Plant Science - bachelor

180 credits, taught in Norwegian. Contact: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (IPM), www.umb.no/ipm, Contact: studieveileder-ipm@umb.no

Globally and nationally, there is increasing need for competence in many areas involving plant science, areas such as the production of plants for food, fodder and ornament, plant health, quality products and health aspects, development of green areas for recreation and sport, maintenance of cultural landscape and development of vigorous rural communities. Globally, the production of sufficient food and its distribution constitutes a considerable challenge whilst global climate changes will affect the possibilities of production of food in many areas. Plant production presents considerable challenges environmentally and as users demand more freedom of choice there will be more focus on production systems. Continuous search for knowledge in all sides of plant production will require increased attention to the importance of food for health and diet as a preventative measure for diseases. In this respect, our green surroundings are also important ? this includes green areas for sensory experiences and stimulation for physical activity. The plant science study programme connects the basic biology of plants and their use in practical agriculture.The Bachelor\'s degree with an average of C qualifies students to the Master\'s degree programme in Plant Sciences and Agroecology at UMB, and forms a basis for applying to related Master\'s programmes in Norway and abroad. Bachelor\'s degree education is in itself not a professional education, but the programme gives a foundation to positions in consultation, advisory work and in private companies connected to agriculture and green areas.

Admission requirements
More general information on admission to UMB: http://www.umb.no/study-options/article/admission Higher Education Entrance Qualification; specific requirements in science.

Internationalisation, studies abroad and exhange agreements
Engelsk:The programme is to a large extent comprised of courses which together provide both basic and international qualities, and give the opportunity for further studies in an international Master\'s programme in the study field. The Bachelor\'s degree is, however, primarily focused on Norwegian conditions and competence building for Northern Europe. The mandatory specialization courses will be offered in English from 2011/2012.Students are encouraged to take part of their study plan abroad, preferably in the spring of the second study year or in the third year (or in the Masters study). Students are recommended to take some obligatory subjects in their period abroad to maintain a satisfactory progression in their subject in their study plan. They are also encouraged to choose elective courses in areas where the host university is particularly strong. UMB has exchange agreements with many universities, for example the University of Viterbo, Italy, University of Bordeaux, France, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA, Lincoln University, New Zealand.

Students from other colleges or universities may set up their study plan together with the student adviser. Some courses may be given in English if requested by the students. Contract of individual course is possible.

Related studies
Those who choose the specialisation in horticulture or agriculture will have quite a bit in common with the study programmes in environment and natural resources, biology,animal science and food science. The specialisation in urban environment has similarities to landscape architecture, nature management and forestry. The programme is interdisciplinary and has a large number of courses from other departments.

Learning goals
Knowledge: A candidate who has completed the education is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in the knowledge, skills and expertise. Knowledge: Have solid knowledge in basic subjects such as mathematics, statistics, chemistry, genetics, botany, plant physiology and microbiology. Have basic knowledge of natural resources, including plant and animal life, plant biotechnology, soil and land use. Have skills to meet future challenges in developing more sustainable solutions both in agriculture and urban greening. Have solid knowledge in the studyprogram?s specializations. Understand the interactions between plants and the environment in agriculture, natural vegetation and urban greening. Skills: Can solve applied problems related to plants and product quality, plant breeding, plant knowledge and environment. Can obtain (sampling, basic research in the field and in the laboratory) and process (simple statistical analysis) experimental data Finding, consider and referring to the subject matter and present it to highlight problems related to crop production and urban greening. Competencies: Structuring semester to get a steady workload. Updating its ability to obtain subject matter through various sources. Reflecting on their professional judgment with help of the supervisor. Plan and carry out simple tasks related to the field so that professional and ethical standards are met. Communicate their knowledge and results both orally and in writing. Participate in group work, discussions and share experiences in their field and express their opinions in a constructive manner.

Teaching and evaluation methods
The programme has a broad foundation in natural sciences which is further developed in an applied plant science context. Theory and practice are combined to develop good problem solving skills. The programme combines lectures, laboratory, demonstrations and field work, excursions, seminars, group work and independent work. The program consists of several courses at 200 level where the content is based on new research in the area.The programme utilises both continuous assessment with or without a final examination, or final examinations only. The continuous assessment is carried out through journals, multiple choice exams etc. Some tests are internet-based. Assessment is based mainly on individual performance. Focus is put on the student\'s ability to work independently. However, group performance can also be assessed. Students will have both written and oral examinations.

Programme content
The following Science courses at 100 level is required for both disciplines Agriculture and Horticulture and Green Environment: Introductory course in plant science, mathematics, statistics, ex. phil., general chemistry, plant diversity, plant physiology and soil science. Specialization of the specialized agricultural and horticultural contains the following topics: soil as a growth medium, genetics, microbiology, plant physiology, diseases, pests and weeds in agriculture and horticulture, plant biotechnology and production physiology. In addition, students must choose at least one of four 15 ECTS courses within production systems in plant cultivation. The remaining courses are electives. Specialization of the specialized green environment contains the following topics: ecology, general zoology, geology, green space management, landscape plants, identification and characteristics, Finance (can be replaced with environmental and resource economics), legal method and Norwegian legal system, land use planning, park and green construction, pesticides in green areas and landscape plants, establishment and management. The remaining courses are electives. Bachelor\'s thesis is optional for both programs.

Spesialisation requirements
Two specialisations are offered in the study programme: Agriculture and horticulture, and Urban horticulture. A minimum of 80 study points is required in one of these specialisations. Students specialising in agriculture and horticulture take the following courses: Introduction to plant science, plant diversity, plant physiology, genetics, soil science, microbiology, advanced plant physiology, soil and plant nutrition, plant protection, growth physiology, plant biotechnology and one course (15 sp) from a list of four theme courses at 200 level in production systems in plant growing. Students specialising in urban horticulture take the following courses: Introduction in plant science, plant diversity, plant physiology, soil science, landscape plants identification and characteristics, area planning, ecology, soil fertility and plant nutrition, plant protection in urban horticulture, business economy (or resource economics) and legal methods and the Norwegian legal system.

Student advising

Evaluation