Module Provider: |
School of Agriculture, Policy and Development |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
C (Certificate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
MJ
Bryant |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Current from: |
2005/6 |
Aims:
This module aims to provide an international perspective of livestock production systems, providing a foundation of general knowledge that will support further livestock modules taught later in the degree. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
Describe and discuss the contribution made by livestock and livestock products to human livelihoods
Describe and discuss genetic and environmental factors affecting animal performance
Describe and discuss the relative merits and demerits of extensive and intensive livestock production systems. |
Additional outcomes:
As a result of the practical component, students will be able to:
Search for and find information using electronic search methods
Work as a team to prepare a report on a specified subject
Present information verbally using supporting electronically generated visual aids. |
Outline content:
The module provides a wide-ranging background in domestic livestock and livestock production systems. Due consideration is given to both the benefits of animal agriculture as well as its debits such as environmental degradation, pollution and animal suffering. Much of the content will be of interest to students of agriculture, animal science, biology and land use.
The Lecture Contents cover:
The contribution of livestock to human livelihoods
The species of domestic animals and their diversity
Animal products
Genetic resources
Adaptations to diet
Effects of environment
Biological efficiency of livestock production systems
Intensive systems of production, their benefits and problems
Extensive systems of production, their benefits and problems
The future of livestock in world food production
The Practical Content covers:
Project work, in student teams of four, gathering information (from library and internet sources) on set topics related to livestock and livestock production systems (e.g. the donkey as a means of transport in Ethiopia)
Team presentation of the results to the whole class.
Individual student report on the project
Preparation of a report comparing and contrasting intensive and extensive systems of production based on a visit to a livestock unit.
Preparation of two short reports on topics covered in the module |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
There will be two 50-minute lectures followed on occasions by videos and seminars supporting the taught material. Practicals consist of a team approach to information gathering and report preparation, culminating in the class presentation. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
16 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
4 |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
4 (study visits) and 6 (class presentations) |
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| Total hours |
30 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
4 reports |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework
One report to be submitted in Week 4 and another in Week 6. Two further reports to be submitted by the last day of the Autumn Term.
Relative percentage of coursework: 50%
Penalties for late submission
Standard University rule applies: 10% marks deducted for work submitted up to one week late. Work submitted more than one week late will be awarded a zero mark.
Examinations:
A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring the answers to three questions from six. One question, requiring a series of short answers, will be compulsory.
Relative percentage of examination: 50%
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September. |
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