REMRARI-Introduction to Agriculture and Rural Industries

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: n.r.millard@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide an introduction to the significant rural land uses in the UK: agriculture and other land-based industries, e.g. forestry, sporting, leisure and recreation, mineral extraction and waste management, and renewable energy. Students will consider the economic contribution these industries can provide to farming and estate businesses and the wider rural economy, and will be introduced to the concept of ecosystem services – the social and environmental benefits that can result from sustainable land management. 

Aims:

The module will explore the practical and financial aspects of a range of rural industries, and examine the operational context in the light of possible economic and political volatility in the next few years. It aims to provide students with an understanding of land-based industries and the relevance of property to their activities, as well addressing the specific need for rural surveyors to have an understanding of agricultural practice to underpin their professional practice. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to: 

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  Understand the main UK farming enterprises and the key factors affecting their financial performance 

  
  

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  Demonstrate familiarity with other rural land-based industries, and how they make a financial contribution to rural businesses 

  
  


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  Understand how basic accounting information can be used to inform management decision making 

  
  


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  Evaluate the importance and value of property to key rural industries 

  
  

Additional outcomes:

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  Enhance communication skills through case studies and presentations in seminar sessions 

  
  

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  Develop essay and report writing skills through coursework 

  
  


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  Enhance the ability to research and assimilate technical information 

  
  

Outline content:

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  Core themes in global agricultural industry and commodity trades 

  
  


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  Overview of UK agriculture 

  
  


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  Analysis of various agricultural systems, e.g. livestock, combinable crops, high value crops 

  
  


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  Farm accounting, particularly gross margin analysis and business appraisal 

  
  

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  UK forestry and forest crops 

  
  


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  Mineral extraction and waste management 

  
  


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  Rural business diversification 

  
  


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  Renewable energy 

  
  


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  Innovative land-based products and services, e.g. ecosystem services 

  
  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Two hour examination (50% or mark) 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Single piece of coursework in the form of a professional report with a word guide of 2,500 words (50% of mark)  

Formative assessment methods:

In-class case studies will provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning to real-life scenarios and to receive informal feedback. 

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for this module is 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by the same method as for the module’s original assessment requirements, subject to variations by the Examination Board where appropriate. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 19 July 2019