Emerging Issues for Land and Food

Subject 202-501 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours of seminars and debates, 12 hours of tutorials, (3 hours per week)
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Eligibility for honours or postgraduate degree
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to laboratory activities and field trips. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Prof Snow Barlow
Subject Overview: This subject provides insight into the emerging issues faced by the various land management disciplines, particularly in Australia. These may include social, economic and biophysical aspects of issues such as genetically modified organisms, climate change, globalisation and market protection, access to water, changing consumer demands, spatial information technologies, land and water degradation and loss of biodiversity. Experts in various fields of agriculture, biology, resource management, public policy, climatology and commerce will deliver reviews of emerging issues, and assess potential impacts on agriculture, the environment, rural and urban communities and the rural and national economy in a series of facilitated forums. Approaches for collecting and analysing information that has not been peer reviewed will be examined.
Assessment: One written assignment of 3000 words (50% of total marks) – by the end of week 9, three forum critiques of up to 750 words each (30% of total marks) – weeks 3, 5 and 7, and an individual seminar presentation (20%) – week 11.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship

Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research

An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources

Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data

Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge

Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations

Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication.

Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community

Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community.

Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context

Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects

Related Course(s): Master of Agricultural Science

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