Course Descriptions

The UC Davis Certificate in Development Practice (CDP) program requirements include 5 courses worth 15 units and 2 technical field practicum worth from 2-6 units (depending upon duration), which can be completed in two years. These courses and technical field experience may also be used to satisfy graduate major requirements.

IAD 200 - History and Philosophy of Development (5 units) – Introduction to key elements of the philosophy and practice of agricultural development in less developed countries, including major paradigms of development, the historical context within which these paradigms have operated, and the various development techniques and initiatives that have emerged from agricultural production to institutional capacity building and management.

IAD 290 - International Development Seminar (1 unit) - How does society envision sustainable agriculture and what can we do to realize that vision? This question will be explored from several perspectives by a wide range of practitioners, researchers and educators from several disciplines and organizations. Broad topics include the use and management of natural resources, the roles of public and private institutions in shaping agriculture and food systems, and the impacts consumers and the market can have in shaping agriculture.

MGT 293 - Marketing and Business Practices in the Developing World (3 units) - This course covers management, business practices and marketing of products as well as services in the global marketplace.  It follows a multi-disciplinary approach that reviews concepts from economics, political science, anthropology, sociology, management and marketing.

TTP 198 - D-Lab I: Overview of Energy and Development (3 units) - This class with practical, hands-on labs reviews the history of energy in the context of developing countries, looking at the rise of appropriate technologies and the role of government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

AV 111 - Nutrition and Metabolism (3 units) - The UC Davis Clinical Nutrition program uses a rigorous science-based approach to prepare students to apply their knowledge of nutrition to improve public health.  This course focuses on human nutrition and nutrient requirements at various phases throughout life.

Technical Field Practicum 

Satisfaction of the practicum requirement consists of two technical field work experiences worth 2-6 units depending upon duration (from 2-6 weeks in length). 

One practica can be completed in the domestic U.S. (for example at the UC Davis Student Farm) and the second must be completed internationally. The practicum must be completed with prior approval by the CDP faculty advisor.

The international practica can be completed at the site of an international member of the Global Masters in Development Practice Network or through the following UC Davis centers, colleges and departments: 

• College of Agriculture and Environmental Science
• International Program Office
• Masters in Public Health
• Program for International Energy Technologies
  

Practicum: Practice in the Field

Students can choose from a wide range of opportunities to complete their practicum. Two examples are listed below:

Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: In association with the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka – this project will introduce students to rice-based farming systems in the tropics, plantation crops and small-scale organic production for home consumption and local markets. Students will spend 6 weeks working with researchers, extension specialists and farmers.

Monteverde, Costa Rica: In collaboration with the Monteverde Institute (MVI), which is located in an ecologically fragile and heavily touristed rain forest in Costa  Rica - this project will provide multi-disciplinary student teams the opportunity to develop and implement outreach and educational programs geared at encouraging sustainable business practices and energy efficiency in the hospitality industry.