Cynlluniau Astudio

Agriculture with Animal Science (with integrated year in industry)


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University


2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University


2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
-

With Integrated Year in Industry



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University


3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University


4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science


5 : Programme title
Agriculture with Animal Science (with integrated year in industry)


6 : UCAS code
D4D3


7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
- Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Food and Consumer Sciences

8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
- August 2024

9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
-

An Agriculture with Animal Science degree is an application-orientated programme requiring study across a broad spectrum of disciplines from natural sciences to social science, policy, economics and management. The degree is interdisciplinary, drawing on diverse disciplines but each with a clear and integrated set of learning outcomes. The study programme includes many elements that are subject-specific. Graduates with an Agriculture with Animal Science degree will have a thorough understanding of crop and animal production methods and of the underpinning scientific, economic and business principles. In addition, they will further develop knowledge and skills across animal nutrition and husbandry, biochemistry and physiology of animals, reproductive and developmental biology, disease control and animal welfare. In particular they will be able to:-

identify technological and economic problems encountered in current production systems;

demonstrate an understanding of physiological, reproductive and nutritional principles of livestock;

evaluate new techniques and, where appropriate, apply them to commercial practice;

identify, evaluate and apply relevant scientific principles to production systems;

know how to organise and manage a business for profit;

identify and evaluate public concerns over food production practices and

evaluate the wider consequences of agricultural activities.

This degree will have built into its modular structure a number of options that allow for Welsh Medium teaching that meets the need of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Subject specific skills

Graduates will have a well-grounded understanding of the science and management of sustainable production systems which comprise the agricultural industry within the socio-economic and environmental contexts required by society. They will be able to :

Demonstrate understanding of the scientific factors limiting production

Demonstrate an understanding of how production systems can be improved by manipulation and management

Recognise and address the ethical implications of production systems

Achieve a level of specialist knowledge and understanding, allowing them to work as subject specialists within the agricultural industry

Apply their discipline to solve problems in the agricultural industry

Appreciate the needs and requirements of society

Apply knowledge to a wide range of real-life situations

Describe and evaluate a wide range of economic and business management theoryand techniques

Demonstrate familiarity with relevant policy and understand its aims

Apply and evaluate a range of specific scientific and technological processes

Appraise and evaluate the roles and responsibility of regulatory and advisory bodies

Identify and evaluate appropriate knowledge bases and a range of theoretical perspectives

Apply a range of methods to problem evaluation and amelioration

Communicate effectively on a wide range of agricultural issues

Describe, apply and evaluate professional standards and responsibilities in relation to the agricultural industry

Generic and graduate skills

The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed as part of the course:-

Intellectual skills

Practical skills

Numeracy

Communication skills

Information and communication technology

Interpersonal / teamwork skills

Self-management and professional development skills

The alternative schemes have specific learning outcomes, and therefore subject knowledge, remain unchanged. However, students will be able to demonstrate additional outcomes as a result of undertaking the year in industry. These additional outcomes provide an enhanced student experience and allow students to develop knowledge of their subject areas in applied contexts and to develop work experience and thus enhance their employability. Specifically, the proposed degree aims to advantage students in the following additional ways:

To apply approaches, concepts, skills, methods and/or theories in a work-based context relevant to their scheme.

To develop highly valued transferable and professional skills during a work placement, providing a competitive edge in the graduate job market.

To enable students to learn about an organization and its area of work, providing an excellent opportunity to evaluate future career paths.

Subject specific skills (with Integrated Year in Industry)

The Subject specific skills of the schemes will not change. Nevertheless, on the completion of their degree, students on these four year versions of the schemes will have gained a valuable insight in to a field of employment relating to their subject area in the biological sciences, developing the associated skills and enhancing their employability / networking / establishing industry links.

Generic and graduate skills (with Integrated Year in Industry)

The generic and graduate skills of the schemes will not change. However, the four year version of the schemes ‘with a year in Industry’ will likely develop the skills listed below, though the nature and emphasis will depend on the exact employment; not all of these will be assessed, though most are likely to form part of the employer’s assessment of the student:

Working independently

Working as part of a team

Respecting the views, beliefs, opinions and values of others

Listening to, and engaging with, other speakers

Effective verbal communication in a range of settings, including group discussions and debates and formal presentations

Effective written communication in a variety of forms

Use of information technologies to process, store, present and communicate information, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, e-mail and the world-wide web

Identifying, retrieving, sorting and handling information from conventional and electronic sources, including libraries, CD-ROMs, on-line computer resources and the world-wide web

Time management and self-regulation of work regimes

Research issues and solve problems

Adapting to change

Reading comprehension and interpretation of a range of written material

Observational skills

Collating, processing, interpreting and presenting numerical data

Identifying appropriate career pathways and developing the capacity to compete



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
- Overall aim of the scheme
To develop the knowledge and skills required by those who may go on to pursue careers as managers of agricultural enterprises and businesses or become involved in the support industries, advisory work and research and development together with additional specialist knowledge of Animal Science to enable them to work as subject specialists and engage with discourse at a detailed level. Additionally, the four year version of the scheme will aim to develop graduate level skills, as described in the Generic and Graduate level skills section above.


10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
- By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific factors influencing crop and, particularly, livestock production
Recognise how production systems can be improved by manipulation and management and identify and address the ethical and environmental implications of production systems
Appraise and evaluate the policy and socioeconomic factors which form and influence systems
Describe and evaluate a wide range of economic and business management theory and techniques relevant to agriculture
Apply and evaluate a range of specific scientific and technological processes
Apply the principles of a safe working environment and underline importance of health and safety as well as the protection and enhancement of the environment in a wide range of real-life situations

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials and seminars; student-led seminars; specialist external lectures; field and laboratory practical classes; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; role play; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; working in groups on live projects with external organisations; visits to commercial businesses and organisations.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a research proposal; assessment based on real life problems.

The scheme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the additional following areas:
Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including initiative, independence and commercial awareness.

Learning and Teaching (with Integrated Year in Industry)
During their integrated year in industry students will embed themselves within a working environment, allowing for the development of a range of transferable and life skills commensurate with the above. Furthermore, students on this scheme will have the potential to utilise the knowledge and skills associated with other outcomes developed in years 1 and 2. This will be in part dependent on the nature of the organization their position is based with.

Assessment Strategies and Methods (with Integrated Year in Industry)
Students on the integrated industrial year will be required to register for the modules BRS0000, BRS0060, BRS0100, and BRS0160. During the integrated Year in Industry, students will be required to submit an Introductory Report (worth 30% of the Industrial Year mark) on the organization that they are working for, its structure, aims and operation; and a Workplace investigation, to investigate a technical aspect of the work that they are doing (worth 40% of the Industrial Year mark). Finally, there will be an AU staff assessment of the final student self-evaluation and employer’s report. These will be marked in order to assess the student’s achievement of learning outcome 10.1 above as well as the other learning outcomes of their scheme.


10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
- 10.2.1 Intellectual Skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:
Apply the skills needed to contextualise academic study and enquiry.
Select and use appropriate relevant information from a wide range of sources in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.
Undertake investigations to evaluate issues and changing situations.
Apply knowledge and understanding to address and solve familiar and novel problems.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials and seminars; student-led seminars; specialist external lectures; field and laboratory practical classes; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; role play; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; working in groups on live projects with external organisations; visits to commercial businesses and organisations.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of an undergraduate dissertation; assessment based on real-life problems.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:
Recognise and use appropriate theories, concepts and principles from a range of disciplines.
Plan, conduct, and report on investigations (including secondary data).
Collect, record, summarise and interpret diverse data and information using appropriate techniques.
Plan and manage practical work in the field and laboratory with due regard to health and safety.
Apply appropriate scientific, technical and business solutions to a range of agricultural situations.

Learning and Teaching
Professional skills are acquired and developed during practical work, field visits, class activities with additional (optional/extra-curricular) opportunities to acquire standard industry certification body qualifications.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Coursework to include the submission of technical reports, business and management plans, feed analysis, crop management reports, practical precision farming exercises in media including posters, leaflets and technical or consultancy reports. Students will be provided with real life scenarios including crop plots where critical management decisions are taken as a pedagogic tool. Students are expected to make critical reference to the application of practical skills in their written examinations. The research proposal and dissertation should develop skills in conceiving and planning laboratory/field investigations or case studies, in the collection and recording of library, laboratory or field data and develop skills to summarise and synthesise using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills (with Integrated Year in Industry)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following additional learning outcome:
Demonstrate experience of working in a professional environment

Learning and Teaching
Outcome 10.2.1 will be achieved through completing an extended integrated Year in Industry position at a suitable workplace.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Evidence of outcome 10.2.1 will be secured through the completion of the assessment strategy described in 10.1 above.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable) (with Integrated Year in Industry)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following additional learning outcome:
Applying principles, methods, approaches, concepts, skills and/or theories appropriate to the relevant biological sciences scheme in a professional context, as well as understanding the challenges of working in a professional environment.

Learning and Teaching
The professional skills identified in 10.2.2 will be primarily developed through spending a year in industry

Assessment Strategies and Methods
10.2.2 will be evidenced by the completion of the assessment strategy described in 10.1 above, detailing experiences of a year in industry, as well as reports on associated technical information.


10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
- By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:
Communicate accurately, clearly, confidently and appropriately to a range of different audiences, including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public using a range of communication techniques.
Undertake practical work and show an awareness of the health and safety issues related to working in the agricultural industry.
Apply information technology, numeric techniques and analysis of data to a variety of tasks.
Analyse problems and develop appropriate solutions.
Improve their own performance and plan their personal development.

Learning and Teaching
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through tutorials; student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; practical workshops; self-directed learning; oral presentations and work experience. Employment and employability related skills and team work are developed in classes and on visits.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students further learn and develop skills through tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; practical workshops; self-directed learning; oral presentations; assessment of practical and applied skills in the field and work experience.
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following additional learning outcome:
Professionalism and an understanding of commercial pressures

Learning and Teaching
Skill 10.3 will be developed through undertaking the year in industry component. In addition, and dependent upon the nature of the position undertaken, the year in industry has the potential to further enhance the other generic skills detailed in Section 9 above.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
10.3 will be evidenced by the completion of the assessment strategy described in 10.1 above, but primarily through the AU staff assessment of the final student self-evaluation and employer’s report


11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards




BSC Agriculture with Animal Science (with integrated year in industry) [D4D3]

Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2024/2025Cynllun Anrhydedd Sengl - ar gael ers 1998/1999

Hyd (astudio Llawn Amser): 4 blwyddyn

Rheolau Rhan 1

Blwyddyn 1 Craidd (120 Credyd)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR10400

Business, Economics and Land Use

BR17000

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

BR18000

Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management

BR18400

Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety

BR18800

Skills for the Agricultural Industry

Semester 2
BR10420

Business, Economics and Land Use

BR17020

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

BR18040

Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management

BR18420

Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety

BR18820

Skills for the Agricultural Industry

Rheolau Rhan 2

Blwyddyn 2 Craidd (80 Credyd)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR20720

Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals

BR27500

Research Methods

BR28000

Livestock Production and Management

Semester 2
BR25220

Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction

BR27520

Research Methods

BR28020

Livestock Production and Management

Blwyddyn 2 Opsiynau

Choose 40 credits

Semester 1
BG27600

Agronomeg a Gwelliant Cnydau

BR21000

Farm Business Management and Appraisal

BR27120

Veterinary Health

BR27600

Agronomy and Crop Improvement

Semester 2
BG27620

Agronomeg a Gwelliant Cnydau

BG29020

Bwyd, Ffermio, Technoleg a'r Amgylchedd

BR21020

Farm Business Management and Appraisal

BR22220

Immunology

BR27620

Agronomy and Crop Improvement

BR29020

Food, Farming, Technology and the Environment

Blwyddyn 3 Craidd (120 Credyd)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BRS0000

Integrated Year in Industry

BRS0100

Integrated Year in Industry

Semester 2
BRS0060

Integrated Year in Industry

BRS0160

Integrated Year in Industry

Blwyddyn Olaf Craidd (40 Credyd)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR30800

Livestock Production Science

BR39920

Advances in Agriculture

Semester 2
BR30820

Livestock Production Science

Blwyddyn Olaf Craidd TT/Opsiynau

Choose ONE of the following compulsory modules

Semester 1
BG36320

Adolygiad critigol

BG36400

Traethawd Estynedig

BR36320

Critical Review

BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BG36440

Traethawd Estynedig

BR36440

Research Project

Blwyddyn Olaf Opsiynau

Choose either 40, or 60 credits

Semester 1
BR31600

Farm Planning and Advanced Farm Management

BR34120

Veterinary Infectious Diseases

BR37200

Advances in Crop and Grassland Production

Semester 2
BR31620

Farm Planning and Advanced Farm Management

BR35120

Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals

BR36820

Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control

BR37220

Advances in Crop and Grassland Production


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.


13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk


14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.


15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.


15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.


16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.