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CRP308Agricultural Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Agric. And Bio-Resource Management

This course introduces students to the principles of agriculture and bio-resource management. It explores genetic diversity, species diversity, and genetic erosion, emphasizing their importance in maintaining ecosystem health. The course also covers genetic recombination, germplasm appropriation, and plant biotechnology, highlighting their applications and potential risks. Students will learn about bio-resource legislation, biodiversity management approaches, and the socio-economic factors influencing biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.

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156h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Bio-resource ManagementGenetic DiversitySpecies DiversityGenetic ErosionPlant Biotechnology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Genetic Diversity

2

Species Diversity

3

Genetic Erosion

4

Genetic Recombination

5

Germplasm Appropriation

6

Plant Biotechnology

7

Bio-resource Management

8

Biodiversity Conservation

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

Basic Ecology

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Conservation Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Plant Breeder

Apply your skills in this growing field

Bio-resource Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureForestryEnvironmental ConservationBiotechnologyPharmaceuticals

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Genetic Diversity

3h

Unit 1: Definition and Importance of Genetic Diversity

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Definition and Importance of Genetic Diversity. Understand the concept of genetic diversity and its role in evolution.
•Define genetic diversity and explain its importance for the survival of species.
•Study examples of genetic diversity within populations and its impact on adaptation.

Unit 2: Sources of Genetic Diversity

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Sources of Genetic Diversity. Explore the different sources of genetic diversity, including mutation, recombination, and migration.
•Explain how mutations contribute to genetic variation.
•Describe the process of genetic recombination and its role in creating new genetic combinations.

Week

2

Module 2: Species Diversity

3h

Unit 1: Species diversity and importance

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Species diversity and importance. Understand the concept of species diversity and its importance in ecosystem functioning.
•Define species richness, heterogeneity, and evenness.
•Explain how species diversity contributes to ecosystem health and stability.

Unit 2: The Nigerian Ecosystem

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: The Nigerian Ecosystem. Explore the characteristics and elements of the Nigerian ecosystem.
•Define the ecosystem and its components.
•Describe the primary attributes of an ecosystem: composition, structure, and function.

Week

3

Module 2: Species Diversity

4h

Unit 3: Local species in Nigeria

2 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Local species in Nigeria. Identify local species of plants within the Nigerian ecosystem.
•Name examples of local cereals, legumes, and fruit trees.
•Discuss the importance of these species to the rural economy.

Unit 4: Socio-Economic and Biophysical Endowment

2 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Socio-Economic and Biophysical Endowment. Understand the socio-economic and biophysical factors influencing biodiversity in Nigeria.
•Explain the role of climate, population, and administrative structure.
•Discuss the impact of human activities on biological resources.

Week

4

Module 3: Genetic Erosion

4h

Unit 1: Explanation of Genetic Erosion

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Explanation of Genetic Erosion. Define genetic erosion and identify its causes.
•Explain the concept of genetic erosion and its impact on local adaptation.
•Identify factors contributing to genetic erosion, such as natural selection and dependence on improved varieties.

Unit 2: Effects and Management of Genetic Erosion

2 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Effects and Management of Genetic Erosion. Discuss the effects of genetic erosion and methods for its management.
•State the effects of genetic erosion on inbreeding and stress perception.
•Discuss ex-situ and in-situ conservation methods for managing genetic erosion.

Week

5

Module 3: Genetic Erosion

2h

Unit 3: Habitat Fragmentation and Genetic Erosion

2 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Habitat Fragmentation and Genetic Erosion. Understand the relationship between habitat fragmentation and genetic erosion.
•Explain how habitat fragmentation leads to genetic drift and inbreeding.
•Discuss the consequences of genetic erosion on adaptive responses.

Week

6

Module 4: Genetic Recombination

4h

Unit 1: Mechanism of Genetic recombination (crossing over)

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Mechanism of Genetic recombination (crossing over). Define genetic recombination and explain its mechanism.
•Explain the process of crossing over during meiosis.
•Describe the different types of genetic recombination.

Unit 2: Application of genetic recombination

2 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Application of genetic recombination. Discuss the applications of genetic recombination in plant science.
•Explain how genetic recombination is used in recombinant DNA technology.
•Discuss the benefits of genetic recombination in agriculture and medicine.

Week

7

Module 5: Germplasm Appropriation

3h

Unit 1: Definition of Germplasm

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Definition of Germplasm. Define germplasm and its importance in plant breeding.
•Explain the concept of germplasm and its role in preserving plant diversity.
•Discuss the reasons for collecting germplasm.

Unit 2: Germplasm Conservations

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Germplasm Conservations. Understand the methods of germplasm conservation.
•Explain the different types of germplasm conservation, including ex-situ and in-situ methods.
•Discuss the benefits of germplasm conservation.

Week

8

Module 5: Germplasm Appropriation

2h

Unit 3: Germplasm Appropriation

2 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Germplasm Appropriation. Discuss the concept of germplasm appropriation.
•Explain the status of germplasm conservation and appropriation.
•Understand the importance of farmers' rights and benefit sharing.

Week

9

Module 6: Plant Biotechnology

3h

Unit 1: Plant Biotechnology Types

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Plant Biotechnology Types. Define plant biotechnology and explain its types.
•Understand the different types of plant biotechnology, including mutation breeding and recombinant DNA technology.
•Explain the traits of interest in plants that are targeted by biotechnology.

Unit 2: Importance of Plant Biotechnology

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Importance of Plant Biotechnology. Discuss the importance of plant biotechnology to farmers, producers, and consumers.
•Explain the benefits of plant biotechnology in pest control and yield improvement.
•Discuss the role of plant biotechnology in enhancing nutritional qualities of crops.

Week

10

Module 6: Plant Biotechnology

4h

Unit 3: Applications of Biotechnology in Forestry

2 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Applications of Biotechnology in Forestry. Explain the applications of biotechnology in forestry.
•Discuss the benefits of biotechnology in forestry, such as improved yield and disease resistance.
•Explain the potential risks of plant biotechnology in forestry.

Unit 4: Forest Biotechnology and Conservation

2 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Forest Biotechnology and Conservation. Understand the need for conserving forest trees.
•State the strategies for conserving forest trees.
•Discuss the role of biotechnology in forest conservation.

Week

11

Module 7: Biology Diversity

3h

Unit 1: Historical perspectives

1 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Historical perspectives. Explore the historical perspectives of biological diversity.
•Explain the origin of the term 'biodiversity'.
•Define biodiversity from different perspectives.

Unit 2: Meaning of Biological diversity

1 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Meaning of Biological diversity. Understand the meaning of biological diversity.
•Define biodiversity and its components.
•Discuss the importance of biodiversity in human-managed and natural ecosystems.

Unit 3: Types and Uses of Biological diversity

1 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Types and Uses of Biological diversity. Explain the types and uses of biological diversity.
•Discuss genetic, species, and ecological diversity.
•Explain the uses of biodiversity in food, shelter, environmental maintenance, and agriculture.

Week

12

Module 7: Biology Diversity

2h

Unit 4: Bio-diversity on the farm

2 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Bio-diversity on the farm. Understand the importance of biodiversity on the farm.
•Explain the benefits of diverse cropping systems.
•Discuss strategies for increasing biodiversity on the farm.

Week

13

Module 8: Bio-resource Management

4h

Unit 1: Bio-resource Management

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Bio-resource Management. Define bio-resource management and its importance.
•Explain the status of bio-resource management in Nigeria.
•Discuss the purposes of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

Unit 2: Biotechnological Legislation

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Biotechnological Legislation. Explain bio-resource legislation in Nigeria.
•Discuss ways to protect and conserve biodiversity.
•Understand the legal framework for bio-resource management.

Unit 3: Approaches to Biodiversity Management

1 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Approaches to Biodiversity Management. Discuss the approaches to biodiversity management.
•Explain in-situ, ex-situ, and restoration approaches.
•Discuss land-use, policy, and multi-stakeholder approaches.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of key terms like genetic diversity, species richness, and ecosystem services.

2

Create concept maps linking genetic erosion causes to management strategies (Units 7-9).

3

Practice applying bio-resource management principles to real-world scenarios.

4

Focus on understanding the different approaches to biodiversity management (in-situ, ex-situ, etc.).

5

Study examples of successful and unsuccessful biodiversity conservation projects in Nigeria.

6

Prepare concise summaries of the key legislation and policies related to bio-resource management.

7

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness.

8

Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final examination.

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