agr1ast agricultural systems and technology
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
AGR1AST
2019
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-ordinatorPenelope Smith
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
02. Explain concepts relating to production cycles, agribusiness and agroecosystem perspectives in relation to Australian agricultural enterprises and export markets
- Activities:
- Reflection on cultural influences of international agricultural markets, in flipped class exercises
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
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:
- Researched (and properly referenced) short answers reflecting on group norms and professional codes of conduct in agricultural production systems, in flipped class exercises
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)
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:
- Uploaded podcasts discussing topical issues and challenges, in flipped class exercises
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Epping, 2019, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPenelope Smith
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Flipped classroom delivery mode. Students have access to both recorded lectures and lecture handouts"
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Students can attend either face-to-face tutorials or on-line tutorial classes
"
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Students can attend an evening on-line class or get access to recorded tutorials
"
PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
Six 6.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical examination at farm, vineyard, winery or at aquaculture centre (2.5 hours - equiv to 2500) | 6 days (x 6 hours) of practical skills training. Practical assessment at the completion of each short course | 50 | 04 |
| Theory short quizzes (4x 15 minutes) (1000 words equivalent) | Multiple choice and short answer online quizzes (4 x 15 minutes). Includes content on cultural influences on international agricultural markets | 30 | 01, 02, 03 |
| Podcast (oral) on topical issue/challenge (500 word equivalent) | Posted oral podcast (10 minutes), discussing a topical issue or challenge | 10 | 03 |
| Written assessment on ethics and codes of professional conduct (500 word equivalent) | Written assessment (500 words) on professional codes of conduct also requires proper referencing | 10 | 01, 02, 03 |