Southeast Missouri State University
Department of Agriculture
Title of Course: Agricultural Mechanization
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Course: AG 303
New 2009
Course Description: Agricultural Mechanization
Designed to introduce methodologies in the broad spectrum of agricultural mechanization including safety,
tool identification and use, construction methodology, blueprint reading, agricultural power systems, and
application of methodologies through structured experiential activity. Three lecture hours. (3)
Prerequisites: Plant Science (AO120), or Animal Science (AY101), or completion of Living Systems.
Purposes or Objectives of the Course:
A. Development of safe work habits, awareness of inherent dangers, and situational reaction within the
agricultural mechanics laboratory.
B. Proper identification and utilization of all associated tools within agricultural mechanization.
C. Understand and apply construction methodologies within metalworking including blueprint reading
and material cost minimization.
D. Become highly adept in the usage of oxy-acetylene, plasma, gas metal arc welding, metal inert gas,
tungsten inert gas, and abrasive cutting and welding techniques with mild steel.
E. Develop a basic understanding of agricultural power systems; the internal combustion engine,
hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and various voltage electrical systems.
F. Understand permanent agricultural structure erection including utility placement and assembly.
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Expectations of Students:
A. Attendance: Missing and/or incomplete assignments will be discounted as follows:
One day late = 25% reduction in points
Two days late = 50% reduction in points
Three days late = Zero will be recorded for the assignment
B. Successful completion of all examinations
C. Successful completion of all assignments
Course Content or Outline:
A. Laboratory Safety (1 week)
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Equipment requirements
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Developing a culture of safety within the agricultural mechanics laboratory
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Procedural safety for the agricultural mechanics laboratory
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Safety assessments
B. Tool Identification (2 weeks)
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Hand and power tools for metalworking
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Hand and power tools for woodworking
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Hand and power tools for mechanical purposes
C. Project Planning (2 weeks)
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Blueprint design and reading
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Project planning and cost minimization
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Fit and finish in project construction
D. Metal preparation and fitment (3 weeks)
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Oxy-Acetylene cutting and welding
ii. Plasma technology in cutting
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Gas Metal Arc Welding
iv. Metal Inert Gas welding
v. Tungsten Inert Gas welding
vi. Cutting and fitting with abrasive media
E. Agricultural power systems (3 weeks)
i. Internal combustion engine diesel, gasoline, and LP
ii. Hydraulic systems
iii. Electrical systems
iv. Pneumatic systems
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Permanent structure erection (2 weeks)
Project planning and cost minimization
Structure placement
Layout and material placement
Electrical, plumbing, sewer, and communications
Foundation, framing, and veneer placement
G. Mild steel project construction (2 weeks)
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Readings and Related Resources:
A. Agricultural Mechanics; Fundamentals and Applications. Herren, Ray V. 2010
Basis for Student Evaluation:
Grades will be based on the following:
Two One Hour Exams ...................................................................................... 200 pts.
Skills evaluations .............................................................................................. 200 pts.
Project Construction ......................................................................................... 100 pts.
Assignments, Quizzes, and Participation Points ............................................... 200 pts.
Two Hour Final Exam (comprehensive) .......................................................... 200 pts.
Total ................................................................................................... 900 pts.
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90 to 100 percent 810-900 pts.
80 to 89 percent 720-809 pts.
70 to 79 percent 630-719 pts.
60 to 69 percent 540-629 pts.
Below 60 percent, less than 539 pts.
Exams:
Exams will be based on material presented during the course as well as the text and various other sources of material
used in the class as required.
Academic honesty
The Undergraduate Bulletin defines academic dishonesty as “...those acts which would deceive, cheat, or defraud so
as to promote one’s scholastic record...,” and states that “[v]iolations of academic honesty represent a serious breech
of discipline and may be considered grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal from the university.” You
are expected to understand and abide by this rule. Any academic dishonesty, including any form of cheating
including plagiarism will not be tolerated and the individual will be referred to judicial affairs.
 The official statement about academic honesty, including plagiarism, may be accessed at:
http://www.semo.edu/bulleting/pdf/2006Bulletin.pdf
 Additional information may be accessed at:
http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/
Civility and Harassment
A major determinant of a successful educational experience is a shared sense of respect among and between the
students and their instructor. In this class we will maintain a climate of mutual respect and orderly conduct. Judicial
Affairs is responsible for addressing such matters and that information is available at:
http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/
Disabilities
Diversity in all its forms merit the respect of the faculty, and this applies equally to students with disabilities.
Students may obtain official information about disabilities from Learning Assistance and Disability Support
Services, located at: http://www.semo.edu/cs/services/lec.htm
Attendance and Work Ethic
You are expected to be in class, punctually, for the entire duration of the class, each time the class is held. The
official statement about attendance, derived from the Undergraduate Bulletin, may be accessed at:
http://www.semo.edu/bulletin/pdf/2006Bulletin.pdf
As a member of the class the expectation is that you will be an engaged, involved, positive force in the learning
experience. As an active participant in discussion, please have all assigned work fully completed and remitted on
time, your work should be performed to a level that is appropriate for a university student.