Sustainable Agriculture
永續農業 [中文版]

 

Notice: In light of the latest development of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, the course timetable is subject to change.

**Please take note of the enhanced Covid-19 control measures at HKU campus.**
**Starting from 28 February, 2022, the University will further enhance campus access control in three phases. Except for those with a certified medical exemption, or children under 5 years of age, anyone who wishes to enter any part of HKU campus must comply with the Vaccine Pass Scheme.**

 

 

 CEF Reimbursable Course (CEF Course Code: 44Z114591)

Course Title: Sustainable Agriculture	Course Code: CSCM03-202202
Mode of Study: Part-Time	Contact Hours and Study Period: 1-2 sessions per week, a total of 36 contact hours in three months’ time
Teaching Medium: English, supplemented with Cantonese	Commencement Date: Feb 5, 2022 (Saturday)
Tuition Fee: HKD7,980 (site visit expenses not included)	Application Deadline: Jan 13, 2022 (Thursday)
Application Method: Download and fill in Course Application Form (proof of academic qualification is required) and return to Academy for Sustainable Communities by application deadline	Enquiry: Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm　Tel: 3917-4767　Email: ruralsd@hku.hk
Class Venue: The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (Weekday evenings) Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Tai Po, New Territories & Lai Ci Wo (Weekends)	Tutor: Mr YIP Tsz Lam
Quota: 25 students (First-come-first-serve) (The class is now full.)

Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing the basic concept and understanding of sustainable agriculture which includes a range of knowledge and practices for pursuing economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible agriculture. Applications of these practices will be illustrated through local case studies and farm visits. Students will further build up their basic skills through a farming practicum.

Assessment and Recognition:
Students, who have attained an attendance rate of not less than 70% and have the course assessment passed, will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Policy for Sustainability Lab. This course is one of the four modules of the "Certificate in Sustainable Communities" programme (QF Level: 3; QR Registration No.: 18/000784/L3; QR Registration Validity Period: From 11 Sep 2018 - on-going). Students who have obtained a Certificate of Achievement in all four modules are eligible for the "Certificate in Sustainable Communities" awarded by the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education.

Entry Requirements:
(a) have gained in the HKDSE Examination Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language; or
(b) have passed five subjects in HKCEE, including Chinese Language and English Language; or
(c) hold equivalent academic qualifications, taking into consideration individual merit

Course Contents and Timetable (Updated on March 1, 2022):

Date	Contents
Feb 5, 2022 (Saturday) 10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-5:00pm	AM Lecture: Basic knowledge of sustainable agriculture - Background and principles - Food crisis and food system - Agricultural conditions in Southern China - Overview of international and local agriculture development   - Marketing and sale of agricultural produces PM Lecture: Management of sustainable agriculture - Theory of sustainable farm - Farm design - Arrangement and management of farming
Feb 12, 2022 (Saturday) 9:30am-12:30pm	AM Lecture: Mode of agriculture practice and marketing - Farming condition and natural resources - Crop Classification and relationship with landscape - Fertilization and Pest Control
Feb 13, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-4:30pm	AM Lecture: Agriculture and the environment - Soil and water management and conservation - Habitat interaction - Village design and community; Farmland policy - Urban agriculture
Feb 26, 2022 (Saturday) 9:30am-4:30pm	Lecture: Development and policy of agriculture in Hong Kong - Interrelationship between farmers, rural villagers, and agriculture practices - Hong Kong agricultural history - local agricultural policy: background, impact and limitations - challenges and opportunities.
Apr 24, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-4:30pm	Field Trip & Field Practice - Farm Tour at Lai Chi Wo: Assessment of farmland and water resource - Nursery operation exercise - Farmland preparation and sowing
May 1, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-12:30pm	Field Trip: - Tsuen Wan CIty Farm - Central Farm Market
May 14, 2022 (Saturday) 9:30am-4:30pm	Full Day Farm Visit - Au Law Organic Farm - Zen Organic Farm - Tsiu Keng & CCG
May 28, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-4:30pm	Contingency
Jun 5, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-5:00pm	Field Trip & Group Examination - Cases of Village Rehabilitation: Visit of Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong - Field exercises & group examination
Jun 9, 2022 (Thursday) 7:00pm-8:00pm	Examination

Please note:

This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. The mother course (Certificate in Sustainable Communities) of this module is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 3).

Students' Feedbacks:

"The Best teacher! With great effort / experience / critical mind and skills. Good selection of fieldtrips and farm visits."

"For someone not from the field, the course was very informative and I was able to build a knowledge database from the very knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher."

Sustainable Communities Fellowship Scheme: 

Graduates of the course will be invited to join the Academy’s Fellowship Scheme as Fellows. The Scheme aims to form a network of committed individuals which provide not only continuous support for the members but also a platform for experience sharing in pursuit of community-based sustainability across different disciplines and sectors. Fellows are also eligible to participate in the Sustainability Hackathons and the Rural in Action Start-up Scheme.

Supporting organisations: