Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 x 1 Hour Lectures |
| Practical | 5 x 3 Hour Practicals |
| Workshop | 2 x 2 Hour Workshops |
| Lecture | 11 x 2 Hour Lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Assess the role of science and technology in the workplace and evaluate its relevance to a future career.
2. Identify and discuss the application of scientific principles to a series of on farm problems.
3. Evaluate data and derive evidence based solutions to a series of on farm problems.
4. Evaluate the nutritional properties of feedstuffs and formulate rations for farm livestock.
Brief description
This module will develop an understanding of the way in which science and current technology is being used in the agricultural industry. The first part of the module will see the student examine and evaluate scientific and technological practices and precision farming in detail. Subjects covered include feed analysis, rationing, GIS, precision livestock farming, field mapping and the application of farm data to a spatial location.
Content
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used in farming systems and their integration with mechanical operations, the use of satellite imagery, output field mapping and other input based fieldwork measurements. Equipment used in making field based measurements with GPS (Global Positioning System) data and incorporation with field mapping systems. Mapping soils and land quality and producing maps for bespoke purposes.
Precision livestock systems and the technology used to manage the animal as an individual, electronic identification and management.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Arithmetic calculations will be integral components of feed analysis, rationing and precision farming assignments. |
| Communication | Work experience assignment will develop oral communication skills. Written skills developed in assignment presentations. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Work experience assignment includes reflective analysis of own performance. |
| Information Technology | Significant use will be made of mapping software such as ArcGIS and other digitized data collection devices. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Expected as part of reflective learning in work experience assessment. |
| Problem solving | Assessments relate to a realistic problem faced by agricultural managers where data and principles are available but not the solution. |
| Research skills | Implicit in assessed work. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Animal nutrition component is entirely subject specific and an essential element of animal husbandry and management capabilities. |
| Team work | Data collection in the field will incorporate joint working. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5