Teaching

AGR2202: Instrumentation and Automation in Agriculture

In this course we learn about the current state-of-the-art in agricultural smart sensing covering both aerial and ground-based platforms. We also get a strong foundation in electronics, software, and particularly GenAI, and then apply those skills through the use of microcontollers, weather stations, and IoT sensors.

AGR3105: Smart Data Farming

This is a continuation of our sensing work but with a focus on software. Here students will be pushed to reach further and take on tasks in machine learning, advanced data management, and front-end/back-end web design.

This course leans even further into mastering GenAI as an assistive tool to pick up new software skills. Effective prompting is a skill in and of itself, and one that will benefit out AgTech students greatly in the workforce.

Learning and Teaching Awards

After a strong start in 2022 and 2023 with integrating GenAI into AgTech courses, in 2024 Derek received the UniSQ Excellence Award for University Learning and Teaching. It is the highest internal L&T award within the university, and was awarded not only for its impact on AgTech students, but for the efforts made to increase uptake of effective and appropriate GenAI teaching across the university.