| Department of Agricultural Sciences 96 % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earliest Possible Year | BSc. 2 year to MSc. 2 year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | One block | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Credits | 7.5 (ECTS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Level | Joint BSc and MSc The course gives a broad knowledge of seed science and technology and demands few prerequisites. Addresses all students with interest in plant science. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination | Final Examination written examination and oral examination Some Aid allowed Own written reports on experimental work Description of Examination: Oral examination of textbook and hand outs. Assessment and defence of written reports about experimental work. Weight: Oral examination of textbook and hand outs: 50%. Written reports and defence: 50%. 13-point scale, internal examiner | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Organisation of Teaching | 30% lectures 30% practicals 30% projects 10% excursion | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Block Placement | Block 1 Week Structure: B | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Teaching Language | English | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Optional Prerequisites | Plant Physiology | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Restrictions | Max 30 students | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Areas of Competence the Course Will Address | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Competences within basic science: Knowledge of seed morphology, anatomy and seed identification and the development of seeds. Understand differences in dormancy mechanisms of seed and methods to overcome seed dormancy.Understand assessment of vigor and viability of seeds in response to various factors; comprehend definitions of germination.Comprehend storage and longevity of seeds in relation to commercial use and preservation of biodiversity. Competences obtained within applied science: Knowledge of how to maintain genetic purity and identity (ISTA rules) using molecular methods; and make judgement of application of various seed science and technology methods to new situations. Knowledge of national and international legislation. Competences obtained within Ethics & Values: The course will make students aware of the various controversies of how to improve and preserve genetic diversity and make them reflect over current changes in the science, technology and commercialization. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Objectives | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The objective is to expose students to scientific principles of seed seed biology, seed testing and management of seeds in relation to preservation of genetic resources, genetic purity and identity in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. A comprehension of seed chain: from harvest, to storage, testing and commercialization is pivotal for those who wish to work with sustainable agriculture, horticulture and forestry. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Contents | |||||||||||||||||||||
| - Morphology, anatomy and identification of seeds of common crops, trees and important weeds of the world. - Development and maturation of seeds - Dormancy and germination and the environmental and hormonal regulation mechanisms - Seed tests and technology such as the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules - Vigour and viability - Seed testing equipment, seed cleaning equipment, coating of seeds and seed certification and quality - Maintenance of genetic purity and identity using biotechnology methods to identify gene manipulated crop (GMO) seeds will also be introduced - Commercial aspects concerning import and export of seeds, seed health and phytosanitation - Storage and longevity of seed are also included as are future directions in seed biology and technology | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Teaching And Learning Methods | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Lectures. Practical and theoretical exercises concerns seed morphology of various type of seeds, seed identification of common crop and weed seeds. Germination experiments are conducted to illustrate seed tests following ISTA rules. Germination curves will be estimated using statistical models. Methods to identify gene manipulated crop seeds (GMO) will be introduced. Excursions to Danish seed companies e.g. DLF-Trifolium A/S, Hunsballe Frø A/S, Seed equipment manufacturer (Westrup A/S), The Danish Plant Directorate, Danish Centre for Forest Landscape and Planning, and Nordic Genebank. Colloquia with students presentation. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Litterature | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Seed Science and Technology, Research papers | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Coordinator | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Christian Andreasen, can@life.ku.dk, Department of Agricultural Sciences/Crop Science, Phone: 35333453 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Study Board | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Study Committee NSN | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Scope | |||||||||||||||||||||
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