This course will provide an introduction to aspects of food security specifically related to crop production.

Students will be required to attend regular classes over a three week period. 

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Students will produce a Food Production Portfolio which will critically discuss and evaluate a specific crop detailing its origin, varieties, agronomy, limitations to growth and productivity, and prospects for improvement (50%).

In addition, they will create and deliver an oral presentation on the key issues affecting productivity and prospects for increased yield of a crop of their choice (50%).

The specific aims are:

■ to give students knowledge of aspects of food security relating to crop production, including constraints on production, crop breeding and improvement, and plant genomes and genetic manipulation

■ to enhance students' conceptual, analytical and presentation skills

Knowledge and Understanding

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

■ critically discuss key topics in food security with reference to the current scientific literature

■ critically discuss how opportunities and constraints in crop production impact on food security

Skills and Other Attributes

Intellectual skills

■ identify, summarise and critically evaluate published reports and publications on aspects of food security

■ critically discuss research findings and ideas on specific topics in food security

■ learn independently

Transferable/key skills

■ write a well structured and carefully written report on a crop based food product.

■ produce and deliver a well constructed presentation on a crop based food product.

■ plan and manage time effectively to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the courses summative assessment.