Module: Mechanisation and Buildings

Module details

  • Module code

    1123

  • Module leader

    Nigel Warner

  • Module Level

    4

  • Module credits

    15

  • Min study time

    150 hours

  • Contact hrs

    36 hours

  • Teaching Period

    Semester 1

Module content

Machinery types and selection: tractors and power units, cultivation equipment, crop establishment and agronomic machinery, forage conservation machinery, crop harvesting, drying, grading and storage, dairy and livestock facilities and equipment. Farm Health and Safety legislation. Introduction to robotic and automated technology in agriculture.

Module outcomes

To achieve credit for this module, students must be able to:

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic machinery, equipment and building options available for modern farming systems and appreciate their suitability for specified farming situations.
  • 2. Recognise the importance of farm safety and appreciate individual and managerial responsibilities under health and safety legislation
  • 3. Explain how the use of technology can be used to enhance farm machinery operations

Assessment

Assessment Description Weighting
Coursework Individual Technical Report (Outcome 3) (Recommended 2000 words maximum) 40%
Examination 4 x 15 minute in-class tests (Outcomes 1 & 2) 60%

Key texts

  • Bell, B. (1996). Farm Machinery. (4th edition). Farming Press.
  • Culpin, C. (1992). Farm Machinery. (12th edition). BSP, Oxford.

Supporting texts

  • Davies, D.B, Eagle, D.J and Finney, J.B. (2001). Resource Management: Soil.  Farming Press
  • Bell, B. and Cousins, S.  (1997). Machinery for Horticulture.  Farming Press.
  • Barker, A.V. (2010).  Science and Technology of Organic Farming.  CRC Press.
  • WinklerPrins, A.M.G. (2017).  Global Urban Agriculture.  CABI

Journals

  • Farmers Weekly: Farm Machinery Section
  • Profi International: Monthly publication, summary available on-line
  • Landwards: Journal of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers