Master in Crop Sciences

Welcome Message!

Dear Students,

With pleasure, We welcome you to this useful module. We are here to support you in each and every activity during the course of this module.

We would like to introduce you to the module on Agricultural Policies, treaties, and Social Aspects. Two lecturers will be teaching this module: 

LECTURERS' NAME AND CONTACTS

1. Dr. Gatali Callixte : Email:  callixte.gatali99@gmail.com; Cell phone: +250788848441

2. Dr. Ir. Habimana Sylvestre : Email: s.habimana14@ur.ac.rw;  Cell phone: +250788486031

LEARNING OUTCOMES

 A. Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, learners should be able to demonstrate:

 A systematic and comprehensive understanding of International treaties, agricultural policies, international trade, and agricultural social aspects

1. A critical awareness of ethical concerns regarding the development and exchange of germplasm, and plant protection methods
2. A Comprehensive understanding of safety issues of  technologies and products for human consumption and the environment
3. Understanding of bio-safety issues and international trade
4. A clear understanding of the complexity of consumer choices and protection

 B. Cognitive/Intellectual Skills/Application of Knowledge

       Having successfully completed the module, learners should be able to:

• Use a significant range of principles skills, techniques, practices, and/or materials, including some at the forefront of development, associated with issues about Agricultural treaties, policies, and trade
• Apply a range of standards and specialized research techniques to enquire
• Plan and carry out a significant project of research, investigation related to the discipline
• Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge

 C. Generic cognitive skills

Having successfully completed the module, students must be able to demonstrate the following skills:

1. Deal with complex issues and make an informed judgment on issues related to agricultural policies, treaties, and social aspects,

2. Analyse, evaluate, and synthesize issues, in complex situations with regards to the interaction between environment and plant,

3. Demonstrate appropriate responses to problems and issues related to conformity to national or international policies and treaties

4. Demonstrate original responses to problems and issues

 D. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

 Having successfully completed the course, learners should be able to:

• Communicate issues related to international treaties, agricultural policies, social and ethical considerations, and consumer preferences to a range of audience using a range of appropriate methods
• Communicate with peers, more senior experts, and colleagues
• Apply some of the ICT tools to address specific problems related to the discipline

  E.  Autonomy, responsibility, and working with others

1. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility

2. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems,

3. Act autonomously in planning and implementing decisions at a professional level,

4. Demonstrate the skills of life-long learning in his/her own discipline,

5. Demonstrate the skills of leadership and the management of resources

  Indicative Content

• Ethics in research
• National Agricultural policies
• International agricultural policies and treaties
• Consumer and sensory science
• Farmers’ preferences and gender issues
• Extension options for new crop varieties and improved plant protection methods

 Learning and Teaching Strategy 

The module will comprise both theory and practical works. The learning strategy comprises lectures, assigned reading materials, in-class discussions, and seminars. Students will be tested on their level of understanding of the materials covered in class. Students will have the opportunity to discuss a case study with emphasis on the Rwandan context. Cases of technology uptake and use and factors driving farmers’ preferences and choices will be discussed in class and constitute the main topics of assignments students will be working on. A case study with the integration of socio-economic aspects in Rwandan farming systems will be analyzed in class. Field visits will be organized in some selected locations where learners will conduct survey exercises, collect data and analyze using statistical packages such as SPSS and present in class. Some analytical tools such as MonQUI (socio-economic platforms) will be used by students to perform strategies for farm productivity improvement in farming systems.

The team expects to have an enjoyable time with you during the course of this module.

Stay in touch.

The module gives an overview of plant and environment relationship as basis for students to understand the context of biotic and abiotic factors affecting crop production. Climate change and its effect on these interactions in the plant-environment system will be discussed. It is designed to provide learners with knowledge in plant-abiotic environment interaction, plant-pest interaction, and climate change and agriculture. The module focuses on lectures, self-studies, problem sets, field visits, seminars and presentations.

The aim of the course is to provide learners with an understanding of population dynamics and epidemiology of plant pests and diseases in relation to their regulating factors and interactions with plants, management of pests and diseases of economic importance to agriculture. The course is designed to provide learners with knowledge and good understanding of how pests and pathogens are spread, and how this relates to the damage they cause, of different pest and disease control options tailored towards farmers’ conditions, which can be deployed sustainably with minimal risks to the society and environment. Based on this, learners should also be able to apply this knowledge in order to reduce damage in different farming systems in a sustainable way. The course focuses on lectures, seminars and case studies. The course focuses on lectures and literature seminars. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, learners should be able to demonstrate understanding of:  

• Ecological principles to the study of plant pests and pathogens. 

• Occurrence of pests and diseases and their dependence on regulating factors such as climate, cultural techniques and other organisms in the agricultural landscape.

• Basic mathematical methods used to study and describe pest and pathogen dynamics and epidemiology. 

• Methods used in assessment of plant damage.

• Infection processes and disease and pest cycles 

• Population dynamics, epidemiology, and forecasting

• Management strategies for disease and pest control in field crops and green house

• Pesticide resistance in pests and diseases

• Diagnosis and assessment of biotic-induced plant damage.

• The concept of economic threshold

• Chemical control options and their use to controlling pests and diseases

• Non-chemical control options and their use to controlling pests and diseases

• Safe use and handling of pesticides

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

2. Cognitive/Intellectual Skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, learners should be able to: 

1. Evaluate and assess common plant pathogen caused pests and diseases

2. Plan and manage control measures to control plant pests and pathogens

3. Fit these statistical models to observed data in order to derive the parameters that describe disease epidemics

4. Judge the relative importance of various disease control options based on the epidemiology of pests and diseases in questions.

5. Critically analyze pests and diseases problems, according to the prevailing conditions, before recommending control measures.

6. Use his/her judgement to recommend the most practical, effective, economical, risk-free and locally available pests and diseases management options

3. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the course, learners should be able to: 

• Effectively diagnose diseased or pest infected plant samples using observational methods as well as basic analytical instruments (field and lab)

• Based on facts, design an appropriate pest/disease management strategy or combination of strategies to efficiently reduce or control crop losses

• Develop collection and sampling strategies to assess plant damage for a given plant

• Apply appropriate control measures with respect to a sustainable management.

• Seeking and evaluating information within the subject area and to present his information in appropriate form.

• Use a wide range of appropriate software solutions to address identified problems

• Communicate pests and diseases management techniques to a wide range of audiences, being able to first critically analyze the audience needs

4. Generic cognitive skills

Having successfully completed the module, students must be able to demonstrate the following skills:

1. Deal with complex issues and make an informed judgement in the absence of complete data,

2. Analyse, evaluate and synthesise issues, in a complex which is at the forefront of knowledge,

3. Demonstrate original responses to problems and issues

E. Autonomy, responsibility and working with others

1. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility 

2. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems,

3. Act autonomously in planning and implementing decisions at a professional level,

4. Demonstrate the skills of life-long learning in his/her own discipline,

5. Demonstrate the skills of leadership and the management of resources

9.  Indicative Content

• Basic population dynamics, epidemiology and forecasting

• Vectors of pathogens.

• Collection and sampling strategies to monitor pests and diseases causing plant damage.

• Infection processes and life cycles of diseases and pests

• Population dynamics, epidemiology, and forecasting

• Life cycles in relation to interactions between plants and their attackers.

• Management strategies for disease and pest control

• Commercial agriculture pest problems –green/screen house

• Diagnosis of plant pathogens and pests

• Economic aspects of plant diseases and pests management

• Principles of chemical use in management of plant pests and diseases

• Mechanisms of host plant resistance and deployment of resistance in management of plant pests and diseases

• Principles of using biological agents in management of plant pests and diseases

• Utilization of cultural practices in plant pests and diseases management

• Integrated Pest Management

• Fundamentals of pests and diseases monitoring and surveillance

• Pesticides composition, mode of action, persistance, 

• Safe practice in handling and transport, 

10. Learning and Teaching Strategy

The learning strategy will rely on lectures, practicals (lab and field) and self-reading using lecture notes, supplemental materials given as references as well as other related materials that students may wish to refer to. Case studies will be discussed in class and students will be tested on their level of understanding of the materials covered in class. 

11. Assessment Strategy

1. Examination: Continuous Assessment Tests (CAT) and final examination. Examinations will cover lectures, assigned reading materials, and discussions;

2. The assignments will be graded on individual basis and on each component of the module; 

3. Field and laboratory practical reports will be evaluated.

• Two course work tests (continuous and cumulative)

• Final examination on the module

Brief description of aims and content

This module presents an in depth knowledge of statistics, biometry and research methodology The module is designed to introduce learners to the fields of statistical research in Agricultural Sciences. Concepts on ethics and philosophy of science, and scientific writing skills will be introduced. Advanced statistical methods, experimental design, data collection, data exploration and analyses will form part of the modules.

Learning Outcomes

1. A.     Knowledge and Understanding
2. Having successfully completed the module, learners should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of: 

• Ethical considerations in research
• Philosophy of science
• How to choose and develop proper research projects

1. Learners should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant techniques and approaches applicable to the research
2. Learners should demonstrate a clear understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used in the discipline
3. How to formulate hypotheses and to design tests of hypotheses
4. Experimental design
5. Data collection
6. Data exploration and handling of data
7. Interpretation and reporting of results

1. B.     Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, learners should be able to:

• Use a significant range of the principle skills, techniques, practices appropriate for the research in their discipline
• Apply a range of standards and specialised research techniques to execute their research project
• Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge
• Use a significant range of the principle skills, techniques, practices and/or materials, including some at the forefront of developments, associated with their discipline
• Apply a range of standard and specialised research techniques of enquiry
• Plan and carry out a research or development project.
• Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge

1. C.     Generic cognitive skills

Having successfully completed the module, students must be able to demonstrate the following skills:

1. Deal with complex issues and make informed judgement in the absence of complete data,

2. Analyse, evaluate and synthesise issues, in complex which are at the forefront of knowledge,

3. Demonstrate original responses to problems and issues

1. D.    Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the course, learners should be able to:

• Communicate their research to wide range of audience with some levels of expertise
• Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists
• Use a wide range of appropriate software for presentation/communication to the audience
• Evaluate a wide range of numerical and graphical information
• Synthesise and critically analysing the content of a scientific paper
• Use an appropriate experimental design and sampling schedule.
• Use an appropriate statistical method to analyse data, evaluate and report the results.
• Communicate research findings to a range of audience using appropriate statistical methods
• Correctly interpret and numerical and graphical information

1. E.     Autonomy, responsibility and working with others

1. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility

2. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems,

3. Act autonomously in planning and implementing decisions at a professional level,

4. Demonstrate the skills of life-long learning in his/her own discipline,

5. Demonstrate the skills of leadership and the management of resources

Indicative Content

• Ethics in research
• Philosophy of science
• Research methods
• The scientific writing process
• Preparation of scientific presentations
• Presentation and communication of scientific research results
• Principles of experimental design and census techniques
• Design of field experiments – characteristics, merits and limitations
• Statistical tools – tests and report of results.
• Data exploration
• Distributions - (Normal vs. other and data transformation)
• Regression analysis and analysis of variance
• Analysis of categorical data
• Missing data
• Principles of experimentation
• Generalized Linear Models
•  Mixed Linear Models
• Restricted Maximum Livelihood (REML)
• Multivariate analysis

- Principal Components Analysis (PCA)

- Discriminant analysis

- Cluster analysis

• Genotype × environment Interaction Analysis

Dear Students,

This page is designed to give you the module outlines of BIOLOGY OF PLANT PESTS.

1.Brief description of aims and content

2. Learning outcome

3. Indicative content

4. Learning and Teaching Strategy

5. Assessment pattern

6. Background text

7. References

The purpose of this course is to provide trainings in the science behind biotechnology and the implication of modern methods of genetic modification in order  to improve plant performance.

Molecular Biology and Plant Physiology deals with the principles of abiotic and biotic stress resistance, advanced plant physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. The module aims at providing learners with knowledge about different sources of resistance and design screening procedures for discriminating among genotypes for resistance. The module also covers physiological processes that occur in plants, the fundamentals of pre-breeding, gene bank management and seed science. It is designed to provide learners deep insight on different techniques and procedures that have impacted significantly plant breeding such as molecular markers. The module will provide learners with knowledge about how to identify, collect, and evaluate genetic resources, as well as how to preserve genetic materials for future use in a sustainable and manageable way. The module also introduces basic principles of bioinformatics. The course focuses on lectures, in-class discussions, laboratory/field practical, and solving practical problems relating to biochemical and physiological process in plants. The course also provide knowledge on how to plan and manage seed production program.

This module teaches the principles of abiotic and biotic stress resistance, advanced plant physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. The module aims at providing learners with knowledge about different sources of resistance and design screening procedures for discriminating among genotypes for resistance. 

Brief description of aims and content

 The module gives deep insights into quantitative and population genetics, reproductive systems of crops, principles and tools of plant breeding, breeding self, cross and vegetatively propagated crops and development of new crop varieties as well as molecular markers. It is designed to provide learners with knowledge in gene frequencies, population dynamics mating designs, selection methods, molecular markers and quantitative trait loci. The module focuses on lectures, self-studies, problem sets, field and laboratory exercises, and presentations. The module focuses on lectures, self-studies, problem sets, field and laboratory exercises, and presentations.

Learning Outcomes

A.     Knowledge and understanding

Having successfully completed the module, learners will demonstrate:

1. Understanding of the theories and core principles of quantitative and population genetics, and molecular markers;
2. Deep understanding of major principles of quantitative genetics such as selection theory, mating designs and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL);  
3. Understanding of  Hardy-Weinberg principles, gene frequencies and population dynamics
4. Deep understanding of molecular markers and their use.

1. Reproductive systems of major crops;
2. Major principles and tools of plant breeding;
3. Differences in breeding self, cross and vegetatively propagated crops;
4. Crop variety development procedures

1. B.     Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, learners will apply:

1. The principles of quantitative, population and molecular markers to solve problems related to population structures and changes;
2. Acquired knowledge in predicting genetic outcomes and performing analysis of genetic data.
3. Plan and carry out a project of research, investigation and development
4. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge
5. Optimize different strategies to a specific crop in order to breed for superior genotypes with specified characteristics
6. Plan and carry out a project of research, investigation or development
7. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge

1. C.     Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the module, learners should be able to:

1. To present and discuss the core principles of quantitative, population and molecular markers;
2. Use appropriate methods to track allele frequencies through generations;
3. Use correct techniques to predict and produce new genotypes; construct genetic maps.
4. Evaluate a wide range of numerical and graphical information
5. Identify genetically variable source of germplasm
6. Design crossings following the reproduction system of crops
7. Use of appropriate methods to conduct selection procedures to identify superior genotypes
8. Use correct techniques to stabilize superior genotypes and develop them into commercial cultivars

1. D.    Generic cognitive skills

Having successfully completed the module, students must be able to demonstrate the following skills:

1. Deal with complex issues and make informed judgement in the absence of complete data,

2. Analyse, evaluate and synthesise issues, in complex which are at the forefront of knowledge,

3. Demonstrate original responses to problems and issues

E. Autonomy, responsibility and working with others

1. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility

2. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems,

3. Act autonomously in planning and implementing decisions at a professional level,

4. Demonstrate the skills of life-long learning in his/her own discipline,

5. Demonstrate the skills of leadership and the management of resources

Indicative Content

• Quantitative traits
• Hardy-Weinberg      Equilibrium;
• Covariance      between relatives;
• Mating      designs and hereditary variances;
• Selection      theory;
• Quantitative      traits loci;
• DNA isolation
• Restriction enzymes
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Molecular markers

• Molecular assisted selection
• Plant reproductive systems
• Tools in plant breeding
• Genetic resources and Centers of origin
• Plant breeding methods for self pollinated crops
• Plant breeding methods for cross pollinated crops
• Plant breeding methods for asexually propagated crops
• Double haploid techniques of plant breeding
• Development of hybrid varieties
• Evaluation of new varieties, variety description, release, maintenance and commercialization
• Genetic engineering in crops and genetically modified crops
• Defining goals in plant breeding
• Breeding plans