Grassland Management & Ecology

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Grassland Management & Ecology

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Agriculture, Ecology

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    5
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4

  • Overview

    Module Provider: Agriculture
    Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
    Level:5
    Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
    Pre-requisites:
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded:
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Mr Martin Wagner
    Email: m.a.wagner@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    Aims:
    The aim of the module is for students to become familiar with the principles and practices of grassland management to meet production, amenity and ecological objectives.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
    ? Explain differences between various grasses and legumes with respect to agronomic and animal production factors.
    ? Make appropriate grassland management decisions with respect to establishment, enhancement, maintenance, grazing and grass conservation.
    ? Evaluate grassland productivity and quality for i) livestock production, and ii) wildlife.
    ? Discuss a range of environmental issues associated with the management of grassland for livestock production.
    ? Identify, obtain and synthesise relevant literature on a range of grassland management and ecology topics in addition to the lecture material.
    ? Explain and report findings on a grassland management and ecology topic.
    Additional outcomes:
    Outline content:
    The course will start with an introduction to grasslands detailing their distribution and classification, including some practical work on grass identification. Subsequent sessions will provide invaluable knowledge for students interested in the management of grassland for livestock production, wildlife and environmental protection. Sessions will explore issues surrounding the establishment and diversification of existing grassland, coupled with grazing management and methods of promoting wildlife. The nutrition and feed value of grasses and legumes will be discussed and approaches to weed control examined. Amenity grassland and its management will also be studied. Lecture topics include:
    ? Introduction to grasslands
    ? Grassland establishment & management
    ? Nutrition and feed value
    ? Grazing management
    ? Grassland management for plants and insects
    ? Grassland management for farmland birds
    ? Weed control
    ? Management of amenity turf
    ? Environmental benefits and issues with grassland management
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    The module will have a core thread of lectures supplemented by two field visits to enhance understanding of various grassland species and types of grassland. Students will also benefit from sessions run by outside speakers.
    Contact hours:
    Autumn
    Lectures 16
    Fieldwork 4
    Guided independent study 79
    Total hours by term 99.00
    Total hours for module 99.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 70
    Written assignment including essay 30
    Other information on summative assessment:
    One 1500 word essay in the Autumn Term
    Formative assessment methods:
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
    where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
    You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
    Length of examination:
    One and a half hour written examination in the Summer Term answering two questions from six.
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Re-examination in August/September only
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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