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.

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit you will learn about how agricultural systems vary globally across a range of regions and cultures. You will explore the drivers of global food security You will be introduced to the major foods produced around the world and some of the fascinating ways in which agriculture, culture and diet are intertwined. The major Australian agricultural systems will be introduced. You will review the roles that agricultural innovation, emerging technologies and research will have in adaptation to challenges such as global warming and increasing global population and affluence. Means to improve environmental outcomes will be emphasised. You will also learn how changing community preferences and expectations of healthy eating, animal welfare, and safety and acceptability of new and emerging technologies are impacting agricultural systems. You will view research projects currently underway at UWA and interact with UWA researchers who are having global impact. You will engage with the agricultural sector by visiting commercial farms, as well as meet and interact with Western Australian farmers and industry leaders.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1AlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 core unit in the Agricultural Science; Agricultural Science and Technology; Agricultural Technology; Agribusiness and Agricultural Science; Agribusiness major sequences
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain how to achieve global food security by intensifying agriculture in an ecologically sustainable manner; (2) describe key global and Australian agricultural systems and the foods they produce to feed the world; (3) investigate how agricultural research, combined with innovative technologies and farming systems, can meet global food and environmental challenges; and (4) explain how agricultural systems and the foods they produce are influenced by culture and changing community perceptions..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written reports on practical (including field) activities; (2) online quizzes; and (3) final presentation. 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)
Professor Megan Ryan
Contact hours
Lectures: 1 x 2 h (double) lecture per week
Workshops: 1 x 2 h double per week
Fieldtrips: 2 x 1 Saturdays at end of wk 3 and end of week 10
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.