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AP2A20-Agricultural Field Study Tour (Agric & ABM)

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: 5
Terms in which taught: Summer
Module Convenor: MG Davies
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: m.g.davies@reading.ac.uk

Aims:

  • To expose students to a range of farming types, businesses and systems, particularly those not common in the Reading area and to encourage team spirit among students
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop self-awareness in the context of career decision making, knowledge of the career opportunities that are available to them, and the skills to make effective applications

    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module students will be able to:

  • Outline the reasons for diversity in farming systems.
  • Compare a range of farming systems in relation to their biological, physical and economic attributes.
  • Discuss current trends in farm practice in a specific region of the UK.
  • Identify, assess and articulate their skills, interests, values and personality traits in the context of career decision making.

    Additional outcomes:
    The module also aims to encourage interaction between students within the cohort, farmers, managers and staff. Students will be expected to involve themselves in debate and questioning and to keep a record of their activities.

    Outline content:
    The module consists of a residential week in a geographic region different to the Reading area. During this time students visit a range of farms, businesses, enterprises and organisations, examples of which are provided below:

  • Range of hill farms
  • Alternative enterprise, e.g. turf
  • Large rural estate
  • Orchard or fruit producer
  • Intensive cereal farm
  • Field scale vegetables
  • Innovative stock or dairy farm
  • Allied industry, e.g. food processor

    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    The main focus of the residential week is discussion groups with question and answer sessions. The farm visits usually consist of guided tours and in some cases video presentations or slide shows.

    Contact hours:

      Autumn Spring Term 3
          Study Tour
    Tutorials/seminars      
    Practicals      
    Other contact (eg study visits)     4 days
           
    Total hours     100
           
    Number of essays or assignments     1
    Other (eg major seminar paper)      

    Assessment:
    Coursework:
    Study tour (50%): students are expected to prepare summary notes (guided word limit) from their visits culminating in a 10 minute small group presentation during the tour.
    Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
    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: None
    Requirements for a pass: A mark of 40% overall
    Reassessment arrangements: One hour exam

    Last updated: 23 November 2009

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