Agric. And Bio-Resource Management
- Agricultural Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 158 pages
- 24 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic Biology
- Basic Ecology
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRP308, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRP308 · UNIT 2 SOURCES OF GENETIC DIVERSITY
Genetic diversity arises primarily as variants in the linear sequence of nucleotides in DNA. Mutations can happen in the coding region of genes, or the spacer regions within and between genes, in the number of copies of genes, the linkage relation between several genes, or indeed in whole chromosomes.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concepts of genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
- Identify the causes and effects of genetic erosion.
- Describe the mechanisms of genetic recombination and its applications.
- Discuss the importance of germplasm conservation and appropriation.
- Explain the principles and applications of plant biotechnology.
- Analyze the socio-economic and biophysical factors influencing biodiversity.
- Evaluate different approaches to biodiversity management.
What it prepares you for
- Conservation Biologist
- Environmental Manager
- Agricultural Scientist
- Plant Breeder
- Bio-resource Manager
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Environmental Conservation
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- GIS software
- DNA sequencing technologies
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Genetic Erosion
Unit 3: Habitat Fragmentation and Genetic Erosion
Understanding the effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity requires grasping complex ecological and genetic interactions.
- Module 4: Genetic Recombination
Unit 1: Mechanism of Genetic recombination (crossing over)
The mechanism of genetic recombination, especially crossing over, involves detailed knowledge of chromosome behavior and molecular processes.
- Module 8: Bio-resource Management
Unit 2: Biotechnological Legislation
Understanding the policy and institutional frameworks for bio-resource management requires familiarity with legal and regulatory systems.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Genetic Diversity
Unit 1: Definition and Importance of Genetic Diversity · 1.5 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 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 2Module 2: Species Diversity
Unit 1: Species diversity and importance · 1.5 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 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 3Module 2: Species Diversity
Unit 3: Local species in Nigeria · 2 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 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 4Module 3: Genetic Erosion
Unit 1: Explanation of Genetic Erosion · 2 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 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 5Module 3: Genetic Erosion
Unit 3: Habitat Fragmentation and Genetic Erosion · 2 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 6Module 4: Genetic Recombination
Unit 1: Mechanism of Genetic recombination (crossing over) · 2 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 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 7Module 5: Germplasm Appropriation
Unit 1: Definition of Germplasm · 1.5 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 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 8Module 5: Germplasm Appropriation
Unit 3: Germplasm Appropriation · 2 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 9Module 6: Plant Biotechnology
Unit 1: Plant Biotechnology Types · 1.5 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 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 10Module 6: Plant Biotechnology
Unit 3: Applications of Biotechnology in Forestry · 2 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 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 11Module 7: Biology Diversity
Unit 1: Historical perspectives · 1 hour
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 hour
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 hour
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 12Module 7: Biology Diversity
Unit 4: Bio-diversity on the farm · 2 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 13Module 8: Bio-resource Management
Unit 1: Bio-resource Management · 1.5 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 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 hour
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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key terms like genetic diversity, species richness, and ecosystem services.
- Create concept maps linking genetic erosion causes to management strategies (Units 7-9).
- Practice applying bio-resource management principles to real-world scenarios.
- Focus on understanding the different approaches to biodiversity management (in-situ, ex-situ, etc.).
- Study examples of successful and unsuccessful biodiversity conservation projects in Nigeria.
- Prepare concise summaries of the key legislation and policies related to bio-resource management.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness.
- Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final examination.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRP308 about?
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.
How many units does CRP308 have?
CRP308, Agric. And Bio-Resource Management, has 24 units across 8 modules, over 158 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRP308?
CRP308 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is CRP308 hard?
CRP308 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CRP308 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 24 units.
How is CRP308 assessed?
CRP308 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What do I need before starting CRP308?
Basic Biology Basic Ecology
What can I do with CRP308?
Conservation Biologist, Environmental Manager, Agricultural Scientist, Plant Breeder and Bio resource Manager.