This module provides a grounding in statistics and data analysis for non-mathematicians, by starting with the basics then developing the skills required to successfully analyse data generated through dissertation projects.

Students will familiarise themselves with the open-source statistical package 'R' for analysis. The materials covered include describing data, producing figures, comparing differences between groups, correlation and associations, regression analysis and experimental design.

The module also provides a brief overview of methods beyond the module to provide awareness and a direction for further progress.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*

Students will plan, execute and present the findings of a Master's level research project within the area of food security. They are expected to undertake this project with their employer or an associated company. The content will vary depending upon the specialisation of the project.

The emphasis is on applying skills learnt during the course. This will require students to self-manage their project; to effectively present data using flow diagrams, graphs and tables, and statistical analysis to enhance the communication of quantitative and/or qualitative data. These skills will allow them to integrate information to deliver technically sound solutions to various problems regarding food security.

This module will teach the use of standard project management tools to deliver predetermined goals effectively and on time. This will be done via planning a food security research schedule and (where necessary) aligning it with a student’s current employment duties.

The student will be introduced to key aspects of the food security challenge. They will explore the many factors that combine to impact food availability and the access that people have to food. In particular, they will study themes of food production, distribution and waste. Additionally, consideration is given to the environmental effects on food production and students will explore how we can work to make more food available in an environmentally responsible fashion.

Throughout the module, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the global food system and its component parts, understand the potentially conflicting impacts of making changes. On completion of the module, students will be able to participate in an informed manner in discussions/debates on food system issues; be able to raise the profile of issues within food chain companies; and increase the chances of changing food practices for the better.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*

The literature review is a substantial written piece of work. The specific subject will depend on the area in which the literature review is to be undertaken, but is expected to be on a topic of relevance to food security.

The scope of the review will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the student consulting with their academic supervisor, who will be appointed according to their specific expertise. In addition to this, two short pieces of coursework are designed to ensure that all students have a minimum level of proficiency to allow them to be able to undertake a literature review.

Students will be equipped with the skills to synthesise and analyse information from a wide variety of sources, structure this information, and express it in a coherent form. Each student will read widely within an appropriately defined topic area/research question, and accurately reference various information sources whilst avoiding plagiarism. This will require the use of database searching techniques to acquire relevant reference sources.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*

This module will consider all aspects of agricultural biotechnology, from a basic understanding of gene function and methods for gene isolation, through to the production of commercial GM crops. Students will cover a range of examples of the use of genetic modification for pure research and for the production of improved crop varieties, and will investigate the regulatory and ethical issues surrounding the use of transgenic plants in agriculture.

The syllabus will be presented as a series of topics, each comprising several 'issues'. Each issue will include a short video lecture and supplementary learning resources. The material will be presented in a way that makes the material accessible to non-specialists.

Students will learn to explain how genetic variation for a trait can be exploited for crop improvement. To this end they will be taught to summarise the different approaches for introducing DNA into plant cells to make transgenic plants, and summarise the diverse applications of plant genetic modification in fundamental and applied research. They will also come to appreciate the different attitudes towards the adoption of GM crops and provide examples of commercial applications of GM crop technology.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*

This module will introduce students to the key factors impacting the growth and yield of a range of key crops. Studying this module will help students to appreciate the science behind vegetative growth, photosynthesis and production, to inform best practice across the different components of a supply chain. Students will also benefit from insight and knowledge from leading producers of these crops and scientists from a range of research institutions.

The module focuses on the plant biology that is crucial in the regulation of plant growth, development and yielding. Students will learn the basic principles to enable them to intervene in the production process, to address the challenge of providing more good-quality, safe and nutritious food.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*

This module examines a range of environmental stresses that crops are likely to encounter and explores the ‘yield gap’ between predictions for agricultural systems and farmers’ actual yield. Students will consider the mechanisms by which these stresses impact plant growth, development and yield.

This will serve as a basis for understanding how to overcome these negative impacts by intervening genetically, or by changing the environment by modifying crop management. As a result, students will learn about crop management solutions, and the techniques by which crop genotype can be altered through plant breeding, genetic modification and/or grafting.

Students will also look at current information on the magnitude of the challenges faced and adaptations that minimise the impacts of environmental stress, provided by leading scientists from a range of research institutions, along with growers of selected crops.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*

This module examines how plants deal with biotic stress inflicted by pests and pathogens, how such pests affect crop yield, and current and future possible control mechanisms. Students will examine a range of ideas and develop a wide knowledge of the subject, within three key topics: pests and pathogens, plant resistance, and pest detection and control.

They will discuss different strategies used by pests and pathogens to attack plants, and the use of constitutive and induced defence by plants. In addition, students will become familiar with the regulatory environment. The research and analytical skills gained throughout this module are used to examine a range of approaches to control pests and disease. Students will also gain detailed, specialist knowledge, such as how to differentiate between crop protection strategies that directly target the pest and those that enhance natural biological mechanisms for pest control.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*

Soils are fundamental to our very existence, as a vital medium for food growth and a regulator of water quality and climate. Exploring concepts within three core topics – principles of soil science, soil biology, and soil management and global change – students learn about the importance and functions of a healthy soil system.

They will develop knowledge of soil nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and water and carbon cycling processes. In addition, students will explore the issues and mitigation options related to soil compaction, erosion and water quality, and the challenges and threats faced by soils in the light of global change.

*This is a distance learning module and not taught on Campus*