agr1ast agricultural systems
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
AGR1AST
2015
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-ordinatorPeter Sale
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 Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Australian agriculture: its history and challenges | Recommended | Hensell, T 2007 | CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA |
| Readings | Farm business management: analysis of farming systems | Recommended | Nuthall,P 2011 | CABI, WALLINGFORD, ENGLAND |
| Readings | Food and agriculture: how we use the land | Recommended | Spilsbury, L 2006 | HEINEMANN LIBRARY, PORT MELBOURNE, VICTORIA |
| Readings | New technologies in aquaculture: Improving production efficiency, quality and environmental management | Recommended | Burnell, G & Allan G 2009 | CRC PRESS, WOODHEAD PUBLISHING LIMITED, CAMBRIDGE UK |
| Readings | On borrowed time: Australia's environmental crisis and what we must do about it | Recommended | Lindenmayer, D 2007 | PENGUIN BOOKS, CAMBERWELL, VICTORIA |
| Readings | Recirculating aquaculture systems | Recommended | Timmons, M & Eberling, B 2007 | 3RD EDN, CAYUGA AQUA VENTURES, NRAR PUBLICATION, MIAMI, USA |
| Readings | The Farming Game: agricultural management and marketing | Recommended | Malcolm, B, Makeham, J & Wright, V 2005 | 2ND 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:
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
02. Explain concepts relating to production cycles, agribusiness and agroecosystem perspectives in relation to Australian agricultural enterprises and export markets
- Activities:
- Group discussions and presentations regarding Australia's position in world agriculture. Students will familiarise themselves with relatively reliable sources of information such as industry bodies, research and development corporations, ABARES and the ABS.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Writing(Writing)
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:
- Group discussions regarding production, distribution and exchange for rural enterprises. Students will be introduced to topical issues such as animal welfare, the environment, genetically modified organisms, sustainability and climate change.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
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:
- Active learning tasks on site at farm, vineyard, practical exam at farm, vineyeard, winery or aquaculture centre. Students will be trained in the operation of common agricultural equipment, maintenance of structures and handling animals. The importance of OH&S procedures will be emphasised and students will be expected to comply.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Epping, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPeter Sale
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 10 - 21
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 21 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 10 - 21
One 3.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 21 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical examination at farm, vineyard, winery or at aquaculture centre (2.5 hours) | 40 | 04 | |
| Tutorial Assessments (6 x 30 minutes) | 30 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Written Exam (2 hours) | 30 | 01, 02, 03 |