The course is organized in such a way that the students will be able to develop the following competences: 1. Acquire and apply knowledge on seed production and conservation, sustainable use in the agri-food systems, methods to test and improve seed quality, the relevance of seed industry and its biotechnological applications to address the challenges of the 21st century 2. Develop autonomous evaluation skills: the presentations proposed for evaluation purposes will aid students to develop the ability to critically analyze the scientific literature, evaluate published results and critically interpret and communicate the outcome of scientific researches. 3. Develop communicative skills: the use of interactive instruments supported by the thematic of the course will be useful to develop communication skills 5. Develop the ability to understand and interpret the presented information in the context of the course thematic
Course Prerequisites
General knowledge of Plant Biology
Teaching Methods
The course will involve the use frontal lessons supported by interactive methods like case-studies, debates, simulations, role playing, cooperative learning, brainstorming, project work.
Assessment Methods
The examination is proposed through an oral exam in the form of a presentation dedicated to discuss a specific topic of the course and based on using recent research articles of high-impact for the scientific community and society. Each student has 20 minutes to present the chosen topic, followed by 10 minutes of discussion together with the professor and course colleagues. The topic of the presentation and selected articles should be be approved by the professor before the presentation. The evaluation criteria will take into consideration: creativity, scientific accuracy, clarity and structure of the presentation.
Texts
Specialised articles on international scientific journals are suggested instead of text books
Contents
The course includes topics related to seed biology and applied biotechnology for the seed industry to support promoting the transition towards sustainable agri-food systems and circular bioeconomy. Introduction to seed biology and physiology. Types of seeds based on conservation methods. Parameters that define seed quality. Methodologies that allow to measure and improve seed quality. The seed in the context of food security. The seeds in the context of precision farming and new policies and regulations.
Course Language
English
More information
For students with special needs (Teaching methods for the 2023/2024 academic year, Annex A, points 1-3), procedures will be designed in accordance with the University's instructions.
