LB0108, Agroecology Basics, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Agricultural Science, Horticultural Science

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

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.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

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.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Agroecology - Master's Programme

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Assignment 1	2.0	0100
Group work and presentations	2.0	0200
Oral examination	2.0	0300
Oral presentation	3.0	0400
Written rapport	6.0	0500

The Course Replaces

LB0078