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Syllabus

LB0133 Agricultural science 2 – interdisciplinary perspectives, 15.0 Credits

Lantbruksvetenskap 2 - tvärvetenskapliga perspektiv

Subjects

Agricultural Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

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

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

- 150 credits
- 90 credits in biology, animal science, business administration, rural development, food science or economics
- 45 credits agronomist profiling courses
- 15 credits agricultural sciences
- Swedish equivalent to the general entry requirements for courses or study programmes that begin in the first cycle and that are intended for new entrants to higher education

Objectives

The aim of the course is to create an interdisciplinary understanding of the conditions, challenges and solutions of agriculture. The course also aims to train general skills by having the students work in project form with an issue that is relevant to the future professional role.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• discribe the biological, economic, social and ethical challenges that agriculture faces
• analyse underlying factors that can hinder sustainable agriculture
• propose and critically evaluate solutions to complex problems by applying subject-specific knowledge
• analyse the interests and perspectives of different actors (such as farmers, advisors, politicians, researchers) in the agricultural sector
• plan, conduct and present a project according to instructions
• reflect on factors that may affect projects as a form of work and show how conflicts of interest and conflicts can be handled 
• reflect on their own professional identity as an agronomist
• perform well-justified ethical considerations within the framework of the professional role.

Content

Subject-related content:

The course addresses conditions and challenges of agriculture from an interdisciplinary perspective and the students get the opportunity to investigate obstacles to creating a sustainable agriculture and how the obstacles can be overcome. How, for example, can science, technological development and changes in social behaviour contribute to increased efficiency and environmental considerations in food systems?

The course is unique in that it prepares future agronomists for their professional life. The course focus on how knowledge from research is used in practical management and development of agriculture and agriculture-related issues. The course highlights sustainability issues in Swedish agriculture but also includes international perspectives.

The student trains general skills such as working in projects, communicating messages and professional ethics. Project work is the most common form of working in most workplaces and a sought-after skill by many employers. During the course, projects with a current interest in the agricultural industry are carried out where students from different specializations work together. The students will jointly formulate problems and potential solutions supported by facts and systems thinking with regard to relevant biological, societal, economic and ethical aspects and be able to make trade-offs between these. In connection with the project work, attention is paid to different aspects and tools of project as a form of work.

The student will also investigate how communication affects our understanding of the agricultural sector and learn how to analyse and critically review the information that is disseminated. The student will learn about ethical principles and values that apply to professionals and try out how to act on ethical dilemmas. During the course, there will also be opportunity to reflect on your future professional identity.

Teaching formats:

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:

lectures, seminars, exercises, study visits, project work and presentations.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

problem solving, critical thinking, oral and written communication, team work

The following course components are compulsory:

seminars, exercises, study visits, project work and presentations.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through:

study visits, guest lecturers, projects in collaboration with stakeholders.

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

Approved written and oral presentations, approved assignements, approved examination, approved participitation in compulsory parts.

• 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 Crop Production Ecology

Cooperating departments: