Bio Resources Management

1. Explain the origin and levels of biodiversity.
2. Describe the characteristics and elements of an ecosystem.
3. Identify the causes and effects of genetic erosion.
4. Discuss the benefits and risks of plant biotechnology.
5. Define germplasm and its conservation methods.
6. Explain bio-resource management and relevant legislation in Nigeria.

13 weeks, about 67 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Biological Diversity

   • Unit 1: Historical Perspectives · 2 hours

     Read the introduction to biodiversity and its historical context.. Understand the different definitions of biodiversity.. Identify and differentiate between the levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity..

   • Unit 2: The Ecosystem · 2 hours

     Define the term 'ecosystem' and understand its components.. Study the characteristics of an ecosystem: composition, structure, and function.. Explain the elements of the ecosystem: genetic variation, distinct species, and associations of species..

2. Week 2Module 1: Biological Diversity

   • Unit 3: The Nigerian Ecosystem · 3 hours

     Examine the status of biodiversity in the Nigerian ecosystem.. Identify and list local species of cereals, legumes, and fruit trees in Nigeria.. Understand the importance of these species to the local economy and environment..

   • Unit 4: Types and Uses of Biodiversity · 2 hours

     Explain the types of biodiversity: functional, taxonomic, and genetic diversity.. Discuss the various uses of biodiversity, including food, shelter, environmental maintenance, agriculture, and forest products.. Understand the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance..

3. Week 3Module 2: Genetic Erosion

   • Unit 1: Genetic Erosion · 3 hours

     Define genetic erosion and understand its causes.. Identify the reasons for genetic erosion in both plant and animal populations.. Understand the impact of technological advancements on genetic erosion..

   • Unit 2: Genetic Erosion in Nigeria · 2 hours

     Discuss the specific causes of genetic erosion in Nigeria.. Differentiate between the indirect and direct causes of genetic erosion.. Understand the human factors contributing to biodiversity loss in Nigeria..

4. Week 4Module 2: Genetic Erosion

   • Unit 3: Effects and Management of Genetic Erosion · 4 hours

     State the effects of genetic erosion on plant and animal species.. Discuss the methods for managing genetic erosion, including ex-situ and in-situ conservation.. Understand the importance of habitat preservation and good nursery management..

5. Week 5Module 3: Plant Biotechnology

   • Unit 1: Plant Biotechnology · 3 hours

     Define plant biotechnology and understand its role in improving plant productivity.. Explain the traits of interest in plants, including silvicultural, adaptability, and wood quality traits.. Understand how genetic alteration can result in unique gene combinations..

   • Unit 2: Historical Perspectives · 2 hours

     Explain the historical perspectives of biotechnology and its evolution.. State the indicators of biotechnological achievements in agriculture.. Mention the areas for future achievements in plant biotechnology..

6. Week 6Module 3: Plant Biotechnology

   • Unit 3: Benefits of Plant Biotechnology · 5 hours

     Discuss the benefits of plant biotechnology to farmers, producers, and consumers.. Understand how biotechnology can improve pest and weed control, increase yields, and enhance quality traits.. Explore the role of biotechnology in addressing global food security..

7. Week 7Module 3: Plant Biotechnology

   • Unit 4: Applications of Biotechnology in Forestry · 3 hours

     Identify the benefits of biotechnology in forestry, such as increased wood yield and disease resistance.. Explain the potential risks of plant biotechnology in forest production, including invasive species and environmental impacts.. Understand the importance of sustainable means of producing wood and paper products..

   • Unit 5: Forest Biotechnology and Conservation · 2 hours

     State the need for forest conservation and its ecological value.. State the strategies for conserving forest trees, including shifting away from commercial logging and expanding protected areas.. Understand the role of forest biotechnology in achieving conservation objectives..

8. Week 8Module 4: Germplasm Appropriation

   • Unit 1: What is Germplasm · 5 hours

     Define germplasm and understand its significance in preserving genetic potential.. Mention the potential germplasm storage centers, including seed banks and natural ecosystems.. Understand the importance of seed banks in preventing permanent loss of species..

9. Week 9Module 4: Germplasm Appropriation

   • Unit 2: Germplasm Conservations · 3 hours

     Define germplasm conservation and understand its importance in maintaining genetic materials.. State the need to conserve germplasm due to the rapid decline in wild biodiversity.. Identify the benefits of germplasm conservation, including building blocks for genetic improvement and adaptation to biotic stresses..

   • Unit 3: Germplasm Appropriation · 2 hours

     Discuss germplasm appropriation and the concept of Farmers' Rights.. Explain the appropriation status in Nigeria and the lack of enforced legislation.. Understand the importance of collaboration and harmonization in the development and use of high-yielding materials..

10. Week 10Module 5: Bio-resource Management and Legislation

    • Unit 1: Bio-resource Management · 5 hours

      Define bio-resource management and understand its role in sustaining biotic components.. Explain the status of bio-resource management in Nigeria and the agencies involved.. State the purposes of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and its projects.. Study the Nigerian projections on bio-resource management and the constraints faced.. Understand the importance of sustainable use of forest resources and preservation of soil, water, and wildlife..

11. Week 11Module 5: Bio-resource Management and Legislation

    • Unit 2: Biotechnological Legislation · 5 hours

      Discuss the legal status of bio-resource legislation and its role in protecting threatened ecosystems.. Explain the bio-resource legislations in Nigeria and the need for appropriate technology and enforcement.. Understand the global agreements committing countries to conserve biodiversity and share benefits resulting from their use..

12. Week 12Module 5: Bio-resource Management and Legislation

    • Unit 3: Approaches to Biodiversity Management · 6 hours

      Discuss the in-situ approach to biodiversity management and its focus on protecting habitats and ecosystems.. Explain the ex-situ approach and its concern with the deliberate removal of species from their original environment.. Understand the restoration and rehabilitation approach and its combination of in-situ and ex-situ methods.. Study the major land-use approach and its incorporation of protection, sustainable use, and equity criteria.. Examine the policy and institutional approach and its focus on establishing easements and arrangements between public agencies and private interests.. Understand the importance of deliberate efforts in managing biodiversity and the various strategies employed..

13. Week 13Final Revision

    • Course Review and Preparation · 8 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and definitions.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments..