Agricultural Science

{
  "examination": "CAPE Agricultural Science",
  "syllabus_topics": {
    "Unit 1: Fundamentals of Agriculture and Crop Production": [
      "Module 1 - The Science and Business of Agriculture: Includes the branches of agriculture, farming systems (extensive, intensive, integrated), and the historical evolution of Caribbean agriculture. It covers biological principles like animal endocrine and digestive systems, plant processes (photosynthesis and respiration), and biogeochemical cycles. It also addresses soil fertility (Cation Exchange Capacity), agribusiness decision-making concepts (supply and demand, break-even analysis), business plans, and the impact of international trade agreements.",
      
      "Module 2 - Horticultural Practices: Focuses on the management of fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops, including land preparation, pest and weed control, and harvesting techniques. Topics include non-conventional systems like hydroponics and vertical farming, lawn and turf management, sustainable landscaping, and vegetative propagation (budding, grafting). It also explores traditional crop production, crop rotation design, agrotechnology (GMOs, tissue culture), and pillars of food security.",
      
      "Module 3 - Postharvest Technology: Examines principles for maintaining quality, safety, and loss reduction after harvest. It covers storage, transportation, sanitation, and energy management for fruit, root, leaf, and legume crops. Content includes processing methods (canning, drying, fermentation), prevention of spoilage, marketing strategies (pricing, promotion, distribution), and food safety strategies through the application of the seven principles of HACCP."
    ],

    "Unit 2: Animal Production and the Environment": [
      "Module 1 - Agriculture and the Environment: Focuses on environmental protection for stakeholders and the impact of atmospheric, soil, and water pollution on agricultural production. It details measures to improve air quality and manage sources of pollution. The module also covers the use of alternative energy sources like biomass, solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as the influence of socio-cultural practices on sustainable agriculture in the region.",
      
      "Module 2 - Animal Production and Management: Addresses human-animal interactions, micro-livestock importance, and the impact of genetics on farm animals. It explores advanced reproductive techniques (artificial insemination, embryo transfer, cloning) and nutrition management using Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR). Additional topics include grazing systems, suitable farm housing design, major parasites and diseases, biosecurity measures, and management practices for aquaculture.",
      
      "Module 3 - Livestock Products: Covers established procedures for the slaughtering and post-slaughter handling of farm animals, including ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections. It examines processing methods for meat (curing, salting, smoking) and non-meat products (pasteurisation, churning for yoghurt and cheese). The module emphasizes good manufacturing practices, the application of HACCP to animal products, and the development of marketing plans for animal commodities."
    ],

    "School-Based Assessment (SBA)": [
      "Unit 1 Portfolio: A compulsory project where candidates cultivate four types of crops (fruit, root, leaf, and legume) and produce a portfolio. The portfolio must include reports on a farm site visit, field practical activity justification, a reflection on challenges and recommendations, and a business plan for a processed crop product.",
      
      "Unit 2 Portfolio: Requires candidates to rear, slaughter, and process a batch of broiler birds. The resulting portfolio includes a report on rearing practices (sanitation, brooding, nutrition), a reflection on the slaughtering activity and HACCP plan, a marketing plan for animal products, and a research report on an investigation carried out during rearing."
    ]
  }
}