Year No. Offer Mode Description Cred. Pts 97 70665 S2 D AGRIC MATERIALS & CROP STG 1.00
The handling, grading storage, packaging and processing of agricultural produce are all important parts of the agricultural production and distribution system and frequently involve costs in excess of those associated with simply growing the crop. A knowledge of, the physiological, physical, thermal, aerodynamic, rheological, electrical and optical properties of agricultural materials is highly relevant to these areas. Such knowledge may be used for the proposes of devising techniques for grading, sorting, separation, moisture determination, flow rate prediction, the design of packaging and the determination of stresses in large storage structures. Post harvest treatments against pests and diseases are considered as well as modified atmosphere storage and controlled atmosphere storage for extending shelf life. The fundamentals of waste management and some basic aspects of food processing technology are also considered.
At the conclusion of this unit, the student should be able to:
Description Weighting(%)
- Physical properties 6.00
- Basic concepts of rheology 6.00
- Aero and hydrodynamic characteristics 4.00
- Separation processes 4.00
- Physiological/environmental factors influencing produce 8.00 quality
- Mechanical damage 8.00
- Controlled atmosphere, aeration, freezing and cooling 11.00
- Post harvest treatments for disease and insect control 3.00
- Irradiation of food and agricultural produce 2.00
- Grading Packaging and transport 12.00
- Behaviour of granular materials 8.00
- Bulk storage of granular materials 10.00
- Materials handling 8.00
- Waste management 4.00
- Aspects of food processing technology 6.00
Agricultural Materials and Crop Storage: External Study Package and
Book of Selected Readings.
Arnold McLean and Roberts, "Bulk Solids Storage, Flow and Handling",
TUNRA Bulk Solids Handling Research Associates, 2nd Edition, 1989.
Mohsenin N N, "Physical Properties of Plant and Animal Materials",
Gordon and Breach, 1981.
Sitkei G, "Mechanics of Agricultural Materials", Elsevier 1986.
Pantastico ER 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.
ACTIVITY HOURS Lectures 30 Tutorials/Workshops 14 Laboratory or Practical Classes 12 Field Trips 6 Report Writing 8 Directed Study 20 Private Study 82 Examinations 3
No *F/S Marks Due Description Wtg(%) LBL 1 S WK 5 PRACTICAL REPORT 7.50 N 2 S WK 6 PRACTICAL REPORT 7.50 N 3 S WK 7 PRACTICAL REPORT 7.50 N 4 S WK 12 PRACTICAL REPORT 7.50 N 5 S WK 12 ASSIGNMENT 10.00 N 6 S END S2 3 HOUR RESTRICTED FINAL EXAMINATION 60.00 N
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
Study Book)
(c) portable calculator
(d) lecture handouts and
(e) 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 normally obtain, in aggregate, 50% of the total
marks awarded. A B grade normally requires 65% of the total marks
awarded, an A grade 75% and an HD grade 85%.
4 The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying will NOT accept
submission of hand written or typed assignments by facsimile,
email or computer diskette. Students in remote locations who do
not have regular access to postal services may be given special
consideration.
5 A minimum standard of communication skills must be demonstrated
in order for a passing grade to be achieved.