Trends & Issues in Agrifood Biotechnolog

Subject BTCH30002 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twenty-four lectures and 12 hours of other activities (such as tutorials/group/forum discussions)
Total Time Commitment: 48 contact hours + 24 hours of class preparation and reading + 30 hours of assessment related tasks
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Recommended Background Knowledge: N/A
Non Allowed Subjects: N/A
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Mohan Singh

Contact

Melbourne School of Land & Environment Student Centre
Ground Floor, Land & Food Resources (building 142)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: The students will acquire knowledge of the recent and important developments in biotechnology related to Agriculture and food and develop an understanding of local and global issues in biotechnology in relation to environment health and sustainable crop and animal production. This subject will provide an overview of the integrated use of various biological technologies for the effective translation of novel research into agri-food related applications including steps involved in commercialisation of agri-food biotechnology related products and services and international trade and related economic issues. The students will also develop understanding of contemporary social and economic issues arising due to adoption of biotechnology in agri-food sector.
Objectives:
  • By undertaking this subject, students should develop an integrated multi-disciplinary view of contemporary scientific, social and economic issues relating to application of biotechnology in agriculture and food production.
  • Students will develop an understanding of processes involved in commercialization of agri-food biotechnology related products and services.
  • Furthermore, students will gain an understanding of how multidisciplinary solutions are required to address major problems relating to sustainability of global agriculture and human food supply.
Assessment:

A 15 minute oral presentation or a 1500 word written assignment during the semester (10%); a1-hour mid semester written examination (20%); a review essay of no more than 3000 words due during the semester (20%) and two-hour end-of-semester written examination (50%).

Prescribed Texts: Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • The ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge across broad discipline areas
  • The ability to examine and evaluate critically information from a variety of sources and assess its quality and relevance to issues under discussion.
  • The ability to write a logically argued and well researched written essay
  • The ability to develop as a well-informed citizen able to contribute to their community
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Agri-food Biotechnology (specialisation of Biotechnology major)

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