AGS107 Precision Agriculture and Data Handling (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Agricultural and Horticultural Studies (AGHOR)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
In this subject you will be introduced to basic scientific experimentation, basic applied statistics and the technologies crucial to the understanding and operation of modern precision agriculture methodology within an variety of agricultural contexts.
General mathematic and computer skills will be developed and further expanded to allow you to collect, analyse, convert and present spatial data within an agricultural context. These skills and the application of precision agriculture are relevant to a range of common agricultural enterprises.
The subject is written for students with no prior spatial or experimental science knowledge and serves as an introductory subject for the application of precision agriculture and spatial science to any course related to land productivity, sustainability and/or environmental management.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Orange |
| Internal | Wagga Wagga |
| Distance * | Wagga Wagga |
| Distance * | Wangaratt |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: AGS107
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
Basic maths
Enrolment restrictions:
There are no restrictions to enrol in this subject
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a knowledge of ethical and scientifically sound experimental science
- be able to demonstrate correct use of basic statistical tools to appropriately present various forms of statistical data.
- be able to demonstrate competency using Microsoft Excel to perform calculations, statistical analysis, and present data.
- be able to demonstrate a knowledge of how GPS technology works and its limitations within precision agriculture
- to be able to demonstrate an understanding of various forms of data acquisition within precision agriculture (remote sensing, yield monitoring)
- to be able to demonstrate an appropriate use of GIS software of agriculturally significant issues – (eg soil, weed and/or animal management)
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Agricultural Science:
Basic experimentation: basic experimental design, basic statistics (means, medians, regression, correlations, ANOVA and least significant differences)
Ethics: experimentation (use of animals, people and data presentation).
Data handling: Excel usage (files, spreadsheets, pivot tables, linked formulas)
Precision Agriculture:
Location science: Global Positioning Systems, Differential Global Positioning Systems, coordinate formats
Data gathering: Data logging, yield monitors, remote sensing, electromagnetic survey.
Information handling: Geographical Information Systems, kriging, using excel to convert data for GIS outcomes.
Applied technologies: Variable rate technologies, controlled traffic , “weed seeker”, precision animal management
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 2.5 day residential school.
To provide a hands on approach to the theory taught within the subject. Provide experiential learning opportunities to students in regard to applications and implementation of precision agriculture.
Activities include:
- data aquisition exercises
- field trip to experience applied precision agriculture and discuss implementation with land holders currently using the technology
- field trips to visit agricultural research trials (links with activity 1)
- industry linkage via demostration of current industry innovations
- one assessment item will be held during the residential school
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.