ACE1055 : Introduction to Agricultural Mechanisation (Inactive)

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To develop a basic understanding of mechanisation principles and the implications of agricultural machinery ownership to a farm business.
An introduction to resource selection, management, efficiency, return and resource planning.

Outline Of Syllabus

Agricultural production system types determine mechanisation requirements.

Syllabus to include an understanding of the mechanisation requirements associated with

Generic agricultural machinery – tractors and materials handling systems & ground working tools

Animal Production systems, to include forage management, harvest, storage and feeding equipment and waste management.

Arable production systems, to include metered distribution (fertilisers, sprays) and harvesting equipment

Machine selection criteria, operating costs, capital investment, value changes, replacement planning

Contemporary developments in machinery, including Artificial intelligence, monitoring systems and variable application systems.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion41:004:00Preparation for problem solving case study exercise
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion72:0014:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyProject work120:0020:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork36:0018:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study222:0044:00N/A
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures will introduce the theory and the requirement, the visits to a dealership and a contractor will develop the understanding of the selection process. Fieldwork on the farm visits will permit students to see machinery in operation and or to undertake calibration of variables.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Case study1M100A scenario based problem involving qualified decision making & reasoned explanation for choice of equipment. (max. 1500 words)
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment1MA scenario based exercise testing the variables affecting machine choice (max. 2 hrs)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The planning and decision making aspects of the module are assessed in the coursework exercises that involve reasoned processing of data to arrive at a justifiable outcome. The use of a PC based decision planning scenario will permit students to understand better the variables that need consideration in the decision process, the formative assessment will cause better understanding of the planning process.

The pragmatic application of appropriate tools for purpose are more knowledge biased and therefore are assessed in an exam scenario in which the mechanical and procedural aspects of machine purpose, operation and use can be assessed effectively through discussion

Reading Lists

Timetable