2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

FOEV5107M Methods and Skills for Sustainable Food Systems

30 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Rebecca St Clair
Email: r.stclair@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

This module replaces FOEV5101M due to name and code change.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Complex challenges and wicked problems such as food security and sustainability require novel approaches. The second module on the MSc Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security will focus on the methods, techniques and skills needed to transform our food system in order to achieve sustainable outcomes and food security. This module will evaluate and combine various quantitative and qualitative methods, analytical techniques and skills. In this module students will develop transformative interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in food security and sustainability research and practice. This will be delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops where the students will have the opportunity to apply and practise some of the most commonly used methods, techniques and skills in sustainability research and practice under the guidance of various experts from the participating schools across the university.

Objectives

The module aims to:
• equip students with knowledge on data sources, research methods and analytical techniques commonly used in sustainability research;
• develop a critical understanding of the epistemological basis of different research approaches and good research practice; and
• equip students with the necessary skills to critically engage with and contribute to debates and practice on developing a food secure and sustainable food system.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
By the end of the module students will be able to (Module Learning Outcomes):
MLO1: Demonstrate critical understanding of theories of knowledge and their relation to research methods commonly used in sustainability and food research
MLO2: Critically appraise merits and weaknesses of commonly used methods, tools, and approaches in sustainability and food research
MLO3: Effectively apply methods and techniques from more than one discipline to develop interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to food sustainability and food security practice and research.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Presentation skills: Presents information gathered and proposals formulated effectively
2. Time management, planning and organising: Demonstrates the ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines.
3. Integrated problem solving: Uses analytical and critical thinking to problem solve

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Drop-in Session	2	1.00	2.00
Fieldwork	1	3.00	3.00
Lecture	12	2.00	24.00
Practical	2	2.00	4.00
Practical	2	3.00	6.00
Seminar	7	1.00	7.00
Private study hours			254.00
Total Contact hours			46.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

There are opportunities for formative feedback during group discussions and activities in the seminars and during the drop-in sessions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	30.00
Assignment	Coursework	70.00
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: 22/04/2024

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD