LPLK10383U European Farming and Food Systems

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc programme in Agriculture
Content
The course has focus on land based production systems (food, fodder, biomass), their environmental effects and the context they are embedded in. An important part is methods and tools to work analytically and professionally with these systems on field, farm and system level.

In a two week field work the students engage in a real-life case, employing a structured work process. Through interactions with stakeholders areas of improvement are identified. The teaching and learning environment is characterized by being experiental (learning by doing) and interactive (involving stakeholders).


Course contents include:

- the natural, economic and regulatory conditions for farm and food systems in a European context
- working systematically with creating value
- training in field investigation of concrete topics and problems
- working with stakeholders and external partners
- tools to facilitate succesfull problem-based group work
Learning Outcome
After completing the course the student should:

Knowledge
- show overview of important conditions (biophysical, legal, economic and institutional) forming the context for European farm and food systems 

Skills
- demonstrate ability to select and apply appropriate methods to describe, analyse and develop viable solutions to, problems within European agriculture, food and environment

Competences
- show capacity to work systematically and professionally to create value within agriculture, food and environment  
- demonstrate awareness of own and other's professional capacities
- communicate ideas and giving constructive feedback efficiently to peers and stakeholders


BSc in agriculture or related areas.
The course is structured with 2 weeks of preparation, 2 weeks of field work and 4 weeks of processing and project work. Preparation includes teacher and student lead lectures and practicals on theory, methods and tools to be used in field work. Supervised groups prepare a synopsis before the field trip, conduct fieldwork, prepare and submit a course report. During the project process groups present their work receive feedback on, their proposals for viable solutions both from peers and from external professionals.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 24
  • Exam
  • 6
  • Excursions
  • 120
  • Guidance
  • 10
  • Lectures
  • 22
  • Practical exercises
  • 25
  • Preparation
  • 65
  • Project work
  • 140
  • Total
  • 412
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination
Description of Examination: Individual oral examination based on project report and course curriculum. Weight: Oral examination 100%
Exam registration requirements
Active participation in field work and group project work. Active contribution in preparation weeks and in peer reviewing.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam
If 10 or fewer register for the reexamination the examination form will be oral.
Criteria for exam assesment
See learning outcome