Module: Biological Pest Control (3603-490)

Persons:

• Prof.Dr. Claus Zebitz (verantwortlich)

Degree Program:

• Earth System Science (Master, since 01.10.2013)
  3. Semester, elective
• Crop Sciences - Plant Nutrition and Protection (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  2. Semester, elective
• Organic Agriculture and Food Systems (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  2. Semester, elective
• Agricultural Sciences - Major: Crop Production Systems (Master, since 01.10.2015)
  2. Semester, semi-elective
• Earth and Climate System Science (Master, since 01.10.2017)
  3. Semester, elective
• Bioeconomy (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  2. Semester, elective
• Bioeconomy (starting WS 16/17) (Master, since 01.04.2017)
  2. Semester, elective

Relation to other Modules:

This module is a good combination with the module "Exercises in Biological Pest Control" (3603-500) (limited number of participants!)

Prerequisites for Attendance:

Basic knowledge in crop protection, incl. principles of biological control (module "Pflanzenschutz" 3603-210 (in german) or equivalents of other universities)

Sprache:

English

ECTS:

6 credits

Frequency:

every summer semester

Length of the Module:

1 semester

Compulsory assignment:

Written paper in groups (30 %)

Final examination:

Written exam (70 %)

Length of the examination:

120 minutes

Workload:

56 h presence + 104 h preparation at home + exam = 160 h workload

Professional competences:

After completing this module, students understand in depth the potential of the respective antagonist groups, the biology of antagonists and their use in practice. Students are able to identify biocontrol relevant processes in ecosystems, to analyse their interactions and to estimate positive and negative consequences of biological pest control. They are proficient in drawing the necessary information for benefit-risk-analyses from the available literature and integrate this information into strategy models. Students are finally aware of the limits and risks of biological pest control.

Key competences:

During preparation for the exam, while preparing and following up on lectures and with the compilation of a written scientific paper (in groups), students practice self-reliance, time management and team work. They practice both critical and analytical thinking and reading of scientific literature and they improve their capability of exploring and articulating a scientific issue. In case studies they learn to define scientific problems and design consistent research and development plans in biological pest control.

Comments:

This module exclusively covers biological control of insect and mite pests.

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