The course focuses on primary production of animal source food and how
the complete system up to farm-gate affects the environment. Different
topics will be covered by experts in the fields in eight lectures
followed by discussions. Relevant literature will be provided for the
students to read before each lecture. The course meetings will be spread
over one complete semester. The examination consists of a written
summary submitted to the course leader team where the students relate
their own research project to the different themes and an oral
presentation given in a group session with other students. Other
students will contribute with asking questions and give their
perspectives on each presentation.
Online participation will be facilitated.
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
• Describe the basic concepts for plant production such as grain crops
and leys, and generally explain the relationships between choice of
crop,
environmental impact and soil carbon storage
• Explain how biodiversity and soil erosion are affected by cropping and
grazing
• Describe different aspects of how livestock production affect the
environment and climate and discuss possibilities for mitigation of
negative impact
• Describe circular food systems, including aquaculture, and discuss
opportunities and potential risks with these systems
• Explain general principles of system analysis, describe different
methods of sustainability assessment and identify challenges with
different methods
• Assess the impact of the student’s own research project related to
future challenges and opportunities related to livestock production in
the context of sustainability
Extent:
3 credits