Module Provider: |
Agriculture |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
H (Honours) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
PQ
Craufurd |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2006/7 |
Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the agricultural systems of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Emphasis is on the major components of agricultural systems and their interactions. Case studies illustrate how these components comprise the agricultural systems of different agro-ecological zones, and how these different systems address the goals of agriculturalists. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will have:
A knowledge of the broad characteristics of tropical agriculture and of the problems facing tropical agriculturalists.
An understanding of tropical agriculture in relation to its natural environment.
As a result, students will have the ability to develop approaches to agricultural development in the tropics through an understanding of different agricultural systems. |
Additional outcomes:
Students will further their understanding of tropical agricultural systems through an assessed case study of the agricultural system of a country/ region of their choice. |
Outline content:
The module will emphasise the broad characteristics of tropical agriculture and of some of the issues facing tropical agriculturalists, by presenting tropical agriculture in relation to its natural environment. The module includes:
General features of the tropical environment (Solar radiation, temperature, rainfall, soils, weeds, pests and diseases);
Classification of tropical farming systems;
Systems of crop and animal production in the tropics
Specific topics explore different aspects of tropical agriculture:-
Tropical farming systems
Soils - nutrient use and management.
Pests and diseases - strategies for crop protection, integrated pest management.
Animal production systems
Crop production systems.
Agricultural production for export
Case studies provide examples of the agricultural systems of different tropical environments. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
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Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
18 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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| Total hours |
18 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
One case study of an agricultural system of choice |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework
A case study of the agricultural system of a region/country within the tropics or sub-tropics which aims to identify the constraints to agricultural production, and present potential areas for the development of the system. This will be assessed by the module convenor.
Relative percentage of coursework : 30%
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 hour examination requiring the answers to one question from three. This contributes 70% of the overall assessment.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
By Re-examination in August/September
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