Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

View all online units

Unit Overview

Description

This unit involves an analysis of the principles of organic agriculture using an integrated approach that includes consideration of plant, soil, animal, economic, marketing and social issues. Students work in small groups with an external industry partner using a problem-based and experiential learning approach to write a consultant's report on a topic(s) relevant to the industry. They are encouraged to critically analyse research on organic farming practices and to synthesise information that is applicable in local, national and international contexts. Industry issues relevant to the establishment and functioning of organic farming systems are considered. This enhances practical and theoretical analysis and problem solving skills. Supporting lectures cover the principles of organic farming, nutrient and energy flows in organic farming systems, the use of animals and crops, economic and environmental assessment and consumer issues. Students gain an understanding of (1) the principles of organic agriculture; and (2) the capacity to interpret scientific, economic and social information relevant to organic agriculture practices. Emphasis is on investigating links and interpreting information in a multidisciplinary context. Students can work in areas of their existing expertise or select topics from new areas. Collaboration and critical analysis is essential. Local, national and international data are evaluated. Current national and international trends and debates are monitored.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) critically evaluate the principles of organic farming practices; (2) critically review scientific literature and experimental data related to organic agriculture; (3) interpret economic analyses of organic farming practices; (4) interpret policies related to organic agriculture; (5) integrate information from multidisciplinary sources related to organic agriculture; and (6) work within a group in a problem-based learning environment on a topic(s) relevant to industry.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) planning, writing and presenting a literature review on selected topic (individual assessment); (2) a written consultant's report (group assessment); and (3) a take-home examination on critical analysis of literature and data related to organic agriculture. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Sasha Jenkins and Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
the Master of Agricultural Science (72510)
or the Master of Science (70630)
or Master of Biotechnology (71580)
or the Master of Geographic Information Science (71570)
or the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BH004)
Incompatibility
SCIE3303 Organic Agriculture and Horticulture, SCIE8303 Organic Agriculture and Horticulture
Contact hours
total workload: 150 hours
contact hours: two x 3 hours sessions per week over 7 weeks
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.

Face to face

Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.

Online flexible

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online timetabled

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online Restricted

Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.

NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.

External

No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.

Off-campus

Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.

Multi-mode

Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.