Bachelor s Programme in Agricultural and Environmental Management Study line: Environmental Management Total Study description 2011-2013
Table of contents: 1. The Programme... 3 2. Total study overview... 4 3. Subjects... 5 3.1 Theory of science... 5 3.2 Statistics... 6 3.3 Method and Market analysis... 7 3.4 Human Resources, Company and Environment... 8 3.5 Chemistry... 9 3.6 Ecology... 10 3.7 Market Communication, Sales and Consultancy... 11 3.8 Project Management... 12 3.9 Energy and Technology... 13 3.10 Environmental Chemistry... 14 3.11 Sampling and chemical analysis... 14 3.12 Placement (15 ECTS)... 15 3.13 BA thesis (15 ECTS)... 16 2
1. The Programme The Bachelor s top-up Programme in Agricultural and Environmental Management is divided into various study lines. Only one study line is taught in English, namely Environmental Management. The objective of this study line is to qualify the graduate to, independently, handle tasks such as consultancy, management, sales, business management and instruction within environmental fields in order to work in public environmental departments as well as private environmental, energy, and consultancy companies. The programme, which is a full-time education, is designed as an independent secondary to the academy profession programme in Agro and Landscape Management, study line Environmental Management (ADEM). According to ISCED classification the academy profession programme is a tertiary education type B. According to ISCED classification the Bachelor s top-up programme is a tertiary education type A. The top-up programme is equivalent to 90 ECTS credits, equivalent to 18 months. 60 ECTS credits is equivalent to the work of a full-time student for 12 months. 3
2. Total study overview 4
3. Subjects 3.1 Theory of science Compulsory Position 1 st semester, 1 st quarter Number of lessons / 22 lessons / 2,5 ECTS ECTS Content Theory of science, including perspectives on the theoretical and methodological foundation of the creation and the use of scientific knowledge Learning objectives Knowledge The graduate has knowledge of central theoretical traditions and problems knowledge of key scientific issues of a philosophical theoretical and scientific / methodological nature knowledge of scientific and techno-philosophical concepts about the relationships between science, people and technology Skills The graduate can be critical of the empirical-analytic theory of science including being able to discuss what knowledge is, how it is generated and how it interacts with practice Competencies The graduate can work with scientific theoretical and methodological issues and integrate an understanding of scientific work and methodology with professional skills in project and report writing During the course we will take a look at the history of science and get an overview over the natural sciences, the social science and the humanistic sciences respectively. In addition we will deal with various scientific theoretical concepts such as: the problem of demarcation induction, deduction, abduction verification and falsification the quantitative method and the qualitative method realism and anti-realism Kuhn s paradigm theory scientific misconduct 5
3.2 Statistics Position Number of lessons / ETCS Content Learning objectives Compulsory 1 st semester, 1 st quarter 28 lessons / 2,5 ETCS Statistical methods, measures of location, measures of dispersion, normal distribution, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, comparison of variances, comparison of means, analysis of variance, linear regression and correlation, multiple regression analysis, X ²-tests Knowledge: The graduate has knowledge of communicating data statistical parameters planning of experiments compilation and analysis of data bias and errors Skills: The graduate can present and communicate data conduct simple, statistical analyses and form conclusions evaluate experimental uncertainty evaluate and communicate test results Competencies: The graduate can acquire new knowledge based on scientific communication understand and communicate scientific test results 6
3.3 Method and Market analysis Compulsory Position Number of lessons 1 st semester, 1 st quarter 34 lessons / 5 ETCS Content Formulating information need Choice of method Method of collecting data Selection of respondents Preparation of questionnaires and questionnaire guides Collection of data Data processing Reporting Learning objectives Knowledge: The graduate has knowledge of: analysis design and data collection different methods of assessment Skills: reflect on analysis, methods, and theories within the field of environmental management provide a problem analysis and problem definition, establish a problem and hypotheses, consider methodologies and justify the choice of survey methods organise and analyse according to the principles of scientific work Competencies: analyse and evaluate scientifically based reports and projects communicate findings and solutions, etc. in a clear and readable report explain the choice of method and be critical of this method establish a plan for the survey and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative survey methods 7
3.4 Human Resources, Company and Environment Compulsory Position 1 st semester, 1 st quarter Number of lessons / 84 lessons / 10 ETCS Content The company in national and international business environments. Strategy and Corporate Development Strategic management theories Personnel policy and personnel law Attracting and recruiting employees Competency development Change processes Legislation and administration Organizational and Business Development Learning Objectives Knowledge: The graduate has: knowledge of relevant legislation and case law in environmental law, and the national and international conditions for stakeholders and businesses within the field of environmental management knowledge of theoretical models for a company s strategic development and personnel development Skills: assess the legal framework and the possibilities of political influence with regard to a company s future development analyse and assess a company's prospects in national and international markets and provide reasoned proposals for a future strategy and development. engage in managerial, advisory, professional and interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships that are relevant to businesses within environmental management Competencies: analyse and evaluate theoretical and practical issues related to planning, personnel, strategy and business development, and make reasoned proposals for future strategy analyse and evaluate complex practical situations for an employee in a company and give reasoned proposals for personnel policies that promote corporate goals 8
3.5 Chemistry Position Number of lessons/ ETCS Content Learning objectives Study line: Environmental Management 1 st semester, 1 st quarter 42 lessons / 5 ETCS Atomic structures, chemical reactions, stoichiometry (moles and equivalents), chemical equilibriums, ph and buffers, functional groups, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and kinetics, redox reactions, solubility (polarity), complex bindings, isomerism, toxins, and hormones Knowledge: The graduate has: thorough knowledge of chemical, physical and biological processes in soil, water, plants and livestock Skills: perform and interpret chemical and biochemical calculations. assess practical and theoretical issues, and justify and select appropriate solutions. Competencies: handle complex and development-oriented situations independently engage in professional and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume responsibility within the framework of professional ethics identify his/her learning needs and develop his/her knowledge, skills and competencies. 9
3.6 Ecology Study line: Environmental Management Placering 1 st semester, 1 st quarter Number of lessons / 42 lessons / 5 ETCS ECTS Content Matter cycles and energy flows Nutrients and growth regulators Production and environment Ecology and sustainability Water, waste and residues Learning objectives Knowledge: The graduate has: an understanding of the impact of nutrients in relation to product quality, digestibility and health. knowledge of nutrient loss, water purification and utilisation of residues. Skills: apply analytical and optimisation tools used within the fields of environmental management assess and analyse the consequences of impacts on matter cycles and energy flows related to production, environment and nature. Competencies: independently and in collaboration with others, devise practically and theoretically founded approaches to the exploitation of biological resources in crop and animal production and the environmental consequences Further description Nitrogen cycle and optimisation; air, plants, feed, animals, manure, soil, and water. Phosphorus cycle and - optimisation; plants, feed, animals, manure, soil, and water Utilisation of minerals; copper, zinc, (selenium, sulphur) and the consequent environmental problems. Decomposition of medicine; problems of resistance, and the consequences for the environment and people Energy consumption and energy use in agriculture. Handling of residues, slurry separation, biogas, acidification, stripping, odour problems, waste management such as abattoir waste and refuse disposal Prerequisite Chemistry 10
3.7 Market Communication, Sales and Consultancy Compulsory Time 3rd and 4th quarters Scope 10 ECTS in total approximately 84 lessons Content Communication Communication theory and strategy as well as business communication Coaching Negotiation techniques Learning objectives Sales management Buyer behaviour in the B2B and B2C markets Direct marketing Forecasting and budgeting The connection between sales and marketing Business culture, nationally and internationally Knowledge The graduate has: knowledge about market communication, sales and sales management as well as the connection between sales and marketing development-based knowledge about applied theory and methodology as well as an understanding of practice within the environmental management field for use in connection with consultancy, administration, management, business operation and teaching Skills apply relevant communication theories and methodologies apply relevant theories and methodologies within sales and marketing provide consultancy services and sale of knowledge, services and products within the field of environmental management to business partners and users Competencies independently and in collaboration with others handle practical tasks involving communication of environmental 11
management matters to companies in the environmental sector handle complex, development-oriented tasks and situations relating to environmental matters, including documentation and communication about tasks and projects independently develop, control and complete communication tasks in different complex situations in consultation with relevant stakeholders independently and in collaboration with others handle the sales process from start to finish in both the B2B and the B2C markets 3.8 Project Management Compulsory Time 3rd quarter Scope 5 ECTS in total approximately 42 lessons Content Project identification and definition Project management Project planning Project management methods and tools Completion of projects Evaluation and submission Resource management Learning objectives Knowledge The graduate has knowledge about: project types and project management models and tools financing, staffing and financial control of a project Skills assume responsibility for project management and resource management tasks relating to the subject area assess and apply project management models and understand their relevance in the field of environmental management use relevant project management tools in the planning of specific projects 12
Competencies define a project and choose a suitable management model plan and manage time, money and quality, and assess the management and use of time and money in view of the quality achieved compose and manage a relevant project group in connection with a given task 3.9 Energy and Technology Study line: Environmental Management Time 3rd quarter Scope 5 ECTS in total approximately 42 lessons Content Biogas The historical development The principles used in different types of plants and installations Process and efficiency Logistics and establishment Finance and profitability Bioenergy Biodiesel and ethanol production The principles used in bioenergy plants Processes and efficiency Raw materials and logistics Economy and profitability Solar cells Development of a solar cell s of solar cells The components of the solar cell and the technique behind it Position/efficiency Calculation of output, economy and profitability Solar heating Solar heating in general components and types of 13
installations The output s dependence on position efficiency Structure and mode of operation Needs assessment and dimensioning Economy and profitability The earth as a source of heating Horizontal and vertical geothermal heating Ground water cooling Wind energy Learning objectives Knowledge about different types of energy sources used in Denmark 3.10 Environmental Chemistry Study line: Environmental Management Time 4 th quarter Scope 5 ECTS in total approximately 42 lessons Content Reach s of substances and their toxicity The impact on environment and nature of substances alien to the environment Spread, binding and wash-out Metabolism and co-metabolism Henry s Law and distribution coefficients Model calculations Cases Learning objectives Comprehensive chemical and biological knowledge about chemical substances in the environment 3.11 Sampling and chemical analysis Study line: Environmental Management Time 4 th quarter Scope 5 ECTS in total approximately 42 lessons Content Statistical sampling strategy and sampling plans Methods and equipment for sampling of air, water and soil Documentation and sample handling Chemical and biological analysis in field and laboratory 14
Standards and quality control Data Processing Physical work environment, health and safety Learning objectives The student must acquire a comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of sampling, analysis, standards and data processing 3.12 Placement (15 ECTS) The purpose of the placement is to give the student the opportunity to test the learning outcome of the first two semesters by practicing his or her skills in job-like situations in a company and job function relevant to the profession. The placement should support the student in translating the acquired knowledge into practice. The placement is equated with a full time job with the demands of work, effort, commitment and flexibility that the graduate professional is likely to encounter in his/hers first job. The student is responsible for organising a placement, including the completion of a placement contract outlining contact details and the purpose of the placement. The student is responsible for informing the company about the expectations to the place and for handing over the appendix: Information to the company. Students are generally responsible for finding an appropriate placement. The Academy offers guidance in the process. The placement is done in one or more companies in which the student must participate in and achieve knowledge of relevant job functions. The placement can be planned in a flexible and differentiated manner and should form the basis of the final exam project (Bachelor thesis). During the placement, the student has two supervisors one from the programme and one from the placement company. Based on the learning objectives, the student and the two supervisors together determine the objectives of the student s learning outcome of the placement. Subsequently, this will form the guidelines for the planning of the student s work during placement. 15
Students, who are eligible for the Danish State education grant, may receive the grant during placement. The student and the placement company agree on the economic conditions of the placement. Learning objectives for placement: Knowledge: The graduate has: knowledge of the theory, method and practice within subject area understanding of concepts and methods, and can reflect on their use experience from participating in solving tasks in practice Skills: The student can: convert the acquired knowledge into practice within the profession evaluate theoretical and practical problems and provide solutions apply and disseminate relevant theories for solving tasks in the placement company describe, formulate and communicate problems and solutions in environmental management independently be included in planning and organising tasks in environmental management further develop own theoretical and practical knowledge Exam A placement report must be submitted. 3.13 BA thesis (15 ECTS) In the bachelor thesis the student must demonstrate the ability to process a complex and practical problem related to a specific assignment within environmental management on an analytical and methodical basis. The project will build on key issues, theories and methods taught in the programme and must contain elements from the placement. The purpose statement is prepared by the student and if possible in cooperation with a company. The purpose statement must be approved by the academy. Business Academy Aarhus has prepared detailed guidelines for the formal requirements for the thesis. The guidelines are available on the Academy s intranet, Fronter. Appointed time during the programme The bachelor thesis is placed at the end of the 3 rd semester. The student must have passed all previous compulsory assignments and exams in order to be set for the 16
professional bachelor s examination. In addition, the 10 week placement must be approved. Learning Objectives for the Bachelor Thesis The overall learning objectives for the bachelor thesis are identical to those for the entire programme. In addition, the following learning objectives are applicable to the bachelor thesis. Knowledge The graduate has: knowledge of the profession / subject area applied theory and methods and practice understanding of theory and methods and can reflect upon the profession's use of theory and method Skills use methods and tools for collecting and analysing information and must master the skills related to employment in the profession evaluate theoretical and practical problems and justify the chosen actions and solutions present practical and professional problems and solutions to partners and users Competencies: handle complex and development-oriented situations, in work or study contexts independently engage in professional and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume responsibility within the framework of professional ethics identify own learning needs and, in relation to the profession, develop own knowledge and skills. Exam An Individual written thesis followed by an oral examination. In the evaluation both the written thesis, the oral presentation, the answers to the posed questions and the student s communicative skills will be evaluated. 17