Programme Specification
BSc Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | BSc Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | AGT-BSC-S | UCAS Code | D470 | HECoS Code |
101006 - Agricultural technology - 100 |
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| ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
| Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Single Honours | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 4 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 480 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 6 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, food and consumer sciences (2009) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. | |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
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Programme Specific Regulations The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations. |
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Students with protected characteristics The programme does not contain barriers to access or progression among protected groups. |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of crop and animal production systems for the sustainability of the agricultural industry, including the underpinning scientific, economic and business principles and the applicability of recent developments in these areas.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the impact of global, EU and regional policy on the agricultural industry, including statutory, legal and ethical frameworks and public needs and concerns regarding agriculture.
3. Demonstrate an ability to understand and assess agri-environment interactions and devise appropriate environmental management strategies
4. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of managing agriculture as a business at national, EU and global levels.
5. Demonstrate competence in subject specific and key skills and problem solving.
6. Demonstrate a professional approach to the work environment, study and life-long learning.
7. Devise, manage and evaluate project work.
8. Demonstrate how their degree learning outcomes can be applied to the workplace and show evidence of career management planning.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Collect, collate, analyse and interpret data and information. e.g. in relation to physical and financial performance for a range of sustainable crop and livestock production enterprises. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, visits, case studies, practical, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, presentations, reports, practical write ups |
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Produce solutions to familiar and novel problems through the application of knowledge and understanding. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, practicals, computer assisted learning, case studies, visits, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, presentations, reports, essays, assignments, case study, practical write up, project |
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Assess the impact of agricultural practices on the environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, visits, case studies, seminars, tutorials, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, essays, and reports |
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Assess the implications of recent developments in agricultural science and technology on profitability and management of the agricultural industry. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, visits, seminars, tutorials, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, essays, visit reports presentation and project |
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Critically evaluate the implications of EU policy and Global Issues on agriculture. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, visits, seminars, tutorials, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, essays, reports and presentation. |
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Plan, design and execute an investigation or survey from the problem-recognition stage through to the evaluation of results and findings, including the means to test an hypothesis or proposition |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutorials, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through project report, poster presentations and practical and technical reports. |
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Critically evaluate and interpret data derived from observations and measurements, in terms of their significance and the theory underlying them. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, visits, practicals, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, essays, reports, project, presentations, practical write up |
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Recognise the moral and ethical issues related to agricultural production methods. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, visits, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, essays, reports and presentations. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Describe and understand the principles of plant and soil science, crop husbandry practice, mechanisation and building requirements for efficient, market-led, sustainable, environmentally sensitive crop production systems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, practicals, visits, directed and independent reading and tutorials Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, reports, essays, skills demonstrated, class tests, presentations and projects. |
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.Understand and apply the fundamental concepts of animal science, ethical animal husbandry, mechanisation and building requirements for efficient, market-led, quality-driven, environmentally sensitive, sustainable animal production systems. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, computer assisted learning, directed and independent reading, visits, tutorials and practical classes Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, essays, reports ,oral presentations, case studies, practical reports, projects and class tests |
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Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the principles of business success, including physical and financial performance of sustainable agricultural systems, supply chain management, marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, computer assisted learning, visits, seminars, tutorials directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations ,reports, case studies, essays and assignments |
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Describe, understand and assess the interaction of agriculture with the environment, including landscape, water, air, soil and biodiversity, and be able to determine appropriate environmentally-sensitive practices. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer assisted learning, visits, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, reports, case studies, essays and assignments |
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Demonstrate an understanding of the position of the agricultural industry within national, EU and global perspectives. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials, visits, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through examinations, essays, reports, presentation and class test. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Operate and manage enterprises within a farm environment in a safe manner, taking account of Health and Safety, environmental and welfare considerations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutorials, practicals, work rota, work rota supervision, directed and independent reading, visits Methods of Assessment Assessed through skills demonstrated, observations, presentations, enterprise duties and enterprise management |
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Determine the profitability and sustainability of agricultural businesses and develop appropriate management strategies for these |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, visits, case studies, computer assisted learning, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through exams, essays and reports, projects, case studies, class test, assignments and presentations. |
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Identify the unique nutritional requirements, diseases and pests of crop and animal species used in agriculture |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, visits, case studies, computer assisted learning, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through exams, essays and reports, projects, case studies, class test, assignments and presentations. |
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Demonstrate competence in a range of practical and technical agricultural skills, using safe and ethical working practices. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, tutorial, seminars, directed and independent reading Methods of Assessment Assessed through demonstrated skills, practical write ups, reports, seen and unseen examinations and certification. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate interpersonal skills; the ability to interact professionally with peers, staff, the public and industry representatives, including appropriate written and oral skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Presentations, essays, reports, practical write-ups, mock interviews, workshops and tutorials Methods of Assessment Assessed by word-processed ’course work’, case studies and presentations supported with visual aids to their peers and enterprise management advisory board comprised of teaching staff and industry representatives; mock job interviews. |
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Demonstrate team and group working in informal and formal situations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group tasks, case studies, visits and enterprise work Methods of Assessment Assessed through course work, case studies, workbooks, presentations |
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Evaluate qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where there is limited information. (ALL MODULES) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, case studies, directed and independent study and ICT training Methods of Assessment Assessed by course work, case studies and workbooks, presentations, examinations |
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Demonstrate numeracy, including such aspects as estimations, correct use of units and modes of data presentation, application of general, biological and economic statistics. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, case studies, directed and independent study, lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials Methods of Assessment Assessed by course work, case studies, practical reports, workbooks, projects |
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Acquire, transform, interpret and critically evaluate data. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Workshops, lectures and tutorials Methods of Assessment Assessed by course work, case studies, workbooks, practical reports, projects. |
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Demonstrate information retrieval in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including through online computer searches and critical appraisal of these sources. (ALL MODULES) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies ICT training, workshops, tutorials, directed and independent study Methods of Assessment Assessed by written elements of coursework. |
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Demonstrate information technology skills, including word processing, spreadsheet use, database use, archiving data and information, and internet communication. (ALL MODULES) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Skills training, working to deadlines, workshops, lectures, work placement and projects Methods of Assessment Assessed by coursework presentation. |
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Show effective time-management and organisation skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. (ALL MODULES). |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Skills training, directed and independent study and group work Methods of Assessment Only assessed by personal effectiveness in the enterprise modules. |
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Demonstrate study skills for lifelong learning, including independent study and group study (ALL MODULES) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Skills training, directed and independent study and group work Methods of Assessment Not directly assessed, although implicit in achievement within programme. |
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Demonstrate project management skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminars, tutorials and skills training Methods of Assessment Assessed through the dissertation. |
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Demonstrate career Management Skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Skills sessions, workshops, work placement, project and interaction with industry etc. Methods of Assessment Assessed by reflective writing. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Applied Crop Science | BIO1307 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 0% | 70% |
| Introduction to Business and Research Methods | BIO1101 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Mechanisation and Farm Buildings | BIO1201 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 0% | 70% |
| Applied Animal Science | BIO1308 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 0% | 70% |
| Enterprise Technology | BIO1306 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Livestock Production and Management | BIO2308 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Agri-food Business Marketing & Management | BIO2307 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Sustainable Agriculture | BIO2310 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Crop Production Systems | BIO2309 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Professional Studies | BIO3303 | 3 | 120 | YES | YES | 40 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Policies for Environmental Sustainability | BIO3109 | 4 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Project Work (Ag Tech) | BIO3307 | 4 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Global Issues in Agriculture | BIO3207 | 4 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Advances in Crop and Animal Science and Technology | BIO3208 | 4 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 0% | 70% |
| Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship | BIO3101 | 4 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Farm Animal Health and Welfare | BIO3106 | 4 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 3: Students will take the compulsory modules equivalent to 120CATS.
Stage 2: Students will take the compulsory modules equivalent to 120CATS. Students will start preparation for their professional studies in the first semester of Stage 2.
Stage 1: Students will take the compulsory modules equivalent to 120CATS.
Year out: All students will spend an extended period in a work placement during which they will carry out project type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Stage 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies, BIO3303. Students unable to secure a year placement will be transferred to the BSc Agricultural Technology programme.