Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LB0108 Agroecology Basics, 15.0 Credits

Grunderna i agroekologi

Subjects

Horticultural Science Agricultural Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Assignment 1	2.0	0100
Group work and presentations	2.0	0200
Oral examination	2.0	0300
Oral presentation	3.0	0400
Written rapport	6.0	0500

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits, including 90 credits in one of the subjects/educational areas Social Science, Natural Science or Technology, and English 6.

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with basic and advanced knowledge and the ability to understand human-dominated ecosystems and their interaction/connectivity with the surrounding environment (natural and cultural), with the focus on agriculture systems.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• describe and critically analyse farming systems, including mutual interactions of socio-economical and biological components,
• demonstrate methodological abilities by using a holistic and systemic approach that includes human and local resources in a system.

Content

The course includes:

• Principles of systemic thinking and systems analysis, via lectures, scientific literature, case studies, student-led seminars, study visits and student assignments.

• Introduction and discussion of different aspects from different disciplines on the production and function of agroecosystems.

• On farm implementation of methods used within Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approaches in agroecology (such as semi-structured interviews, transect walks, farm mapping, timeline, resource flow map, group processing and presentations).

• Ecological and social conditions for the development of sustainable land use (agroecosystems shaped within several biomes, with different climatic, geological and biological processes and their interactions).

• Environmental, social and economic factors that influence the sustainability of agricultural and horticultural production.

Students will be evaluated though 4 compulsory assignments, including a definition of Agroecology, a report on farmer interview, a report on e-case study and a farming system analysis.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The course will be examined in terms of project work presentation and exercises. To obtain the course credits, approved participation in all course components, approved reports and approved oral presentations will be required.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology