About this Course

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Throughout this course, you will delve into the intricate details of the food production system through a system-thinking lens. You will examine the grand challenges faced by the food, fiber, and natural resource industries, and their repercussions on people, the planet, and profit. By the end of this course, you will have a clear understanding of the concept of systems thinking, be able to explain the three key pillars of sustainability and link these pillars to social, environmental, and economic systems.   
This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit: https://aces.illinois.edu/online.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

No previous background knowledge required. This is an introductory, exploratory course.

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Explore the pillars of sustainability in food production and examine grand challenges in food, nutrition, economics, environment, & energy systems.

Skills you will gain

Systems Thinking
Food Systems
Environmental Systems
Food Production Economics
Sustainability

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

No previous background knowledge required. This is an introductory, exploratory course.

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Anna Ball

Associate Dean of Academic Programs | Professor

College of ACES | Human Development & Family Studies

191 Learners

1 Course

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

MODULE 1 | Food System as a System

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 37 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz

7 videos

Course Overview6mMeet Your Instructor | Dr. Anna Ball1mModule 1 Introduction54sDefining the Food System6mDefining Systems Thinking6mDistinguishing Local from Global Challenges in the Food System7mExploring Grand Challenges and Emerging Issues in Food, Economic, Environmental, and Energy Systems7m

6 readings

Syllabus 10mInterviewees in this Course10mSystems Thinking and Sustainability 15mSustainability is all about systems-thinking--here's why15mReframing the local-global food systems debate through a resilience lens30mGrand Challenges Overview2m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

MODULE 2 | Sustainability in the Food System

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 28 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

MODULE 3 | Food Production Systems

1 hour to complete

7 videos (Total 45 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

MODULE 4 | Food and Nutrition

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 30 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

MODULE 4 | Introduction53sInvestigating Issues in World Hunger7mExamining Access to Nutritious Food9mDescribing Food Deserts4mExploring Emotional and Cultural Connections to Food7m

4 readings

Perennial Rice: Plant once, harvest again and again15mNothing makes farms less destructive & more regenerative than switching from annual to perennial crops. Now, it’s happening10mUSAID and USDA announce the Global Food Security Research Strategy to Fight Hunger and Build Sustainable Systems3mEPA: Environmental Justice Screen and Mapping Tool10m

Week5

Week 5

1 hour to complete

MODULE 5 | Food and the Environment

1 hour to complete

3 videos (Total 24 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week6

Week 6

1 hour to complete

MODULE 6 | Economics of the Food System

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 30 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week7

Week 7

1 hour to complete

MODULE 7 | Energy and Technology in the Food System

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 25 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week8

Week 8

3 hours to complete

MODULE 8 | Examining Grand Challenges; Moving Toward Solutions

3 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 25 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Sustainable Food Systems