Course Syllabus
Course: AGTM 2600
Division: Business and Applied Tech
Department: Business
Title: Drones & Imagery in Agriculture
Semester Approved: Fall 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2028
End Semester: Summer 2029
Catalog Description: This course will offer an introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) used in precision agriculture. This course will focus on hands-on learning of hardware and software on the college farm, discussion on related topics and ideas, and federal licensing requirements.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 2; Lab: 2
Justification: Precision agriculture is a growing industry that can save both time and money for the agricultural community. UAS operations offer the potential for higher crop yields, more precise application of treatments, early detection of crop health issues, and increased revenues. This course reviews the current state and future potential of UAS in precision agriculture. This course will fulfill requirements for the Agriculture Technology/Mechanics AAS degree.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Identify precision agriculture terminology. Students will be assessed through class presentation, and exams
Identify various career paths relating to precision agriculture. Students will visit and discuss with professionals in precision agriculture, and be assessed through quizzes.
Identify and demonstrate proper techniques in data collection. Students will be assessed through classroom exercises
Identify software and hardware required for different levels of precision agriculture. Students will be assessed through written examination, and periodic quizzes
Identify specific components of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used for site-specific agriculture practices. Students will be assessed through class exercises and exams
Analyze data from precision agriculture platforms and prepare recommendations. Assessment will be through class exercises and assignments
Content:
Course objectives will be accomplished by providing students with the following learning experiences: Describe the importance and current state of precision agriculture; Identify how UAS technology can be applied to precision agriculture tasks; Determine the commercial viability of UAS applications in precision agriculture; Demonstrate proper data collection methods through drone operation; Analyze imported data; Demonstrate decision-making skills based on collected data; Introduce students to companies within Ag industries utilizing Ag technology; Legal use and required licensing and registration.The course will acknowledge that irrigation and water have been managed in diverse ways throughout times and cultures; this course, however, focuses on a specific method of irrigation management.
Key Performance Indicators:
students will be evaluated on written exams 15 to 25%
classroom exercises 15 to 25%
classroom presentations 5 to 15%
periodic quizzes 10 to 20%
exams 30 to 40%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
All needed materials will be supplied by the instructor.
Pedagogy Statement:
Students will be encouraged to share cultural experiences and identities, allowing others to learn from their perspectives. This will allow students from all backgrounds to foster respect, understanding, and cooperation, further increasing diversity. All students will have equal access to all materials and learning aids.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 25
Optimum Class Size: 20
