2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY5238M Circular Approaches to Sustainable Agri-food Systems

15 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Katie McDermott
Email: k.mcdermott@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

In this module, you will study the goals of circular agriculture, including minimization of raw materials and inputs, closing nutrient loops, waste valorization and minimizing environmental impacts. This module will also cover the potential integration of agriculture into the broader industrial and energy sectors, with a focus on the costs and benefits. The module will be taught via lectures, seminars and discussions.

Objectives

This module will address research and ideas in circular agriculture, whilst also developing skills in assessment of strategies for policy and research. New and emerging technologies will be covered in depth in lectures and seminars in order to provide the background information in this area, which will be developed in discussion sessions with peers and staff.

Learning outcomes
1. Outline and explain the fundamental principles involved in circular agriculture and interpret research in this area.
2. Analyse and compare the benefits and costs of circular processes to evaluate the sustainability of strategies.
3. Examine the relevance of circular agricultural research and practice to the UK and global agricultural community.
4. Construct arguments which address the potential benefits of circular agriculture and evaluate the policy potential of circular agriculture.
5. Present information visually and verbally to persuade, inform or teach an audience.

Syllabus

Lectures and seminars will cover research into circular agricultural processes, which will include the costs and benefits of these strategies. Both minimising inputs and reducing waste will be covered, with a focus on closing nutrient loops, reducing waste to landfill and agricultural emissions. Students will also analyse different aspects of circular agriculture, to assess the potential gains to be made from introducing these ideas, producing a policy-relevant academic brief.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	6	1.00	6.00
seminars	5	1.00	5.00
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	2.00	2.00
Group learning	6	2.00	12.00
Private study hours			125.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students will spend time researching and consolidating information presented in lectures and seminars. They will be expected to carry out research both before and after the discussion sessions, to prepare for their assessments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive feedback on a draft of their POSTnote, of which they can submit two pages (maximum) for feedback on ideas and targeting. Discussion sessions will also allow students to gain feedback from staff and peers about their assessments.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Oral Presentation	PechaKucha format	40.00
In-course Assessment	POSTnote (4 pages long)	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 31/07/2024

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