Module manager: Dr Beth Dyson
Email: b.dyson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
BLGY5132M
This module is not approved as an Elective
In this module, you will learn about past, current and future challenges for current and future food production. This will include understanding the major drivers for change in food and agricultural systems, UK and global food security, and strategies for increased sustainability, resilience and climate adaptation agriculture. You will work in small groups to produce a science communication output for a relevant non-scientific audience, developing teamwork and leadership skills.
The module aims to develop a breadth of knowledge about current and potential future issues in sustainable agriculture and food production. This content will be delivered via seminars and lectures. The module will also develop skills in team working, reflective practice and leadership by working as part of a small group to produce an assessment. Students will attend skills-based workshops to aid their development of these skills.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1.Describe and discuss the major issues in global sustainable agriculture and food security.
2. Lead and work within a small group to produce a communication output.
3. Assess global and local sustainability research and initiatives and evaluate their efficacy in meeting national and local targets.
4. Compare existing strategies to ameliorate or mitigate these issues and evaluate the potential of novel approaches.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Inform, persuade or teach a non-specialist audience about a current or future issue in sustainable agriculture.
6. Reflect effectively on personal performance in a communication group task.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Private study hours | 128 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Students will be working in groups where they will receive peer feedback on their ideas. Feedback from staff will be through two drop-in tutorials where students can verbally pitch their ideas for assessment, and bring short pieces of work (1 page) for more in-depth feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 2000 word essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Group Podcast | 25 |
| Coursework | 1500 word Reflective Log | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 03/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team