Skip to main content
nounstudy
AGR314

Agr314

This course introduces students to the principles and applications of farm mechanization. It covers basic machines, workshop tools, internal combustion engines, and farm machinery used for tillage and harvesting. Students will learn about the operation, maintenance, and repair of agricultural equipment, as well as the importance of mechanization in modern agriculture. The course also includes practical assignments to familiarize students with the working principles of various machines.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
65 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical, practical
Practical work
Yes
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Practical assignments
  • Final examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of AGR314, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

Module 1

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

AGR314 · AGR314

Simple machines are devices with no, or very few moving parts that make work easier. These machines may look simple, but they provide us with the means to do many things that we could never do without them.

What you should be able to do

  1. Identify and apply simple machines in agricultural mechanization.
  2. Maintain and repair farm equipment using appropriate workshop tools.
  3. Explain the principles of internal combustion engines.
  4. Classify and operate different types of tractors.
  5. Describe primary and secondary tillage methods and machinery.
  6. Explain the principles and methods of crop harvesting and processing.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Agricultural Engineer
  • Farm Manager
  • Agricultural Technician
  • Mechanic
  • Agricultural Consultant
Where it is applied
  • Farming
  • Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing
  • Agricultural Services
  • Food Processing

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 3: Principles of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

    Unit 2: Working Principles of the Internal Combustion Engine

    Understanding the timing and coordination of the four strokes (intake, compression, power, exhaust) requires strong visualization skills.

  • Module 5: Farm Machinery Used For Tillage (II)

    Unit 2: Primary Tillage

    Requires understanding of soil properties and how different tillage methods affect soil structure and crop growth.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 60 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Basic Machines and Their Applications in Agricultural Mechanization
    • Unit 1: The Wheel and Axle · 3 hours

      Identify and describe the six simple machines: wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, pulley, screw, and wedge.. Explain how each machine transfers or changes the direction/magnitude of force.. Calculate mechanical advantage for each machine type using provided formulas..

    • Unit 2: The Lever · 2 hours

      Differentiate between Class One, Class Two, and Class Three levers.. Identify the position of the fulcrum, effort, and load in each class of lever.. Calculate the mechanical advantage of levers using the formula M.A = Load/Effort..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Basic Machines and Their Applications in Agricultural Mechanization
    • Unit 3: The Inclined Plane · 2 hours

      Explain how an inclined plane reduces the force required to lift a load.. Calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane using M.A = L/W.. Determine the velocity ratio of an inclined plane using V.R = F/W..

    • Unit 4: The Pulley · 2 hours

      Describe how pulleys are used to move heavy loads.. Calculate the mechanical advantage of a pulley using M.A = Load/Effort.. Explain how a screw is a long inclined plane wrapped around a shaft..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Basic Machines and Their Applications in Agricultural Mechanization
    • Unit 5: The Wedge · 3 hours

      Explain how a wedge changes the direction of input force.. Identify examples of wedges used for cutting, splitting, tightening, and holding.. Differentiate between single and double wedges and their applications..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Workshop Tools
    • Unit 1: Why Have a Home-Farm Shop? · 2 hours

      Identify essential requirements of a home farm shop.. Explain the importance of proper tool storage and maintenance.. List reasons why a farmer should have a home-farm shop..

    • Unit 2: Wood Working Tools · 3 hours

      Classify workshop tools into woodworking and metalworking categories.. Identify common woodworking tools such as saws, planes, and grading tools.. Explain the importance of proper care and maintenance of tools..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Workshop Tools
    • Unit 3: Metal Working Tools · 4 hours

      Identify and describe metalworking tools such as Allen keys, hack saws, and try squares.. Explain the function of each tool and its proper use.. Practice using simple workshop tools to construct a wood project..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Principles of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
    • Unit 1: Engine Operation Principles · 4 hours

      Describe the types of farm power: animal, wind, solar, water, external combustion, and internal combustion.. Explain the engine operation principles of internal combustion engines.. Describe the four strokes in a cycle: intake, compression, power, and exhaust..

  7. Week 7Module 3: Principles of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
    • Unit 2: Working Principles of the Internal Combustion Engine · 3 hours

      Explain the intake stroke, including the movement of the piston and the opening/closing of valves.. Describe the compression stroke, including the compression of the fuel-air mixture.. Explain the power stroke, including the ignition of the mixture and the downward force on the piston..

    • Unit 3: Two-Stroke Cycle Engine · 2 hours

      Describe the exhaust stroke, including the opening of the exhaust valve and the expulsion of burnt gases.. Differentiate between two-stroke and four-stroke cycle engines.. Study the construction of 2-stroke and 4-stroke cycle engines, noting the location of fuel system, valves, and ports..

  8. Week 8Module 4: Farm Machinery Used For Tillage (I)
    • Unit 1: Tractor Types According to Traction Member · 3 hours

      Classify tractors according to traction member: wheel tractors and track-type tractors.. Describe the different types of wheel tractors: triangle, four-wheel (2-wheel drive), and four-wheel drive.. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tractor..

    • Unit 2: Tractor Types · 2 hours

      Classify tractors according to use and/or size: utility tractors, large field tractors, orchard and vineyard tractors, lawn and garden tractors, and industrial tractors.. Describe the specific applications of each type of tractor.. Identify the different parts of a 4-wheel tractor..

  9. Week 9Module 5: Farm Machinery Used For Tillage (II)
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Tillage · 3 hours

      Define tillage and explain its importance for crop growth.. Describe the conditions necessary for conducive soil environment: water, air, good soil texture, and good temperature.. Differentiate between primary and secondary tillage..

    • Unit 2: Primary Tillage · 2 hours

      Define primary tillage and its purpose.. Describe the function of moldboard plows, disk plows, and chisel plows.. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type of primary tillage machinery..

  10. Week 10Module 5: Farm Machinery Used For Tillage (II)
    • Unit 3: The Subsoiler · 3 hours

      Explain the function of a subsoiler and its benefits for crop growth.. Describe the operation of disk harrows, cultivators, and rotary tillers.. Explain how secondary tillage tools pulverize, level, and firm the soil..

    • Unit 4: Secondary Tillage Machinery · 2 hours

      Describe the function of disk harrows, cultivators, and rotary tillers.. Explain how secondary tillage tools pulverize, level, and firm the soil.. Explain the importance of controlling weeds and conserving soil moisture..

  11. Week 11Module 6: Harvesting and Processing Machines
    • Unit 1: Harvesting Equipment (Machines) · 3 hours

      Classify harvesting machines based on the crops to be harvested.. Describe the different forms of grasses fed to animals: fresh grass, dried grass (hay), and processed grass/silage.. Differentiate between cutterbar mowers and rotary mowers..

    • Unit 2: Other Crop Harvesting Machines · 2 hours

      Describe the functions of a combine harvester: cutting, feeding, threshing, separating, cleaning, and handling the seed.. Differentiate between self-propelled combines, hillside combines, pull-type combines, and special combines.. Explain the factors to consider when selecting a combine harvester..

  12. Week 12Module 6: Harvesting and Processing Machines
    • Unit 1: Processing Machines · 5 hours

      Describe the different forms and shapes crops take after processing.. Explain the different types of processing: size reduction, threshing, milling, and preparing feeds for animals.. Differentiate between local and modern processing methods..

  13. Week 13Module 6: Harvesting and Processing Machines
    • Final Revision · 5 hours

      Review all modules and units covered in the course.. Focus on key concepts and practical applications of farm mechanization.. Prepare for final examination by reviewing notes, assignments, and practical exercises..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create diagrams illustrating the four strokes of an internal combustion engine.
  • Practice calculating mechanical advantage for different simple machines.
  • Review the different types of tillage equipment and their specific applications.
  • Summarize the key maintenance procedures for common farm machinery.
  • Visit a local farm or agricultural equipment dealer to observe the machinery in action.

Questions students ask about this course

What is AGR314 about?

This course introduces students to the principles and applications of farm mechanization. It covers basic machines, workshop tools, internal combustion engines, and farm machinery used for tillage and harvesting. Students will learn about the operation, maintenance, and repair of agricultural equipment, as well as the importance of mechanization in modern agriculture. The course also includes practical assignments to familiarize students with the working principles of various machines.

How many units does AGR314 have?

AGR314, Agr314, has 1 unit across 1 module, over 63 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is AGR314?

AGR314 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Agricultural Sciences.

Is AGR314 hard?

AGR314 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.

How long does AGR314 take to study?

About 65 hours of study, spread across its 1 units.

How is AGR314 assessed?

AGR314 is assessed by assignments, practical assignments and final examination.

What can I do with AGR314?

Agricultural Engineer, Farm Manager, Agricultural Technician, Mechanic and Agricultural Consultant.

More courses in Agricultural Sciences

CRP305

Crop Genetics And Breeding

2 credit units

Open CRP305
CRP308

Agric. And Bio-Resource Management

3 credit units

Open CRP308
AEA304

Agricultural Marketing And Price

2 credit units

Open AEA304