Agriculture BSc

The project gives you an opportunity to use your initiative and knowledge to undertake original research under the supervision of an individual member of academic staff. You will design the study, gain familiarity with relevant analysis techniques, undertake data collection, and where appropriate safety procedures relevant to the topic. You’ll undertake appropriate quantitative analysis and prepare a report of approximately 5000 words.

This important part of your degree gives you the opportunity to participate in the work of one of the country's top agricultural research centres. Our research at Nottingham is funded by the UK and international organisations, including the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK research councils and agricultural businesses and governments from around the world. This funding enables us to teach the most modern and exciting aspects of agriculture.

If you are interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows, managing farms under the new agricultural policy environment; if you want to be involved in research into the influence of diet on reproductive performance in pigs or cows; if you want to know how seed rate and fertiliser application influences winter wheat production or how climate change will affect crop production in Africa and Asia, Nottingham is the place to be.

Recent research projects have included:

• The effects of canopy architecture on the photosynthetic activities of wheat
• The effect of cultivation strategy on the establishment, growth and yield of winter triticale (Triticosecale spp)
• Understanding root growth responses of sugar beet under different water regimes, and the subsequent changes in plant morphology
• Methods for achieving differential advantage for the small scale mushroom producer
• Why do farmers farm?
• Post-Brexit profitability projections for UK arable farms 2019-20: Using actual farm data and an advanced projection calculator
• Assessing the use of a mobile NIR device to measure fresh grass quality in real-time
• The effect of feeding system and management practices on enteric methane emissions from dairy cows on commercial farms
• How can urban agriculture help meet the food security needs of a growing urban population by enhancing fruit, vegetable and poultry production?
• Farmers’ markets and supermarkets: food prices vs. the consumer benefits of ‘local’ food
• The effects of winter supplementary feeding on the relative abundance of farmland birds
• How does future climate change affect crop yield and yield variability of maize (Zea mays) in Nigeria?
• An investigation into English and Welsh sheep farmer opinions on Schmallenberg virus
• A comparison of literature to farming practice of zero tillage on case study farms in the UK
• The relationship between milk yields, variable costs and the overall profitability of dairy farms 

Rural Business Research Unit (RBRU) and University Farm 

Based at Sutton Bonington campus, the RBRU is the lead centre for the government-funded Farm Business Survey, collecting financial and environmental data from over 2000 farms; University Farm is a 450 hectare arable, dairy and sheep farm, also based at Sutton Bonington, with land and people dedicated to student teaching and research work. Both are available for your research project.

In this popular module, you’ll attend a five day field course to study selected field-grown crop species that have been chosen as models to illustrate major systems of production. You’ll examine the scientific principles that govern the management of field-grown crops through production to final end use, with particular emphasis being given to their physiology and ecology. Through field visits, you’ll observe and critically appraise the efficiency of current commercial production strategies and assess the scope to exploit plant responses to the environment at specific growth stages for optimal control of quality and yield. You’ll learn about the optimisation of quality and yield of crops through the manipulation of leaf, stem and root development, and the impact of post-harvest physiology on handling and storage. The field course is typically primarily based at the Sutton Bonington Campus with day-long trips to industry, farms and research organisations, and one overnight stay in an arable region.

This module will further develop your specialised knowledge of animal nutrition. At an advanced level, you’ll learn about the role of micronutrient and trace minerals and organic micronutrients (including vitamins B, choline and essential fatty acids) in the nutritional requirements for animal health and growth in both ruminant and non-ruminant species. You’ll also examine the various factors involved in the regulation of animal growth and product quality and look at selected examples of metabolic disorders. Using the most up-to-date scientific research, you’ll explore specialist aspects of ruminant nutrition and produce scientific work of your own.

Animal-human interactions raise some prominent ethical issues. In this module, you’ll examine the ethical dimensions concerning animal agriculture, modern biotechnologies and research in the biosciences, in relation to both humans and non-human species. You’ll learn about the ethical frameworks used to analyse specific dilemmas raised by the human use of animals. Using specific animal and biotechnology case studies, you’ll interpret the main ethical theories and principles and apply them to the case studies to inform professional decision-making. You’ll have a mix of lectures and seminars to explore these concepts.

In this integrative module you’ll consider the future options and possible strategies for maintaining or increasing crop production in the UK and world agriculture. You’ll learn about the latest trends and developments within crop science, and the philosophical, ethical and policy issues associated with them. The topics covered will vary to reflect the most recent issues, but have included: the future of genetically modified crops, impact of crop production on biodiversity and prospects for organic crop production. Using your subject knowledge and research skills, you’ll be in a position to critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of developments in crop science, both for the module and in your future career.

A highly applied module, you’ll learn how to optimise the management of different cereal crops to meet the requirements of specific environments and end-uses. To do this, you’ll learn about the production strategies for the major grain cereals, with particular emphasis on factors controlling yield and quality. You’ll also examine the importance of plant structure and function (for example, the importance of the 'flag leaf' in wheat) of and the influence of the environment and management practices on crop growth and development. You’ll have a mix of lectures, seminars, in-class exercises and field work to develop and apply your understanding. 

The genetic improvement of crop plants is critical to address issues of food security for a growing world population and in the face of a changing climate. It is also the key to tackling environmental degradation and to meeting the increasing strict regulations on agricultural pollution which are coming into force in many Western countries. While these issues are not identical, they are linked and efficient plant breeding can be part of the solution to both. In this module, you’ll develop an understanding of crop genetic improvement through lectures, case and literature studies, research plan presentations, external expert seminars and practical exposure to crop breeding and molecular techniques. You’ll examine how modern and technological approaches can enhance crop breeding programmes and be able to assess the limitations of these approaches. The emphasis is on the application of biotechnology to conventional breeding, but you’ll also learn about genetic modification in the genetic improvement of crops. You’ll cover temperate and tropical, annual and perennial, and in-breeding and out-breeding crops.

Within this module you will develop an understanding of how agri-businesses operate in the international arena.

How can production systems be adapted to meet demands for animal products in contrasting global markets? In this module, you’ll use your knowledge of physiology, nutrition, genetics, health, welfare and management to study the production of meat, milk and eggs, and the wellbeing of the animals in these production systems. You’ll undertake a detailed study of the integration of the production, nutrition, product quality, management and health of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry at UK and global scales. You’ll be able to critically analyse key performance indicators and provide solutions to problems encountered in livestock production enterprises. You’ll have a mix of lectures, group work and farm visits to develop and apply your knowledge. 

Consultancy is a strong growth area for jobs in agriculture. In this module you’ll be introduced to the practicalities of management consultancy and have the opportunity to integrate your knowledge of management principles to a case study of your choice based on a real-life commercial farm. You’ll learn how to appraise individual enterprises and whole firms with a view to improving the respective financial and technical performance of the business. With a strong focus on working productively as an individual, you’ll assess problems and opportunities, analyse information and data, and identify and meet objectives in order to aid managerial decision-making. To find out more about how consultancy works in practice, you’ll have guest lectures from invited speakers from industry in addition to your lectures and workshops. 

This module covers molecular and applied aspects of plant pathology including plant-pathogen interactions, disease epidemiology, pathogen detection, disease control, pathogen biology and plant mechanisms of defence.  The relative strengths and weaknesses of different disease control options including application of fungicides, biological control, deployment of disease resistant varieties and biotechnological approaches will be considered.

How does light cause variation in crop yields? In this module, you’ll study the influence of the light environment on the physiology of native and crop species, extending from the cellular to community level. You’ll learn how to differentiate between different light signalling pathways in plants and demonstrate how these pathways function in plants. You’ll be able to explain how light is absorbed by plants to initiate energy transfer systems and to stimulate development and ultimately plant yield. You’ll then be able to apply your knowledge in understanding the causes of variations in crop yields and how these may be used to assist in the search for improved varieties and increased productivity in agricultural systems. You’ll have a mix of lectures, demonstrations and field trips to see what you’ve learnt in practice.

This module explores plant adaptations to extreme conditions which are increasingly affecting our society including drought, flood, salinity, heavy metals, plant-plant interactions (allelopathy and mycorrhiza networks) and nutrient deficiencies. Below-ground biological processes including water and nutrient uptake are covered within these themes. Both agricultural and natural systems will be discussed throughout these themes to stimulate discussion on future ways we can use beneficial traits to improve crop productivity and resource management under variable climate/soil conditions. A large part of the module is learning to work collaboratively - a key employability skill. The semester assessment tasks all build toward making a documentary video in your team/group and there is a lot of support to help you make the most of learning the range of transferable skills that you need to produce the end product. This is highly suitable for those with interests in plant physiology, environmental biology, crop science or science communication.

How do you apply management principles to modern rural businesses? This module will develop your knowledge of business management principles and provide you with an opportunity to apply these principles to the type of problems facing rural businesses at the present time. You’ll construct and interpret business accounts, use investment appraisal techniques, learn about labour and machinery management and explore different forms of farm business organisation. Using a ‘real-life’ case study, you’ll also learn and practice teamwork, time management and data analysis skills, which are vital when working in business. You’ll have a mix of lectures, practical classes and farm visits, as well as guest lectures from invited speakers to give you insights into the management and finance of rural businesses. 

Soils underpin the sustainability of all terrestrial ecosystems on our planet. Alongside forming the basis of agricultural production soils provide us with a range of vital ecosystem services including storing water and atmospheric greenhouse gases, mediating the impact of pollutants and providing habitats for soil organisms.

Globally soils are under threat from a wide range of processes. This module covers the environmental issues associated with the management of soils. You will explore and debate the sustainable management options open to land managers to prevent degradation and its adverse effects on soil functions and services, while helping to enhance food security.

This module introduces the range of natural and agricultural species and their geographical distributions. Teaching is divided into three themes:

Theme 1: Agroecology and climate explore the interplay between climate and soil factors that shape the current and potential distribution, as well as the productivity, of diverse vegetation types. This theme delves into key topics, including climate classifications (e.g., tropical, temperate, arid) and their influence on crop selection and agricultural productivity. It also examines soil characteristics such as texture, fertility, pH, and organic matter, highlighting their critical role in plant growth and ecosystem health. Additionally, the theme addresses the far-reaching impacts of climate change on crop distribution, phenology, and yields. Practical approaches such as irrigation systems, drought management strategies, and improving water-use efficiency are also discussed. Finally, the concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture is introduced, focusing on adaptive practices that enhance the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems in the face of environmental challenges.

Theme 2: Biodiversity and Agriculture explores the present-day distributions and original centers of diversity of major crop types, examining how natural resources and human interventions, such as the transformative Green Revolution, have shaped agricultural landscapes. The theme delves into key topics, including: • Crop Domestication: Understanding the processes and consequences of domestication, particularly its impact on genetic diversity and the evolution of crops.
• Monoculture vs. Polyculture: Analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of these contrasting systems for biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and food security.
• Seed Banks and Conservation Efforts: Highlighting their critical role in safeguarding crop genetic diversity for future resilience and sustainability.

This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of biodiversity and agricultural practices while addressing challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable and diverse farming systems.

Theme 3: Agroecosystems and Agrobiodiversity explores the key factors influencing the diversity of agroecosystems and examines strategies to enhance agrobiodiversity. This includes research on alternative crop and animal species, drawing from both ongoing studies and established literature. The theme delves into innovative agricultural practices, including: • Intercropping Systems: Exploring the synergistic benefits of growing multiple crops together to optimize resource use and productivity.
• Crop Rotations and Diversification: Highlighting the role of diverse crop sequences in improving soil health, pest control, and resilience to environmental stress.
• Agroforestry Systems: Focusing on the integration of trees, crops, and sometimes livestock to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
• Conservation and Zero Tillage: Investigating soil management techniques that reduce erosion, enhance water retention, and increase carbon sequestration.