Global Food Security (005GS)
Global Food Security
Module 005GS
Module details for 2026/27.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Achieving food security for 10-billion people while reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture is a major challenge of the next century.
In this module, we discuss papers on the multiple dimensions of this challenge, including the biophysical, economic, nutritional, socio-political and institutional.
We take a global perspective on issues, drawing upon both global-scale research as well as case studies from different regions of the world to understand the geography of agricultural production, its environmental footprint and of malnutrition.
Key topics include:
• global change and sustainable agriculture
• what is food security?
• impact of climate change: mitigation and adaptation potential of agriculture
• water and food issues
• hunger and famines
• emerging issues in food security: GMOs, labels, diets, urban agriculture, organic agriculture, food waste.
Module learning outcomes
Evaluate the main dimensions, metrics and indicators of food security.
Understand and evaluate the different dimensions to food security using the current literature in global sustainable food security.
Recognise the significance, assumptions, and limitations of arguments related to these dimensions of global food security and their applicability over time and across space
Formulate academic arguments about contemporary food-security related issues and present them in varied forms.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 50.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Group Presentation | T2 Week 11 (20 minutes) | 40.00% |
| Report | T2 Week 11 | 60.00% |
| Essay (2000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111111110 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Ceri Oeppen
Assess convenor
/profiles/153569
Prof Michael Collyer
Assess convenor
/profiles/96968
Dr Pedram Rowhani
Convenor
/profiles/267938
Prof Julian Murton
Assess convenor
/profiles/30834
Ms Catherine Senger
Assess convenor
/profiles/7502
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