Agricultural Systems Sciences

Overview

System approaches understand the interconnectedness of elements within the agricultural ecosystem, such as the complex interactions between soil health and climate, biodiversity, resources, as well as socio-economic factors, supply chain, circular economy, policy and technological advancements. In a new era of challenges and opportunities for food production, sustainable and resilient agricultural systems require individuals who are trained to understand the interconnectedness between these environmental and socio-economic metrics and opportunities for innovation. Through three core themes (1. Soil health 2. Land management 3. Socio-economics), this module delivers training on holistic system knowledge and associated skillsets to develop sustainable land management plans (LMP) for different food production systems and enterprises.

Learning Objectives

LO1. The various impacts of different food production systems, including management approaches, on multiple environmental, economic, and social metrics (e.g. soil health, water quality, nutrient run-off risk, biodiversity, and climate change).

LO2. Development and management of sustainable and ethical production systems to address farming objectives, including economic sustainability, food security, social inclusion, animal health and welfare and environmental benefits

LO3. The contribution of agriculture to global environmental change and the practical management of carbon on farms towards Net Zero.

LO4. Understanding current and emerging technologies for intelligent agriculture to deliver productive, efficient, and resilient food production.

LO5. Understanding of the key methods, stages, and potential conflicts within measure, report, and verification (MRV) protocols of a Net Zero food system.

LO6. The history of agri-environmental schemes, agricultural policy and regulation, including their development, and application to sustainable agricultural systems.

LO7. Economic and business management theory and techniques applicable to sustainable farm enterprises; motivations for behavioural change; indicators measuring farm financial performance and economic sustainability;

LO8. Critically review current research and advancements within agricultural sustainability, including identification of limitations, significance of scientific findings and link to real-world case studies/examples;

LO9. The ability to work and learn as part of a team and demonstrate leadership.

LO10. Demonstrate effective timekeeping, self-management and the ability to work independently.

LO11. Effectively communicate knowledge of agricultural sustainability to peers, a scientific audience and wider stakeholders;

Skills

Learning methods:

- Lectures
- Seminars
-
Interactive learning methods

• Tutorials
• Participation in the classroom: debates, discussions etc.
• Field trips
Subject Specific Skills - Module requires students to develop skills that are essential to various careers in
agriculture, including: research, farm business management, and innovation.

Research skills - The collation and critical synthesis of information from the literature, lectures, field trips,
and practical(s).

Problem solving – Students are presented with real-world case studies to stimulate original thought and
evidence critical thinking in assessment.

Improving own Learning and Performance – critical and productive feedback is continuously delivered to
students to strengthen their knowledge base of agricultural systems, improve research skills and academic
writing, and independent input.

Personal Development and Career Planning- Performance feedback will improve knowledge and student
confidence towards progression. The relevance and alignment of module skills to potential careers is made
clear. Students are connected to career planning and support provision at School and Faculty level.

Statistical and Analytical Development – Students are taught on the fundamentals of economic principles,
analysis and interpretation of data.

Teamwork - Working as part of team required for Assignment 3 (presentation)

Communication - Written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills are assessed as part
of Assignment 3 (Presentation)

Assessment

Students must obtain an overall mark of 40% to pass the Module.