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AP503 Agricultural Technology and Innovation

DESCRIPTION

Given that the global population is projected to reach nine billion by the year 2050, increasing competition from alternative land use, less water availability, climate change, and maintaining plant and soil health, food and fibre producers are under constant economic and environmental pressure that are complex but essential to sustain agricultural production over time. This unit provides a perspective on, and understanding of, the key components of agriculture within the context of technological innovations being employed in crop and livestock production and management. Students will become familiar with the current state of automated agriculture and will develop insight into the challenges and opportunities that arise as technology develops.


RELEVANT COURSES

Master of Agricultural Information Management

Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness)


*Core unit

Elective unit


CREDIT POINTS

10


DELIVERY MODE

On campus

Online

Mixed mode

Intensive

Extensive


PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE

IM401 Introduction to Agroinformatics


UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

LO1 Evaluate the historical role of technological innovation in advancing agriculture

LO2 Critique the current state of technological innovation driving advances in agricultural production systems

LO3 Analyse the application of IT, engineering, and computing technologies in improving the productivity of farming systems

LO4 Critically analyse alternative approaches to technological innovation in food and fibre production

LO5 Evaluate the benefit of adoption of intelligent machinery, emerging developments, and future technology in food and fibre production


CONTENT

  • Agriculture automation: Historical perspectives and introduction

  • Innovation in crop and livestock production (breeding and nutrition management)

  • Automation of pesticide application systems

  • Automated irrigation management

  • Mobile agriculture

  • Agricultural vehicle robot

  • Agricultural infotronic systems

  • Sensors and software for cropping and pastures

  • Internet connected livestock

  • Carbon farming

  • Personalised weather forecasting

  • Future agricultural industries; postharvest innovations


ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. Quizzes - 10%

2. Case Study Report and Presentation - 40%

3. Exam - 50%


PRESCRIBED READINGS

Nil


Check with the lecturer each semester before purchasing any textbooks

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