THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2023/2024

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : BSc Hons (Royal (Dick) Sch of Veterinary Studies)

Undergraduate Course: Innovation in Sustainable Agri-food systems (VETS10026)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course will introduce students to theories of innovation; how research becomes adopted in practice, in a range of different circumstances. The course challenges the linear model of innovation where basic research smoothly flows into applied research, then into development and finally into products that are adopted in the market place. The reality is usually much more complex.
Course description It is observed that innovative ideas often fail to be adopted in practice. This course seeks to explore theories and perspectives on innovation and why this failure occurs. Using these theories and perspectives, students will achieve a deeper appreciation of the roles of multiple stakeholders in innovation, the value of different forms of knowledge, the importance of social networks in innovation and the way in which change has been achieved in socio-technical systems.

Topics to be dealt with include behavioural change theories, farming cultures, Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory, Communities of Practice, the Farmer Field School model, Agricultural Innovation Systems and Multi-Level Perspectives.

The course will provide basic training on qualitative research methods and the conduct of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Critically discuss the major theoretical models for understanding translation of research into practice;
  2. Recognize when a qualitative research approach is appropriate;
  3. Be aware of different disciplinary norms and the challenges these pose to interdisciplinary working.
Reading List
Heffernan, C., Thomson, K. & Nielsen, L. (2008) Livestock vaccine adoption among poor farmers in Bolivia: Remembering innovation diffusion theory. Vaccine 26:2433-2442.

Van den Berg, H., Jiggins, J. (2007) Investing in farmers: the impacts of farmer field schools in relation to integrated pest management. World Dev. 35.

Blay-Palmer, A., Landman, K., Knezevic, I. & Hayhurst, R. (2013) Constructing resilient, transformative communities through sustainable "food hubs". Local Environment. The International Journal of Justice & Sustainability 18(5):521-528.

Smith, A. (2006) Green niches in sustainable development: the case of organic food in the United Kingdom. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 24:439-358.

Triomphe, B. & Rajalahti, R. (2013) From concept to emerging practice: what does an innovation system perspective bring to agricultural and rural development? In Renewing innovation systems in agriculture and food, Coudel, E., Devautour, H., Soulard, C. T. & Hubert, G. F. (eds) Chapter 3.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Critical thinking, evaluating information through; identifying assumptions, detecting false logic or reasoning and defining terms accurately in order to make an informed judgement - though preparation of an annotated bibliography, leading to writing a final report.

Planning, organising, time management, in planning and delivering the final essay.

Written communication, ability to produce clear, structured written work that effectively explains information - through the course assignments
Additional Class Delivery Information - Lecture Hours: 20
- Tutorials: 15
- Formative Assessment Activity Hours: 5
- Summative Assessment: 10
- Independent Learning Hours: 149
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Geoffrey Banda
Tel: (0131 6)50 6391
Email: Geoffrey.Banda@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel: (0131 6)51 7454
Email: Gordon.Littlejohn@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information