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