Unit Outline

This unit will provide you with an understanding of biological, geological, chemical and physical processes, as they relate to agricultural production systems. Processes explored will include biogeochemical cycles, photosynthesis, respiration, energy flows and transfer of nutrients. You will learn about the roles and interactions of living organisms and non-living components of agricultural production systems. You will have the opportunity to explore agricultural production systems and processes through practical experiences, tutorials and workshops. This unit also builds on concepts of learning through practice from Year 1 by introducing you to more complex learning experiences including: - discipline-based skills and knowledge in dynamic practice situations. This will include authentic and purposeful, industry-related experiences - concepts of managing effective relationships and communicating with others - the development and use of adaptive leadership skills and how these skills relate to innovative and entrepreneurial practice - the nature of responsible, accountable and reflective workplace skills, and creative and critical thinking relevant to para-professional practice. You will exercise self-awareness, initiative and judgement to manage yourself and professional relationships effectively. The application of tacit knowledge and capabilities will be reflected in a Practice Manual

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Define and describe key components and cycles of agricultural production systems
2.	Apply knowledge to explain the processes and interactions among the components of agricultural production systems
3.	Analyse and evaluate practical management approaches for agricultural production systems
4.	Evaluate and communicate practical application of key concepts to agricultural production systems

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	ZAB201

Alterations as a result of student feedback

To be determined

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	AT1: Hydrological cycle graphic	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	AT2: Industry Engagement Report	Week 9	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	AT3: Case Study Report	Week 13	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: AT1: Hydrological cycle graphic

Task Description:

Farm and property managers need to understand biogeochemical cycles and their relationships to agricultural production systems, to make informed decisions for production.
You will produce a graphic representation that explains a key process within the hydrological (water) cycle in an agricultural context. Through graphics and explanatory notes, you will illustrate and explain the role of the key process.
You will also show how the key process links and interacts with other processes within the hydrological cycle and with other biogeochemical cycles.
Your graphic representation may include:
Photographs with explanatory notes/captions
• A sketch or hand drawn diagrams with explanatory notes/captions
• Images with arrows to show links and explanatory notes/captions

Task Length:

Images + 800 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Illustrate and explain key processes and their relative links within an agricultural production system	LO1, LO2, LO4
2	Analyse key ideas and concepts	LO1, LO2
3	Communicate ideas and information	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment Task 2: AT2: Industry Engagement Report

Task Description:

You will engage with industry to conduct your investigation. You will develop a short report that details how you collected your information, what you found and what you concluded from your findings.
Your report will include:
• identification and explanation of key components of the production system
• analysis of how the components of the production system link and interact
• identification and explanation of key processes that are operating in the production system (energy flows, nutrient transfers, tropic levels etc.)

Task Length:

Minimum 1000 words (for written report) OR 10 minute PowerPoint presentation or video recording

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply inquiry skills to plan and undertake investigations	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Analyse key concepts and apply discipline knowledge to practice	LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Use evidence to support statements and conclusions	LO2, LO3, LO4
4	Communicate ideas and information	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3: AT3: Case Study Report

Task Description:

You will investigate an agricultural production enterprise, focussing on a single production system (i.e., crop or livestock). You are encouraged to visit or contact a farm and discuss details of the system with the enterprise owner, including management approaches and factors that influence management decisions. This can be the same business you engaged with for Assignment 2, and/or your own business.
You will use insights and information from your discussions to prepare a report that explores and describes the implications of (mis) management and potential changes in production practices that could improve productivity and sustainability.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Engage with and record observations of industry and practice	LO1, LO2, LO4
2	Analyse key concepts and apply discipline knowledge to practice	LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Evaluate agricultural practices to develop strategies for production systems	LO2, LO3, LO4
4	Communicate ideas and information	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.