Study Guide

Objective

: After the course, the student can…
• Recognise the factors which are affecting to carbon cycle (e.g. photosynthesis and atmospheric carbon)
• Recognise the limits of carbon cycle and carbon sinks especially in food chain
• Understand the basics of calculating carbon footprint
• Understand the impacts of climate change in food chain and can list actions which help food chain to adapt for global warming
• Understand international climate agreements and goals and also identify the impacts of European union agriculture politics in developing food chain

Content

Introduction, course objectives and practices, climate change, assignments
Photosynthesis and atmospheric carbon (the role of biomasses, carbon cycle, emission sources)
Emissions from food chain, carbon footprint, carbon fixation and sinks (agriculture as a global emission source)
Supporting low-carbon production on farms (the role of peatlands, renewable energy, new production methods, cropping systems)
Future research questions and carbon capture and storage (carbon compensations, carbon trade, agriculture regulations, international agreements)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student knows the basics of the carbon cycle and lists the most important concepts related to the carbon cycle. The student defines the main points of the carbon cycle of the food chain. He is able to calculate carbon footprint related bills. The student names the factors affecting the carbon cycle and lists their effects on the environment. The student is able to describe the basic principles of climate change and photosynthesis. He / she can identify the most important changes in the transition to low carbon production in an individual company.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student describes the natural foundations of the carbon cycle and explains the phenomena related to the carbon cycle. The student summarizes the low carbon technologies and explains the factors affecting them. The student will be able to describe the circumstances and justify the use of certain practices to increase low carbon. The student assesses the profitability of low-carbon measures and is able to list measures. The student is able to explain carbon cycle, climate change and carbon sequestration and apply his / her knowledge to the circumstances of an individual company.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student explains the scientific phenomena on which the carbon cycle is based and interprets, calculates and comments on the related scientific problems and concepts. The student explains low carbon technology and analyzes the factors affecting it. Students will be able to describe low carbon plans for companies, compare different options and justify their choices and development proposals. The student compares the profitability factors of low carbon production and is able to analyze the development ideas aimed at it.

Materials

Laasasenaho, K., Lauhanen, R., Lähteenmäki, E. (toim.). 2021. Hiilineutraali yritys: Opas päästöjen vähentämiseen kustannustehokkaasti pk-yrityksissä. SeAMK julkaisusarja B. Seinäjoki.