Agriculture (with integrated year in industry) BSc

Program Overview

The BSc Agriculture with integrated year in industry program at Aberystwyth University equips students with the knowledge and skills in agriculture, agricultural production systems, sustainability, environmental management, and technology. Through a combination of lectures and practical experiences, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural industry and gain practical experience through a supervised work placement. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in agricultural consulting, farm management, and other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc Agriculture with integrated year in industry degree at Aberystwyth University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the challenges facing modern agriculture. The program covers all aspects of agriculture and agricultural production systems, with a focus on sustainability, environmental management, and technology. Students will develop a detailed understanding of the changing farming landscape and gain practical experience through an integrated year in industry.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural production systems, including livestock and crop management.
• To develop students' skills in business management, economics, and land use.
• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage a sustainable agricultural business.
• To prepare students for a career in the agricultural sector, including roles as agricultural consultants, farm managers, agronomists, and animal nutritionists.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Agricultural Technology and Farm Safety: This module introduces students to the technologies used in the agricultural industry and covers important safety considerations.
• Business, Economics and Land Use: This module explores the factors that influence land use and examines the primary resources required for rural businesses.
Students will develop business management skills, including budgeting and market analysis.
• Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management: This module covers the principles of crop and grassland management, soil science, and agricultural land use.

Year 2:

• Agronomy and Crop Improvement: This module explores the principles of crop production and improvement, including plant breeding and genetics.
• Farm Business Management and Appraisal: This module focuses on the management and appraisal of farm businesses, including financial analysis and decision-making.
• Food, Farming and the Environment: This module examines the impact of agriculture and food supply systems on the environment.
• Research Methods: This module introduces students to research methods and data analysis techniques.

Year 3:

• Integrated Year in Industry: Students will undertake a supervised work experience placement in an industry related to agriculture.
This year will provide valuable practical experience and allow students to apply their academic learning to a real-world setting.

Year 4:

• Advances in Agriculture: This module explores the latest developments in agricultural technology and practices.
• Farm Planning and Advanced Farm Management: This module focuses on advanced farm management techniques, including planning, budgeting, and risk management.
• Critical Review: This module develops students' critical thinking and writing skills through the analysis of agricultural research and policy.
• Research Project: Students will undertake an in-depth research project under the guidance of a supervisor.
This project may involve laboratory experiments, fieldwork, computer modeling, or data analysis.

Options:

• Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals: This module explores the principles of animal nutrition, with a focus on livestock, horses, and companion animals.
• Controlled Environment Crop Production and Horticulture: This module covers the principles of controlled environment crop production, including greenhouse and hydroponic systems.
• Crop and Grassland Production Science: This module provides a detailed study of crop and grassland production systems, including plant physiology, soil science, and pest management.
• Livestock Production Science: This module explores the scientific principles underlying livestock production, including animal breeding, genetics, and physiology.
• Marketing and Small Business Management: This module covers the principles of marketing and small business management, with a focus on the agricultural sector.
• Sustainable Land Management: This module examines the principles of sustainable land management, including soil conservation, water management, and biodiversity.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercises
• Business plans
• Literature reviews
• Field notebooks
• Exams
A compulsory research project in the final year will allow students to perform in-depth research under the guidance of a supervisor.

Teaching:

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and field visits. Students will have numerous opportunities to apply their academic learning in practical activities and workshops.

Faculty:

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.

Careers:

A BSc in Agriculture with integrated year in industry opens up a range of exciting opportunities for employment and further training. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in:

• Agricultural consulting
• Farm management
• Agronomy
• Animal nutrition
• Ancillary industries
• Government and local authorities
The integrated year in industry provides students with valuable practical experience and industry contacts, which can greatly enhance their career prospects.

Other:

• Aberystwyth is surrounded by a great diversity of farmland and agricultural terrain.
• The 800-hectare commercially managed university farms provide the setting for practical learning.
• Field visits to farms and agricultural and food businesses throughout the UK are an integral part of the course.
• Students will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders in innovation and technical expertise.
• The course emphasizes the importance of the Farm Business Survey in comparative analysis and benchmarking.
• Students will develop a wealth of skills that can be easily transferred into almost any graduate or professional employment situation.
• The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met.
• The University has an inclusive admissions policy that values breadth as well as depth of study.
• Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary.