Teaching Responsibility

LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:

LJMU Partner Taught

Learning Methods

Lecture
Practical
Seminar

Module Offerings

7510CATSCI-APR-PAR

Aims

a) Study the biogeography of crops and the importance of geographical climate, soil and water resources, and amendments. b) Study the actual and potential use, and science, of GMOs, energy crops, and food growing approaches (e.g. Permaculture, agroforestry, agroecology, organic agriculture and conventional agriculture). c) Analyse the impacts of different food production methods on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem services. d) Use data to analyse food production methods and their impact on the environment. e) Appreciate the key scientific advances, debates and uncertainties in the science of sustainable food production.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of underlying biogeographical influences that affect crop choice and yields, including for energy and other non-food crops, and the impact of those crops on environmental quality and local people.
2.
Evaluate critically the sustainability of different food production methods, e.g. GMOs, organic and conventional agriculture, Permaculture and agroecology.
3.
Show the ability to analyse the carbon, pollution and biodiversity impacts of food, energy crop or non-food crop production methods.
4.
Employ appropriate data analysis to support or challenge conclusions about the efficiency of certain crop production methods and their environmental impact.

Module Content

Outline Syllabus:Large scale patterns: biogeography, historical and evolutionary contexts for crop production, including the growth on non-food crops. Impact of crop production on green-house gas emissions, carbon sequestration, soil conservation and ecology, and wider ecosystem services. Science of GMOs, organic agriculture, agroecology, conventional agriculture, Permaculture and other food production methods and technologies.
Additional Information:This module can be studied onsite or at distance.

Assessments

Presentation
Report