Agrarian systems and farm : partim

lbira2109a  2019-2020  Louvain-la-Neuve

Agrarian systems and farm : partim
Note from June 29, 2020
Although we do not yet know how long the social distancing related to the Covid-19 pandemic will last, and regardless of the changes that had to be made in the evaluation of the June 2020 session in relation to what is provided for in this learning unit description, new learnig unit evaluation methods may still be adopted by the teachers; details of these methods have been - or will be - communicated to the students by the teachers, as soon as possible.
3 credits
22.5 h + 7.5 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Bertin Pierre;
Language
French
Prerequisites
Biology, ecology, soil science , climatology of the first three years of the program Bioengineering or equivalent.
Main themes
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.
Content
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.
Teaching methods
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
Evaluation methods
Written exam dealing with interdisciplinary issues, where the student will have to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking based on acquired knowledge during the instruction
Other information
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.
This course can be given in English
Online resources
Moodle
Bibliography
Support(s) de cours obligatoires
Syllabus et montages powerpoint disponibles sur Moodle
Séminaires et conférences
Supports complémentaires
Mazoyer et Roudard, 2002. Histoire des agricultures du monde
FAO, 2001. Systèmes d'exploitation agricole et pauvreté
Teaching materials
  • dias powerpoint disponibles sur moodle
Faculty or entity
AGRO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Interdisciplinary Advanced Master in Science and Management of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Master [120] in Environmental Science and Management

Master [120] in Geography : General

Master [120] in Environmental Bioengineering

Master [120] in Forests and Natural Areas Engineering