RSO-12306 Biosystems Engineering and Society

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
One day excursion20
Lectures24
Problem-based learning5
Tutorial18
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)ir. J Schakel
Lecturer(s)ir. J Schakel
dr. ir. GJH Bieleman
Examiner(s)prof. dr. ir. JSC Wiskerke

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Contents:

The course focuses on the interaction between (agro) technology and society. Emphasis is put on the historical dimension: how agriculture and technology have interacted in different epochs and what can be learnt from this in the framework of the current (agro-) technology debate. The course also addresses phenonema such as technique, technology, science, ethics and society. The interactions between these phenonema is analysed through concrete examples from a sociological perspective

Learning outcomes:

After having followed this course, students are expected to:
- have understanding of the relation and interaction between developments in agro technology and bio resource engineering and society in the course of history;
- have knowledge of the processes of change of agricultural production systems in the Netherlands;
- understand the role of technological change in the agrarian development in the Netherlands;
- have insight in different concepts of science and technology;
- be able to position oneself vis-á-vis different ideas of science and technology;
- be able to analyse normative aspects of science and technology by means of ethical tools.

Activities:

Lectures and working sessions, case study, excursions, self-study, writing and presenting a group paper.

Examination:

Written examination and assignments.

Literature:

Reader, book and course outline.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BATBiosystems EngineeringBSc4WD