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BSEN40760

Academic Year 2025/2026

Computers & Electronics in Ag (BSEN40760)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Joseph Sweeney
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module focuses on the computer hardware, software, electronics and control systems in modern agricultural machinery with a specific focus on Global Navigation Satellite Systems and their importance for precision ag applications.

Students will be introduced to the toolbox of technologies (e.g., Tractor and implement electronics, Absolute and relative Positioning, Auto Steer, Stand-alone Decision Support Software) that support precision agriculture and their practical uses. Students will also learn about economic considerations when deciding on integrating one or more of these technologies into an agriculture production system.

Students will gain further understanding of key concepts that underpin these technologies from the individual and group based practical assignments where they will develop, implement and assess a number of Arduino based positioning systems.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Understand the basics of electronics and GNSS based positioning systems and their application to Agriculture
- Explain the principle, function, economic considerations and operation of these technologies
- Explore some of the practical uses of electronics as an enabling technology for precision agriculture

- Be able to build their own computer and electronic systems that will collect, interpret and present basic agricultural sensor data.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Tutorial

6
Practical

8
Specified Learning Activities

48
Autonomous Student Learning

52
Online Learning

12
Total

136

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; online learning; directed reading; enquiry & problem-based learning; final assignment

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Practical Assignment 1 - Students will report on the development, testing and performance of their Arduino based GNSS positioning system Week 5 Graded No
25
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Practical Assignment 2 - Students will report on their Arduino based GNSS positioning system that includes IMU functionality Week 8 Graded No
25
 No
Exam (In-person): Examination: Examination of knowledge related outcomes End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
40
 No
Group Work Assignment: A group presentation: Students will provide a real-time demonstration of the their team's Arduino based real time positioning system. Week 12 Graded No
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Post assignment feedback will be provided throughout the semester

Name Role
Dr Ana Herrero Langreo Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 10 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 14:00 - 14:50
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