| Module Title: | Organic Food and the Environment |
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| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
This module will be delivered using a learner-centred approach with a strong emphasis on the sustainability of current practices in organic food production.
A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used such as lectures, guest lecturers, group workshop, case-studies, group discussions and group activities. |
| Module Aim: |
The aim of the module is to develop learners critical thinking and understanding of the complex interrelations between food production in organic systems and:
-The environment
-Social, and political stimulus
-Human health and nutrition
-Food security and
-Climate change |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to: |
| LO1 |
Comprehend the advantages and limitations of organic agriculture as a food production system, with regard to the effect on agri-ecosystem services |
| LO2 |
Critique the interrelations between agriculture, food and climate change |
| LO3 |
Understand the societal expectations of organic food production |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
|
| No recommendations listed |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. |
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
|
| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. |
| No requirements listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
|
Organic Production Systems
Historical Background, Principles of Organic Agriculture, Evolution of Food Production Systems, The Sociology of Agriculture and Food, Food Safety and Security, Food and Agriculture Policy, Adoption of Organic Agriculture, Issues and Challenges, Local and Global Food Systems, Nutrition and Health Effects of Organic Foods, etc
|
|
The Impact of Organic Food Production
Production within Planetary Limits, Food Quality and Nutrient Density, Product (Carbon) Life Cycle and Global Trade, Environmental Impact of Food and Food Processing, Introduction to Food Supply Chains (FSC), Production Quantities and Food Security, Sustainable Consumption, Commodity and Product Premiums, Cost of Production, etc
|
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Environmental Impact
Land Use Efficiency, Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Soil – Air – Water Quality, Biodiversity, Carbon Sinks, Pesticides, Organic Fertilisers, Ecological Services, Climate Change etc.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Continuous Assessment | 40.00% |
| Project | 60.00% |
| Continuous Assessment |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Examination |
In class assessment examining the students understanding of Learning Outcomes. |
1,2,3 |
40.00 |
n/a |
| Project |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
Research report on an aspect relating to the sustainability of organic food production systems and factors that can improve the sustainability. |
1,2,3 |
60.00 |
n/a |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
| Continuous Assessment |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Examination |
In class assessment examining the students understanding of Learning Outcomes. |
1,2,3 |
40.00 |
n/a |
| Project |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
Research report on an aspect relating to the sustainability of organic food production systems and factors that can improve the sustainability. |
1,2,3 |
60.00 |
n/a |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
| Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) |
12 Weeks per Stage |
1.00 |
| Independent Learning |
12 Weeks per Stage |
3.00 |
| Total Hours |
72.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
| Lecturer Supervised Learning |
12 Weeks per Stage |
1.00 |
| Independent Learning Time |
12 Weeks per Stage |
3.00 |
| Total Hours |
72.00 |
Module Delivered In
|
