Description of Individual Course Units
Course Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleType of Course UnitYear of StudySemesterNumber of ECTS Credits
TAE-24-100Elective116
Level of Course Unit
Second Cycle
Objectives of the Course
The aim of the "Machine Learning and Explainable AI Applications in Agricultural Economics" course is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge machine learning techniques and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) applications specifically tailored for the agricultural domain. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, this course aims to empower participants to harness the potential of advanced AI technologies to address challenges and optimize processes in agriculture.
Name of Lecturer(s)
Öğr. Gör. Dr. Hakan DUMAN
Learning Outcomes
1Understanding of Machine Learning Concepts: Outcome: Develop a comprehensive understanding of fundamental machine learning concepts, algorithms, and techniques. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in explaining and applying core machine learning principles.
2Agricultural Data Processing Proficiency: Outcome: Acquire skills in collecting, preprocessing, and managing diverse agricultural datasets, including remote sensing and climate data. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in handling and processing various types of agricultural data for machine learning applications.
3Model Development and Optimization Competence: Outcome: Develop the ability to build, train, and optimize machine learning models tailored for agricultural applications. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in selecting, developing, and fine-tuning machine learning models for specific agricultural tasks.
4Explainable AI Techniques Mastery: Outcome: Master techniques in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to enhance the interpretability of machine learning models in agriculture. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in implementing and communicating the results of XAI methods applied to agricultural data.
5Practical Application Skills: Outcome: Apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on practical exercises and real-world case studies in the agricultural context. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in applying machine learning techniques to solve practical problems in agriculture.
6Ethical Considerations Awareness: Outcome: Develop awareness of ethical considerations related to AI in agriculture, including privacy, bias, and societal impacts. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in identifying and addressing ethical challenges in the application of machine learning in agriculture.
7Integration with Precision Agriculture: Outcome: Understand how to integrate machine learning and AI technologies with precision agriculture practices. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in leveraging AI to enhance precision agriculture, optimizing resource utilization and decision-making.
8Communication and Collaboration Skills: Outcome: Foster effective communication and collaboration skills for interdisciplinary teamwork in agricultural AI projects. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborating with experts from diverse fields.
9Project Implementation Competence: Outcome: Successfully implement machine learning solutions in agricultural projects, demonstrating the ability to address specific challenges. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in independently planning, executing, and evaluating machine learning projects in the agricultural domain.
10Continuous Learning Orientation: Outcome: Develop a mindset for continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of machine learning and AI applications in agriculture. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in staying updated on emerging technologies and adapting their skills to industry advancements.
Mode of Delivery
Daytime Class
Prerequisites and co-requisities
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course Contents
Understanding of Machine Learning Concepts: Outcome: Develop a comprehensive understanding of fundamental machine learning concepts, algorithms, and techniques. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in explaining and applying core machine learning principles. Agricultural Data Processing Proficiency: Outcome: Acquire skills in collecting, preprocessing, and managing diverse agricultural datasets, including remote sensing and climate data. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in handling and processing various types of agricultural data for machine learning applications. Model Development and Optimization Competence: Outcome: Develop the ability to build, train, and optimize machine learning models tailored for agricultural applications. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in selecting, developing, and fine-tuning machine learning models for specific agricultural tasks. Explainable AI Techniques Mastery: Outcome: Master techniques in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to enhance the interpretability of machine learning models in agriculture. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in implementing and communicating the results of XAI methods applied to agricultural data. Practical Application Skills: Outcome: Apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on practical exercises and real-world case studies in the agricultural context. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in applying machine learning techniques to solve practical problems in agriculture. Ethical Considerations Awareness: Outcome: Develop awareness of ethical considerations related to AI in agriculture, including privacy, bias, and societal impacts. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in identifying and addressing ethical challenges in the application of machine learning in agriculture. Integration with Precision Agriculture: Outcome: Understand how to integrate machine learning and AI technologies with precision agriculture practices. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in leveraging AI to enhance precision agriculture, optimizing resource utilization and decision-making. Communication and Collaboration Skills: Outcome: Foster effective communication and collaboration skills for interdisciplinary teamwork in agricultural AI projects. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborating with experts from diverse fields. Project Implementation Competence: Outcome: Successfully implement machine learning solutions in agricultural projects, demonstrating the ability to address specific challenges. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in independently planning, executing, and evaluating machine learning projects in the agricultural domain. Continuous Learning Orientation: Outcome: Develop a mindset for continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of machine learning and AI applications in agriculture. Proficiency: Participants will be proficient in staying updated on emerging technologies and adapting their skills to industry advancements.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTheoreticalPracticeLaboratory
1Overview of the course structure, objectives, and expectations. Introduction to machine learning fundamentals and its relevance to agriculture. Discussion on the historical context and evolution of machine learning.
2In-depth exploration of supervised and unsupervised learning concepts. Practical examples of machine learning applications in diverse industries. Assignment: Research and present a case study on a machine learning application in agriculture
3Understanding the basics of agriculture, farming practices, and challenges. Introduction to precision agriculture and its impact on sustainable farming.
4Essential data science concepts, data collection, and preprocessing. Overview of statistical concepts relevant to machine learning.Group activity: Analyze and clean a sample agricultural dataset.
5Basics of programming languages, with a focus on Python. Introduction to data manipulation and analysis libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy).Hands-on session: Python programming exercises related to agriculture.
6Overview of machine learning tools and platforms used in agriculture. Practical workshop: Setting up and using machine learning environments.Assignment: Implement a basic machine learning model using a provided dataset.
7Practical session: Hands-on implementation of deep learning algorithms for agricultural tasks.
8Integration of remote sensing data and IoT devices in agriculture. Use of sensor data for machine learning applications.Case studies: Analysing successful examples of remote sensing and IoT integration in agriculture.
9Field trip or virtual tour to a farm implementing advanced sensing technologies.Group discussion: Reflection on the practical applications observed during the trip.
10Explainable AI (XAI) techniques and their importance in agriculture. Ethical considerations in AI applications, with a focus on agriculture.Practical session: Implementing interpretable machine learning models.
11Explainable AI (XAI) techniques and their importance in agriculture. Ethical considerations in AI applications, with a focus on agriculture.Practical session: Implementing interpretable machine learning models.
12Student presentations: Share findings from individual or group projects. Project submission. Discussion on the ethical challenges and responsibilities in deploying AI in agriculture.
13In-depth analysis of industry case studies in agricultural AI. Group project review: Presentation and peer feedback on the machine learning solutions proposed.
14Course summary, review, and reflections. Future trends in machine learning and AI applications in agriculture.
Recommended or Required Reading
Course Basic Contexts: Machine Learning Fundamentals: Book: "Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow" - Aurélien Géron Content: Focuses on core machine learning concepts and algorithms. Agricultural Background: Book: "Precision Agriculture Technology for Crop Farming" - Qin Zhang Content: Provides an overview of fundamental principles in agriculture, modern farming technologies, and the significance of precision agriculture. Data Science Basics: Book: "Python for Data Analysis" - Wes McKinney Content: Develops foundational skills in data collection, preprocessing, and analysis using Python. Programming Fundamentals: Book: "Python Crash Course" - Eric Matthes Content: Teaches basic concepts of the Python programming language, especially foundational skills required for machine learning. Ethical Considerations: Book: "Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics" - Vincent C. Müller Content: Explores ethical considerations in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Course Auxiliary Contexts: Advanced Machine Learning Techniques: Book: "Deep Learning" - Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, and Aaron Courville Content: A reference source focusing on deep learning and advanced machine learning techniques. Remote Sensing and IoT Integration: Book: "Remote Sensing and GIS for Ecologists" - Paul A. Racey and Andrew N. Green Content: Focuses on the integration of remote sensing data and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in agriculture. Cloud Computing for Agriculture: Book: "Cloud Computing for Agriculture" - Edited by Hemanth Kumar Yamjala Content: Explores the use of cloud computing platforms for handling large agricultural datasets. Geospatial Analysis: Book: "GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques in Land- and Water-management" - Edited by Martin Y. Appiah et al. Content: A resource on how geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques can be applied in agricultural management. Industry Case Studies: Book: "Data Science for Business" - Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett Content: Analyzes industry case studies, focusing on data science applications in the business world. Regulatory Frameworks: Book: "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans" - Melanie Mitchell Content: Addresses regulatory frameworks and ethical issues in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Book: "Collaborative Intelligence: Thinking with People Who Think Differently" - Dawna Markova and Angie McArthur Content: Emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Communication and Reporting: Book: "Data Points: Visualization That Means Something" - Nathan Yau Content: Focuses on effective communication and visualization in data science. Continuous Learning Resources: Source: Online platforms (Coursera, edX, Udacity) and article archives. Content: Various resources for participants to stay updated and continue learning beyond the course. Hands-on Projects: Source: Real datasets and application examples from platforms like Kaggle and GitHub. Content: Resources containing real-world projects for participants to practice and apply learned concepts.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Term (or Year) Learning ActivitiesQuantityWeight
Report Preparation375
Report Presentation125
SUM100
End Of Term (or Year) Learning ActivitiesQuantityWeight
Report Preparation1100
SUM100
Term (or Year) Learning Activities40
End Of Term (or Year) Learning Activities60
SUM100
Language of Instruction
Turkish
Work Placement(s)
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesNumberTime (hours)Total Work Load (hours)
Report Preparation425100
Report Presentation111
Criticising Paper31030
Self Study14342
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)173
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
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LO2
LO3
LO4
LO5
LO6
LO7
LO8
LO9
LO10
* Contribution Level : 1 Very low 2 Low 3 Medium 4 High 5 Very High
 
Iğdır University, Iğdır / TURKEY • Tel (pbx): +90 476 226 13 14 • e-mail: info@igdir.edu.tr