The first year explores the fundamental basis of agri-food markets, the influence of finance and commerce on agriculture and introduces systems approaches to farm business management. You will develop your understanding of the biological processes essential to understanding plants and animals, and examine food production and global food security issues. We also introduce you to the research and employability skills needed for your studies and the world of work.
Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Modern agriculture is a dynamic, fast-paced and high-tech industry. In this module, you’ll explore practical agricultural systems used by commercial UK farms. Designed for students with a farm or non-farming background, you’ll get to understand the fundamental concepts of agricultural systems within the context of contemporary markets, policy and research. Exact topics covered in the module will vary according to the issues affecting the agricultural industry in any one year, but examples include: dairy production, arable production, soils, agri-environmental interactions, labour and machinery management and farm business systems. You’ll have lectures from academics currently researching these fields and will visit the University Farm and external farms to see what you’ve learnt in practice.
The Biosciences and Global Food Security
How can you use science to help improve global food security? This module introduces you to the issues of global food security and the complexity existing in different parts of our food generation system. Looking across the food supply chain, you’ll cover the evolution of crops, crop and animal production, and the food industry. Importantly, you’ll also look at sustainable nutrition because food security isn’t just about supply – it’s important that people are getting the right kind of food. You’ll learn about these issues through a mix of lectures and practical laboratory sessions. You’ll also develop professional skills to work safely in laboratory situations.
Basic Animal Biology
In lectures on this module you’ll be introduced to concepts in animal evolution (Darwinian evolution, natural selection, speciation), diversity across the animal kingdom (classification of invertebrates and vertebrates), animal ecology (biodiversity, interactions between species, conservation), animal development (fertilization, gastrulation, organogenesis), animal behaviour (costs and benefits of different innate and learned behaviours), and ethical issues related to animal-human interactions. The module also includes a visit to Twycross Zoo and a practical animal handling session.
The Ecology of Natural and Managed Ecosystems
Pollinator species are hugely important for natural systems and for managed systems like agriculture, but there is concern that numbers are declining. This module introduces you to the principles of ecology and looks at how organisms have evolved to interact with their environment.
You’ll cover:
- population and community ecology
- the various definitions of biodiversity
- the loss of species and habitats
You’ll have lectures from current researchers in the field and the opportunity to apply your learning in the laboratory and through field visits. This is a 20 credit module.
Grassland Management
Grasslands are used for forage in agricultural systems but are also important as habitat for wild animals, birds and beneficial insects.
- You’ll learn about the latest developments and policy issues around the world
- You’ll examine the morphology and physiology of forage grass species
- You'll understand the mechanisms of grass growth, production and utilisation. Looking at how these are influenced by management practices.
Alongside lectures, you’ll visit farms and use the latest software to identify grass plants and calculate a pasture budget. This is a 10 credit module.
Biosciences Tutorials and Foundation Science
The tutorials component of this module is intended to enhance your transition into university and guide you through the academic expectations of your degrees. This part of the module is spread throughout the year and includes three generic sessions on ‘study skills and plagiarism’, ‘study opportunities’ and ‘career and personal development’, and a series of small group tutorials with your academic tutor to develop generic skills such as finding crucial information, oral presentation, data handling and presentation of results, preparation for examinations, and essay writing skills relevant to biosciences.
The Foundation Science content has three elements: chemistry, maths and statistics and physics. The chemistry element will include: elements and periodic table; atomic structure and bonding; intermolecular attractions, chemical equilibrium; acids and bases, oxidation and reduction; rates of reaction; basic organic chemistry, isomerism, and rings. The Maths and Stats element will include: calculations, algebra, functions and relationships, powers, logarithms, descriptive statistics, significance, regression and presenting data. The Physics element will include: units and dimensions; power, energy and heat; light and the electromagnetic spectrum; attenuation/absorption; and radioactivity.
There is also an IT element, which interfaces with generic IT training for undergraduates provided within the University.
Agriculture Business in the Global Economy
Today’s agricultural businesses operate in the global economy. In this module, you’ll explore both the influence of the global economy on agricultural businesses and the impact of agriculture on the global economy.