BZ5520 - Agroecology
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 2 |
| Administered by: | School of Marine & Tropical Biology (pre 2015) |
Available to postgraduate students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Science, Graduate Diploma of Science, Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, Master of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced), Masters of Development Practice, Graduate Certificate of Development Practice, Graduate Diploma of Development Practice or Masters of Science.
The challenge of meeting increased demands for agricultural products under conditions of climatic change, while at the same time avoiding environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, is a demanding one. Agroecology, the ecology of food systems, is central to meeting this challenge. The subject is structured in three parts. First, we look at key ecological and human components of the food system. Second, we examine the performance in 'multiple dimensions' of the food system. Finally, we discuss agronomic, political, and social approaches to meeting the complex challenges mentioned above. Lectures within each subject section are interspersed with classes addressing specific issues of global importance. The subject has a strong emphasis on the developing world.
Learning Outcomes
- understanding the concept of the food system and the challenges facing it;
- develop an awareness of the multidimensional nature of agricultural sustainability;
- develop an informed opinion on current food-related problems of global significance and how to approach them;
- gain an enhanced understanding of functioning of agroecosystems and other key components of the food system, particularly with regard to critical resources and processes.
| Assumed Knowledge: | Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in plant or agricultural science, ecology, environmental science or allied fields, or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other studies. |
| Inadmissible Subject Combinations: | AG3005 AG5005 BZ3520 |
Availabilities | |
| Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1 | |
| Census Date 27-Mar-2014 | |
| Coordinator: | Dr Charles Clarke |
| Contact hours: |
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| Assessment: | end of semester exam (50%); other exams (15%); assignments (35%). |
| Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1 | |
| Census Date 27-Mar-2014 | |
| Coordinator: | Dr Charles Clarke |
| Contact hours: |
|
| Assessment: | end of semester exam (50%); other exams (15%); assignments (35%). |
Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.