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Syllabus

TN0356 Precision livestock farming for sustainable production, 7.5 Credits

Precisionsdjurhållning för hållbar animalieproduktion

Subjects

Technology Agricultural Science Technology Agricultural science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits at basic level, of which 30 credits Technology or Agricultural science or Animal science.



Knowledge equivalent to English 6/English B from a Swedish upper secondary school.

Objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge about precision technology for Livestock production (Precision Livestock Farming, PLF) including its principles and frameworks, design and evaluation with a focus on end-user perspective and commercialisation.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe how PLF could be used to monitor, manage and control livestock production within its various branches and discuss the role of PLF in modern livestock production,

• analyze PLF based on biological conditions, the use of sensors, signal interpretation and processing and models for information extraction,

• describe and apply the principles for evaluation and validation of various PLF applications,

• discuss and analyse the integration of PLF applications in modern agriculture with a focus on livestock production, and further emphasis on the interaction between human and technology from a sustainability perspective,

• explain and evaluate different PLF applications from the end-user perspective including different potential users,

• describe the development of the PLF application from beginning to end (R&D cycle including product deployment and infrastructure maintenance) and its role in the digital transformation of smart farming.

Content

Implementation:

• Distance learning technologies will be used

• The students’ work will include individual assignments as well as forum diskussions/group work through Canvas virtual room to provide constant exchange of information and prompt feedback

• Problem-based learning approach for critical thinking will be applied

• The course is divided into three sub-units, to fit a life-long learning context

Contents

The course deals with the practical applicability and integration of precision farming technology (PLF) into modern livestock production including the general theory behind PLF (the connection between individual responses of livestock to short- and long-term changes in the environment and the way sensors could measure/monitor this). This includes the transformation and visualisation of sensory and management data into information that supports decision-making and implementation of precision management routines through multi-level data analysis. The course includes the principles of work with inter- as well as multidisciplinary communication aimed at product development and market integration. The course gives economic perspectives and examples on the potential commercialization of PLF applications.

The course includes lectures on video, web-based exercises and seminars with student activity and virtual study visits.

Compulsory components exist in the form of exercises, case studies, seminars, group work and study visits.

In the course, the student will practice the following general competencies: oral and written presentation, problem-solving with reality-based cases.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved written examinations, project work and exercises, written and oral presentation of literature assignments and compulsory attendance of certain activities (net meetings).

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

This course is a distance course aimed at professionals in the agricultural, technology and construction sectors and to regular students on advanced level. The course can be used as an optional course for many of SLU’s program students, for example, Agricultural and Rural Management, Animal agronomists, master’s students in Animal science; as well as engineering students at other universities. The teaching in the course is entirely done by distance learning with virtual meetings, which should enable the course to be combined with work and being available for remote located participants. The course is part time.

Responsible department

Department of Biosystems and Technology