Global Issues in Agriculture

Overview

This module investigates issues affecting agriculture at an international level. These include issues such as food safety, global population growth and food security, and climate change. In addition, mechanisms of policy formation and impacts of recent policy changes (such as decoupling of EU agricultural support) will be discussed. Possible future changes in agriculture related to issues such as obesity, or to increasing competition from aquaculture enterprises, will also be addressed.

Learning Objectives

On completion students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key issues affecting agriculture on a global scale. In particular, students will gain a greater understanding of likely future changes to conventional systems of agriculture. Critical assessment of the range of information available and synthesise info into a comprehensive discussion.

Skills

Written and oral skills: Information Computer Technology including bibliographic databases; sourcing evaluation and synthesising information; critical evaluation and decision making; group working and team skills.

Assessment

Attendance at all practicals. Submission of all coursework elements. Must obtain 40% minimum in examination and coursework elements.