Module Information
Course Delivery
Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
---|---|
Lecture | 2 x 1 hour lectures per week |
Other | 4 day field trip |
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
Semester Assessment | STUDY TOUR PRESENTATION AND 1500 WORD ASSIGNMENT | 60% |
Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours WRITTEN EXAMINATION | 40% |
Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours WRITTEN EXAMINATION | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Outline the aims and objectives of farming systems and identify the regulations governing farming in the UK and the European Union.
Identify the main principles governing crop and livestock systems
Discuss the role of the market and other factors influencing productivity
Discuss the contribution of farming to food quality, environmental and social policy objectives
Brief description
An appreciation and understanding of agricultural systems is a fundamental requirement for agricultural students. The module deals with interactions among the components of agricultural systems, among hierarchical levels of agricultural systems, between agricultural and other land use systems, and between agricultural systems and their natural and social environments. In particular, its aim is to encourage integration of knowledge among those disciplines that underpin agriculture. The module provides an introduction to the objectives, principles, practices and performance of farming systems and the natural, economic and social factors which shape contemporary agriculture.
Content
- The structure of the agricultural industry
- Historical development
- The natural environment
- Social, political and economic environment
- Farming systems: components, classification and distribution
- Systems approach to agricultural business management
- Resources and opportunities
- Biological and Economic efficiency
- The impact of Agricultural Policy
- Obtaining and applying knowledge
- Agriculture and the community
Module Skills
Skills Type | Skills details |
---|---|
Communication | Both the study tour and assessed presentation will develop communication skills and this will be assessed |
Information Technology | Students will be expected to use Word and Powerpoint when compiling and presenting the tour assignment |
Personal Development and Career planning | Industry contacts will be made during study tour |
Problem solving | Will form part of the coursework set |
Research skills | Students will gain research experience both prior to and during the study tour in addition to the completion of coursework |
Team work | The study tour and associated coursework provides for significant opportunities for group interaction and discussion |
Reading List
Recommended TextHaines, M (1982) An introduction to farming systems Longman Primo search Soffe, R J (editor) (2004) Agricultural notebook 20th Blackwell Science Primo search Spedding, C R W (1988) An introduction to farming systems Elsevier Primo search Spedding, C R W (1992) Fream's Principles of Food and Agriculture Blackwell Scientific Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4