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Farming Systems unit (KLA535)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart, Online

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

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Block 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Block 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Block 1 22/2/2026 9/3/2026 22/3/2026 18/4/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
050101 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $3,382.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

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)
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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