agr1ast agricultural systems

AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

AGR1AST

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This core subject establishes the foundation for the degree. It introduces concepts of traditional and modern production systems, Australian agricultural enterprises, markets (domestic and export) along with a range of agricultural technologies. Knowledge of key concepts of farming, such as open and closed access systems, climate concepts and composition of landscapes will be developed. Issues specifically relating to agribusiness and agro-ecosystem perspectives will be explored. Agricultural practical skills will be developed in this subject that cross both a generic platform and an enterprise specific pathway depending on the students' primary interests. The safe operation of a range of agricultural equipment will be acquired and all occupational health and safety requirements will be canvassed.

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorPeter Sale

Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo

Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG

Exchange StudentsNo

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites Admission into SBATE

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsAustralian agriculture: its history and challengesRecommendedHensell, T 2007CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA
ReadingsFarm business management: analysis of farming systemsRecommendedNuthall,P 2011CABI, WALLINGFORD, ENGLAND
ReadingsFood and agriculture: how we use the landRecommendedSpilsbury, L 2006HEINEMANN LIBRARY, PORT MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
ReadingsNew technologies in aquaculture: Improving production efficiency, quality and environmental managementRecommendedBurnell, G & Allan G 2009CRC PRESS, WOODHEAD PUBLISHING LIMITED, CAMBRIDGE UK
ReadingsOn borrowed time: Australia's environmental crisis and what we must do about itRecommendedLindenmayer, D 2007PENGUIN BOOKS, CAMBERWELL, VICTORIA
ReadingsRecirculating aquaculture systemsRecommendedTimmons, M & Eberling, B 20073RD EDN, CAYUGA AQUA VENTURES, NRAR PUBLICATION, MIAMI, USA
ReadingsThe Farming Game: agricultural management and marketingRecommendedMalcolm, B, Makeham, J & Wright, V 20052ND EDN, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, PORT MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Describe and explain the composition of traditional and modern production systems, including aquaculture, viticulture and winemaking, horticulture, cropping and livestock systems

Activities:
Lectures and active learning activities in workshop exploring horticultural, winemaking, cropping and livestock systems, written exam and tutorial assessments. Use of practical facilities such as the farms, aquaculture facilities, vineyards and winery is integral to this subject.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Speaking(Speaking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

02. Explain concepts relating to production cycles, agribusiness and agroecosystem perspectives in relation to Australian agricultural enterprises and export markets

Activities:
Group discussions and presentations regarding Australia's position in world agriculture. Students will familiarise themselves with relatively reliable sources of information such as industry bodies, research and development corporations, ABARES and the ABS.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Writing(Writing)

03. Identify challenges facing Australian Agriculture, and explain the key concepts of farming, such as open and closed access systems, climate issues, and landscape composition

Activities:
Group discussions regarding production, distribution and exchange for rural enterprises. Students will be introduced to topical issues such as animal welfare, the environment, genetically modified organisms, sustainability and climate change.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)
Speaking(Speaking)
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)

04. Demonstrate the safe operation of a range of equipment used in the agricultural enterprise, observing all occupational health and safety requirements with an awareness of environmental and ethical issues

Activities:
Active learning tasks on site at farm, vineyard, practical exam at farm, vineyeard, winery or aquaculture centre. Students will be trained in the operation of common agricultural equipment, maintenance of structures and handling animals. The importance of OH&S procedures will be emphasised and students will be expected to comply.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Writing(Writing)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Epping, 2015, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPeter Sale

Class requirements

WorkShopWeek: 10 - 21
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 21 and delivered via face-to-face.

WorkShopWeek: 10 - 21
One 3.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 21 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Practical examination at farm, vineyard, winery or at aquaculture centre (2.5 hours)4004
Tutorial Assessments (6 x 30 minutes)3001, 02, 03
Written Exam (2 hours)3001, 02, 03