Module Identifier RD25110  
Module Title CROP AND LIVESTOCK MECHANISATION SYSTEMS  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mr Michael Barrett  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours 20 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   15 Hours 5 x 3 hours  
Assessment Semester Assessment   Assignments (2): Systems performance; Farm buildings Continuous Assessment: Outcomes Assessed:- 1, 2, 3. Each assignment is weighted at 50%   100%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Candidates must re-take the element of assessment that led to failure of the module   100%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to :

1) Analyse mechanized system performance.
a. Assess spot work rate (cultivation, crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, harvesting)
b. Determine causes of disruptions and delays and measure their impact (cultivation, crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, harvesting)
c. Assess overall work rate and field efficiency (cultivation, crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, harvesting)

2) Design / select machine systems and system elements.
a. Describe relevant citeria for system selection (power unit, cultivation, crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, crop harvesting)
b. Identify the suitability of individual components within a mechanized system (power unit, cultivation, crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, harvesting)
c. Recommend appropriate system improvements (power unit, cultivation, crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, crop harvesting)

3) Specify and design appropriate farm buildings, storage facilities and systems.
a. Assess requirements and options available (livestock housing and handling, crop, machinery and farm waste storage, legislation, environment)
b. Select suitable sites (management, legislation, environment)
c. Design / select appropriate designs (livestock housing and handling, crop, machinery and farm waste storage, legislation, environment, materials)
d. Identify appropriate construction materials and techniques (proposed usage, environment, materials)

Brief description

This module is designed to provide a thorough technical understanding of crop and livestock mechanization systems. It will also enable students to identify relevant factors associated with the design and construction of buildings for livestock housing and handling, crop storage and the handling, storage and processing of farm waste.   The assessment weighting and title have been amended.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work - Coursework will be produced independently.

.2 IT and information handling - Presentation of coursework will ensure the development skills associated with the application of word processing, spreadsheet and other software.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information - Coursework will require the extensive use and application of numerical information

.7 Self-management - As coursework represents the sole form of assessment, development of time management skills in the form of attendance at briefing and updating sessions, effective use of preparation time and meeting interim and final submission deadlines will be a major feature of the module.

Reading Lists

Books
Shippen J M, Ellin C R, and Clover C H. (1980) Basic farm machinery. Pergamon
Culpin C. (1986) Farm Machinery. Collins
Witney B. (1988) Choosing and using farm machines. Longman Scientific & Technical