LPLK10365U Climate Change - Effects on Food and Feed

This international course is based on the premise that rising carbon dioxide levels and temperature may increase crop yields in some regions, due at least in part to the so-called C-fertilization effect, yet in other parts of the globe dramatically damaging consequences may result.  The impacts are governed by a set of physiological laws, mechanisms and the genetics of the crop plants, together with the impact of management procedures that might be applied. These inter-relationships will be critically examined at the plant level, with consideration of the economic and social implications of the changes.
The possible roles of both conventional and molecular plant breeding in moderating the effects of climate change will be considered, together with possible changes in agricultural practice.
The aims are to expose the students to the tools to understanding climate changes in a global context . Understanding the impact of climate change on crop growth performance will be emphasised using analytical tools and models, to aid the students in taking a critical, informed view of the difficulties facing global crop production.

Knowledge
• Provide an overview of theories of climate-crop growth relations and expand these to include different climate change scenarios
Give a detailed account of and critically evaluate current research on the impact of climate change on the quantity and quality of our food and feed resources
• Summarise the theoretical concepts involved in a modelling approach to understanding climate change and its impacts
• To understand, at a high academic level, the plant biology and associated issues regarding climate change and food and feed production •
• Identify, analyse and communicate a research question from a complex setting to broader audiences using modelling and modern statistical tools

Skills:
• To be able to participate in academic discussions on climate change and the impact on agricultural activities, assuming the role of researcher, advisor or policymaker
• Display independence, integrity and develop new relevant knowledge and skills when working in the food and crop sector
• Use appropriate tools to analyse whole biological production systems relevant to food production and climate