Soil-Plant Root Interactions in a Changing Environment

Learn more about this course:

What will I learn?

On this course you will learn about best practice in controlling biotic and abiotic stresses which affect plant health. The content emphasises the practicalities in plant protection and understanding the difference between short term measures and more durable, sustainable control. You will gain and understanding of the complex interaction between biotic agents and plants, thereby equipping you to be able to plan and design control strategies for local and global problems

How will I learn?

The course will be delivered primarily through case-study analysis, problem, solving exercises and simulation-based activities that are of relevance both now and to future plant health threats. Assignments and simulations will provide you with an opportunity to apply your learning to your own local and other real-world issues. This will be supported by a small number of pre-recorded short videos.

You will be supported to develop your analytical and creative skills, and will be guided to develop viable, holistic and sustainable solutions to real plant health problems. You will also be supported to develop your communication and interactivity skills, building relationships among and cooperating with their peers to generate solutions to problems

The course will be delivered online via our virtual learning environment, Moodle. You will work with simulation-based software while undertaking your course work

How will I be assessed?

You will be required to do three assessments to complete this course:

1. Produce an essay on the weed, pest and disease issues which challenge a major global crop; 
   
   
2. Produce an essay evaluating the use of diagnostics and monitoring for plant health; and
   
   
3. Produce a video blog on a plant health issue local to you, outlining the issue, the cause, integrated control measures currently used and the scope to improve control in the future.

By the end of the course what will I be able to do?

• Predict the main impacts arising from agents affecting crop health and production.
  
  
• Evaluate and design integrated control options for a range of crop types and production systems and determine their economic, environment and social benefits.
  
  
• Critique detection and monitoring methods and the link between these and assessing crop health risk / impact and decision making.
  
  
• Evaluate the components of an integrated pest management ‘toolbox’ such as genetics, pesticides, biological control, physical barriers, precision techniques and holistic whole systems approaches to managing plant health Interpret and evaluate plant protection options in a balanced and evidenced based manner.

How long does the course last for and how much time will I need to spend on it each week?

Course duration:

• The course is self-paced, allowing you to progress at your own speed. 
• You have 52 weeks from the time of enrolment to complete the course. 

Typical completion time: The course is generally designed to be completed in 12 weeks. 

Weekly time commitment: To complete a course in 12 weeks, expect to spend approximately 3 hours per week on directed online learning activities and at least one day per week dedicated to independent learning and assessment work. 

Why is SRUC a good place to study this micro-credential?

• Our staff have real world experience of working in the field of plant protection
  
  
• Our courses will blend theory with practical examples and simulations to allow you to develop your design skills
  
  
• SRUC has experience in running Sustainable Plant health courses which had high approval ratings from learners

Who will be teaching me?

A range of lecturers from SRUC will be teaching you on this course.

Fiona Burnett, Professor of applied plant pathology: Fiona has over thirty years of research, teaching and knowledge exchange experience.

Dr Maciej Kaczmarek, SRUC Lecturer and Impact Officer at Scotland's Plant Health Centre: Maciej holds a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from University of Edinburgh. Prior to joining SRUC in 2021, Maciej had been involved in number of international multidisciplinary research consortia at Forest Research, Bangor University and Edinburgh Napier University. In years 2021 to 2023, Maciej was also involved in the commercial research services at SAC Consulting and led crop pest and disease diagnostics service provided to Scottish agricultural sector.

His current research interests are:

• fundamental biology and evolution of fungal plant pathogens
• the application of novel methods to prevent postharvest spoilage of fresh produce, fruit and vegetables
• understanding the structure, interactions and function of microbial communities in various terrestrial environments

Dr Hadi Aliki: Dr Aliki did his initial studies in Mosul in Iraq and worked for the University of Sulaimani supervising field trials research and delivering classes to learners on plant physiology and crop protection. He moved to the UK and completed a PhD examining the allelopathic effects of plant and the potential to control weeds using this technique. He gained further experience on weed control at Harper Adams and has also managed glasshouse facilities. He is the manager of SRUC’s new Vertical farm facility and continues to deliver teaching to undergraduates.

Dr Fisayo Daramola: Dr Daramola is a nematologist. She graduated from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria having studied Agriculture to Honours and Masters level.  She then successfully completed a PhD at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in Nigeria, looking at nematodes which attack pineapple production in Southern Nigeria.  Fisayo then gained three years teaching experience in the Biological Sciences Department of the Covenant University in Nigeria before moving to the Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa to do a Post doctoral project on diversity of plant parasitic nematodes. At SRUC, she supervises undergraduate learner projects and delivers teaching onto SRUC courses.

Dr Arthy Surendran: Biotechnologist specialised pathology and crop nutrition expert with nearly 10 years research and teaching experience. Her research interest is on enhancing circular economy in the agriculture by identify novel biofertliser and biostimulant. She is interested in the process and mechanism involved along with the formulation to harness the maximum benefit of biofertlisers and biostimulants.

Professor Neil Havis: Professor Havis is a plant pathologist. He did his initial studies at the forerunner of SRUC and completed a PhD at the University of Glasgow on the development of a new group of fungicides.  He has been employed at SRUC since 1996 and has undertaken research into cereal and oilseed rape diseases, focussing on biology, life cycles, diagnosis and prediction models. He delivers teaching onto SRUC undergraduate courses and post graduate courses at the University of Edinburgh.