AGR 2301 Agricultural Science

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
AGR2301245982, 2003ONCAgricultural Science1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOENS
Academic Org:FOES03
HECS Band:2
ASCED Code:050101

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Steven Raine
Moderator: Rod Smith



SYNOPSIS:

A knowledge of agricultural systems is important to professionals in earth and biological science, arts, agriculture and environmental engineering. This is an introductory course in agricultural plant morphology and physiology, grazing and cropping systems, animal production systems, integrated pest management, production economics and agricultural systems management. It also discusses the physical, economic and social constraints to land use and agricultural production, the processes of land degradation, and the principles of property management planning and sustainable farming system management.


OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • identify and describe the morphology of crops and pastures of economic significance;

  • demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology including: photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, hormone control, plant growth and development, reproduction and germination;

  • demonstrate an understanding of agricultural production systems including the nature of resource constraints (eg climate, soils and topography), production economics and integrated pest management;

  • demonstrate a knowledge of the agronomic principles and management practices involved in the production of a range of field and horticultural crops or economic significance;

  • describe the management requirements and production methods of domestic livestock of economic importance;

  • describe the principles of land use planning and the process of property management planning;

  • demonstrate a knowledge of the major land degradation processes, the principles of sustainable farming systems and the operation of the Landcare movement in Australia.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Introduction to agricultural systems
    		 10.00
    2. Crop physiology and morphology
    		 20.00
    3. Agronomic principles
    		 20.00
    4. Livestock production systems
    		 5.00
    5. Agricultural marketing and production economics
    		 15.00
    6. Land degradation
    		 10.00
    7. Sustainable farming systems and property management planning
    		 20.00

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    Malcolm, B., Sale, P. & Egan, A. 1996, Agriculture in Australia: An Introduction, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.




    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    Campbell, K. O. & Bowyer, J. O. 1995, The Scientific Basis of Modern Agriculture, Sydney University Press, Sydney.

    Douglas, F. (ed) 1995, Australian Agriculture: The Complete Reference on the Rural Industry, Morescope Publishing, Hawthorne East.

    Reid, R. L. (ed) 1990, A Manual of Australian Agriculture, Butterworths, Sydney.

    Roberts, B. 1995, The Quest for Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use, UNSW Press, Sydney.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Assessment30
    Directed Study56
    Examinations3
    Lectures32
    Private Study22
    Tutorial12


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    ASSIGNMENT 1200.0020.00Y29 Aug 2003
    ASSIGNMENT 2200.0020.00Y10 Oct 2003
    3 HOUR CLOSED EXAMINATION600.0060.00YEND S2(see note )
    NOTES:
    .
    Student Administration will advise students of the dates of their examinations during the semester.

    IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

    1. Attendance requirements:
      It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
    2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
      To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available (or at least a grade of C-) for each assessment item.
    3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
      If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
    4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
      To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must submit all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 45% in the examination and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
    5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
      The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
    6. Examination information:
      In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
    7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
      Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
    8. University Regulations:
      Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/SECARIAT/calendar/Part5/ or in the printed version of the current USQ Handbook.

    ASSESSMENT NOTES

    1.The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
    2.Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be despatched to USQ within 24 hours if required by the Examiner.
    3.In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
    4.The Faculty will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media.
    5.The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
    6.Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements.
    7.In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.
    8.Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in a course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of a course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete - Make up). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non-directed personal study.
    9.Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
    10.This is a communication benchmark course and a major component of the assessment of this course will be associated with the demonstration of communication skills.