AG 201 - Data-driven Decision Making

3 Credits
Outline Effective Date: 2022 Fall Version 1
Created: Aug 20, 2022
Approved: Sep 1, 2022

Course Description:
This course is an introductory class in agricultural data collection and decisions based on data currently available in Western Canada. Discussions will involve the understanding of the volume of agricultural data being collected, the ethics involved with data collection, process of data collection: extrapolate and current data. The objective of the course is encompassing the concept of what constitutes a well-constructed inquiry and acquiring the knowledge to make decisions based on gathering data, ensuring the reduction of risk in the management process and attainment of long-term sustainability.

Rationale:
This course is required for second year Agribusiness students. Data collection is significant across western Canadian farms. Substantial financial investments are linked to on-farm decision-making. While data is being gathered, it may not always be effectively leveraged to streamline these decisions and enhance sustainability. Upon completing this course, students will gain the ability to discern which decisions can be informed by data, locate the necessary data sources, analyze the data, and present in a manner that enables informed decision-making.

Prerequisites: AG 100, BA 245
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:

Develop an understanding of data in facilitating informed and sustainable decision-making for Western Canadian Agriculture.
Articulate good data questions.
Identify pertinent datasets to address data-driven inquiries and support decision-making processes effectively.
Discuss ethical data collection uses and management.
Apply agriculture specific data management tools to create a data story.

Required Resource Materials:
Notes and assignments will be available on Desire to Learn (D2L).

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
This course is delivered through a combination of PowerPoint presentations, classroom discussion, group activities, handouts, presentation and analyzing examples.

Attendance will be recorded. Students who are absent are responsible for covering the material. All students are expected to demonstrate a high level of participation.

Agriculture Industry experts may be invited to speak on specific topics.

Classroom and laboratory attendance is considered vital to the learning process and as significant to the students’ evaluation as examinations and reports.

Students having a combination of excused and/or unexcused absence of 20 percent or higher for the scheduled course hours are required to withdraw and automatically receive a “RW” (required withdrawal) for the course, regardless of any other evaluation results. (RW is a failing grade.)
An excused absence is one that is verified with your instructor. Verification should be prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence. Verification of the absence may take the form of a note from your doctor/College nurse regarding illness, or a note from another instructor regarding a field trip or other activity, or authorization by your instructor. An unexcused absence is anything NOT verified by the instructor prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence.

NOTE: Any exceptions to the above attendance policy (e.g., timetable conflicts, work-related issues) must be approved in writing by the Department Chair prior to the beginning of the course.

It is the students’ responsibility to know their own absentee record.

Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with potential for evening courses, exams, or extended field trips. Students are expected to be available for classes during these times.

Content of Course:

Purpose of Data Management
Ethical Concerns with Data Management
Asking Questions that can be Answered with Data
Precision Farming and Data Collection Software
Collection and Interpretation of Data
Data Decisions, the Impact on Long Term Sustainability

Course Assessments:

Term Exams	30%
Assignments	40%
Project	30%

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Letter	F	D	D+	C-	C	C+	B-	B	B+	A-	A	A+
Percent Range	0-49	50-52	53-56	57-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85-89	90-94	95-100
Points	0.00	1.00	1.30	1.70	2.00	2.30	2.70	3.00	3.30	3.70	4.00	4.00

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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