Reviews indicators of sustainability, key factors in agroecosystem management, weed, pest and disease management, post-harvest issues, and whole farm planning. Environmental Monitoring Provides an in-depth appreciation of the theory of chemical, physical and biological monitoring. Familiarizes students with methods of sampling and population monitoring and examines chemical speciation and its measurement. The Impact of Plant Biotechnology Introduces biotechnological terms and techniques and provides a basic understanding of molecular biology, genes and gene cloning. Covers biotechnology for crop improvement, plant tissue culture, cryo-preservation, diagnosis and identification, risk assessment and regulation.
Emphasis is made on the complex ethical context.
Environmental Science and Ecology Examines the interface between environmental science and ecology, particularly the influences of pollution and ecotoxicology on ecosystem dynamics and stability. Pollution of soils, water and air are considered in relation to ecosystem energetics, population dynamics, biological resource management, and risk assessment. Water Resources Management Introduces the hydrological cycle and water balance. Explores water management issues in the UK and irrigation management in temperate and tropical countries.