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LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Session1
N/A

Unit description

Introduces the global extent and impact of food production systems through human history. Reviews different approaches to food production since the advent of agriculture. Presents a classification of food production systems, including industrial; conventional; traditional; organic; and agroecology. Focusses on sustainability challenges of feeding the growing population. Introduces the concept of regenerative agriculture and the world of complex systems.

Unit content

  • A complex systems view of food production
  • A long history of farming
  • The industrial agriculture phase
  • The (re)emergence of alternative agriculture and regenerative farming
  • The self as an integral element of the complexity paradigm
  • The role of the farmer in farming systems
  • Ecological dimensions of farming
  • Agroecology in action
  • Looking back and looking forward.

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
1discuss the attributes of complex systems in the context of food productionKnowledge of a disciplineCultural competence
2describe the social, cultural and environmental characteristics of different food production systems over timeKnowledge of a disciplineCultural competence
3discuss some of the complex influences on farmer decision-makingEthical practice
4identify strategies for achieving a more sustainable food production systemKnowledge of a discipline

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

  1. discuss the attributes of complex systems in the context of food production
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  2. describe the social, cultural and environmental characteristics of different food production systems over time
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  3. discuss some of the complex influences on farmer decision-making
    • GA3: Ethical practice
  4. identify strategies for achieving a more sustainable food production system
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Prescribed texts

  • Charles Massey, 2017, Call of the Reed Warbler, UQP.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning 2 hours (12 weeks)
Lecture online 2 hours (6 weeks)
Residential session 2 days (1 week)
Assessment
Discussion board15%
Portfolio50%
Reflective Journal35%
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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