FdSc Agriculture (FT)

FdSc Agriculture

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

Course Description:

The agriculture industry requires an estimated additional 60,000 highly skilled and qualified people over the next ten years. The Foundation Degree is designed to enable students to acquire practical skills by undertaking a range of work experience opportunities and projects.

This Foundation Degree, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, develops both technical, practical and employability skills to allow students to relate academic studies to current issues in the farming industry. Agriculture is also a major global employer and many students find their newly learnt skills are in demand overseas.

COURSE CONTENT:

Year 1

Animal Health

This module introduces students to the principles of animal health and draws links between health and animal welfare. The module also encompasses an introduction to pharmacology associated with maintenance of optimal animal health.

Animal Science

Anatomy, physiology and environmental assessment are introduced through this core module.

Essential Soil Science (half module)

The module provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding of soil science, sufficient for students to be able to recognise soil properties (in both soil samples and in the field) and their influence on plant growth and development.

Essential Plant Biology (half module)

This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of plant biology needed to allow successful management of their growth and development. Students will discover how plant form and function relates to their basic needs in terms of light, water, nutrients and reproduction.

Principles of Crop Production

Gives an introduction into the principles of growing a range of agricultural crops covering the establishment, nutrition, protection, harvesting and storage of crops. Constraints on crop production from pests, diseases and adverse environmental conditions are also introduced.

UK Agriculture

Students will investigate the systems used for agricultural livestock and crop production and the support mechanisms that are in place for UK farmers. The market trends for each sector will be analysed to determine its contribution to the UK economy.

Work Skills Development

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

Year 2

Business and Entrepreneurism

This module will evaluate entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process to develop students’ business planning skills. This includes marketing and finance in order to aid the formulation of sustainable and enterprising business plans.

Farmland Ecology

This module investigates some of the impacts of recent changes in farming practice (in the UK) on plants and animals living in agricultural habitats such as moorland, upland rough grazing, lowland pastures, silage, crops and field margins. Strategies for the conservation of farmland biodiversity are also investigated.

Farm Resource Management (half module)

This module analyses the key resource requirements of land, labour, machinery, energy and waste; and their associated infrastructure to develop students’ ability to make informed farm management decisions.

Grassland and Forage Crop Production (half module)

The scientific basis of grassland & forage crop production is central to profitability and sustainability of livestock production systems. In this module, emphasis will be placed on the fundamental principles with the application of science to allow students to make effective forage crop management decisions.

Mammalian Nutrition and Breeding

The main aim of this module is to develop a broad understanding of the biological and biochemical principles which underpin animal nutrition and breeding.

Work Project

This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Work Skills Development module. It will utilise a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, develop and manage the project and report on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.

Research Methods (option module)

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.

OR

Crop Physiology and Production (option module)

This module explores 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.

Course Documents:

Student Handbook (2015 Entry)

Programme Specification and Handbook (2016 Entry)

Myerscough College Policies and Procedures

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.

Links with Professional Body:

Students will be encouraged to form links with local and national agricultural organisations such Tenant Farmers Association, NFU, AHDB Dairy, AHDB Beef and Lamb, Breed Societies, RASE and Young Farmers Associations.

Extra Costs:

Additional costs that are essential for the course include:

Waterproofs, Safety Boots, Wellingtons and Overalls - approx £100

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

Field Trips and Visits (including possible overseas trips) - £1,100

Learning Environment

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. This course makes use of the extensive on-site research facilities and the College farms. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course. Students will also have access to Myerscough's virtual learning environment.

Study trips may include visits to a variety of successful agricultural livestock and arable enterprises. Farm diversification and commercial energy generation projects may also be visited, including wind farms, large scale anaerobic digestions units and biomass plants.

Guest speakers may include industry experts in areas such as crop protection and marketing, agricultural waste management, animal nutrition, livestock technology, AI and breeding. Extra curricular activities may include a study tour and attendance at national events and conferences.

Work Experience:

There is no formal industry placement on this course. The Work Skills Development and Work Project modules will use real work environments to provide opportunities for students to develop skills that will help prepare them for employment. Students already working in agriculture may not need to carry out any additional work experience, however they will still need to submit work-based assignments to complete the course.

Progression:

Upon successful completion of the FdSc programme students may apply to progress undertake further qualifications such as BSc (Hons) Agriculture, BSc (Hons) Agricultural Livestock Science (Top-up) or BSc (Hons) Agricultural Crop Science (Top-up).

What careers can you follow:

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

Farm Management

Livestock Specialist

Contractor

Farm Business Advisor

Feed Sales Management

Livestock Breeding Specialist

Animal Nutritionist

AI Technician

Veterinary Drugs Representative

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice. Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.