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Global and Local Food Systems unit (KLA301)

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Unit year 2027

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Introduction

In this interdisciplinary unit, students are introduced to systems thinking and practice in the context of local and global food production, distribution and consumption. They will explore how broader social, cultural, economic and ecological factors influence the structure and behaviour of different food systems. Using local and international case studies, students will apply different systems approaches to analyse complex problems related to food and explore their own influence on these problems.

Summary

Unit name Global and Local Food Systems
Unit code KLA301
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator Doctor Saideepa Kumar
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the structure and behaviour of systems using concepts and principles of systems thinking.
  • Analyse complex problems in food systems by exploring different perspectives.
  • Identify one’s place and influence within both local and global food systems.
  • Recommend interventions that address complex sustainability challenges by using appropriate systems approaches.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
not applicable

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

This unit will be taught in a block of seven weeks within a semester. Students can enrol on-campus or online.

On-campus:

  • Online content released via MyLO
  • Weekly 3-4 hour workshops 
  • Self-directed learning (50 hours over 5 weeks)

Online:

  • Online content released via MyLO
  • Weekly 2-3 hour workshops 
  • Self-directed learning (80 hours over 5 weeks)
AssessmentPhotoVoice reflection (10%)|First Nations Systems Thinking (15%)|Systems Insights Report (30%)|Systems Analysis (45%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need the following text [available as electronic books through the University Library]:

E-book: Thinking in Systems (see unit schedule for important chapters)

 

 
Recommended
  1. Rittel, H.W. and Webber, M.M., 1973. Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy sciences, 4(2), pp.155-169.
  2. Ackoff, R.L., 1981. The art and science of mess management. Interfaces, 11(1), pp.20-26.
  3. Spedding, C.R.W., 1988. A systems approach to agriculture. In An Introduction to Agricultural Systems, pp. 15-40. Springer, Dordrecht.
  4. Clapp, J. (2021). Food (Third edition.). Polity.

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