Module Provider: |
School of Agriculture, Policy and Development |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
C (Certificate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn and Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
A
Bailey |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
AP1A02
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Modules excluded: |
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Current from: |
2005/6 |
Aims:
The module two broad aims:
To develop understanding of a range of farming systems, farm management and agricultural businesses
To develop student's key transferable skills
This module is complementary to Introduction to Agricultural and Food Systems and other modules. Theories and practices introduced in these modules will be seen in practice / on farm. Modules will be co-ordinated (as far as possible) so students get the most value from the visits. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
Compare and contrast a range of farming systems in relation to their physical, biological and economic attributes
Discuss and analyse topical issues affecting agriculture and the countryside
Assess how agriculture fits into the rural economy.
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Additional outcomes:
Report writing - developing the ability to critically analyse a problem
Presentation skills - developing skills in presenting oral reports and debating
Analytical thinking - developing reasoning and appraisal skills
Team working and interaction with other students
Interpersonal skills - developing skills in purposive questioning
Data collection - developing skills in collecting data from different sources.
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Outline content:
Students will visit and meet a range of businesses and people working in the rural economy. Visits may include some of the following:
Arable producers
Field scale vegetable growers
Livestock producers
Mixed farming estates
Organic producers
Ancillary industries |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Students should visit a farm / business every other week (i.e. five visits or meetings per term). Each visit or meeting will be followed by a seminar to discuss what was learned.
Students will be expected to present their thoughts on selected aspects of the visits through discussions, presentations, short written reports and other methods.
Guided tours of farms and businesses
Seminars
Directed learning - reflecting on your experience and assignments
Presentations - presentation and discussion to tutors and other students
Report writing |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
10 (5x2hrs) |
10 (5x2hrs) |
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| Practicals |
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| Visit/meetings in the dept. |
20 (5x4hrs) |
20 (5x4hrs) |
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| Independent learning time (private study, revision etc) |
30 |
20 |
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| Directed learning time (reports, presentations, etc) |
40 |
50 |
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| Total hours |
100 |
100 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
Maximum of 5 |
Maximum of 6 |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
This is a practical module that encourages students to understand how farming systems, businesses and their management operate. Assessment is based on judging what students have learned from the visits.
Farm visits reports:
60% (15% per marked report*) Students must produce a word processed report on all of the visits. Each visit report should provide both a short summary of the visit and a critical analysis or interpretation of a selected aspect (maximum 1,000 words). The reports must be handed in by the dates specified in the autumn and spring terms. Dates will be advised in relation to each visit. *Only two of the visit reports from each term will be marked but all reports must be completed.
Analysis of a topical issue:
40% (20% for presentation and 20% for written report) Five minute presentation on a topical issue (to be chosen from a list) and a 1,500 word written report on the topical issue.
Relative percentage of coursework:100%
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:
None
Requirements for a pass:
40% overall; all pieces of coursework must be completed
Reassessment:
Re-examination in September |
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