Agricultural Ecosystems unit (ZAB222)

Introduction

In this unit you will examine human impacts of agricultural production on ecosystem services, ecosystem functions and biodiversity. You will also learn how these services interact with agricultural production in relation to biosecurity, food security, and land management. You will explore concepts related to environmental-economic accounting, including true cost accounting and natural capital accounting. You will be provided with opportunities to formulate practice-based management solutions that are feasible, economically viable, socially and ethically acceptable, and environmentally sustainable.

This unit also incorporates learning through practice by exposing you to authentic learning experiences. These experiences are placed at the centre of learning and assessment to provide you with opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to respond to industry, community and/or global needs.

Through a range of learning experiences you will be introduced to:

- approaches and practices relative to sustainable management of agricultural ecosystems;

- ways of understanding problems associated with agricultural production systems and developing solutions.

Summary

Unit name	Agricultural Ecosystems
Unit code	ZAB222
Credit points	12.5
College/School	University College
Discipline	Pathways
Coordinator	Doctor Suzie Jones
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Explain human impacts on agricultural ecosystems.
• Assess relationships between ecosystems services, ecosystem functions and agricultural production.
• Evaluate social and ethical aspects associated with management of agricultural ecosystems.
• Evaluate environmental–economical concepts of agricultural production systems to develop land management strategies.
• Formulate and communicate practice-based solutions for management of agricultural production ecosystems.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

ZAB202

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On-campus students: 8 x online 1 to 2 hour tutorials; 1 x half day online workshop per semester; 2 x optional Course wide field trips were conducted. Off -campus students: 8 x online 1 to 2 hour tutorials; 1 x half day online workshop per semester; 2 x Course wide field trips were conducted.
Assessment	AT1: Media Release (25%)|AT3: Presentation - True Cost of Production (35%)|AT2: Land Management Plan (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required reading materials will be provided by the Unit Coordinator.
Recommended	Recommended reading materials will be provided by the Unit Coordinator.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.