Handbook home
Food Production for Urban Landscapes (HORT90038)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Burnley)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Dr Chris Williams
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - On Campus |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
In this subject you will learn about the history of urban agriculture in countries around the world and explore the various roles of urban agriculture in modern-day cities. Given the nature of the subject, a wide diversity of topics will be covered including but not limited to: plant growth requirements, agricultural inputs (such as water and nutrients), soil contamination, pests and diseases, urban-specific production methods, design and management of community gardens and edible landscapes, mainstream and alternative crops (fruit and vegetables), agro-ecology principles and practices ; and the economic value of residential food gardens. You will be required to implement and maintain an allocated crop plot in the Burnley Field Station throughout semester. Field visits will also form part of this subject.
Intended learning outcomes
On the completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Analyse and apply agronomic principles to food production in urban settings,
- Develop practical skills in food production by growing crops in an open field allotment setting at the Burnley Campus,
- Critically evaluate current social, economic and environmental developments in urban agriculture within a historical Australian and international context,
- Evaluate the role of extension and facilitation principles and practices in communicating and promoting technical and social aspects of urban agriculture in a variety of settings eg. in schools, community gardens,
- Evaluate a variety of crops for their suitability in urban agriculture, considering cultural relevance and potential for novel cultivation.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Communication: The ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally
- Critical thinking: The ability to think independently and critically
- Problem solving: The ability to identify and solve problems
- Analysis: The ability to analyse information and data
Last updated: 14 February 2026