diseases; (3D-)modelling; improving models for breeding, stress conditions, and adaptation to climate change; and agricultural production chains. Students are trained in conducting experiments, use of modeling for analysing crop responses, sampling and observation techniques, data evaluation, statistical analysis of experimental data, drawing conclusions from such data, and high-level presentation of research results.

Learning outcomes:

After the course, students:
- are acquainted with the latest scientific insights in crop and weed ecology, and pertinent research methods (experimental and modelling);
- have developed skills in designing and conducting crop experiments, evaluation of data sets and research results, and presenting research results;
- are able to explain the relevance of research in crop and weed ecology for innovating agricultural production and resource management;
- have developed skills in applying modern concepts and research methods in crop and weed ecology to questions regarding agricultural production and resource management.

Activities:

- work sessions and discussions;
- practicals and papers;
- computer practicals.

Examination:

Papers, performance on different topics and report.

Literature:

Course description and literature will be provided at first contact.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MBIBiologyMScB: Plant Biology4WD
MBIBiologyMScD: Ecology4WD
MOAOrganic AgricultureMScB: Consumer and Market4WD
MOAOrganic AgricultureMScA: Agro Ecology4WD
MPSPlant SciencesMScC: Natural Resource Management4WD
MPSPlant SciencesMScC: Natural Resource Management4WD
MPSPlant SciencesMScB: Greenhouse Horticulture4WD
MPSPlant SciencesMScA: Crop Science4WD
MPSPlant SciencesMScE: Plant Pathology and Entomology4WD
MPSPlant SciencesMScA: Crop Science4WD