agr1ast agricultural systems and technology

AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

AGR1AST

2018

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-ordinatorPenelope Smith

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:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Speaking,Cultural Literacy)

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

Activities:
Reflection on cultural influences of international agricultural markets, in flipped class exercises
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Speaking,Cultural Literacy)

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:
Researched (and properly referenced) short answers reflecting on group norms and professional codes of conduct in agricultural production systems, in flipped class exercises
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)

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:
Uploaded podcasts discussing topical issues and challenges, in flipped class exercises
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Speaking,Cultural Literacy)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Epping, 2018, Week 08-23, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPenelope Smith

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 08 - 21
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 08 to week 21 and delivered via online.
"Flipped classroom delivery mode. Students have access to both recorded lectures and lecture handouts"

TutorialWeek: 08 - 21
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 08 to week 21 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Students can attend either face-to-face tutorials or on-line tutorial classes "

TutorialWeek: 08 - 21
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 08 to week 21 and delivered via online.
"Students can attend an evening on-line class or get access to recorded tutorials "

PracticalWeek: 08 - 21
Six 6.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 08 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 - equiv to 2500)6 days (x 6 hours) of practical skills training. Practical assessment at the completion of each short course5004
Theory short quizzes (4x 15 minutes) (1000 words equivalent) Multiple choice and short answer online quizzes (4 x 15 minutes). Includes content on cultural influences on international agricultural markets3001, 02, 03
Podcast (oral) on topical issue/challenge (500 word equivalent) Posted oral podcast (10 minutes), discussing a topical issue or challenge 1003
Written assessment on ethics and codes of professional conduct (500 word equivalent) Written assessment (500 words) on professional codes of conduct also requires proper referencing1001, 02, 03