The sustainability of agri-food systems is examined in this course from a complex systems and value-chain perspective, focusing on agricultural systems in Australia and internationally at local, national and global scales. Production systems are placed within the broader social, cultural and economic contexts in which they operate, with students using interdisciplinary approaches to explore topics including the role of family farming and corporate agri-business, consumer demand and marketing, R&D and technology, international trade and rural policy.

Students will gain an understanding of the interdependencies between rural livelihoods, sustainability, food security, adaptation,  sustainable intensification and the incentives and barriers to change along the value chain and in the broader agri-food system. The course includes field visits to farm and food industry enterprises designed to provide first-hand

experience and application of your learning.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe key agricultural systems concepts and perspectives at regional, national and global scales.
2. Demonstrate the knowledge of complex agricultural systems using a range of frameworks and tools.
   
3. Discuss the sustainability of agri-food systems from production through to broader social, cultural and economic aspects
4. Effectively interpret and critique agricultural data reported to be sustainable and communicate key information about the agri systems to a range of audiences.
5. Describe constraints and opportunities for future sustainable agricultural systems.

Research-Led Teaching

Students will receive lectures from researchers and practitioners across a range of disciplines relevant to agricultural systems. Each lecturer will draw directly from their own research experiences, management practices or publications. The course field trips visit working agricultural enterprises, and include speakers who are actively engaged in real world management. The workshops explore the use of tools and frameworks in complex cross-disciplinary applications, and give students opportunities to practice skills that can be applied to a range of real-world situations.

Field Trips

The course will include local field experiences throughout the semester. Please refer to the course Wattle site for further information.

Please see the College of Science - Field Trip page for more information.

Additional Course Costs

Nil

Examination Material or equipment

Not applicable.

Required Resources

No special resources are required.

Recommended Resources

Readings will be made available via Wattle during the course.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on assignments;
• Verbal comments on individual presentations;
• Verbal feedback to the whole class on group exercises;
• Additional, individual feedback on request.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Weeks 1 - 3Will explore foundational concepts that underpin various forms of agricultural production and the sustainability of agricultural systems. This includes soils, water, climate, plant production systems, animal productions systems and novel agricultural production systems. This will provide a practical overview of how food is produced, with case studies to explore key sustainability issues.
2	Weeks 4 to 6In weeks 4 to 6 we will investigate the different environmental, economic and social dimensions of agricultural sustainability. This content will build on the foundational concepts outlined in weeks 1-3, and assess production systems in context of their triple bottom-line sustainability.	Assessment 1: Net present value workshopAssessment 2: Quiz 1
3	Weeks 7 to 8In weeks 7 and 8 we will explore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to complex challenges and understand how sustainability can be measured. These two weeks will outline important conceptual approaches to assessing and solving complex sustainability challenges in the agri-food system.	Assessment 3: Measuring Sustainability Workshop
4	Weeks 9 - 11In weeks 9-11 we will investigate the importance of decision-making in achieving sustainable agri-food systems and the factors that influence decisions. Decision-making will be explored through a number of lens, that of the producer, the consumer, society and institutions. This module will assess ways the behaviour of different stakeholders influence the sustainability of our agri-food systems.	Assessment 4: Quiz 2
5	Week 12The future of agriculture and course recap. Content in the final week will reflect on the topics discussed throughout the course and how they will future of agri-food systems.	Assessment 5: Reflection (oral presentation)Assessment 6: Final Project Report

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities/tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

There is one workshop option scheduled for the semester (weeks 1-12).

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Workshop task: Net Present Value	10 %	21/03/2024	28/03/2023	2,3,5
Quiz 1	10 %	28/03/2024	04/04/2024	1,2
Workshop wk 8 – Measuring Sustainability	10 %	02/05/2024	09/05/2024	2,3,5
Quiz 2	10 %	16/05/2024	23/05/2024	1,2
Oral Presentation: Reflection - Interdisciplinary approaches to Sustainable Agriculture	15 %	23/05/2024	03/06/2024	3,4,5
Project report	45 %	10/06/2024	21/06/2024	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions and course activities, whilst supporting others to do the same.

Examination(s)

Not applicable.

Assessment Task 1

Workshop task: Net Present Value

This assessment task draws directly on the modified net present value (NPV) model and economic principles explored in the week 4 lectures and workshop. You are asked to assess the trade-off between short-term production and profit outcomes and long-term productivity and profitability. Along with the role that revenue from environmental services can play in transitioning production systems over-time. Students are expected to manipulate the model, interpret the model output and describe what the model output means .

Please refer to the course Wattle site for detailed information about this assessment item including the rubric.

Word limit: 750

Value: 10%

Estimated return date: 7 days after submission

Assessment Task 2

Quiz 1

Quiz 1:

This quiz is intended to assess your understanding of lecture and workshop from weeks 1-5. 

There are twelve (12) questions - 10 multiple choice (0.5 mark each) and 2 short answer (2.5 marks each) randomly allocated to each student. 

Responses to short answer questions should be no longer than 200 words in length. A list of references is not required.

Value: 10%

Presentation requirements: via WATTLE Quiz

Estimated return date: 7 days after submission.

Assessment Task 3

Workshop wk 8 – Measuring Sustainability

This assessment task draws directly on content from the week 8 lectures and workshop activity. You are asked to describe different approaches for assessing and reporting sustainability in agri-food systems, critiquing the usefulness and limitations of these approaches.

Please refer to the course Wattle site for detailed information about this assessment item including the rubric.

Word limit: 750

Value: 10%

Estimated return date: 7 days after submission

Assessment Task 4

Quiz 2

Quiz 2:

This quiz is intended to assess your understanding of lecture and workshop material from weeks 6-10. 

There are twelve (12) questions - 10 multiple choice (0.5 mark each) and 2 short answer (2.5 marks each) randomly allocated to each student. 

Responses to short answer questions should be no longer than 200 words in length. A list of references is not required.

Value: 10%

Presentation requirements: via WATTLE Quiz

Estimated return date: 7 days after submission.

Assessment Task 5

Oral Presentation: Reflection - Interdisciplinary approaches to Sustainable Agriculture

The seminar assessment asks students to reflect on the benefits and challenges of using interdisciplinary approaches to address agri-food challenges. Students will provide an overview of the key elements of applying interdisciplinary approaches in practice (through their workshop activities), if/how this differed from the theory outlined in week 7, what they perceived the benefits and challenges of working in an interdisciplinary environment are, and how this might influence the way the approach problem solving in the future.

Word limit: N/A

Time limit: 6 mins

Value: 15%

Estimated return date: 10 days after submission

Assessment Task 6

Project report

An individual project report will examine the social, environmental and economic aspects of their selected agri-food topic. Students will use secondary research approaches to identify appropriate sustainability measures and interpret data and information from the literature to assess the sustainability of their chosen topic. Students will also critically assess the reliability, credibility and quality of information sources they use in their project.

Students will assess the benefits, disadvantages and trade-offs of different approaches to solving their chosen sustainability challenge. Students will make suggestions on how these complex trade-offs can be balanced and how/if the sustainability of the system could be improved.

Word limit (or equivalent): 2500 words, excluding bibliography, but including everything else

Value: 45%

Estimated return date: 14 days after submission

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) as submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Feedback on assignments is provided electronically on Turnitin via the Wattle course pages.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

In exceptional circumstances the convenor will allow an assignment to be resubmitted, but this must be negotiated in person with the convenor.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students