Master - Agroecology - Thematic areas and courses

Studieavdelingen

Following the mandatory courses of PAE302 and PAE303, students and their advisor work together to build a roadmap for the students’ personal learning goals and interests.

Master - Agroecology - Thematic areas and courses

The second and third semesters are flexible and allow students a more in-depth study of areas of interest that they discover during the first semester, while preparing a background for their thesis work. UMB is fortunate to have many contacts and co-operations worldwide. UMB students have access to not only the courses offered at UMB, but also the opportunity to travel to different universities to meet their learning needs.

Although flexibility and self-directed learning are important aspects of the MSc Agroecology, we have drawn a road map for students. But remember – roadmaps rarely include all possible paths, and the terrain always contains something remaining to be explained. The following thematic areas in agroecology represent profiles that students can build up over the two-year programme. These profiles do not need to fill the second and third semesters completely. Space can be left open for elective courses that may be needed for thesis work.
- Please review all course lists as many thematic areas overlap.

Sustainability & Rural Development
Students entering into this area will learn about the challenges facing sustainable development and rural development. In many countries rural development is of key importance in an effort to stop the depopulation of rural areas. This path will lead you into exciting and rewarding work opportunities, which revolve around the challenge of making our society more sustainable in the long run.

Organic Agriculture
Interest in ecological agriculture is on the rise in Europe, and many governments have set goals to substantially increase the area of land in ecological production. Therefore opportunities exist to aid in this development after completing an education that has an in-depth yet broad study of ecological farming.

Agroecology & Crop Production/Agroecology in the
Mediterranean
Crop production world-wide is currently facing much criticism regarding environmental, economic and social issues. Using agroecological and systems approaches, innovative and exciting solutions can be developed to improve the current situation. This study gives a deeper understanding of crop production, as well as other important influencing factors, with emphasis on Mediterranean conditions.

Development studies & Tropical agriculture
For students who wish to study agroecology, yet concentrate on agriculture and societal issues in developing countries, this thematic area can be very suitable. The study combines systems thinking and agroecological background, while also studying material and methods that are very relevant to sustainable development in developing countries.

Agroecology & the Environment
Traditionally conservation has only been focused on undisturbed areas. However, we are starting to realize that there is also value in considering agricultural land as a habitat for many species. Through proper management, the agricultural ecosystem can become very complex. Both conservational value and the stability of the agricultural system can be improved through the added complexity, when the proper combinations of species and management are found. As well, the effects of agricultural systems on recipient ecosystems and atmosphere are studied and explored.

Human nutrition & Food systems
Agroecology also includes the activities beyond the farm gate, including the processing, distribution and consumption of food. These food systems are essential for the movement of food to consumers. However there are many sustainability issues in this area that are related to nutrition, human rights and the overall effects of a global food system which can be explored.

Agroecology & Economics
Economics play a vital and powerful role in agricultural systems. This area allows students the opportunity to focus on economics, while maintaining a more interdisciplinary approach, with environmental and social perspectives balancing their profile.

Ecological Engineering
After the first semester students may wish to focus on the flow of energy and nutrients in the food systems, particularly the missing link from consumer back to the farm. Issues such as energy, nutrient cycling, waste treatment and composting can be studied, using systems thinking and agroecological approaches.

Systems analysis & Action-based research
In the study of Agroecology, systems analysis is emphasised, along with action-based research. Within this direction, students can concentrate on developing the communication, facilitation, decision-making and conflict resolution skills that they will require in their future careers.


Updated: 02.12.04
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