LPLB10368U Organic Agriculture

Volume 2013/2014
Content

This course is a basic course in organic food production, linking ecological theory with organic farming practises. The course is targeted to students in the last part of their BSc studies who seeks knowledge of the principles, the practice and the environmental impacts of organic agriculture as well as an understanding of the application of ecological mechanisms in the organic production. The main content is:

- The natural and socio-economic conditions for and the staus of organic agriculture in Denmark, Europe and overseas

- Sustainability concepts and organic standards

- Principles and practise of cropping system design

- Crop and soil management, including fertilization, pest management and technological aspects of organic agriculture

- Function and management of biodiversity in organic farming

- Impacts of organic agriculture on nature and environment
Learning Outcome

 

After completing the course the student should be able to:

 

Knowledge

- Show overview of production practices in different contexts

- Reflect on the role of organic standards as an external condition for organic food production

 

Skills

- explain how ecological mechanisms are employed in management of crops and soils, nutrients and pests

- explain differences in the environmental impact of different farming systems

- retrieve, process and communicate information

 

Competencies

- discuss the values and principles behind the organic practices

- reflect on own learning
The course requires basic knowledge in natural sciences and can be followed by students with a background in e.g. agriculture, environmental science, biology, geography, etc. Basic knowledge within soil and crop science is an advantage. Please seek teacher advice vl@life.ku.dk if in doubt.
Learning methods are a combination of staff input and individual and group activities in class. They include lectures, workshops, independent reading and information gathering, student presentations, exercises and several excursions to relevant farms and research institutions.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 10
  • Exam
  • 10
  • Excursions
  • 20
  • Lectures
  • 35
  • Preparation
  • 96
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Portfolio
Oral examination
Description of Examination: An individual portfolio containing 4 of 6 deliverables is assessed, supplemented by an individual oral examination based on two deliverables, selected by the student and staff respectively.
Weight: 50% portfolio, 50% oral examination
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
1 intern bedømmer
Criteria for exam assesment
See learning goals