1) Knowledge and understanding: the course aim to provide the student with the basic principles of crop breeding, variety registration and seed production.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding: theoretical and practical aspects of reproductive biology of higher plants are addressed including those modifications of the reproductive system that are of practical interest. Additional teaching objectives are the collection, storage and evaluation of genetic resources, the development of plant breeding schemes, the characterization, reproduction, conservative selection of plant varieties, the adoption of advanced strategies for the control of reproductive biology and the co-existence of conventional and genetically modified crops.
3) Making judgements: the advantages and disadvantages of each presented technology are illustrated, to develop the student's critical sense.
4) Communication skills: students are asked questions during the classes, both to keep their attention and to teach them to ask questions and give adequate answers.
5) Learning skills: the theoretical bases of processes underlying plant reproductive biology, plant breeding schemes and stragetgies to select improved varieties through conventional breeding.