Module Information

Module Identifier
RD10510
Module Title
The Agricultural Industry - Scheme Specific Skills
Academic Year
2022/2023
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Study tour/visit Group seminar and Poster  50%
Semester Assessment Study tour/visit report.  50%
Supplementary Assessment Study tour/visit Group seminar and Poster  50%
Supplementary Assessment Study tour/visit report.  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Outline the aims and objectives of farming systems and identify the regulations governing farming in the UK and the European Union.

2. Identify the main principles governing cropping systems and their application to crop rotation design and management.

3. Identify the key factors influencing livestock systems and assess their impact on livestock management and performance.

4. Discuss the role of the market and other factors influencing productivity

5. Discuss the contribution of farming to food quality, environmental and social policy objectives

6. Seek and present information from a range of sources

7. Develop practical teamwork skills including administration, deadline setting and documentation

8. Assume responsibility for own learning and professional development.

Brief description

The module is developed as a continuation of the Semester 1 module Study and Communication Skills and offers students an opportunity to apply the generic skills learned in practical situations.

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 module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and a study tour/series of visits encompassing visits to farms and agricultural and food businesses in a region of the UK and will cover the following aspects :

Introduction to the structure of the UK/EU agricultural industry

Farming systems - components and distribution

The impact of policy.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Both the visits (incl evening seminars following visits) and assessed seminar will develop communication skills.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be working together on projects requiring them to identify their own strengths and weaknesses and seek out the necessary assistance to improve their own and their group's work.
Information Technology The presentation of coursework will further develop the IT skills introduced in semester 1
Personal Development and Career planning Industry contacts will be made during study tour and a reflection of this will feature in the coursework.
Problem solving This will form a 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
Subject Specific Skills 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.
Team work The study tour and associated coursework provides for significant opportunities for group interaction and discussion.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4