| Responsible Department | Department of Agriculture and Ecology
92 % Department of Food Science 4 % Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology 4 % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Earliest Possible Year | BSc. 2 year to MSc. 2 year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | One block | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Credits | 7.5 (ECTS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level of Course | Joint BSc and MSc | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination | Final Examination oral examination Some Aid allowed Own written reports on experimental work Seed collection folder Description of Examination: Individual oral examination of course curriculum and reports on experimental work. Weight: Oral examination 100% 7-point scale, internal examiner | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Block Placement | Block 2 Week Structure: B | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Language of Instruction | English | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Optional Prerequisites | 240071 Basic Plant Biology | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Restrictions | Max 30 students | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Content | |||||||||||||||||||||
| - 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In addition to lectures, practical and theoretical exercises on seed morphology of various type of seeds, seed identification of common crop and weed seeds are carried out. Germination experiments are conducted to illustrate seed tests. Germination curves are be estimated using statistical models. Methods to identify gene manipulated crop seeds (GMO) are introduced. Students are working in groups for must of the praticals and exercises.Excursions to Danish seed companies and the Danish Plant Directorate. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcome | |||||||||||||||||||||
| After completing the course the students will be able to: Knowledge: - show overview of seed morphology, anatomy, biology and ecology - describe the seed chain from production to marketing - list national and international organisations working with seeds and seed relevant legislation Skills: - Identify seeds and morphological structures - Apply seed testing methods and methods to break dormancy. - Apply seed cleaning techniques and modern technology to identify varieties and investigate seeds. - Be able to produce artificial seeds. - communicate knowledge about seed science and technology. Competences: - Evaluate results from various seed testing methods(e.g ISTA tests, vigor tests, biotechnological methods). - Discuss the application of various seed science and technology methods to new situations. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Literature | |||||||||||||||||||||
| "Principles of Seed Science and Technology" by Lawrence O. Copeland and Miller B. Donald,4 ed. Klüwer Academic Publishers, Massachusetts, USA.(2001, second printing 2004) Research papers | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Coordinator | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Christian Andreasen, can@life.ku.dk, Department of Agriculture and Ecology/Crop Science, Phone: 353-33453 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Study Board | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Study Committee NSN | |||||||||||||||||||||
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