Undergraduate Course: Innovation in Sustainable Agri-food systems (VETS10026)
Course Outline
| School | Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course will introduce students to theories of innovation; how research becomes adopted in practice, in a range of different circumstances. The course challenges the linear model of innovation where basic research smoothly flows into applied research, then into development and finally into products that are adopted in the market place. The reality is usually much more complex. |
| Course description |
It is observed that innovative ideas often fail to be adopted in practice. This course seeks to explore theories and perspectives on innovation and why this failure occurs. Using these theories and perspectives, students will achieve a deeper appreciation of the roles of multiple stakeholders in innovation, the value of different forms of knowledge, the importance of social networks in innovation and the way in which change has been achieved in socio-technical systems.
Topics to be dealt with include behavioural change theories, farming cultures, Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory, Communities of Practice, the Farmer Field School model, Agricultural Innovation Systems and Multi-Level Perspectives.
The course will provide basic training on qualitative research methods and the conduct of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 30 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 12,
Formative Assessment Hours 5,
Summative Assessment Hours 10,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
149 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Short student-led film identifying how an agriculture/food related topic is portrayed in the public sphere in Edinburgh with a 1,000 word analytical reflection on the film's portrayal (50%)
Final Report of 2,000 words (50%)
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| Feedback |
Provided within 15 days |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically discuss the major theoretical models for understanding translation of research into practice;
- Recognize when a qualitative research approach is appropriate;
- Be aware of different disciplinary norms and the challenges these pose to interdisciplinary working.
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Reading List
Heffernan, C., Thomson, K. & Nielsen, L. (2008) Livestock vaccine adoption among poor farmers in Bolivia: Remembering innovation diffusion theory. Vaccine 26:2433-2442.
Van den Berg, H., Jiggins, J. (2007) Investing in farmers: the impacts of farmer field schools in relation to integrated pest management. World Dev. 35.
Blay-Palmer, A., Landman, K., Knezevic, I. & Hayhurst, R. (2013) Constructing resilient, transformative communities through sustainable "food hubs". Local Environment. The International Journal of Justice & Sustainability 18(5):521-528.
Smith, A. (2006) Green niches in sustainable development: the case of organic food in the United Kingdom. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 24:439-358.
Triomphe, B. & Rajalahti, R. (2013) From concept to emerging practice: what does an innovation system perspective bring to agricultural and rural development? In Renewing innovation systems in agriculture and food, Coudel, E., Devautour, H., Soulard, C. T. & Hubert, G. F. (eds) Chapter 3.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Critical thinking, evaluating information through; identifying assumptions, detecting false logic or reasoning and defining terms accurately in order to make an informed judgement - though preparation of an annotated bibliography, leading to writing a final report.
Planning, organising, time management, in planning and delivering the final essay.
Written communication, ability to produce clear, structured written work that effectively explains information - through the course assignments
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| Additional Class Delivery Information |
- Lecture Hours: 20
- Tutorials: 15
- Formative Assessment Activity Hours: 5
- Summative Assessment: 10
- Independent Learning Hours: 149
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Geoffrey Banda
Tel: (0131 6)50 6391
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel: (0131 6)51 7454
Email: |
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