ACE1030 : Man's Uses of Plants (2009)
| Semester 1 | 10 Credits |
| ECTS Credit Value | 5.0 |
Summary
This module takes an introductory look at the diverse role and uses of plants in society today. Emphasis is placed on the building blocks of plants with respect to the synthesis of the complex macromolecules i.e. carbohydrates, proteins and oils.
Aims
The module is intended to underpin subsequent modules associated with crop production by providing fundamental knowledge relating to man's use of plants. It will examine the synthesis and role of the major biological macromolecules in plants. The module will examine the wide range of crops utilised in the production of human and animal food, energy, fibre, medicine etc.
Outline Of Syllabus
* Photosynthesis as the basis of plant and crop productivity - light energy to chemical energy - the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis (2 lectures)
* Plants for Food - carbohydrates, proteins and fats as components of the human diet. This part of the module would integrate some basic biochemistry i.e. amino acids - protein, sugars - carbohydrates, fatty acids - oils (6 lectures)
* Plants as animal feed (3 lectures)
* Plants for energy: heat, electricity and transport fuel (4 lectures)
* Plants for fibre - hemp, flax, cotton, wood (1 lecture)
* Plants for medicine (2 lectures)
* Plants for alcohol - brewing and distilling (1 lecture)
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On completion of the module students should have a knowledge of the basic components of plants and how macromolecules are synthesised from these. An appreciation of the diverse use of plants in society.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Ability to give a presentation using appropriate technology.
Teaching Rationale And Relationships
Lectures will provide students with the basic information for the module.
Reading List
- Biosynthesis of the Major Crop Products (Recommended reading)
Author: Philip John
Notes: (location 633JOH)
ISBN: 0471938165 - Plants in Agriculture (Recommended reading)
Author: Forbes, J.C. and Watson, R.D
Notes: (location 630FOR) - Plant Science: An Introudction to World Crops (Background)
Author: Janick, Sherry, Woods and Ruttan
Notes: (store mon 30078) - Plant Science: Growth and Use of Cultivated Plants (Background)
Author: Hartmann Hudson et al
Notes: (location 633HAR)
Staff
| Dr Paul Bilsborrow |
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| Dr Edward Okello |
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| Dr Peter Rowlinson |
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| Dr Stephen Wilcockson |
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