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Not currently available in 2021

Unit description

Provides a sociological and ecological outlook of the food system in examining the what, the why and how we eat. It examines the interconnections between food production, its consumption and food sustainability, through sociocultural, economic, technological and environmental perspectives. A range of issues related to the current food system, its potential to impact human health, and the future of food are critically explored. 

Unit content

What's on the Menu

  • Why study food ecology through a ‘food systems’ landscape?
  • What, why and how we eat: Historical influences
  • What, why and how we eat: Sociological influences
  • The food system: Introduction and contemporary challenges
  • From paddock to plate and beyond: The business of food
  • The future of food: Alternative solutions to contemporary mainstream practices
  • Industrialisation of food: Transformations of the food supply
  • Industrialisation of food: Transition to a third food regime
  • The food system and its influence on consumption and human and environmental health
  • How to conduct a literature search and be a critical reader

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 historical relationship between the food system, from the Hunter-gatherers to modern day, and the evolution of the human food supplyKnowledge of a discipline
2explain personal, sociological (e.g. sociocultural, political, economic, philosophical) and environmental factors that influence food consumption, diet and lifestyleKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skills
3describe the food system in terms of its complexity, sustainability and the contemporary challenges it facesKnowledge of a discipline
4discuss the relationship between food production, its distribution and supply, and the environmental, technological, economic, political and sociological landscapesKnowledge of a discipline
5discuss how aspects of the food system (e.g. food processing, retailing, mass media, food policy) have the potential to influence food consumption and human healthIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learningCommunication and social skills
6discuss the future of food in the context of the food systemKnowledge of a discipline
7conduct a search of credible information sources, and to critically interpret, synthesise and communicate this information in writingLifelong learningCommunication and social skills

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

  1. describe the historical relationship between the food system, from the Hunter-gatherers to modern day, and the evolution of the human food supply
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. explain personal, sociological (e.g. sociocultural, political, economic, philosophical) and environmental factors that influence food consumption, diet and lifestyle
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  3. describe the food system in terms of its complexity, sustainability and the contemporary challenges it faces
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. discuss the relationship between food production, its distribution and supply, and the environmental, technological, economic, political and sociological landscapes
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. discuss how aspects of the food system (e.g. food processing, retailing, mass media, food policy) have the potential to influence food consumption and human health
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  6. discuss the future of food in the context of the food system
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  7. conduct a search of credible information sources, and to critically interpret, synthesise and communicate this information in writing
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Teaching and assessment

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.

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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