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22 08 18 Myerscough (76 Of 289)
22 08 18 Myerscough (76 Of 289)

BSc (Hons) Agriculture

BSc (Hons) Agriculture

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire.

Agriculture is an exciting and fast developing industry, harnessing new science and technology to increase productivity and efficiency on farms. Creative approaches, critical thinking, and innovation are needed to drive forward this longstanding yet resilient industry.

World population is expected to grow by over a third, or 2.3 billion people by 2050 and with this farming faces many challenges: it has to produce more food and fibre to feed a growing population with a smaller rural labour force, more crops for the bioenergy market, and adopt more efficient and sustainable production methods and adapt to climate change (FAO, 2009)

Making use of our Farming and Food Innovation & Technology Centre, this course will focus on livestock and crop production as well as essential business entrepreneurism. The final year options allows you to specialise in either livestock or crops or continue to study a mix of both with an emphasis on sustainable and novel technologies.

Course modules

Year 1

Agricultural Machinery Management

The module aims to provide students with a good working knowledge on the compatibility of power units with implements/equipment and the effect this has on the finance/management of a business. Students investigate in detail how operational systems are controlled by the equipment available, the level of staff training required and how the equipment is operated. Students will be given the opportunity to analyse and evaluate data produced when operating equipment, giving the students the potential to use this information to influence management decisions.

Animal Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy, physiology and environmental assessment are introduced through this core module. With a focus for the agricultural students on livestock, you will explore the fundamentals of animal biology, an understanding of which will help foster successful livestock farmers. The module includes some lab practical's and aims to enable the students to describe the natural anatomical and physiological mechanisms that control behaviour, reproduction and defence against disease and impact on an animal’s welfare.

Academic and Professional Skills

Here we will explore the professional requirements for a successful career in the sector along with equipping students with the time management, academic writing and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in education and your chose profession. It is aimed that you have a strong start to the degree and you develop vital transferable skills useful in future project management, data analysis, reporting and presenting information to different audiences. Through personal development, the module also aims to aid future graduate employability potential.

Essential Plant and Soil Science

Plants and soils have a very close relationship. This module will look at the biochemistry and physiology of plants and how these are affected by the plant’s environment. You will consider the characteristics of the soil environment and how these impact on plant growth and land use. The mechanisms by which plants can express the genetic information coded in their DNA and pass this on to the next generation will also be explained.

Principles of Animal and Crop Husbandry

The module will allow students to discuss and evaluate livestock and crop production and how they complement each other. Breeding; variety/breed choice; good health indicators; key pests, diseases and weeds; and nutrition will be evaluated with regard to arable, livestock and integrated farm management and how they impact on countryside management.

Introduction to Agricultural Marketing

The module is designed to develop and improve students’ knowledge and understanding of both marketing principles and management, enabling them to make informed decisions concerning marketing in different farm and ancillary business scenarios. The main objective of the module is to develop students’ understanding and skills to successfully manage the marketing of agricultural and food products in an ever-changing, competitive environment.

Year 2

Crop Physiology and Production (Option)

A module exploring the science underpinning crop growth and production in arable crops and fresh produce. A critical appreciation of management practices that exploit and apply this knowledge will be developed.

Forage Crop and Grassland Management

Central to farm profitability is the scientific basis of grassland and forage crop production as we seek sustainability in livestock production systems. In this module, emphasis will be placed on the fundamental principles with the application of science allowing students to develop the essential management skills required for the commercial production of both forage crops and grass production.

Livestock Nutrition and Breeding (Option)

Essential for those destined for a career in livestock here you will develop a broad understanding of the biological and biochemical principles which underpin animal nutrition and breeding. Dietary requirements and modern breeding techniques along with the use of cutting edge science will explore how to maximise yield from our livestock.

Research Methods

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment in preparation for the final year research project.

Agricultural Crop Management

The management of arable crops in the UK is central to the agricultural industry. This module builds on knowledge developed previously to help students appraise the key factors for successful management of crops. Students will evaluate the optimisation of agronomic practices in sustainable production systems to meet the end market needs.

Business Development and Planning

This module examines the business process and develops key business skills necessary to take an enterprising idea forward and formulate a successful business. Students will propose enterprising ideas with reference to market research and formulate a business plan. The module will equip students with creative thinking and innovation skills and challenge them to find solutions for a sustainable business.

Sustainable Farm Management

This module will examine the current approaches to farm management and the increasing demands in terms of economic, social and environmental pressures. Agroecological and agrotechnological farm management approaches in context of a range of sustainable farm management concepts such as precision farming, regenerative agriculture, conservation agriculture, integrated farm management will be explored in this module and how they are applied to improve the economic, environmental and social performance of farms.

Year 3

Developments in Global Land Use (Option)

A module that critically evaluates the issues with current global land uses. In particular, it will focus on subjects such as climate change, energy use, water management and soil degradation and how current techniques could be altered to achieve lower impacts. Students will explore the methods by which changes in rural land uses can ameliorate environmental change and point to a more sustainable future.

Research Project (Double module)

An opportunity for a student to pursue an in-depth study of the student's own choice which is related to their substantive areas of study. Students will work independently, under limited supervision, in order to develop and demonstrate their research and academic skills and abilities. The dissertation will normally be based on an academic topic using primary and/or secondary data collection techniques. In both cases academic theory is to be critically evaluated and applied to the research topic.

Sustainable Crop Science

This module takes a holistic approach on the development and application of innovative techniques needed for sustainable crop production in the UK and worldwide, ensuring food security and a sustainable environment for future generations. Students will explore the advances in the application of emerging sustainable technologies and practices in crop production, including soil management, water use efficiency, plant nutrition, crop protection and crop improvement.

Sustainable Livestock Science

Students will explore the advances in the application of scientific research to emerging sustainable extensive and intensive livestock production systems, including water and feed use efficiency, animal nutrition and breeding.

Business, Leadership and Supply Chain Management (Option)

This module takes a holistic view of the food and farming sector and evaluates the agriculture supply chain to identify where and how most efficiencies are made. The UK’s agricultural productivity, its performance and competitiveness with other countries and the impact this has on UK Agriculture in a global market will also be explored. Students will develop the ability to identify and evaluate innovation, technology and management opportunities that will lead to improved productivity and competitiveness, essentially contributing to a sustainable agriculture industry.

Advances in Crop and Livestock Technology (Option)

This module considers advances in science and technology to optimise integrated farm management for livestock and crop production. Drivers for change, both internal and external to the industry, will be analysed and their future influence debated. Students will develop critical evaluation skills to establish how science and high-cost investments should be utilised and managed and gain awareness of science and technology sectors for potential future employment opportunities.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 104 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

  • 3 A-levels (A2) at C or above
  • BTEC/C&G Level 3
  • 4 Scottish Highers at C or above
  • 4 Irish Highers at C or above
  • International Baccalaureate at 24 points
  • Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview

Learning and assessment

Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, debates, assignments, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and industry based case studies.

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.

This course makes use of the extensive on-site research facilities and the College farms.

Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

Additional Information:

Study trips may include visits to a variety of successful agricultural livestock and arable enterprises in the Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Wirral areas. These farm businesses have welcomed Myerscough student visits to supplement the learning in specific modules. Farm diversification and commercial energy generation projects may also be visited including wind farms, large scale anaerobic digestion units and biomass plants.

Attendance at national events and conferences including British Cattle Breeders annual conference, Cereals, Dairy Tech, Croptec Potato Industry Event etc . There may also be opportunities for students to attend National Farming Seminars held by AHDB, NFU etc. for networking. Further to this, subject to interest, International Study Tours may also be offered to farms in Canada, USA and Ireland where possible.

Guest speakers often visit and may include industry experts in areas such as crop production, crop protection and marketing, agricultural waste management, animal nutrition, livestock technology, AI and breeding.

What work experience can I get?

There is no formal industry placement on this course, however, students are encouraged to undertake internships offered by local and international firms to help build an attractive C.V.

Progression

On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) programme students may wish to apply for our MSc Integrated Crop Management course.

Careers

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts available in the agricultural industry (and other related industries) including:

Agricultural Consultant

Agricultural Finance and Insurance

Agricultural Journalism

Agricultural or crop or Livestock Research

Agriculture Quality Assurance Officer

Agronomist

AI Technician

Arable Specialist

Crop Chemical Specialist

Crop Marketing

Farm Animal Nutritionists

Farm Business Advisor

Farm Management

Feed Sales Management

Field Trials Officer

Food Purchase Manager

Food Supply Chain Manager

Lecturers

Livestock Breeding Specialist

Plant Breeding Specialist

Veterinary Drugs Representative

Professional accreditations

Students will be encouraged to develop and maintain links with local and national agricultural organisations such Tenant Farmers Association, NFU, AHDB, EBLEX, Breed Societies, NBA, NSA, RASE, Soil Association, agricultural discussion groups and Young Farmers Associations.

Special requirements

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:

  • Approx £150 - Waterproofs, safety boots, wellingtons and overalls

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

  • Approx £1500 – Study tour (previous visits: Ireland, USA and Canada)
  • Approx £150 – conferences (some are free).