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 / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

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:

examine the operational context in the light of possible economic and political volatility in the next few years. It aims to provide students with a high level understanding of agriculture and other land-based industries, and the relevance of property to their activities, 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

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


• Discuss other rural land-based industries, and how they make a financial contribution to rural businesses


• Utilise basic accounting information to inform management decision making


• Evaluate the importance and value of property to key rural industries

Additional outcomes:

• Enhance communication skills through case studies and presentations in seminar sessions


• Develop essay and report writing skills through coursework


• 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 hours (pre-seen scenario to be provided two weeks before exam)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Single piece of individual coursework in the form of a professional report with a word guide of 2,500 words

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: 27 August 2020