HORT20070 Agricultural Botany

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module integrates our understanding of basic plant science with the objectives of plant production systems. Knowledge of fundamental plant biology and physiological processes allows manipulation of both the external (environmental) and internal factors that are key to plant growth and development; and which underpin good husbandry practice in the achievement of improved yield and quality in both crop and livestock production systems.

The module focuses on the following topics:
1) The role of plantrs in energy capture and food production, and as regulators of air, soil and water quality.
2) The basic requirements of plant growth and development.
3) Plant morphology: roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds.
4) Major plant groups of agronomic importance, including forage grasses cereals, legumes and other important field crops.
5) Biology and ecology of annual and perennial weed species.
6) Internal and external (environmental) regulation of plant growth and development.
7) Plant relationships with beneficial and pathogenic microorganismsl
8) Post-harvest plant physiology.
9) Introduction to plant genetics.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Recognise the importance of plants in the food chain, and in environmental regulation.
2) Detail the basic requirements of plant/crop growth and development.
3) Understand plant structure and function.
4) Identify plants of agronomic importance, including major arable, horticultural and forage crops, and perennial and annual weed species.
5) Understand how plant physiology impacts crop productivity.
6) Understand how plant relationships with beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms impact crop production.
7) Understand the influence of post-harvest physiology on the quality and shelf-life of food crops.
8) Understand the basic principles of plant genetics as they underpin plant/crop breeding.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

18
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Includes self-assessment

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

None

Learning Exclusions:

None

Learning Recommendations:

None


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Lab Report: 3 lab reports valued at 6.66% each Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Assignment: Plant Herbarium Week 10 n/a Graded No

20
Examination: 1 hour End of trimester MCQ exam 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group/class feedback will be provided post-initial assessment this will allow students track their progress. Individual written feedback is also provided for each lab assessment.

Name Role
Dr Caroline Elliott-Kingston Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Angela Feechan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tomás McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Helen Sheridan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Saoirse Tracy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Mary Harty Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 Mon 15:00 - 17:50
Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn