GG5048: AGRICULTURAL PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19

Course Overview

Students will gain a valuable introduction to all aspects of agricultural production systems and management. This includes land use for agriculture (crop production and animal husbandry), the management of the countryside, its economic significance, geographical spread and social significance. Visits to farms include projects on farm types and different systems, the importance of mixed farming and sustainable agriculture. Also covered is sustainable agri practices and grant schemes, CAP support system and annual cycle of operations.

Course Details

Study Type	Postgraduate	Level	5
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Katrin Prager

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Either Geography (GG) (Studied) or Master of Land Economy in Rural Surveying & Rural Property Mgmt (Studied)
Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

Introduction to course, objectives, learning outcomes, teaching methods, farm visit procedures etc.
Introduction to agriculture, the management of the countryside, its economic significance geographical spread and social significance.
Discussions about farm types, and different system, the importance of mixed farming and sustainable agriculture. Land classification and soils.
Assessing a farm, developing an understanding of what makes a farm work and understanding the farmers objectives.
Agricultural Support mechanisms, what is available, how they work and where the system is heading.
Beef Production and sheep production, and introduction to beef and sheep management systems, discussing the annual cycle of operations, terminology, economic significance, and gross margins.
Arable production, including potatoes, discussing the annual cycle of operations, terminology, economic significance, and gross margins.
Dairy production, pigs and poultry, discussing the annual cycle of operations, terminology, economic significance, and gross margins.
Environmental management and a holistic approach to land management.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Alternative Assessment

In course assessment (50%)

48 hours take home exam (50%)

Alternative Resit Assessment

Alternative Assessment arranged by CC.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.