Agrarian systems and farm [ LBIRA2109 ]

iCampus

Biology, ecology, soil science , climatology of the first three years of the program Bioengineering or equivalent.

Part A The impact of agro-ecosystem on the environment, the impact of climate change on agro-ecosystem . The sustainability of agro-ecosystems : its definition , its objectives, assessment and the means of its implementation on environmental and socio-economic plans.
Part B evolutionary dynamics of agricultural systems . Origin of agriculture and cultivated or farmed species . Conditions for the functioning of agricultural systems : tools , labor , replacement fertility , plant-animal interactions. Methodology for studying the dynamics of farming systems, their balance or malfunction : economic, social and political causes of the ecological genesis , evolution and collapse systems in history. New balances.

a. Contribution of instruction with regards to the referential of leaning outcomes

Knowing and understanding a thorough knowledge basis in the field of agricultural systems ( M1.1 , M1.2 , M2.4 , M2.5 )

Activate and mobilize knowledge in engineering using a quantitative approach a complex problem in agronomy at the system level ( M1.1 , M1.2 , M2.4 , M2.5 )

Propose a rigorous and innovative approach to solve a research problem in the field of agricultural systems ( M1.3 , M3.3 , M3.7 , M3.8 )

Develop and implement a comprehensive and innovative approach in engineering ( M4.1 to M4.7 )

10: M7 integrate humanistic values '', cultural openness and solidarity in the analysis of agrosystems

Written exam dealing with interdisciplinary issues, where the student will have to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking based on acquired knowledge during the instruction

Lectures based on practical examples, case studies, guided questions
Field trips (visiting agricultural companies, farmers and agronomic trials)
Modeling exercises. Depending on the season, taking measurements on farm.
Scientific publications from generic or specialized international journals, UN/NGO/offical reports, book chapters, documentaries and video presentations of renown scientists

Part A Principles of agrosystems functioning and comparison of agro-ecological and natural ecological systems. The evolution and amplification of the impacts of agricultural activities since the advent of humanity. Industrialization and anthropogenic Climate Change : Contribution of agriculture and reciprocal effects. Definition of the holistic and complex sustainability of agrosystems. The interconnection of environmental, economic, social and ethical dimensions. Improving sustainability : assessment tools'Tools for tactical and strategic operations and social, economic, cultural and ethical tools.

Part B Domestication of plants and animals. Transition from predation to agriculture. Nomadic agriculture and settlement agriculture. Hydraulic systems. Mountain agriculture. Fallow systems. No-fallow systems. Mechanization, genetic improvement. Transport and globalization.

Instruction material

Syllabus and powerpoint slides available on icampus

Seminars and conferences

Additional literature

Mazoyer et Roudard, 2002. Histoire des agricultures du monde

FAO, 2001. Systèmes d'exploitation agricole et pauvreté

In cases where the students do not master the French language, the instruction for these students will be replaced by a literature review on a topic related to the issues developed above, to be defined with the instructor.