REPORT 191 PROGRAMMES
SUBJECT SYLLABUS
NAME OF SUBJECT
Farming Technology and Mechanisation
LEVEL: N4
SUBJECT CODE:
Implementation: January 2023
1. General Aims........................................................................................................................... 2
2. Specific Aims ........................................................................................................................... 2
3. Prerequisite ............................................................................................................................. 2
4. Duration of instructional offering .............................................................................................. 2
5. Evaluation ............................................................................................................................... 3
6. Mark allocation in the examination as an indication of weighting of different modules ............ 3
7. Requirements for passing ....................................................................................................... 4
8. General Information................................................................................................................. 4
9. Learning content...................................................................................................................... 5
10. Didactic guidelines ................................................................................................................ 11
11. Recommended references .................................................................................................... 12
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Syllabus: Farming Technology and Mechanisation N4
1. General Aims
1.1.1 Students must be able to make a productive contribution to a farming enterprise as managers or
owners.
1.1.2 Students must develop the knowledge, interest and skills which will enable them to apply effective
maintenance management of buildings and mechanical and electrical equipment.
2. Specific Aims
2.1 Students must develop a knowledge about the layout of the workshop, the general household as well as
the accompanying safety aspects in order to carry out effective maintenance management.
2.2 Students must develop a knowledge of the composition of the vehicles or implements, in order to
control the mechanical assets.
2.3 Students must develop the knowledge about the techniques of welding in order to manage the
reparation and maintenance on the farm.
2.4 Students must develop the knowledge of electrical equipment, circuits and testing in order to manage
the electrical aspects on the farm.
2.5 Students must gain enough knowledge of the building process in order to maintain the management of
buildings and other constructions in the farming business.
3. Prerequisite
3.1 A student must have passed English or Afrikaans at least at First Additional Language level in the
National Senior Certificate (NSC), or its equivalent, as well as in 50 % Mathematical Literacy or 40 %
for Mathematics.
4. Duration of instructional offering
4.1 Full-time: 1 semester (17 weeks). 6 hours (of which 5 must be lecturer contact hours and 1 hour for e-
learning) per week for one semester.
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5. Evaluation
5.1 Evaluation is conducted continuously by means of assignments, case studies, class tests and oral work.
A semester mark of at least 40% as well as a minimum examination mark of 40% are required to pass
the instructional offering. The semester mark and the examination mark will be calculated together in
a ratio of 40:60 to derive the promotion mark.
5.2 An external examination is written at the end of the semester. The question paper is set, marked and
moderated externally.
Paper 1: Module 1- 6
Duration: 3 hours consisting of 100 marks
Candidates are allowed to answer these papers in one language only. Papers will only be set in Afrikaans
and English, but provision will be made for other languages should the need be expressed by commerce
and industry.
Emphasis is placed on the practical application of the learning content as required in the world of work.
The mark distribution of the content of the paper will be in accordance with the weighted values as set
out in the modules.
5.3 WEIGHTING: Recall, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of learning
content are important aspects in determining a student’s knowledge and understanding of the
learning content of the instructional offering.
The following weights are consequently awarded to each category:
RECALL APPLICATION ANALYSIS EVALUATION
Knowledge Comprehend and Apply Analyse and Synthesize Evaluate
30 – 40 40-50 10-20 10-20
6. Mark allocation in the examination as an indication of weighting of different
modules
6.1 Module 1 =
Module 2 =
3
Module 3 =
Module 4 =
Module 5 =
Module 6 =
7. Requirements for passing
7.1 In order to pass the instructional offering, a student must obtain a final mark of 40 %, with a
submission of 40 % for the semester mark and the examination mark. The semester mark and the
examination mark will be added together in a ration of 40:60 to obtain the promosional mark.
The semester mark consists of the following:
• One written test; consisting of 50% of the syllabus (+/- 70 marks, 1 hour)
• One practical assignment, consisting of 80% of the practical component of the syllabus,
theoretical questions may be included (100 marks, open book, 2 – 3 working days).
• One Internal examination, consisting of 80% - 100% of syllabus, including theoretical and
practical questions (130 marks, 2 hours).
8. General Information
8.1 An interactive didactic approach should be followed in order to equip students with the general and
particular skills of Farming Technology and Mechanisation. Practical applications and skills
development must take place continuously.
8.2 The weighted value of the modules out of 100 indicates the relative importance of each module in the
teaching time allocated to it as well as its relative examination value.
8.3 Exposition of learning content
The topic or theme is preceded by the word Module, followed by a number indicating the
chronological position of the theme within the instructional offering. The learning content and
learning objectives are specified for each theme in the syllabus.
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9. Learning content
Module 1: Layout and Housekeeping
General Aim
Students must develop a knowledge of the use and maintenance of the tools and equipment used in a farm
workshop.
Students must be able to equip and plan the layout of a suitable working area to serve as a farm workshop.
Students must have knowledge of the basic safety and the application thereof in and around the work place.
Time allocation: +/- 3 weeks
LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
1.1 Working area 1.1. Demonstrate knowledge of how to find e a suitable
space from where maintenance management and
basic repair word can be done.
1.1.1 Choice 1.1.1 Explain which factors should be considered when a
choice is made between existing buildings, the
building of partitions or the erecting of new
buildings.
1.1.2 Planning 1.1.2 Describe which factors should be considered in the
planning of a proper working space.
1.1.3 Equipment 1.1.3 Explain what basic equipment should be obtained
for an elementary working place over a period of
time..
1.2 Tools and caring of tools
1.2.1 Utilisation 1.2.1 Explain and demonstrate how specific tools are
utilised.
1.2.2 Tool care 1.2.2 Discuss the factors regarding the caring and
maintenance of tools.
1.3 Safety
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LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
1.3.1 General mechanical equipment 1.3.1 Demonstrate knowledge of safety measures and
practices during the utilisation of mechanical
equipment
1.3.2 Electrical equipment 1.3.2 Identify and discuss safety measures and practices
during the utilisation of general equipment.
Module 2: Vehicles and implements
General Aim
Students must acquire a basic understanding of the functioning of engine driven vehicles and implements.
Students must understand the relationship between the different components of a vehicle or implement.
TIME ALLOCATION: +/- 3 weeks
LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
2.1 Mechanical principles 2.1.1 Identify and describe the following concepts:
• Internal combustion engine
• Spark ignition engine
• Compression ignition engine
• 4 stroke cycle
• 2 stroke cycle
• Compression ratios
• Power
• Torque
2.2 Components 2.2.1 Identify the main components of the engine and to
explain the construction, function and working.
2.3 Working principle 2.3.1 Discuss the working principle of the internal
combustion engine which results in the power of the
flywheel
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LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
2.4 Cooling 2.4.1 Discuss the reasons for cooling and the basic
components of cooling systems
2.5 Lubrication 2.5.1 Give an explanation of the purpose, and the layout
of the lubrication system.
2.5.2 Demonstrate lubrication principle
2.6 Gearbox 2.6.1 Discuss the functions of the gearbox which include
alternating rotations and gear ratios.
2.7 Clutches 2.7 Explain and demonstrate the function, components
and operation of the clutch
Module 3: Basic welding techniques
AIM OF THE MODULE
Students must develop the basic knowledge and skills involved in electrical and gas welding techniques.
TIME ALLOCATION: +/- 5 weeks
LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
3.1 Electrical welding processes 3.1 Discuss and demonstrate ability to form electrical
welding joints.
3.1.1 Equipment 3.1.1.1 Recognise the necessary equipment and tools and
discuss their functions.
3.1.2 Joints 3.1.2.1 Describe, draw and demonstrate basic joints.
3.1.3 Techniques 3.1.3.1 Demonstrate basic welding techniques.
3.3 Safety 3.3.1 Plan and carry out safe work procedures
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LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
3.4 Materials 3.4.1 Recognise and describe materials to be joined.
Module 4: Safety and pollution prevention
AIM OF THE MODULE
Students must be able to develop safe working habits to prevent injuries, losses and pollution.
TIME ALLOCATION: +/- 4 weeks
LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
4.1 Occupational safety 4.1.1 Give an explanation of the principles of occupational
safety to the farming business in order to apply
them.
4.2 Prevention of fires and veld fires 4.2 Discuss the principles involved in the prevention of
fires and veld fires and apply these principles.
4.3 Vehicle and implement safety. 4.3 Discuss the safety principles of vehicles and apply
them.
4.4 Waste and refuse 4.4 Draught a policy regarding waste and refuse, present
and apply it.
4.5 Toxic substances and empty containers 4.5 Draught a practical policy for the safe purchasing,
use and storing of toxic substances on the farm, as
well as the destroying of empty toxic containers.
4.6 General housekeeping 4.6.1 Draught a simple but effective policy for the general
housekeeping on the farm with regard to equipment,
waste, old oils and scrap yards for waste where
important aspects such as trenches, dams, streams,
rivers and underground water should be taken into
consideration.
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Module 5: Electricity
AIM OF THE MODULE
Students must acquire and understanding of the principles of electricity and possible applications on the
farm.
TIME ALLOCATION: +/- 4 weeks
LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
5.1 Principles of electricity and magnetism 5.1.1 Explain the relationship between electricity and
magnetism, as well as the principles of electricity
with the necessary illustrations.
5.2 Simple circuits 5.2.1 Interpret, describe, test and utilise simple circuits.
5.3 Basic testing equipment and meters 5.3.1 Use the basic test apparatus and meters correctly in
the farming environment.
5.4 Transformers 5.3.1 Describe what a transformer is and its basic
operation as well as perform basic calculations
Module 6: Building techniques
AIM OF THE MODULE
Students should acquire a basic knowledge of the practices and techniques involved in the construction and
maintenance of farm buildings and constructions.
TIME ALLOCATION: +/- 4 weeks
LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
6.1 Occupational safety
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LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
6.1.1 General building tools 6.1.1. Explain the uses of maintenance of the basic tools.
6.1.2 Doors and door frames 6.1.2.1 Compare the different doors and materials being
used for internal and external doors.
6.1.2.2 Draw freehand sketches of doors and sectional
sketches of different door frames.
6.1.2.3 Explain how to erect and build-in door frames.
6.1.2.4 Name the different type of hinges being used on
doors.
6.1.3 Windows 6.1.3.1 Compare and demonstrate sashes and window
frames of different materials.
6.1.3.2 Name the advantages and disadvantages of the
above.
6.1.6 Walls 6.1.6.1 Explain the different types of bonds.
6.1.6.2 Make neat front view sketches of each bond.
6.1.6.3 Name the different type of bricks and the advantage
of each type.
6.1.7 Rainwater goods 6.1.7.1 Name and discuss the different types of rainwater
goods, joints and method of fixing.
6.1.8 Sanitary fittinsware 6.1.8.1 Compare and explain the different materials and
accessories being used.
6.1.9 Earthworks 6.1.9.1 Explain how to prepare a building site.
6.1.10 Construction materials 6.1.10.1 Define and discuss certain construction materials.
6.2 Basic building equipment
6.2.1 Uses 6.2.1.1 Identify equipment and to demonstrate the
consumer functions.
6.2.2 Maintenance 6.2.2.1 Discuss the maintenance and the upkeep of the
equipment.
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LEARNING CONTENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Student should be able to:
6.3 Basic maintenance, repairs and painting
6.3.1 Maintenance 6.3.1.1 Discuss and explain the maintenance programme.
6.3.2 Repairs 6.3.2.1 Draw up and discuss schedules for repairs.
6.3.3 Paint 6.3.3.1 Discuss the uses and application of paint.
6.4 Basic building aspects
6.4.1 Foundations 6.4.1.1 Explain how to set out foundations.
6.4.1.2 Explain the class of different mixtures and the
placing of concrete.
6.4.2 Floors 6.4.2.1 Compare the advantages and disadvantages of
concrete and wooden floors.
6.4.2.2 Explain how to prepare the surface underneath a
concrete floor.
6.4.2.3 Explain the treatment of the concrete.
6.4.2.4 Name and explain the method of fixing different
floor coverings.
6.4.3 Measuring of quantities 6.4.3.1 Measure the quantities for concrete work and
brickwork.
6.4.3.2 Calculate the material.
6.4.4 Specifications 6.4.4.1 Explain specifications of materials with regard to
foundations and floors.
6.4.5 Profiles 6.4.5.1 Explain how to erect and use profiles.
10. Didactic guidelines
10.1 Theoretical principles should be applied to practical real-life situations.
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10.2 Discussion and evaluations should be done on the basis of case studies.
10.3 Theoretical principles should be linked to other modules, such farming management,plant and animal
production.
11. Recommended references
Operations management in Agriculture:Dionysis D Bochtis,Claus G Scrensen
and Dimitris L Kateris
Pathways :Electrical Principles and Practise Moses Makgatho and Sylvia Ramaligela 2007
Farming Maintanance W Von Landsberg & F Jooste Future managers 2014
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