Biophysics of Plant Production

44B0695

Bachelor

German

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

Plant science students start their studies with a very heterogeneous basic knowledge of mathematics and physics. As a rule, insufficient qualifications have been acquired in both areas at school and there are considerable deficits, so that the first aim of the module must be to raise the students to a uniformly good and common basic level.  

The module is designed as a Y-module. The basic part is taught together with the Ecotrophology course. This connection is very useful, as both courses have a lot in common in terms of natural sciences. 

The special part is only for plant science students. Here, the focus is particularly on the plant-specific aspects of basic physical knowledge, e.g. with regard to photosynthesis and plant production. 

The module is divided into two parts:

Part 1: Physical principles of nature 

Part 2: Physical principles of plant production using examples

Part 1: Physical principles of nature

1. Units, quantities, scalars, vectors, operators

2. Basics: motion and natural forces - causes and effects

3. Basics: building blocks of nature - quarks, electrons

4. Basics: electromagnetism - current and photons 

5. Basics: thermodynamic quantities - temperature, heat, pressure

6. Basics: conservation variables - momentum and energy

7. Material properties of liquids, solids, gases - density, heat transport, heat storage, photon emission, etc.

8. Conservation of energy: energy conversion and balancing

9. Conservation of energy: superposition and quantum leaps

10. Conservation of energy: resistance and efficiency

Part 2: Physical principles of plant production using examples

1. Root growth and gravitational force

2. Insect flight and Coulomb force

3. Electron transport in plant cells

4. Ice - water - air humidity and the Mollier-hx diagram

5. Heat transport in the greenhouse

6. Global radiation and photosynthesis 

7. Water transport system soil - plant - air

8. Energy conversion in greenhouse plant production

9. Efficiency comparison of photovoltaics and photosynthesis

10. Light collection complexes of photosynthesis and superposition 

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

The weekly quick tests (short math problems or multiple choice) are carried out during the lecture period. After the tests have been carried out, the test is discussed with the students and possible results are reviewed. This enables students to assess their own level of knowledge and ability. Lecturers know where further explanations are necessary.

• Portfolio exam

The portfolio examination consists of an oral examination (max. 70 points) + K10 (max. 30 points). K10 are 10-minute weekly tests with a maximum of 5 points per test. The 6 best tests are included in the final grade.

none, possibly preliminary math course

Students at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences who have successfully completed this module are able to recognize relationships, laws and basic physical rules in natural and technical processes. They are able to communicate on a natural science level in the areas of plant production.

Students can understand and apply the basics of texts and knowledge documents (e.g. Wikipedia texts on physics or physical-technical textbooks).

Skills - instrumental competence
After successfully completing the module, students can set up energy balance equations with correct and appropriate physical dimensions.

Skills - communicative competence
Students can discuss and interpret fundamental relationships in nature and technology at a basic level.

Skills - systemic competence
Students in this module have acquired the confidence to work with correct units and physical quantities for their professional life.

Students who complete the module are able to physically analyze new and unfamiliar methods and processes in plant production and understand their basic principles. This will enable them to work on technically and biophysically oriented questions and tasks in the further course of their studies and to critically use knowledge offers, e.g. from the Internet. 

Students who complete the module are motivated to work on systems, processes and procedures scientifically. They are curious about acquiring further knowledge and making innovative discoveries through scientific activity in a technical-biophysical environment.  In particular, they have overcome the often existing aversion and shyness towards the very exciting physical aspects of natural science.  

Students who have completed this module are able to communicate scientifically using the appropriate technical terms and units. In particular, they are able to access physics-technically oriented texts of a simple category (e.g. from the Internet). They are able to understand and use (possibly with help) biophysically oriented specialist books and articles. They begin to familiarize themselves with the nomenclature and technical terms of the natural sciences, especially the basic physical dimensions.

Students who complete the module begin to develop a self-image that is characterized by a scientific approach, commitment, curiosity and enjoyment of discovering connections in nature and technology. After completing the module, this basic self-image is based not only on biological knowledge, but also in particular on mathematical and physical knowledge about our world. In particular, knowledge of the links between plants, humans and technology leads to a steadily increasing level of professionalism. 

• Rath, Thomas

• Rath, Thomas