AGRI 2007 Introduction to Agrifood

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Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 301443

Coordinator Zhonghua Chen Opens in new window

Description This unit introduces the concepts driving current food production science in terms of universal life cycles, constraints to production and societal issues. Throughout the unit, key questions will be addressed: What are the major health benefits and potential concerns regarding the intensification of production and consumption of food? How does agricultural production affect the efficient use of resources and impact our environment? Can costs of production be reduced to meet the growing demand for food products around the globe while maintaining health and safety for consumers? What are the different types of food production systems? The unit is geared towards learners who seek a greater understanding of food systems and have a desire to learn more about issues surrounding sustainability.

School Science

Discipline Agricultural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions Successful completion of 60 credit points

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Identify agricultural production systems and sustainable agriculture practices.
  2. Explain key principles and contemporary issues in sustainable agriculture.
  3. Apply problem-solving skills to sustainable agricultural issues through the process of scientific inquiry.
  4. Describe ethical considerations affecting both scientific and professional activities within sustainable agriculture.

Subject Content

1. Sustainable Agriculture principles, challenges and goals.
2. Agricultural systems and sectors (agronomy, agricultural enterprises and digital technologies).
3. Sustainable management of natural resources.
4. Sustainable Agrifood systems.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Analysis of Agrifood enterprise data Exercise equivalent to 120 minutes of problem solving 30 N Individual
Quizzes 6 quizzes of equal weighting (5% each) held in class sessions 30 N Individual
Exam 2hrs 40 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Conway G 2012. One Billion hungry: Can we feed the world, Cornell University Press, Ithaca & London

Teaching Periods

Autumn

Hawkesbury

Day

Subject Contact Zhonghua Chen Opens in new window

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