SYST C4F01 - Environmentally Sustainable Food Systems

Module Title:Environmentally Sustainable Food Systems
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be delivered using a learner-centred approach with a strong emphasis on the sustainability of current practices in day-to-day agriculture. 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 of the root causes of unsustainable practice, alternative models of agriculture and nutrition, and propose and appraise innovative systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Comprehend the key historical, ethical, economic, social, cultural and political dynamics leading to current systems
LO2 : Critique the complex interrelations between agriculture, food and public health paradigms within the food supply chain at both global and local scale
LO3 Re-evaluate and re-conceptualise the current agriculture and food system and the narrow framework in which it operates
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
Food Production Systems
Evolution of Food Production Systems, The Sociology of Agriculture and Food, Food Safety and Security, Food and Agriculture Policy, Issues and Challenges, Local and Global Food Systems, etc.
The Impact of 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, etc.
Food Supply Chain
Introduction to Food Supply Chains (FSC), Food Packaging and Food Waste reduction/management Impacts of climate change, Food Shelf Life, Urban Food, By-products, etc.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
Project60.00%
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 current food production systems and measures to address these. 1,2,3 60.00 n/a
No Practical
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
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EFARG_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Agricultural Systems Engineering 8 Elective
CW_SWSFM_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 8 Mandatory