Future of food - ESA00001I
Module summary
The current UK food system is giving rise to a growing social, health and environmental crisis. Much food production and our practices of food consumption are environmentally unsustainable. A new kind of food system is needed which delivers safe, healthy, affordable food to all population groups, restores and regenerates the natural environment, is built on regenerative agriculture with high welfare standards, provides a thriving rural and urban economy with well-paid jobs and is resilient to future shocks. The food system is challenged by a number of wicked problems requiring interdisciplinary systems-level analysis, change and education to solve.The first four weeks will introduce students to current complex social, economic and environmental challenges in food systems with case studies covered in lectures and workshops. The teaching will draw on expertise from a range of disciplines and involve guest lectures from policymakers, food industry and leaders in civil society, ensuring different voices and perspectives across the food system are heard. The subsequent six to seven weeks will engage students in developing a solution to a food system related challenge in small interdisciplinary groups.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
This is an interdisciplinary module in which students will meet and collaborate with peers across different disciplines to develop understanding of the food system and work on a solution to a specific food-system challenge (framed in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) which demands a multi-disciplinary approach. Students will be introduced to the complex social, economic and environmental challenges arising in food systems, with special focus on (i) environmental impacts, including contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, (ii) food waste, (iii) healthy and sustainable diets, and (iv) agricultural inputs and soil management. This will provide students with a foundational understanding of the food system, in addition to developing key skills such as the use of system mapping tools to estimate tradeoffs and identify synergies. Student groups will use the understanding they develop in working together to develop a solution to a food system challenge.
Module learning outcomes
|
Learning Outcome 1 |
Academic and graduate skills |
Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams on pressing local or global challenges |
|
Learning Outcome 2 |
Subject content |
Understand and critically discuss the interrelationships (tradeoffs and synergies) of different elements which constitute “the food system”. |
|
Learning Outcome 3 |
Subject content |
Formulate and evaluate strategies to address pressing issues concerning the food system |
|
Learning Outcome 4 |
Subject content |
Develop an understanding of systems mapping theory and methods |
|
Learning Outcome 5 |
Subject content |
Develop a nuanced understanding of four key current challenges faced by our food system: (i) climate change, (ii) food waste, (iii) balanced diets for all, (iv) agricultural inputs and soil health |
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Essay/coursework | 30 |
| Essay/coursework | 30 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
If the average module mark for a student is below a pass, then the student can be re-assessed as outlined below.
Indicative reading
These are available through the VLE module site