Module Information

Module Identifier
RD26010
Module Title
ORGANIC FARMING
Academic Year
2009/2010
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 2 x 1 hour lectures per week
Practical 4 x 3 hour practicals per semester
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Supplementary Assessment Farm conversion planning assignment  Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  100%
Semester Assessment Farm conversion planning assignment  Assignment: Outcomes Assessed: 2, 3.  70%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome 1
Understand the framework for organic farming.

Outcome 2
Appreciate the husbandry standards and guidelines for organic food production.

Outcome 3
Plan the conversion of a farm to an organic system.

Brief description

Within the last decade food production based on organic farming systems has moved from being a fringe activity to one which is being taken up by an increasing number of farmers and growers. A great deal of research work is now being carried out by mainstream organisations such as ADAS and the universities. In view of this development, students studying for a HND in Agriculture should be given the opportunity to develop an interest in and gain knowledge of organic farming systems. This option will by nature of its length be introductory, but will provide the basis from which students may further develop their interests.

Virtually all the modules of the course will link in with this one and indeed the similarities between organic and conventional farming will be stressed as well as pointing out the areas where the organic approach is quite different.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5