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Agricultural Biology

Course developer

Course abstract

Study course acquire with biological processes as the basis of agricultural production and environmental protection. Discuss cells and organisms as open systems and their mater and energy metabolism. Regulation of enzymes activity. Biodiversity of microorganisms and their use in biotechnology. Biocenosis.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Master students acquire in-depth knowledge of the diversity of living organisms, the formation, transformation and degradation of organic matter, the circulation of energy at different levels of the organization of biological systems - 1st, 2nd, 3rd test. Students are able to find the necessary literature, evaluate the applicability of information - independent work, on a pre-selected topic, which is presented in a seminar. Students are able to evaluate the factors influencing and limiting the accumulation, transformation and degradation of organic matter, understand their impact on crop formation.- essay and 4th test.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Carbohydrates, fats, proteins and biologically active compounds in cells and organisms-2h
2. Mineral elements in cell and organism. -2h
3. The forms and functions of water in the cell and organism. -2h
4. Energy exchange processes. -2h
5. Enzymes. Regulation of their activity-2h
6. Hormones, their role in the organism. -2h
7. Flow of information in the cell and organism. -2h
8. Cellular communication. -2h
9. Cell and organism as an open system. -2h
10. Photosynthesis and respiration. -2h
11. Productivity. -2h
12. Morphological and physiological diversity of microorganisms. -2h
13. Biotechnology methods and possibilities. -2h
14. Stability of biocenoses. -2h
15. Environmental pollution as a regulatory factor of organisms and biocenosis-2h

16. Future prospects for the utilization and use of substances and energy. -2h

Requirements for awarding credit points

During the semester - tests on certain topics. At the end - exam.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Reporting of laboratory works and explanation of the obtained results. Independent work in preparation for tests.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Working out and explanation of laboratory works-20 %
Essay-10%
Successfully written tests- 20%

Exam-50%

Compulsory reading

1. Biochemistry / Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham; with molecular graphic images by Michal Sabat. 2017.
2. Biochemistry / Denise R. Ferrier, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.2017
3. Šūnu bioloģija / Tūrs Selga. 2008
4. Renewable biologial systems for alternative sustainable energy production/FAO of the United Nations; edited by Kazuhisa Miyamoto.-Rome: FAO, 1997.-XVI, 108 p.:ill., tab.
5. Handbook of Plant and Crop Physiology. Edited by Mohammad Pessarakli. 1995./1024 pp.,ill 
6. Baltress V. Pārtikas ķīmija. Rīga, 1998, 478 lpp 

Further reading

1. Microbial control of weeds/ edited by David O.TeBeest. New York; London: Chapman and Hall, 1991.- VIII, 284 p.
2. Augu fizioloģija: funkcijas un mijiedarbība ar vidi/ Ģ Ieviņš, Rīga, LU, 2016

3. Pārtikas organiskā ķīmija/ V. Kreicbergs 2018

Periodicals and other sources

1. Ilustrētā Zinātne.Rīga: Mediju grupa TOPS. ISSN 1691-256X.
2. AgroTops Rīga: Aģentūra Agro apgāds ISSN 1407-5164

3. Saimnieks LV. Rīga: TEE BIO, 2004- ISSN 1691-1598

Notes

Academic master's study program "Agriculture".