Programme Specifications

Agriculture


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Agriculture

6 : UCAS code
H21Y

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Food and Consumer Sciences



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

An Agriculture degree is an application-orientated, broadly based programme requiring study across a broad spectrum of disciplines from natural sciences to social science, policy, economics and management. The degree is interdisciplinary, drawing on diverse disciplines but each with a clear and integrated set of learning outcomes. The study programme includes many elements that are subject-specific. Graduates with agricultural degrees will have a thorough understanding of crop and animal production methods and of the underpinning scientific, economic and business principles. In particular they will be able to:

  • Identify technological and economic problems encountered in current production systems;

  • Evaluate new techniques and, where appropriate, apply them to commercial practice;

  • Identify, evaluate and apply relevant scientific principles to production systems;

  • Know how to organise and manage a business for profit;

  • Identify and evaluate public concerns over food production practices and

  • Evaluate the wider consequences of agricultural activities.

This degree will have built into its modular structure a number of options that allow for Welsh Medium teaching that meets the need of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Subject specific skills

Graduates will have a well-grounded understanding of the science and management of sustainable production systems which comprise the agricultural industry within the socio-economic and environmental contexts required by society. They will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the scientific factors limiting production

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how production systems can be improved by manipulation and management

  • Recognise and address the ethical implications of production systems

  • Appreciate the needs and requirements of society

  • Apply knowledge to a wide range of real-life situations

  • Describe and evaluate a wide range of economic and business management theory and techniques

  • Demonstrate familiarity with relevant policy and understand its aims

  • Apply and evaluate a range of specific scientific and technological processes

  • Appraise and evaluate the roles and responsibility of regulatory and advisory bodies

  • Identify and evaluate appropriate knowledge bases and a range of theoretical perspectives

  • Apply a range of methods to problem evaluation and amelioration

  • Communicate effectively on a wide range of agricultural issues

  • Describe, apply and evaluate professional standards and responsibilities in relation to the agricultural industry

Generic and graduate skills

The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed as part of the course:

  • Intellectual skills

  • Practical skills

  • Numeracy

  • Communication skills

  • Information and communication technology

  • Interpersonal / teamwork skills

  • Self-management and professional development skills



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Overall aim of the scheme

To develop the knowledge and skills required by those who may go on to pursue careers as managers of agricultural enterprises and businesses or become involved in the support industries, advisory work and research and development.



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • A1 Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific factors influencing crop and livestock production

  • A2 Recognise how production systems can be improved by manipulation and management and identify and address the ethical and environmental implications of production systems

  • A3 Appraise and evaluate the policy and socioeconomic factors which form and influence systems

  • A4 Describe and evaluate a wide range of economic and business management theory and techniques relevant to agriculture

  • A5 Apply and evaluate a range of specific scientific and technological processes

  • A6 Apply the principles of a safe working environment and underline importance of health and safety as well as the protection and enhancement of the environment in a wide range of real-life situations

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials and seminars; student-led seminars; specialist external lectures; field and laboratory practical classes; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; role play; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; working in groups on live projects with external organisations; visits to commercial businesses and organisations.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a research proposal; assessment based on real life problems.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

10.2.1: Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • B1 Apply the skills needed to contextualise academic study and enquiry.

  • B2 Select and use appropriate relevant information from a wide range of sources in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

  • B3 Undertake investigations to evaluate issues and changing situations.

  • B4 Apply knowledge and understanding to address and solve familiar and novel problems.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials and seminars; student-led seminars; specialist external lectures; field and laboratory practical classes; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; role play; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; working in groups on live projects with external organisations; visits to commercial businesses and organisations.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of an undergraduate dissertation; assessment based on real-life problems.

10.2.2: Professional practical skills (where applicable)

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • C1 Recognise and use appropriate theories, concepts and principles from a range of disciplines.

  • C2 Plan, conduct, and report on investigations (including secondary data).

  • C3 Collect, record, summarise and interpret diverse data and information using appropriate techniques.

  • C4 Plan and manage practical work in the field and laboratory with due regard to health and safety.

  • C5 Apply appropriate scientific, technical and business solutions to a range of agricultural situations.

Learning and Teaching

Professional skills are acquired and developed during practical work, field visits, class activities with additional (optional/extra-curricular) opportunities to acquire standard industry certification body qualifications.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Coursework to include the submission of technical reports, business and management plans, feed analysis, crop management reports, practical precision farming exercises in media including posters, leaflets and technical or consultancy reports. Students will be provided with real life scenarios including crop plots where critical management decisions are taken as a pedagogic tool. Students are expected to make critical reference to the application ofpractical skills in their written examinations. The research proposal and dissertation should develop skills in conceiving and planning laboratory/field investigations or case studies, in the collection and recording of library, laboratory or field data and develop skills to summarise and synthesise using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • D1 Communicate accurately, clearly, confidently and appropriately to a range of different audiences, including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public using a range of communication techniques.

  • D2 Undertake practical work and show an awareness of the health and safety issues related to working in the agricultural industry.

  • D3 Apply information technology, numeric techniques and analysis of data to a variety of tasks.

  • D4 Analyse problems and develop appropriate solutions.

  • D5 Improve their own performance and plan their personal development.

Learning and Teaching

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through tutorials; student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; practical workshops; self-directed learning; oral presentations and work experience. Employment and employability related skills and team work are developed through classes and visits.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students further learn and develop skills through tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; practical workshops; self-directed learning; oral presentations; assessment of practical and applied skills in the field.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Agriculture [H21Y]

Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2014/2015

Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR10400

Business, Economics and Land Use

BR17000

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

BR18000

Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management

BR18400

Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety

BR18800

Skills for the Agricultural Industry

Semester 2
BR10420

Business, Economics and Land Use

BR17020

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

BR18040

Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management

BR18420

Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety

BR18820

Skills for the Agricultural Industry

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR20400

Livestock Production Systems

BR21000

Farm Business Management and Appraisal

BR27500

Research Methods

BR27600

Agronomy and Crop Improvement

Semester 2
BR20420

Livestock Production Systems

BR21020

Farm Business Management and Appraisal

BR21920

Food, Farming and the Environment

BR27520

Research Methods

BR27620

Agronomy and Crop Improvement

Year 2 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
BG20720

Maeth Anifeiliaid Fferm, Ceffylau ac Anifeiliaid Anwes

BR20720

Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals

BR23520

Controlled Environment Crop Production and Horticulture

Semester 2

Final Year Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR31600

Farm Planning and Advanced Farm Management

BR34800

Advances in Agriculture

Semester 2
BR31620

Farm Planning and Advanced Farm Management

BR34820

Advances in Agriculture

Final Year Timetable Core/Student Option

Choose ONE of the following compulsory modules

Semester 1
BG36320

Adolygiad critigol

BG36400

Traethawd Estynedig

BR36320

Critical Review

BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BG36440

Traethawd Estynedig

BR36440

Research Project

Final Year Options

Choose either 40, or 60 credits

Semester 1
BG30800

Gwyddor Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BR30800

Livestock Production Science

BR37200

Crop and Grassland Production Science

Semester 2
BG30820

Gwyddor Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BR30420

Sustainable Land Management

BR30820

Livestock Production Science

BR37220

Crop and Grassland Production Science


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.