Introduction To Farm Mechanisation
- Agricultural Sciences
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 68 pages
- 1 units
This course introduces the principles of farm mechanization, covering basic machines, workshop tools, and internal combustion engines. It explores farm machinery used for tillage, power transmission systems, and harvesting and processing equipment. The course also examines operating principles, cost analysis, and workshop materials, providing a comprehensive overview of agricultural mechanization for increased efficiency and productivity in farming operations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 60 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of AGM314, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
AGM314 · AGM314
Farm Mechanization is the use of machines for various farm operations to encourage efficiency and guarantee increased productivity. It is also the application of engineering principles for operating farm machines with a view to increasing farm operations and output.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain the objectives of farm mechanization.
- Describe the principles and uses of simple machines and workshop tools.
- Differentiate between petrol and diesel engines.
- Identify and describe machinery used for tillage operations.
- Explain different systems of power transmission.
- Describe harvesting and crop processing equipment.
- Apply management and operating principles to farm machinery.
- Identify workshop and building materials used on the farm.
What it prepares you for
- Farm Manager
- Agricultural Engineer
- Agricultural Technician
- Machinery Operator
- Maintenance Technician
- Agriculture
- Farm Equipment Manufacturing
- Agricultural Services
- Rural Development
- Food Processing
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Basic Machines
Unit 2: Basic Machines
Understanding the relationships between force, distance, and efficiency requires strong analytical skills.
- Module 4: Principles of ICE
Unit 4: Principles of ICE
Requires understanding of thermodynamic principles and engine components.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 50 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction
Unit 1: Introduction · 2 hours
Define farm mechanization and its objectives.. Understand the aims of agricultural mechanization.. Identify the benefits of using machines in farming operations..
- Week 2Module 2: Basic Machines
Unit 2: Basic Machines · 3 hours
Study the principles of the lever, pulley system, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, and gears.. Solve problems related to mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and efficiency of simple machines..
- Week 3Module 3: Workshop Tools
Unit 3: Workshop tools · 3 hours
Identify and describe various workshop hand tools such as chisels, files, scribers, and calipers.. Understand the uses of each tool in maintaining and repairing farm machinery..
- Week 4Module 4: Principles of ICE
Unit 4: Principles of ICE · 4 hours
Learn the terms used with internal combustion engines (ICE).. Understand the cycles of operation in petrol and diesel engines.. Differentiate between spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines..
- Week 5Module 5: Study of Farm Machinery Used for Tillage
Unit 5: Study of farm machinery used for tillage · 4 hours
Study the purpose and classification of tillage.. Examine farm machinery used for primary tillage, including ploughs and subsoilers.. Discuss the features and uses of each tillage implement..
- Week 6Module 6: Farm Power Transmission Systems
Unit 6: Farm power transmission systems · 4 hours
Understand power transmission through belting, including open and crossed drive systems.. Calculate speed ratios for belt drives.. Learn about V-belts and the power transmitted by belts..
- Week 7Module 6: Farm Power Transmission Systems
Unit 6: Farm power transmission systems · 3 hours
Study power transmission through chains and gears.. Understand the types of chains and gears used in farm machinery.. Calculate speed ratios for gear drives..
- Week 8Module 7: Harvesting and Processing Equipment
Unit 7: Harvesting and Processing Equipment · 4 hours
Examine harvesting equipment for various crops, including mowers and combine harvesters.. Understand the functions of a combine harvester.. Learn about cotton harvesting equipment..
- Week 9Module 7: Harvesting and Processing Equipment
Unit 7: Harvesting and Processing Equipment · 4 hours
Study processing equipment for size reduction, threshing, and mixing.. Understand the functions of threshers, winnowers, and shellers.. Learn about spraying equipment and dusters for pest control..
- Week 10Module 8: Operating Principles of Farm Machinery
Unit 8: Operating Principles of Farm Machinery · 3 hours
Understand the principles of operating farm machinery, including ownership options.. Learn about the costs of owning and operating farm machinery.. Differentiate between fixed and variable costs..
- Week 11Module 9: Workshop and Building Materials Used On the Farm
Unit 9: Workshop and Building Materials Used On the Farm · 4 hours
Study workshop and building materials used on the farm, including metals and non-metals.. Understand the uses of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.. Learn about concrete, mortar, and paints..
- Week 12Module 10: Self-Assessment Exercises
Unit 10: Self-Assessment Exercises · 6 hours
Review all units and key concepts.. Work on tutor-marked assignments.. Prepare for the final examination..
- Week 13Module 11: Summary
Unit 11: Summary · 6 hours
Complete all tutor-marked assignments.. Further reading and other resources.. Final preparation for the examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Review the objectives of farm mechanization and their implications for modern agriculture.
- Practice calculations related to mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and efficiency of basic machines.
- Study the differences between petrol and diesel engines, focusing on their operating principles and components.
- Create diagrams illustrating the different types of tillage equipment and their functions.
- Understand the principles of power transmission through belts, chains, and gears, including speed ratio calculations.
- Familiarize yourself with the different types of harvesting and processing equipment and their applications.
- Review the components of fixed and variable costs associated with farm machinery ownership and operation.
- Understand the properties and uses of different workshop and building materials used on the farm.
- Solve all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments to reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Questions students ask about this course
What is AGM314 about?
This course introduces the principles of farm mechanization, covering basic machines, workshop tools, and internal combustion engines. It explores farm machinery used for tillage, power transmission systems, and harvesting and processing equipment. The course also examines operating principles, cost analysis, and workshop materials, providing a comprehensive overview of agricultural mechanization for increased efficiency and productivity in farming operations.
How many units does AGM314 have?
AGM314, Introduction To Farm Mechanisation, has 1 unit across 1 module, over 68 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is AGM314?
AGM314 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is AGM314 hard?
AGM314 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does AGM314 take to study?
About 60 hours of study, spread across its 1 units.
How is AGM314 assessed?
AGM314 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with AGM314?
Farm Manager, Agricultural Engineer, Agricultural Technician, Machinery Operator and Maintenance Technician.