Program Overview
The Agricultural Informatics program equips individuals with the skills to utilize "Big Data" in sustainable food production systems. Participants learn data acquisition, management, and modeling techniques, as well as sensing and sensor technologies for predictive mapping in agricultural ecosystems. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, preparing graduates for careers in data science, agricultural informatics, and precision agriculture.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Title:
Agricultural Informatics
Overview:
This program aims to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge to utilize "Big Data" in the development, management, and analysis of secure, reliable, and sustainable food production systems. Participants will learn to operate within new environmental constraints and consider ecological and agricultural systems within the context of "ecosystem goods and services" models.
Objectives:
- Equip participants with core skills in data acquisition, management, and interrogation.
- Teach participants to utilize numerical and statistical modeling approaches for information-driven sustainable agriculture.
- Introduce participants to ground, aerial, and space-borne sensing and sensor techniques for predictive mapping within agricultural ecosystems.
Description:
The Agricultural Informatics program highlights the growing importance of advanced technologies in modern food production systems. Students will delve into real-time field sensing, data fusion, and forecasting, focusing on the critical role these technologies play in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability. By combining ecological and agricultural perspectives, the program provides a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of modern agriculture and its impact on the environment.
Outline:
Core Content:
- Introduction to Information Rich Agricultural Systems
- Sensing and Sensors in Agricultural Systems
- Spatial Interactions of Food Production
- Data and Information Management
- Big Data: What Can the Past Tell Us About the Future?
- Ecological Agriculture in the Digital Age
- Informatics-Based Decision Making
Assessment:
- Critically evaluate the potential of sensor systems (remote
ear, etc.) to measure and monitor the agri-environment. - Manage, manipulate, and interrogate large agri-environmental datasets.
- Explain the inter-relationship between ecology, agriculture, and the ecosystem goods and services provided by agriculture.
- Develop systematic and creative problem-solving skills, demonstrate the ability to interpret and obtain meaningful outcomes.
- Communicate conclusions effectively, including assumptions and methodologies, to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program utilizes a mix of lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and group work.
- Emphasis is placed on hands-on experience with real-world case studies and problem-solving exercises.
- Students will be encouraged to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills through independent research and active participation.
Faculty:
The program is led by Professor Ronald Corstanje, an expert in agricultural informatics and sustainable food production systems.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Data Scientist in the Agri-Food Industry
- Agricultural Informatics Consultant
- Precision Agriculture Specialist
- Environmental Modeler
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst for Agriculture
Opportunities:
- The program prepares graduates for careers in both the public and private sectors, with opportunities available in government agencies, research institutions, and agricultural technology companies.
- Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to address the growing demand for data-driven solutions in the agricultural sector.
Other:
- The program is offered as a non-residential course, with a duration of five days.
- It is held on the Cranfield campus and costs £1,400.
- Participants can inquire about course dates directly with the program organizers.
- For accommodation options, participants can contact the Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly.
