The Science of Sustainable Food Production

Cod y Modiwl: BDM0815
Teitl y Modiwl: The Science of Sustainable Food Production
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2026/2027
Semester: Dysgu o Bell
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Joe Ironside
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Ifat Shah; Dr David Cutress

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Scientific paper report: 2400 Words	80%
Asesiad Semester	Poster presentation: 600 Words	20%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Scientific paper report: 2400 Words	80%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Poster presentation: 600 Words	20%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

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.
Evaluate critically the sustainability of different food production methods, e.g. GMOs, organic and conventional agriculture, Permaculture and agroecology.
Demonstrate the ability to analyse the carbon, pollution and biodiversity impacts of food, energy crop or non-food crop production methods.
Employ appropriate data analyses to critically evaluate conclusions about the efficiency of crop production methods and their environmental impact.

Disgrifiad cryno

This module will comprise a series of lectures, supported by interactive seminars and practical activities. Lectures will draw on a wide variety of theoretical and applied topics with a wide use of case studies throughout. The module will be available either through distance learning or as a residential learning experience at the Centre for Alternative Technology. Distance learners will have access to the same lectures as in person participants and take part in interactive online seminars.

Nod

Study the biogeography of crops and the importance of geographical climate, soil and water resources, and amendments.
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).
Analyse the impacts of different food production methods on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Use data to analyse food production methods and their impact on the environment.
Appreciate the key scientific advances, debates and uncertainties in the science of sustainable food production.

Cynnwys

Large scale patterns: biogeography, historical and evolutionary contexts for crop production, including the growth of non-food crops.
Impact of crop production on greenhouse 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.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu proffesiynol	Communicate effectively in written and oral forms to a wider audience
Datrys Problemau Creadigol	Collate and handle data, carry out statistical analyses and modelling where appropriate
Gallu digidol	Make effective use of communication and IT to gather and use evidence and data to find, retrieve, organise and exchange new information
Meddwl beirniadol a dadansoddol	Demonstrate a holistic, systematic and sophisticated understanding of the concepts, issues, and theories of sustainable ecology within the context of environmental, social and economic sustainability.Develop and sustain arguments in a variety of written and numerical forms.
Sgiliau Pwnc-benodol	Develop specialist knowledge of sustainable ecology, including that of behavioural issues surrounding anthropogenic attitudes to biodiversity and conservation;
Synnwyr byd go iawn	Develop experience in techniques to assess, measure and monitor natural resource use and the impacts on dynamics and functions of ecosystems

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 7