Understanding the farm as a production system depending on interactions with and management of the natural resource base, and also characterised by internal interactions within the system. (1) Agro-ecology and cropping systems, applying ecological principles in the analysis of an agricultural system. Cropping systems in semi-arid, sub-humid and humid tropics. (2) Livestock systems, overview of livestock systems including both mixed farming and nomadic systems. Fodder resources including fodder quality and use. Crop-livestock interaction. (3) Genetic resources for food and agriculture, genetic erosion, conservation of genetic resources ex situ and in situ, utilisation of genetic resources, international treaties and agreements on management of genetic resources, and intellectual property rights and policies. (4) Sustainable agriculture, integrated management of soil fertility, integrated pest management, integrated resource management for sustainable agriculture, and sustainable intensification.

Understanding the farm as a system with emphasis on ecological principles (agro-ecosystems), and analysing agricultural systems with respect to environmental objectives (sustainability), productive objectives (increased food production) and social objectives (equity).

Lectures.

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Lecture notes + selected readings.

Bachelor\´s degree or equivalent.

A basic course in ecology.

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Exam in ENGLISH ONLY. Written exam.

Lectures: 70 hours. Independent study: 230 hours. 300 hrs student work in all.

Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)

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5 lecture hours/week for 14 weeks = 70 hrs.

The course is designed for an interdisciplinary Master degree programme where students could have different backgrounds including agricultural, natural, social or economic sciences.

There is one external examiner. Exam papers are graded independently by the teacher (course coordinator) and the external examiner.