AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS AND CROP STORAGE

Year	No.	Offer	Mode	Description			Cred. Pts
96	70665 	S1  	X 	AGRIC MATERIALS & CROP STG	1.00

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: D. HILTON
Moderator: H. HARRIS

SYNOPSIS:

The handling, storage and processing of agricultural material is an important part of the agricultural production system. Consequently, the physiological, physical, thermal, aerodynamic, rheological, electrical and optical properties of agricultural materials are of interest. An understanding of these properties facilitates the design of processing and handling equipment. Post harvest technology, packaging and waste management are also considered.


OBJECTIVES:

At the conclusion of this unit, the student should be able to:

  1. list and define the relevant physical properties of agricultural materials;
  2. discuss, measure and calculate rheological parameters;
  3. describe aerodynamic and hydrodynamic characteristics;
  4. discuss the importance of physiological and environmental factors to the quality of horticultural produce;
  5. appreciate the scope for and limitations of irradiation and other treatments in quality control;
  6. discuss the causes and consequences of mechanical damage;
  7. describe and measure material properties of granular materials, and understand their dynamic and static behaviour;
  8. compare various materials handling systems;
  9. discuss the requirements of proper post harvest management of crops and fruits;
  10. understand the principles of separation, sorting and grading;
  11. understand the physiological and environmental factors influencing quality of horticultural produce and specify appropriate post harvest technology;
  12. determine the requirements of good packaging;
  13. discuss the principles of waste management;
  14. describe available technologies for food processing and their commercial use.

TOPICS:

 Description                                                    Weighting(%)
  1. Physical properties 6.00

  2. Basic concepts of rheology 6.00

  3. Aero and hydrodynamic characteristics 4.00

  4. Separation processes 4.00

  5. Physiological/environmental factors influencing produce 8.00 quality

  6. Mechanical damage 8.00

  7. Controlled atmosphere, aeration, freezing and cooling 11.00

  8. Post harvest treatments for disease and insect control 3.00

  9. Irradiation of food and agricultural produce 2.00

  10. Grading, packaging and transport 12.00

  11. Behaviour of granular materials 8.00

  12. Bulk storage of granular materials 10.00

  13. Materials handling 8.00

  14. Waste management 4.00

  15. Aspects of food processing technology 6.00


TEXT and MATERIALS to be PURCHASED:

Wills, McGlasson, Graham, Lee and Hall, "Post Harvest", NSW University
Press, 1989.


RECOMMENDED REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Mohsenin N N, "Physical Properties of Plant and Animal Materials",
Gordon and Breach, 1981.

Sitkei G, "Mechanics of Agricultural Materials", Elsevier 1986.

Arnold, McLean and Roberts, "Bulk Solids : Storage, Flow and Handling,
TUNRA, Bulk Solids Handling Research Associates, 2nd Edition, 1989.

Pantastico E R B, "Post Harvest Physiology, Handling and Utilisation of
Tropical and Subtropical Fruits and Vegetables", AVI Publishing Co, 1975.

O'Brien M, et al, "Principles and Practices for Harvesting and Handling
Fruits and Nuts", AVI Publishing Co, 1983.

Mohsenin N N, "Thermal Properties of Plant and Animal Materials",
Gordon and Breach.


STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

	ACTIVITY				HOURS
Report Writing                                	8
Residential School                            	8
Directed Study                                	79
Private Study                                 	62
Examinations                                  	3
Assessments                                   	15

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

No	*F/S	Marks		Due		Description					Wtg(%)		LBL
1 	S 	        	13/03/96	ASSIGNMENT                              	7.50    	Y
2 	S 	        	12/04/96	PRACTICAL REPORT                        	7.50    	Y
3 	S 	        	19/04/96	PRACTICAL REPORT                        	7.50    	Y
4 	S 	        	02/05/96	ASSIGNMENT                              	10.00   	Y
5 	S 	        	22/05/96	ASSIGNMENT                              	7.50    	Y
6 	S 	        	END S1  	3 HOUR RESTRICTED FINAL EXAMINATION     	60.00   	N

F=Formative, S=Summative

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1    Students may bring the following items into the final
     examination:
     (a)  textbooks  specified for the unit, Study Book for this  unit
          and Book of Readings
     (b)  own  notes,  summaries,  but  not  including  solutions to
          previous  examination papers (other than those contained  in
          the Study Book)
     (c)  portable calculator
     (d)  writing and drawing instruments.
2    Because  it is normal practice to release model answers  promptly
     after the due date, the penalty for late submission of assignment
     work will normally be the loss of all marks for the assignment.
3    In order to complete the unit successfully, and obtain a C grade,
     students must submit all assessment items and normally obtain, in
     aggregate,  50%  of  the total marks awarded in  both  the  final
     examination and in the overall non examination component  of  the
     assessment.  A B grade normally requires 65% of the  total  marks
     awarded an A grade 75% and a HD grade 85%.
4    Residential School is normally compulsory.
5    It is the policy of the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying NOT
     to accept submission of assignments by facsimile or email.
     Students in remote locations who do not have regular access to
     postal services may be given special consideration.

This information is accurate as at 02/12/96