Module Information

Module Identifier
BR34820
Module Title
Advances in Agriculture
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Study Tour Report  (3000 words)  50%
Semester Assessment Written Consultancy Report  (2000 words)  50%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  100%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate the ability to consider agriculture and agricultural issues from a range of specific, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between policy, socio-economic factors, agricultural practices and the rural economy.

3. Adopt a critical, evaluative and analytical approach towards agriculture and the rural economy.

4. Demonstrate how agricultural systems can be improved by manipulation and management.

5. Apply their discipline to solve problems in the agricultural industry and adopt professional standards.

6. Advise on current practice and engage in discourse at a detailed and appropriate level.

Brief description

In the first part of the module students will visit a county or region within the UK on a week-long field course / study tour and gain an appreciation of its geographical, social and economic features. Visits to farms, rural businesses and organizations involved in the regulation and management of the countryside will serve as case studies to highlight the key issues at stake. In addition to participation on visits and during evening seminar, students will submit a written report on the region. The approach throughout will be analytical, critical and evaluative.
In the second part students will visit an agricultural enterprise or business in the role of a consultant and will be introduced to a specific technical challenge. Students will prepare and submit a technical consultancy report. The approach will be analytical and will include a thorough review of the current position, identification of the underpinning reasons for the problem or challenge and a recommendations for the course of action to be taken by the client.

Content

The module will be delivered in two parts.
The first part will be delivered through a combination of visits undertaken whilst on a field course / study tour of businesses, organisations and sites or locations accompanied by specialist hosts and/or guides. Seminars will be conducted during the evenings following visits and a detailed report presented following the students’ return.
The second part will involve visiting and agricultural enterprise or business in the company of the owner/manager, gathering information, identifying a specific challenge or problem and addressing this, suggesting solutions and appropriate courses of action by means of a consultancy report.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Arithmetic calculations and the presentation of numeric data will be integral components of both assessments.
Communication Both assessments will develop skills associated with receiving, evaluating and responding to a variety of information sources. Written skills will be developed in both assignments.s. The Consultancy Report will develop written communication skills in a professional style and context.
Improving own Learning and Performance The Consultancy Report will demand the adoption of a new presentation style and will demand reflection and adaptation.
Information Technology Significant use will be made of digitized data sources.
Personal Development and Career planning Expected as part of reflective learning in both assessments.
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 Both assessments will serve to greatly enhance subject specific skills, demanding the ability to present an all-encompassing overview and a more narrowly focused detailed evaluation respectively.
Team work Data and information gathering in the field will incorporate joint working.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6