精东传媒app

The pressures of an expanding world population limited natural resources, a constantly changing climate and ongoing advances in science and technology bring about a range of issues which impact on agricultural production. Agriculturists of the future will need to have an appreciation of the ways in which agricultural production impacts on the environment and on society, an awareness of how political and social factors influence agriculture, and will also need to have an understanding of the forces impacting on agricultural production moving into the future.

This course provides an overview of a broad range of environmental, political, social and scientific issues which can impact on agricultural production. The course commences with an analysis of historical case studies surrounding agricultural production before introducing a number of issues which have the potential for conflict in contemporary agriculture systems. Topics covered will include land availability and alternate land use, water quality and availability, pollution management, agricultural imports and exports, biotechnological advances in agricultural production and other emerging issues. Students are required to prepare case studies on two critical issues, drawing on perspectives gained during the program.

On completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate:

1. a sound appreciation of some key historical agricultural issues;
2. an understanding of the major factors which significantly influence agricultural production;
3. an understanding of how agricultural production may impact on surrounding natural and human environments;
4. the ability to carry out rigorous research investigation into a major issue in agriculture;
5. advanced skills in presenting their investigation findings research to a peer group.