Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course covers global food production, poverty and population; development pathways of low-income countries; farming systems and the agricultural development of households; frameworks and tools for agricultural development.
This course takes an economic approach to the study of agricultural development fromᅠglobal down to household levels. The course comprises four parts: problems and progress in agricultural development at a global level;ᅠdevelopment pathways ofᅠparticular developing countries; the processes ofᅠagricultural development at household level; and the applicationᅠof mainstream analyticalᅠmethods to understand andᅠimprove agricultural development outcomes. The course integrates agricultural development theory, analytical toolsᅠand caseᅠstudies in a participatory way.ᅠ ᅠ ᅠ
At the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge-sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold students and staff accountable for actively contributing to establishing a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and againstᅠUQ Policy,ᅠand will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.ᅠᅠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
The course takes a socio-economic approach to the analysis of agricultural development. Previous study in economics, social science or development would be useful, but is not essential.ᅠᅠ
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
This course is also taught in In Person mode.
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
Additional timetable information
There is no class timetable for External students. External enrolled
students will study this course online. The workshops in this course for In Person students will be used flexibly for lectures and discussions. These workshops will be recorded for Externals to access via the course blackboard site. Further details regarding how External students will study the course will be provided in blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
The course provides an economic perspective of agricultural development in low-income countries and aims to build the capacity of students to understand and address agricultural development problems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand agricultural development processes at a global level, and the relationships between food production, poverty and population.
LO2.
Understand and apply key frameworks to analyse and address specific agricultural development issues.
LO3.
Appreciate farming systems in developing countries, and theories of agricultural development at a household level.
LO4.
Apply theories and be conversant with pathways of agricultural development in developing countries
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Critical Review | 20% |
10/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Analysis of an Agricultural Development Issue (Report) | 40% |
29/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Critical Review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
10/09/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
One short (1,000 word) essay will be prepared on a topic shared in the lectures. The essay will require you to critically reflect on an agricultural development issue.
Further details about this assessment will be available in the course blackboard site.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Critical review in the course blackboard site via the assessment task's submission link by the due date and time. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit. Legal Declaration: By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy / Document / Policy and Procedure Library and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Analysis of an Agricultural Development Issue (Report)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
29/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This report requires you to apply value chain analysis to a development issue.
Further details about this assessment will be available in the course blackboard site (<2,000 words, excluding references).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit. Legal Declaration: By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy / Document / Policy and Procedure Library and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The exam will be short essay-type questions covering the entire course. Details will be given closer to the end of semester.
Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in External delivery must attend the exam in-person, either on campus OR at an approved off-campus venue as organized with UQ Examinations. Students who live within a 200km radius of the campus will be expected to attend campus for the exam.
Examinations will contact students directly to confirm arrangements. Please ensure to check your UQ student email account regularly throughout semester as One reminder will be sent and students who fail to nominate an exam centre and will be automatically assigned to sit their exam on campus. Late nominations will not be accepted.
Please ensure you update your semester address in Si-net at the start of the semester to accurately reflect where you are residing.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must achieve a passing mark in the end of semester exam in order to pass the course. If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing grade in the final exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 35% - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 47% - 49% OR A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 50% or greater and less than a passing mark in the End of Semester exam. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64%, AND a passing mark in the End of Semester exam. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74%, AND a passing mark in the End of Semester exam. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84%, AND a passing mark in the End of Semester exam. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all progressive assessment and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100%, AND a passing mark in the End of Semester exam. |
Additional course grading information
Course Grading rules and Assessment Hurdles:
- Students must achieve a passing mark in the end of semester exam in order to pass the course
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing grade in the final exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing your assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy / Document / Policy and Procedure Library.
Turnitin
Assignments that are required to be submitted through Turnitin, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating, and you will be held liable for this action.
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability for progressive assessment will be announced via the course Blackboard site.
Feedback in this course
Feedback is welcome in this course as any information on how students find this learning experience is constructive. Please use the course evaluation process which will occur in the last few weeks of semester.
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
AGRC7520 Blackboard Site - Blackboard is the main method of communication.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Lecture and workshop series Please refer to the full timetable in the course Blackboard site. Sub-activity: World population, food and development. Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. Farmers and farming systems. Agricultural intensification. Agricultural commercialisation. Technological change. Agrarian change. Agricultural Value Chain Analysis. Development financing. Climate change and environmental sustainability. Indigenous agricultural development. Australia's role in international agricultural development. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.