Availabilities:

LocationDomesticInternational
OnlineSession 2Session 2

Unit description

This unit explores key components of farming systems such as soil health and plant and animal productivity. Farming systems as part of the landscape in a geographic and human context will be introduced. Different farming styles and alternative farming systems will be discussed.  Students will investigate a range of regenerative approaches and the demands on human capacity.

Unit content

 
  • Overview of key components of farming systems (water, soil, plants and animals)
  • Influence of climate, soils and topography on farming landscapes
  • The context of any farming system, including geography, population and infrastructure
  • Alternative farming systems (such as organic, holistic, regenerative and permaculture)
  • Pest, nutrient and disease management
  • Management requirements and human capacity on farms

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1describe the factors that can constrain or enable farming systems Knowledge of a discipline
2compare and contrast farming systems Knowledge of a disciplineCultural competence
3discuss the underpinning principles of regenerative agriculture Knowledge of a discipline
4discuss the role of human capacity in a farming system.Communication and social skills

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. describe the factors that can constrain or enable farming systems
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. compare and contrast farming systems
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  3. discuss the underpinning principles of regenerative agriculture
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. discuss the role of human capacity in a farming system.
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Prescribed texts

  • Brown, G, 2018, Dirt to Soil, Chelsea Green Publishing.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning 3 hours (12 weeks)
Residential session 4 days (1 week)
Assessment
Discussion board15%
Discussion board15%
Report40%
Reflective writing30%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2020 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 2

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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