The ecology of cropping systems

About this programme

Equivalent to 120 credits including 75 credits Biology and 7,5 credits in Agricultural Sciences. English skills equivalent to English B from upper secondary school. Finalized by: PN - NJ, 2020-12-10 Valid from : Spring semester 2022 (2022-01-17) The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest. Equivalent to 120 credits including 75 credits Biology and 7,5 credits in Agricultural Sciences. English skills equivalent to English B from upper secondary school. The course aims to provide students with the advanced knowledge needed to make informed decisions about the design and management of cropping systems based on ecological knowledge and insights about economic and social framing conditions. Participants will be able to understand the origin, functions and mechanisms determining the design of current cropping and farming systems from a local and global perspective. This course also approaches synergies and trade-offs between different sustainable development goals (SDGs), with focus on SDGs 2, 12, 13 and 15. The course is based on ecological theory and how it affects the design of cropping and farming systems depending on socio-economic context. The course provides in-depth knowledge of ecological and technical factors that enable ecological intensification with the aim of improve the functioning of the system, increasing the efficiency of the use of natural resources, while reducing negative environmental impacts. The cropping systems are discussed from a global