Accessibility statement

Food & Water Security - ENV00061M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Ioan Fazey
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

The module aims to focus on the challenges and constraints of warranting the adequacy of food and water in the face of environmental, population and global markets changes. The module will examine the challenges in the context of access and prospective trends in supply and demand. Supply trend stimuli include climate change, energy scarcity, and technology, changes in population, increased urbanisation and consumption. In addition to critically reflecting on the practical and theoretical facets of food and water security, with a view to develop a better foundation upon which to achieve developmental and environmental objectives, the module will also focus on the underlying policy, economic and market-driven forces that play a key role in affecting supply and demand.    

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

The module aims to critically reflect on the practical and theoretical facets of food and water security, with a view to develop a better foundation upon which to achieve developmental and environmental objectives. The module will focus on the environmental, social, economic and political factors that affect global production, distribution and conflict on food and water security in the light of climate change impacts.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, you should develop:

  • Evaluate critically key theories and concepts of food and water security.
  • Critically analyse complex and dichotomous areas of knowledge relating to food and water security issues both systematically and creatively and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data
  • Critically analyse the driving forces and impacts of policy and practice relating to food and water within a global context
  • Integrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the biophysical, social and environmental factors that affect food production and water availability

    Generic/employability skills

  • Identify and define complex issues and apply appropriate knowledge to their solution
  • Undertake independent/self-directed study/learning including time management
  • Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal and others’ strengths and weaknesses
  • Competent, independent and self critical learning capabilities to engage in continuous professional development.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay - 3000 words		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Reassessment: Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Feedback on group tasks during seminars is provided as verbal comments after each session.

Feedback on individual coursework (essay) is provided as written comments on returned work.

Examination scripts are made available to students in a dedicated session with the course lecturers available for one-to-one discussion. This allows identification of any points for improvement in future examinations.

Indicative reading

Reading material will be provided throughout the module, linked to the appropriate lectures on the VLE.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.