Low carbon livestock - towards a greener future

Module Identifier
BDM1520
Module Title
Low carbon livestock - towards a greener future
Academic Year
2027/2028
Semester
Distance Learning
Co-ordinator
Dr Kenton Hart
Reading List
View on Aspire
Other Staff
Dr Ifat Shah
Dr David Cutress

Assessment

Assessment Type

Assessment details

Proportion
Semester Assessment interactive task: 1500 Words 40%
Semester Assessment case study: 2500 Words 60%
Supplementary Assessment interactive task: 1500 Words 40%
Supplementary Assessment case study: 2500 Words 60%

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Explain the current and futures challenges associated with the impacts of livestock production
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods to boost efficiency of livestock production and resource use
  3. Evaluate methods to Intensify recycling efforts and minimise losses for a circular economy
  4. Compare methods to capitalise on nature based solutions to increase carbon offset/storage
  5. Explain potential alternatives to proteins based upon their sustainability and health benefits

Brief description

Low carbon livestock will examine the challenges facing the livestock industry in relation to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance or improvement of livestock productivity. Challenges facing both the western and developing world will be explored along with cutting edge technologies to enhance productivity whilst reducing the environmental impact. Different farming strategies will be considered in relation to biodiversity and carbon capture along with interactions with greenhouse gas emissions. The use of recycling former feeds/foods in a circular economy will be addressed.

Content

The module will be broken down into 10 weekly units, e: Learning material in each unit is made up of: an interactive study guide, videoed lectures and discussions, downloadable podcasts (for listening to in the car), guided reading, interactive quizzes, and an online discussion forum.

Lectures will cover the following topics:
Definition of low carbon livestock and regenerative agriculture
Public perception of low carbon livestock
Examples of good practise from across the globe
Best available and emerging technologies
Market demand and circular economy
Approaches to measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions
The impact of low carbon livestock on animal welfare
Alternative proteins for livestock

Module skills

Skills type

Skills details
Co-ordinating with others Students will engage in online forum/discussion board activities in order to develop a social aspect to their education
Creative Problem Solving Case studies will be used to apply theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios
Critical and analytical thinking Application of learnt knowledge to posed or real life scenarios
Digital capability Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication databases and to use blackboard for all aspects of the module
Real world sense Students will be required to apply learning materials to real world scenarios such as case studies
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge of livestock systems in relation to a low carbon will be learnt through a variety of asynchronous delivery methods

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7