Upcoming MOOC : Feeding a Growing Planet: Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability
(Image Credit: GODAN Capacity Development Working Group)
'Feeding a Growing Planet: Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability' explores the key challenges to ensuring a healthy and sustainable diet for our growing world population, as well as the central role of agriculture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course starts on March 20, 2017. You can enroll here.
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The agriculture sector is a critical player in sustainable development; it is at the heart of issues such as food security, malnutrition, ecosystem management, and the responsible production and consumption of food. However, without the proper policy frameworks and programs to guide our global food system there is the risk of exacerbating inequality and harming our environment.
An upcoming online course : 'Feeding a Growing Planet: Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability' explores the key challenges to ensuring a healthy and sustainable diet for our growing world population, as well as the central role of agriculture in achieving the SDGs.
Course Start End Date | March 20, 2017 May 21, 2017 |
Instructors | Achim Dobermann of Rothamsted Research Jessica Fanzo of Johns Hopkins University Ken Giller of Wageningen University Upmanu Lall of Columbia University Michael Lee of Rothamsted Research William Masters of Tufts University Rebecca Nelson of Cornell University Johan Verreth of Wageningen University |
Context | This course provides a historical overview of the past 50 years of agricultural development, the consequences of continuing along this trajectory, and key levers for improvement. The course highlights key technological advancements and interventions to produce more and better quality food while simultaneously achieving social and environmental goals. |
By joining this course, you are becoming part of a global movement of citizens and practitioners committed to revolutionizing the way we think about our food system.
The success of the course depends on an active student base that represents a diversity of experiences, geographies, and perspectives.
Add your voice to the global discussion by registering today! You can ENROLL HERE.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS
The course is structured around a series of pre-recorded lectures, readings, quizzes, discussion forums, and other activities.
Each of these course components can be completed at a time that is convenient for the student, and most quizzes and timed activities are given a two-week window for completion.
The material for each week is made available each Monday, and once the material has been opened, it remains open for the duration of the course.
In addition to the asynchronous components of the course, the instructors will hold real-time Google Hangouts to encourage students to ask questions and engage directly with the instructors. These Hangouts will be announced 1-2 weeks in advance.
The estimated time commitment to complete all course components is 4-6 hours per week, though this depends heavily on the student and his/her objectives in taking the course.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a digital certificate of completion, signed by the instructors.
In order to successfully complete the course, students must score an average of 70% or higher on the quizzes and final exam, all of which are multiple choice.
Students that score 85% or higher will receive certificates of completion with distinction.
While this course is not credit granting, we encourage students to work with their own institutions to explore the option of granting credit for online coursework.
If you have any additional questions on the course structure or requirements, please email the SDSN Education Initiatives Team at: [email protected].
For technical questions about the platform, please email: [email protected].
SYLLABUS
Module 1. The global challenges around food | 1.1 Introduction to this MOOC |
Module 2. Agriculture at the center of sustainable development | 2.1 Emergence of modern agriculture |
Module 3. Food systems for nutritional security and better health | 3.1 What is food security? |
Module 4. Sustainable intensification of agricultural systems – Part 1 | 4.1 Sustainable agriculture intensification |
Module 5. Sustainable intensification of agricultural systems – Part 2 | 5.1 Water management |
Module 6: Rural development for poverty alleviation | 6.1 Rural economies and urban linkages |
Module 7: Action for change | 7.1 Pathways to change |
Source: SDG Academy
