Circular Bioeconomy in Agri-Food Systems
Dates & timetable:
This module will review the concept of circular bioeconomy with respect to our global agri-food systems. It will explore the impact of waste along the agri-food supply chains and the implications for achieving food security, and sustainability targets.
It will educate the learner on sources, types and volumes of waste, current waste management practices, and waste prevention and reduction strategies. It will also review the concept of circularity and its purpose within agri-food systems and the mechanisms and strategies being adopted at present to promote the concept of the circular bioeconomy within our agri-food systems.
Specific technical areas covered will include, but are not limited to, the circular economy, challenges of circular agriculture and food systems, policy with respect to circularity and the bioeconomy, waste management, prevention, and reduction strategies.
| Date | Time |
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Open in Jan 2026
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Description:
This module will review the concept of circular bioeconomy with respect to our global agri-food systems. It will explore the impact of waste along the agri-food supply chains and the implications for achieving food security, and sustainability targets. It will educate the learner on sources, types and volumes of waste, current waste management practices, and waste prevention and reduction strategies.
It will also review the concept of circularity and its purpose within agri-food systems and the mechanisms and strategies being adopted at present to promote the concept of the circular bioeconomy within our agri-food systems.
Specific technical areas covered will include, but are not limited to, the circular economy, challenges of circular agriculture and food systems, policy with respect to circularity and the bioeconomy, waste management, prevention, and reduction strategies.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the concept of circular bioeconomy and illustrate its application to the operation of agri-food systems.
- Evaluate the impact of food losses and waste along the supply chain and examine challenges and implications for achieving food security and sustainability targets.
- Select and interpret relevant research findings and innovations relating to food waste management, prevention and reduction strategies and assess their effectiveness.
- Appraise the mechanisms and strategies being adopted to promote circular bioeconomy and investigate the challenges of circular agri-food systems.
- Develop an in-depth knowledge of national and EU policies and regulations relating to circularity and the bioeconomy.
Volume (ECTS):
10 ECTS
Language:
English proficiency level CEFR C1
Transversal Skills:
Groupwork, teamwork, critical thinking,
Competencies:
Systems thinking, problem solving, critical thinking.
Study format
Online
Study methods:
Lectures, Webinars, case studies, Self-study. Indicative content includes:
- Introduction to circular bioeconomy concept
- Application of circular bioeconomy concept to global agri-food systems
- Food loss and waste – relevance to sustainability, and food security
- Innovations in food waste management
- Case studies of circular bioeconomy paradigms
- Current state of the art in circular bioeconomy mechanisms
- Policies and regulations around circularity and bioeconomy
Entry requirements:
Honours bachelorโs degree
English proficiency CEFR C1
SETU | English Language Requirements
Assessment:
- <40%: Very little knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Unable to carry out critical thinking or practical skills.
- 40%โ59%: The learner will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the subject matter. The student will be able to write and present a topical case study.
- 60%โ69%: In addition to the above, the student will demonstrate more detailed knowledge of all the module topics covered. The student will also be able to write and present a good quality case study.
- 70%โ100%: The learner will be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all learning outcomes and write and present a related high quality case study.
Host university:
South East Technological University, Ireland
