agr2fft future farming
FUTURE FARMING TECHNOLOGIES
AGR2FFT
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Agricultural activities based on scientific principles that are aided with appropriate technologies can enable considerable commercial successes and competitive advantage. In this subject an understanding of the interrelationships between technology, performance, sustainability and production efficiency will be explored. Knowledge and skills in four key technological areas will be explored and developed: sensing systems through the development of skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) as well as other specific sensing systems such as climate, environment, plant, animal and soil; productivity and benchmarking assessment with an emphasis on crop modelling techniques; 'green' technologies including the concepts underpinning the green revolution, genetic engineering and genomics and precision agriculture technologies and how these link to practical on-farm decision making in the commercial environment.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorPenelope Smith
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Admission into SBATE
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe and explain the interrelationships between technology, performance, sustainability and production efficacy in agricultural industries
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials and workshops in the field will be used to explore the uses of technology and how it can improve performance.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
02. Examine and evaluate different technologies such as Geographical Positioning Systems Information
- Activities:
- Field exercises in small groups will be used to explore GPS applications in a range of enterprises. Groups will discuss their findings in tutorials.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Use crop growth and yield prediction software to assess agricultural productivity and explain concepts of measuring and modelling in the application of precision and future farming technologies
- Activities:
- Yield prediction software and precision farming techniques will be explored in a number of situations in the field. Applications to other enterprises will be discussed in workshops.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
04. Describe and explain concepts in the green revolution and the role of technologies, with particular focus on genetic engineering methodologies and genomics with an awareness of the ethical, environmental and social issues
- Activities:
- Using the green revolution and genetic engineering as case studies, students will work in groups to gain awareness of the implications of these technologies. Class discussions will be used to help refine arguments and form evidence-based opinions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
05. Interpret, communicate and present ideas using appropriate terminology
- Activities:
- As above, group exercises and presentations will be used for students gain a deeper understanding of the topics.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
Subject options
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Epping, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPenelope Smith
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study examining an application of future farming technology (2000 words) | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Demonstration of practical competency and application | 20 | 02, 03 | |
| Group presentation exploring technology and perceptions of use in agriculture (20 minutes) | 20 | 01, 05 | |
| Tutorial Assessments (Problem solving tasks, 6 during semester) | 20 | 02, 04 |