Module Information

Module Identifier
BDM1015
Module Title
Food Production and Consumption
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Distance Learning
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment New Scientist style article  600 Words  20%
Semester Assessment Case Study  2400 Words  80%
Supplementary Assessment New Scientist style article  600 Words  20%
Supplementary Assessment Case Study  2400 Words  80%

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of the complex interplay between the core concepts explored in the module.

Critically evaluate how current markets, policies and consumer behaviour could change to result in greater sustainability in food production and resource use.

Critically evaluate approaches to sustainable food production and resource management using real-world examples.

Demonstrate a critical and deep understanding of key theories, ideas and models in sustainable food production.

Brief description

This module will comprise a series of lectures, supported by interactive seminars and a practical activity. Lectures will draw on a wide variety of theoretical and applied topics with a wide use of case studies throughout. The module will be available either through distance learning or as a residential learning experience at the Centre for Alternative Technology. Distance learners will have access to the same lectures as in-person participants and take part in interactive online seminars. The practical activity will be available as series of videos and a written outline of the aim and outcomes.

Aims

To provide a world view of global and local trends in food production, trends to diet and health, and environmental quality including climate change.
To study the interplay of economics, legislation, labour issues, poverty, technology and consumer behaviour on the production and consumption of food.
To analyse how food can be produced sustainably.
To interrelate key theories, ideas and knowledge on sustainable food production.

Content

Worldviews
food production
global and local markets
vertical integration of agriculture
machinery
transportation
economics
labour
environmental externalities
poverty
food and health
diets
sustainability
food sovereignty.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others Work in a team, identifying individual and collective goals; exercising initiative and personal responsibility when performing roles in a manner appropriate to achieving team goals
Digital capability Make effective use of communication and IT to gather and use evidence and data to find, retrieve, organise and exchange new information
Professional communication Communicate effectively in written and oral forms to a wider audience

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7