Programme Specifications

N/A

Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences

August 2024

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.

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.

A1 demonstrate an understanding of underpinning basic sciences including mathematics and computing (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc.), biology, chemistry, microbiology, and analytical techniques.

A2 demonstrate an understanding of the interactions of microbes, plants and animals with each other and with the environment.

A3 demonstrate an understanding of the scientific factors influencing crop and livestock production

A4 recognise how production systems can be improved by manipulation and management and identify and address the ethical and environmental implications of production systems

A5 appraise and evaluate the policy and socioeconomic factors which form and influence agricultural systems

A6 describe and evaluate a wide range of economic and business management theory and techniques relevant to agriculture

A7 apply and evaluate a range of specific scientific, technological and business management processes

A8 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; specialist external lectures; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; 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.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

B1 apply the skills needed to contextualise academic study and enquiry

B2 select and use appropriate relevant information from a wide range of sources in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice

B3 undertake investigations to evaluate issues and changing situations

B4 apply knowledge and understanding to address and solve familiar and novel problems

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials and seminars; specialist external lectures; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; visits to commercial businesses and organisations

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, and oral presentations; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

C1 recognise and use appropriate theories, concepts and principles from a range of disciplines

C2 plan, conduct, and report on investigations (including secondary data)

C3 collect, record, summarise and interpret diverse data and information using appropriate techniques

C4 plan and manage practical work in the field and laboratory with due regard to health and safety

C5 apply appropriate scientific, technical and business solutions to a range of agricultural situations

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials and seminars; specialist external lectures; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; visits to commercial businesses and organisations

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, and oral presentations; assessment based on real life problems.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

D1 Research and data analysis skills

D2 Enhanced mathematical and computational skills

D3 Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills

D4 A thorough grounding in information technology skills

D5 The ability to work independently

D6 Time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines

D7 The ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form

D8 Self-motivation and self-reliance

D9 Team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement

Learning and Teaching
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through tutorials; problem-based learning scenarios; oral presentations and self-directed learning;

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, and oral presentations; assessment based on real life problems.