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LB0108

Agroecology Basics

Through field studies, discussions and literature studies, the students explore basic principles and characteristics of agroecosystems, as open and interactive systems,. The course focuses on agroecosystems as integrated social and natural systems in constant change. Description of environmental factors, farming practices and socio-economic conditions that influence the sustainability of agricultural and horticultural production and livelihoods of farmers will be presented. Tools for understanding and developing such integrated systems, and methods for evaluating the production and performance of such systems, will be employed. The course is part of the Agroecology Master.

Course evaluation

Additional course evaluations for LB0108

Academic year 2022/2023

Agroecology Basics (LB0108-10116)

2022-08-29 - 2022-10-31

Academic year 2021/2022

Agroecology Basics (LB0108-10122)

2021-08-30 - 2021-11-01

Academic year 2020/2021

Agroecology Basics (LB0108-10163)

2020-08-31 - 2020-11-01

Academic year 2019/2020

Agroecology Basics (LB0108-10010)

2019-09-02 - 2019-10-31

Syllabus and other information

Syllabus

LB0108 Agroecology Basics, 15.0 Credits

Agroecology Basics

Subjects

Horticultural Science Agricultural Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title Credits Code
Single module 15.0 0101

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

5:Pass with Distinction, 4:Pass with Credit, 3:Pass, U:Fail The requirements for attaining different grades are described in the course assessment criteria which are contained in a supplement to the course syllabus. Current information on assessment criteria shall be made available at the start of the course.

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits, including 90 credits in one of the subjects/educational areas Social Science, Natural Science or Technology, and English 6.

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with basic and advanced knowledge and the ability to understand human-dominated ecosystems and their interaction/connectivity with the surrounding environment (natural and cultural), with the focus on agriculture systems.



On completion of the course, students will be able to:

- describe and critically analyse farming systems, including mutual interactions of socio-economical and biological components,

- demonstrate methodological abilities by using a holistic and systemic approach that includes human and local resources in a system.

Content

The course includes:



- Principles of systemic thinking and systems analysis, via lectures, scientific literature, case studies, student-led seminars, study visits and student assignments.

- Introduction and discussion of different aspects from different disciplines on the production and function of agroecosystems.

- On farm implementation of methods used within Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approaches in agroecology (such as semi-structured interviews, transect walks, farm mapping, timeline, resource flow map, group processing and presentations).

- Ecological and social conditions for the development of sustainable land use (agroecosystems shaped within several biomes, with different climatic, geological and biological processes and their interactions).

- Environmental, social and economic factors that influence the sustainability of agricultural and horticultural production.



Students will be evaluated though 4 compulsory assignments, including a definition of Agroecology, a report on farmer interview, a report on e-case study and a farming system analysis.

Formats and requirements for examination

The course will be examined in terms of project work presentation and exercises. To obtain the course credits, approved participation in all course components, approved reports and approved oral presentations will be required. If a student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.

If a student has been granted targeted study support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative form of assessment.

If this course is discontinued, SLU will decide on transitional provisions for the examination of students admitted under this syllabus who have not yet been awarded a Pass grade.

For the assessment an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after  the deadline for submission.  For more information, please refer to the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
  • If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
  • If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
  • If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.
  • For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course instance which the student has been admitted to and registered on.

If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information, please refer to the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Further information

Determined by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom landskap och trädgård (PN - LT)
Replaces: LB0078

Grading criteria

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course

Course facts

The course is offered as an independent course: Yes The course is offered as a programme course: Agroecology - Master's Programme Tuition fee: Tuition fee only for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens: 38060 SEK Cycle: Master’s level (A1N)
Subject: Horticultural Science Agricultural Science
Course code: LB0108 Application code: SLU-10045 Location: Alnarp Distance course: No Language: English Responsible department: Department of Plant Protection Biology Pace: 100%