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AGR503Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Analytical Techniques In Agriculture

This course introduces students to analytical techniques in agriculture, emphasizing their importance in solving scientific problems. It covers principles governing basic analytical procedures, including safety, quality, precision, and accuracy. Students will learn about sample analysis for animal feed, plants, and soil, as well as the use of various instruments like microscopy, spectrophotometers, and chromatography techniques. The course also addresses sample conservation and preservation methods, equipping students with essential skills for agricultural research and analysis.

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170h
Study Time
13
Weeks
13h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Analytical TechniquesAgricultureSoil AnalysisPlant AnalysisAnimal Feed

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Laboratory Safety

2

Quality Control

3

Precision and Accuracy

4

Sample Preparation

5

Spectrophotometry

6

Chromatography

7

PCR

8

Electrophoresis

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Biology

Chemistry

Biochemistry

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Agricultural Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Laboratory Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Quality Control Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Animal Nutritionist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Agricultural ResearchFood ScienceEnvironmental MonitoringPharmaceuticalsBiotechnology

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Principles Governing Basic Analytical Procedures

4h

Unit 1: Principle of Safety

4 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the importance of safety in the laboratory.
  • Familiarize yourself with safety measures and equipment.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 1.
Week
2

Module 1: Principles Governing Basic Analytical Procedures

4h

Unit 2: Principle of Quality

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Understand the principles of quality management, assurance, and control.
  • Review Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 2.
Week
3

Module 1: Principles Governing Basic Analytical Procedures

4h

Unit 3: Principle of Precision and Accuracy

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Differentiate between precision and accuracy.
  • Understand sources of errors and detection limits.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 3.
Week
4

Module 1: Principles Governing Basic Analytical Procedures

4h

Unit 4: Calibration and Use of Blanks in Analytical Procedures

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Learn about calibration graphs and their construction.
  • Understand the use of blanks in analytical procedures.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 4.
Week
5

Module 2: Animal, Crop and Soil Samples Analysis

4h

Unit 1: Animal Feed Sample Analysis

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Learn about different methods of analysis used for animal feed.
  • Understand the importance of proximate analyses.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 1.
Week
6

Module 2: Animal, Crop and Soil Samples Analysis

4h

Unit 2: Plant Sampling and Sample Preparation for Analysis

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Understand crop sampling techniques and sample preparation.
  • Learn about precautions during sampling and preparation.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 2.
Week
7

Module 2: Animal, Crop and Soil Samples Analysis

4h

Unit 3: Soil Sampling and Sample Preparation

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Learn about soil sampling methods and techniques.
  • Understand sample preparation and storage.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 3.
Week
8

Module 3: Use of Instruments, Equipments and Machines

4h

Unit 1: Microscopy

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Understand the principles of microscopy.
  • Learn about different types of microscopes and their applications.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 1.
Week
9

Module 3: Use of Instruments, Equipments and Machines

4h

Unit 2: Principles and Operation of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Learn about the principles and operation of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).
  • Understand the components of AAS.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 2.
Week
10

Module 3: Use of Instruments, Equipments and Machines

12h

Unit 3: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

6 study hours
  • Study Units 3 and 4: Understand the principles and applications of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).
  • Understand the components of HPLC and TLC.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignments 3 and 4.

Unit 4: Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

6 study hours
  • Study Units 3 and 4: Understand the principles and applications of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).
  • Understand the components of HPLC and TLC.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignments 3 and 4.
Week
11

Module 3: Use of Instruments, Equipments and Machines

4h

Unit 5: Gas Chromatography

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 5: Learn about the principles and applications of Gas Chromatography (GC).
  • Understand the components of GC.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 5.
Week
12

Module 3: Use of Instruments, Equipments and Machines

4h

Unit 6: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

4 study hours
  • Study Unit 6: Understand the principles and applications of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
  • Learn about the stages of PCR.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 6.
Week
13

Module 3: Use of Instruments, Equipments and Machines

12h

Unit 7: Gel Electrophoresis

6 study hours
  • Study Units 7 and 8: Understand the principles and applications of Gel Electrophoresis, Hematology, and Serum Biochemistry.
  • Review all TMAs and course materials.
  • Prepare for final examination.

Unit 8: Hematology and Serum Biochemistry

6 study hours
  • Study Units 7 and 8: Understand the principles and applications of Gel Electrophoresis, Hematology, and Serum Biochemistry.
  • Review all TMAs and course materials.
  • Prepare for final examination.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create flashcards for key analytical techniques and their principles (Units 1-4 Module 1).

2

Practice sample preparation protocols for soil, plant, and animal feed (Units 1-3 Module 2).

3

Draw diagrams of instrument setups (AAS, HPLC, GC) and label components (Units 1-6 Module 3).

4

Review past TMAs and focus on areas where you struggled.

5

Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and practice problem-solving.

6

Allocate specific time slots for each subject area to ensure balanced coverage.

7

Prioritize understanding the underlying principles over memorizing facts.

8

Use online resources and videos to supplement your understanding of laboratory techniques.

9

Practice interpreting data and results from analytical techniques.

10

Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet during the exam period.

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