Key facts

UNE unit code: AGRO501

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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With demand for organic products rapidly growing and Australia’s position as the world’s largest organic food production area, this unit offers you the opportunity to add value to your career with invaluable skills and knowledge in organic production.

Studying this unit, you have the freedom to tailor a special program of study in organic agriculture that meets your individual needs.

The unit consists of a guided reading and assessment program that allows you to gain high-level knowledge of the organic farming sector in Australia and overseas, with an emphasis on the specific aspects of organic production that are relevant to your interests.

You will explore current issues faced by organic producers, including major agronomic and economic constraints and known impacts of organic farming on the environment.

The unit also encourages you to extend your critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you evaluate principles and practices of organic farming.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
6cp and candidature in a postgraduate award

Notes

Consult unit coordinator on enrolment; The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Paul Kristiansen

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. critically evaluate the principles and practices of organic farming;
  2. articulate the major agronomic and economic constraints faced by organic producers;
  3. demonstrate a comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the known impacts of organic farming on the environment;
  4. display critical thinking and problem solving skills related to organic farming; and
  5. communicate effectively to others in written and verbal formats of the industry and place new knowledge in context.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Critical Review PaperYes45%All offerings

No. Words: 3000

Online testYes30%All offerings

No. Words: 2500 Duration of 60 minutes

Organic Farming OverviewYes25%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

PracticalYes All offerings

The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective

ISBN: 9780643090903

Kristiansen, P., Taji, A. and Reginald, J., CSIRO Publishing 2006

Note: Text is now out of print. Online access is available through the Dixon Library.

Text refers to: All offerings

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