3 ECTS credits
75 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4023854ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.

Semester
1st semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Faculty
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Department
Biology
Educational team
Franky Bossuyt (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
12 contact hours Lecture
12 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
20 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

Farming and food systems are intimately related to environmental, social and ethical issues. In this course, students are introduced to agroecology as a science, a practice and a social movement. Students will learn the basics of applying a systems approach in designing and studying agricultural systems and food production chains. The course deals with the food system as a whole, from taking care for the soil, over design of agricultural systems, to the organization of societies. It explains how agroecosystems that imitate nature in form and function can provide food and many other needs, and at the same time remediate the climate, biodiversity and nutrient crisis.

Additional info

Study Material: 

  • Powerpoint slides of the lectures (available on CANVAS) 

  • Relevant scientific and opinion papers (available via CANVAS). 

Learning Outcomes

General competences

The student: 

  • Understands the fundamental aspects of sustainable agriculture, agroecosystem management and sustainable food systems. 

  • Understands structure and function of complex agroecosystems.  

  • Understands some of the most important methods in agroecology, such as agroforestry, food forests, permaculture, alley cropping, sylvopasture … 

  • Is able to explain why agroecological methods are beneficial for the climate, biodiversity and nutrient crisis. 

  • Is able to identify the main perennial plants that are used in agroforestry. 

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Examen Andere with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

N.A.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Brussels
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Paris
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Cayenne