BIOL30010 Plant Diseases: Biology and Control

Academic Year 2021/2022

Food security is dependent on our ability to produce plant-based proteins. One of the biggest threats to food security is plant diseases; these also affect forestry and horticultural non-food crops, causing huge economic losses. This course provides some basic insights into plant diseases and how to control them, and the predicted future impacts of climate change on disease control. This course provides an overview of the biology, symptoms and signs, diagnosis and control of pathogens of crop plants. The following topics will be addressed: The economic and social impact of diseases on crop production. Important fungal, bacterial and virus diseases of field crops. Analysis of the impact of pathogens on yield and quality of field crops. Chemical, cultural and integrated methods for prevention and control including forecasting.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

1. Diagnose and identify the principal causes of crop diseases using macroscopic, microscopic and molecular techniques.
2. Explain how plant pathogens build up to cause epidemics on field crops.
3. Implement appropriate guidelines for disease control measures and develop an understanding of integrated management for the major pathogens of crop plants.
4. Explain how resistance towards fungicides can develop.

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to Plant Pathology
Bacterial diseases of plants
Viral diseases of plants
Fungal diseases of plants
Disease control
Future trends in disease control

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

40

Small Group

12

Specified Learning Activities

8

Autonomous Student Learning

65

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures - face to face if possible (if not, online)
Case based learning - online 7 face to face (blended)
Reflective learning
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

One of the following:
Cell and Plant Biology (BIOL 10030)
Biology in Action (BIOL 10130)
Life on Earth (BIOL 10140)
Cell Biology and Genetics (BIOL 10110)


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Required:
BIOL10030 - Cell and Plant Biology, BIOL10110 - Biology-Cell Biology&Genetics, BIOL10130 - Biology in Action, BIOL10140 - Life on Earth

Additional Information:
One of the following: Cell and Plant Biology (BIOL 10030) Cell Biology and Genetics (BIOL 10110) Biology in Action (BIOL 10130) Life on Earth (BIOL 10140)

Equivalents:
Plant Diseases: Biology (AESC30130), Plant Protection:Biol & Con (ERM30050)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: 30 MCQ questions - online exam Week 11 n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

50

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: 30 MCQ questions - online Week 6 n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

50


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given for the mid term MCQ via Brightspace.