AP2A38-Organic Farming

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Dr DWC Pearson
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email:

Aims:
For the student to become familiar with the aims, principles and practices of organic farming.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:-
• Comment knowledgeably and critically on the development of the organic farming movement, and its relevance to the agricultural industry, the consumer and the environment.
• Be able to make appropriate decisions with respect to crop and animal husbandry within an organic farming context
• Locate and assemble information on the subject.
• Organise their material and articulate their arguments effectively in writing, both under timed conditions and assessed essays.

Additional outcomes:
To be able to interact with practicing organic farmers and researchers within seminars and farm visits

Outline content:
The content will start with an introduction to organic farming, giving a chronological overview of its development within Western Europe. The aims and objectives of various organic farming organisations will be reviewed. The practice of organic farming will be discussed in relation to conversion schemes, crop and animal production methods, animal welfare, research priorities and marketing. Emphasis will be placed on practices that have greater importance in organic farming compared with more conventional, intensive methods. Opportunities and problems arising from specific organic farming enterprises will be discussed. Key texts for the module include:-
Lampkin N 2002 Organic Farming. Ipswich : Farming Press
Lampkin N & Measures M 2007 Organic Farm Management Handbook, 7nd edn. Aberystwyth : University of Wales.

Information about regulation of the Organic Sector is available on the Defra website, including the latest standards for organic food production in the UK at http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/standards/index.htm#ukstandards

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures will introduce students to the development, principles and practices of organic farming. These will be followed by a series of seminars with organic farming practitioners, researchers and administrators. There will be at least two study visits to relevant locations.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Tutorials/seminars		15
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)		8
Total hours		33
Number of essays or assignments		1
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework
One 1500 word essay (mandatory word limit) to be handed in on the last day of the Spring term

Relative percentage of coursework : 30%

Penalties for late submission
Standard University rule applies: 10% marks deducted for work submitted up to one week late. Work submitted more than one week late will be awarded a zero mark.

Examinations
2-hour examination requiring the answer to two questions from four.

Relative percentage of examinations: 70%

Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August / September only