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Farming Systems unit (KLA535)

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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 a farming context. Systems approaches are used to explore how broader social, cultural, political, economic and ecological factors influence farming. Using local and international case studies, students will apply different systems approaches to analyse complex problems in agriculture and explore their own influence on these problems.

Summary

Unit name Farming Systems
Unit code KLA535
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator Doctor Saideepa Kumar
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

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.

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically examine the structure and behaviour of a system using concepts and principles of systems thinking.
  • Analyse complex problems in farming systems by exploring different perspectives.
  • Identify one’s place and influence within a farming system.
  • Evaluate interventions that address complex sustainability challenges by using appropriate systems approaches.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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)
AssessmentFirst Nations Systems Thinking (10%)|PhotoVoice reflection (10%)|Systems Insights Report (35%)|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. Bawden, R.J., 1991. Systems thinking and practice in agriculture. Journal of Dairy Science, 74(7), pp. 2362-2373.

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