ES2S72 - Farm Mechanisation 01 Sep 2018 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES2S72
Module Title: Farm Mechanisation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environmental Science
Module Leader: Pete Dunford
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100978 - farm management
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2018
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

This unit provides an introduction to the application of machinery and equipment in a range of land-based activities. It is designed to be as flexible as possible in its
application and to provide a basis for further study of specialised mechanisation operations. The emphasis throughout this unit is to provide sufficient technical knowledge to allow the learner to critically analyse machinery and equipment performance, select according to specified circumstances and prepare a plan for an appropriate mechanised operation.

To develop the ability to select the optimum machinery and equipment for a given task.To provide students with an in depth understanding of mechanised operations.Develop an in depth understanding of machinery and equipment costings.

Content Summary

Machinery selection: Cultivation equipment, Tractor selection (Horse power, Power take off requirement, hydraulic requirements), Grassland Machinery, Harvesting equipment, Harrowing equipment, Sprayers, Drills, Telescopic Handler Mechanised

Operations: Cultivation, Harrowing, Drilling, Field Maintenance, Fertiliser application, Slurry and Manure handling and spreading, Spraying, Feeding, Bedding, Drying, Milking

Cost: Cost and efficiency of machinery and equipment, fuel efficiency, future cash flow, finance.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 30
Fieldwork 10
External visits 8
Independent Study 80
Formative Assessment - Independent 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Plan and evaluate mechanised operations.
LO2 Prepare costings for machinery and equipment.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Assignment (CW) Report (CW) 1 The learner will review and select agricultural machinery and equipment for a given task. 0 1250 25 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Case Study (CW) 1 The learner will plan mechanised operations for a given task and prepare basic costings. 0 3750 75 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report (CW) 1
Case Study (CW) 1

Reading List

Acquaah G (2001) Principles of Crop Production: Theory, Techniques and Technology .FT Prentice Hall

Bell B (1983) Farm Machinery. Farming Books and Videos Limited

Landers A (2000) Farm Machinery: Selection, Investment and Management. Farming Books and Videos Limited

Soffe RJ (Editor) (2002) The Agricultural Notebook. Blackwell Publishing

Arable Farmer

Farm Contractor

Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research

Landwards

Pig Farmer

Profi International

www.adas.co.uk ADAS

www.environment-agency.gov.uk Environment Agency

www.forestry.gov.uk Forestry Commission

www.fwi.co.uk Farmers Weekly Interactive

www.hse.gov.uk Health and Safety Executive

www.iagre.org The Institution of Agricultural Engineers

www.sac.ac.uk The Scottish Agricultural College

www.sae.org The Society of Automotive Engineers