Climate Change:Agric.Impacts&Adaptation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

June - Taught ONLINE 25/6/12 - 21/8/12
September - Taught on campus. 24-29/9/12

This subject is available as either online for 8 weeks external (no contact hours) in June, or an on campus intensive in September for one week

Eligibility for honours or postgraduate degree

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.

Global Warming is now a reality and the resultant changes in climate will dramatically affect the demographics of the world’s food production in the next half century. This subject will examine the potential impacts of current and projected future changes to the climates of world’s major agricultural areas on food production.

The objective of this subject is to use Australian agriculture with its broad range of industries and climatic zones as an exemplar of the potential adaptation strategies that may be implemented to ensure the sustainability of food production.

On completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

• Understand the principles of adaptation (incremental through to transformational) and an ability to articulate what this looks like in their region/industry
• Briefly discuss the global context for food supply
• Discuss adaptation to climate in context with other key drivers affecting industry productivity and terms of trade (markets, genetics, logistics, input and labour costs, etc).

One assignment of 4,000-5,000 words (100% of total marks). Due 6 weeks after intensive.

Stokes, C., Howden, M., (2010) Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change. CSIRO Publishing, Australia 2010

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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