English title:
Start-up module
Course ID:
933300
ECTS credits:
6,0
Title in native language:
Start-up module (in Eng.)
Start-up module (in Eng.)
Term Semester:
Autumn/Winter
Instruction language(s):
English
Course content:
The Start-up Module is the opening seminar for the Master´s Degree Organic Agriculture and Food Systems (EUR-Organic) for students from all partner universities within the Euroleague for Life Science (ELLS), Aarhus University and ISARA-Lyon and is case study, excursion and discourse oriented.
Topics:
(1) General information into the multiple perspectives and opportunities of the Master´s Degree by all partner universities and their countries Organic sector
(2) Insights into systems theory and organic farming
(3) farm visits (Poland)
The field visits take us to various stakeholders along the organic agro-food chain: Selected organic producers, processors, wholesalers / retailers and organisers reveal the holistic nature and systemic characteristics of Organic Agriculture by introducing into their systems and explaining their point of view and experiences, as well as opportunities and challenges.
Reflection sessions (group and plenary work) will be used to deepen and discuss upon the daily experiences of the field visits and to strengthen the knowledge about organic farming practices. Discussions will be enhanced by the international and heterogeneous group of students and teachers. These sessions further serve for first steps towards developing the students group reports and first reflections about homework on specific organic topics.
Topics:
(1) General information into the multiple perspectives and opportunities of the Master´s Degree by all partner universities and their countries Organic sector
(2) Insights into systems theory and organic farming
(3) farm visits (Poland)
The field visits take us to various stakeholders along the organic agro-food chain: Selected organic producers, processors, wholesalers / retailers and organisers reveal the holistic nature and systemic characteristics of Organic Agriculture by introducing into their systems and explaining their point of view and experiences, as well as opportunities and challenges.
Reflection sessions (group and plenary work) will be used to deepen and discuss upon the daily experiences of the field visits and to strengthen the knowledge about organic farming practices. Discussions will be enhanced by the international and heterogeneous group of students and teachers. These sessions further serve for first steps towards developing the students group reports and first reflections about homework on specific organic topics.
Expected previous knowledge:
Some knowledge of organic agro-food systems and experience of working in a team is beneficial.
Learning outcomes:
A student with the requisite understanding and standard of work to pass the course will:
(1) Understand and describe the key elements of an organic farm/the organic agro-food chain based on a systems approach.
(2) Be able to apply qualitative interview methods and photographs to document and assess the farm/processor .
(3) Know and understand the characteristic practices of organic farming in general and specifically of the visited farms.
(4) Work productively and effectively independently and as part of a team.
(1) Understand and describe the key elements of an organic farm/the organic agro-food chain based on a systems approach.
(2) Be able to apply qualitative interview methods and photographs to document and assess the farm/processor .
(3) Know and understand the characteristic practices of organic farming in general and specifically of the visited farms.
(4) Work productively and effectively independently and as part of a team.
Teaching and learning methods:
This module is case study, excursion and discourse oriented. This means that each student will be working as part of a team of up to 7 students on the characteristics of the organic agro-food chain in Upper Austria applying qualitative interviews and photography tools.
The Start-Up Module will consist of presentations by the lecturers, field visits, individual and group work, and group and plenary discussions covering the main concepts and methods. Active participation by all students is expected.
The Start-Up Module will consist of presentations by the lecturers, field visits, individual and group work, and group and plenary discussions covering the main concepts and methods. Active participation by all students is expected.
Exam method:
Will be informed at the seminar which will be organized this year by the polish partner Warsaw University of Life Science (WULS).
Organisation: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna
Country:
Austria
Acronym:
BOKU
ERASMUS+ code:
A WIEN03
Teaching period summer semester:
22. Feb 2021 - 30. Sep 2021
Teaching period winter semester:
13. Oct 2020 - 21. Feb 2021
University website: