Course Syllabus
Sustainable Development Goals
Aims
This module of the laboratory course aims to provide students with a broad overview of the different meanings of the term sustainability through the historical perspective of the development of food production.
By considering a wide range of major sourcing strategies and their progress over time (from hunting, gathering, fishing, farming and ranching to the Blue Revolution), we will assess the impact of agriculture on the environment and how different ecosystems have been adapted and shaped by human needs. Students will be able to assess the environmental impact according to different modes of supply.
Students are invited to consult the syllabus of the entire course for details regarding learning- and skill-related objectives.
Contents
• Food as a fuel: history of energy in the long-run.
• Food and demographical pressure.
• New insights on sustainability: Preserving the planet managing Food Security.
Detailed program
• Food as a fuel: history of energy in the long-run.
• Grain crops: social, economic and environmental impact.
• Food and demographical pressure: a comparison between China and continental Europe from Early Modern Age to nowadays.
• Food between humans and other species in the long-run: sustainable for whom? waste for whom?
• Organic farming, conventional farming, futurable farming: certifying environment, society and market.
• New insights on sustainability: Preserving the planet managing Food Security.
Prerequisites
• Basic understanding of environmental science.
• Basic understanding of sustainability concepts.
Teaching form
3 CFUs of mixed theoretical and interactive lessons in the classroom (30 hours):
• 9 two-hour lectures, in person, Delivered Didactics;
• 6 two-hour lectures, in person, with interviews, exercises, and debates, Interactive Didactics.
Attendance to lectures and interactive exercises is highly recommended.
Textbook and teaching resource
• Material provided by the lecturer.
Semester
II semester (March - June)
Assessment method
Assessment will be based on the active participation of the student to the activities carried out in the second part of each laboratory session.
The final score will be between 18/30 and 30/30 cum laude, based on the overall assessment considering the following criteria:
(1) knowledge and understanding;
(2) ability to connect different concepts;
(3) autonomy of analysis and judgment;
(4) ability to correctly use scientific language.
Office hours
Always, after scheduling an appointment via e-mail.
Sustainable Development Goals
Staff
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Laura Prosperi
