Syllabus for: AGSY 483 Agricultural Processing Systems

Fall 2004

Instructor:       Dr. Tony V. Harrison
Office:              AG 158C - College of Agriculture Building
Telephone:        536-7733
Office Hours:    There is an open door policy for questions that can be handled quickly.  Otherwise, scheduled appointments are required.

Course Information:
Lecture Time:   3:30 – 4:45 (Tuesday and Thursday)
Location:          Ag 144 or Ag 214.

Textbooks Required:
Refrigeration & Controlled Atmosphere Storage for Horticultural Crops, NRAES-22 (1989).
Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook, MPS (1988).
Handouts from instructor.

Miscellaneous Recommended Items:
1 ea. Engineering Pad
Calculator

GNAG/PSGA 483 – Agricultural Processing Systems.  This course provides students with an understanding of the design principles, equipment, procedures and processes utilized in handling, processing and storing of agricultural products.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will develop an understanding how processing areas are combined to form an integrated agricultural system.

Grading System:
Exams (3):                                60%
Homework:                              25%
Final Project/Presentation:         15%
                                                -----
                                               100%

90 – 100          A
80 – 89            B
70 – 79            C
60 – 69            D
  0 – 59            F

Exam 3 will be a take home exam.  The final project will be worth 15% of grade, and has both a written and presentation components.  Homework shall be individual effort unless specified by the instructor. Your grade in this course depends on your performance on the problems that parallel the lecture, labs and discussion topics.  Assignments are due on dates specified.

Lecture/discussion and Laboratory periods:
You are expected to attend the lecture/discussion periods and to arrive on time.

Hands - On and Computer Labs:
Laboratory work will be dependent upon the subject matter.  It is the desire of the professor to utilize computer resources to accomplish class objectives when available.  This depends upon the arrival of software packages in a timely manner.  Every effort will be made to reserve the computer lab for several of the normal class periods during the semester.  However, some assignments will be given as homework. If you have access to similar facilities at home or in your department, the software may be available for installation.  This depends on licensing restrictions.

Recording of Grades:
A spreadsheet will be posted outside my office (158C) listing the last four digits of the SSN of each student and grades for tests, labs and projects.  The student should schedule a time with the instructor if there are any disagreements or questions with a specific grade.

Late Policy:
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date due.  Late assignments will be docked a 10% penalty for each day until they are turned in.  In extenuating circumstances, exceptions will be considered if discussed with the instructor prior to the due date.

Academic Honesty Policy:
The academic honesty policy will follow the Student Conduct Code, section II, article A.

ADA Accommodation Statement:
In keeping with the goal of the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all students for whom the act applies should notify the instructor no later than the second session of the course so that arrangements can be made for accommodations to meet your educational needs and maximize learning.

Weekly Lecture and Discussion Topics (Tentative)

Agricultural Processing System Design Project

Title Page (Be Specific)
      Title (Example: K & S Farms Feed Mill)
      Author Names:
      Class
      Date

Design Criteria
Decide whether system is a grain facility, feed mill, etc.
Define acreage, crop type(s), harvesting criteria, etc. if a grain facility
Define ingredients, production feeds, etc. if a feed mill
Describe the overall system process

System Expansion Provisions
Provide additions desired in 3 years.
Provide additions desired in 10 years.

Process Flow Diagram
Front AND top view of system
Flow diagram using correct process flow symbols representing entire system
Place a number or the equipment name beside each process flow symbol
If numbered, add a separate page and put the name by each number
Identify each Cost Center on the process flow diagram

Equipment
Equipment list MUST match process flow diagram
List what accessory components you expect to use (e.g., angle rings, round spouting, etc.)
Use any photos and descriptions required to identify the equipment.

Process Flow Description
Describe the process flow through the system using the equipment and accessories you have identified.

Presentation
Fifteen-minute presentation of Design Project using power point, overhead, or handouts of process flow diagram to class.

NOTES:
A drawing will determine presentation order.
The written portion of report for ALL groups is due December 2, 2003.
No sharing of pictures, drawings, etc. between groups