AGR2902 Field Practice

Contents

• Staffing
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

SYNOPSIS

Agricultural and Environmental Engineers require a practical understanding of the operation of rural industries and the environmental constraints and impacts associated with the industries. This residential school will provide students with an introduction to natural resource and production management issues faced by a variety of rural enterprises. In particular, commercial examples will be presented to highlight the physical, economic and social constraints to rural industry development, environmental issues associated with the industry development, the processes of land degradation, and the principles of property management planning and sustainable land management.

OBJECTIVES

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On completion of this course, students should be able to:

1.

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of rural production systems in Australia; (Oral presentation; Project report)

2.

describe the physical, economic and social constraints to commercial land use; (Oral presentation; Project report)

3.

describe the major causes of land degradation and environmental concerns in rural Australia; (Oral presentation; Project report)

4.

demonstrate an understanding of natural resource management issues and environmental impacts associated with commercial rural enterprises; (Oral presentation; Project report)

5.

effectively communicate agricultural principles and practices by presenting oral and written reports. (Oral presentation; Project report)

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

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, KO & Bowyer, JO 1995, The Scientific Basis of Modern Agriculture, Sydney University Press, Sydney.

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

Roberts, B 1995, The Quest for Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use, University of NSW Press, Sydney.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   This course requires attendance at a residential school 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 the practical component satisfactorily, students must submit, by the due date, a practical report which meets the requirements of the assessment scheme. Students whose oral presentation is unsatisfactory will be required to repeat the presentation to a satisfactory standard in the semester of enrolment in order to achieve a passing grade.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without extenuating circumstances then a penalty of 5% of the assigned mark may apply for each working day late up to a maximum of ten working days at which time a mark of zero can be recorded for that assignment.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade students must satisfactorily complete at least 80% of the practical and other activities (as defined in statement 2).
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   As P is the only passing grade available for this course, all students who are qualified for a passing grade, under the requirements in 4 above, will be given a grade of P. Other students will be given either a Failing grade or an Incomplete grade.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Not applicable.
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/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

This version produced 28 Aug 2009.