UF’s SmartAg Certificate Programs Teach Application of AI Concepts
by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS
Graduate students from across the University of Florida can leap into the future workplaces of agricultural technology.
Through two Smart Ag certificate programs, started in 2022, the agricultural and biological engineering department (ABE) offers classes in which students can learn and apply artificial intelligence concepts.
The courses are open to any UF graduate student.
Through courses in the programs, students make themselves more marketable for the workforce, says Tom Burks, a UF/IFAS professor of agricultural and biological engineering.
“At this stage of their lives, without job experience, having classroom experience in the domain they want to work in is valuable,” says Burks, who teaches several courses in both of the SmartAg certificates. “It demonstrates ability.”
Concepts of SmartAg systems can be applied to many careers, ranging from production and precision agriculture to robotics, food processing and packaging, vertical farming and more.
The certificates provide students with a sequence of required courses, in addition to elective courses in an area of their interest. Students must pass 12 credit hours to earn a certificate.
Burks gives several examples of how courses in the SmartAg programs can develop marketable skills:
- In Applied Statistical Machine Learning, students learn practical machine learning techniques focused on applying statistical methods, designed for those with a basic understanding of regression. The course emphasizes using AI and machine learning tools to enhance students’ research projects or build professional portfolios. Statistical Machine Learning, on the other hand, delves deeper into the mathematical and theoretical foundations of machine learning, providing a more in-depth exploration of statistical methods, making it suitable for those looking to specialize in the statistical aspects of machine learning.
- In Control Methods in SmartAg Systems, they learn to design, analyze and simulate classical and modern control approaches as well as artificial intelligence-based control approaches in theoretical, modeling and practical applications. This could lead to jobs designing and testing control systems for production agriculture, precision agriculture, food processing, water resources and more.
- In Advanced Precision Agriculture, students explore technologies that support precision farming and managing natural resource data. They learn to use tools like GPS, GIS, variable rate technologies, automated guidance systems, and software to improve farming efficiency and data management. This can lead to careers in precision agriculture, environmental management, or roles focused on technology integration in farming operations and natural resource planning.
- Students in Applied Control for Automation and Robotics learn the theory behind autonomous vehicles and serial link manipulators along with fundamentals for machine vision-based control. This could lead to jobs developing robotic applications for production agriculture, water resources and other applications that require robotic solutions.
Students laud the program for its rigor.
“As someone who doesn’t have an engineering background, I was worried I would really struggle with the classes,” says Amber Riner, who earned her master’s degree in agronomy this summer and graduated with a SmartAg certificate. “However, all of my professors throughout these courses were really friendly and worked to make the course material accessible to students from all backgrounds.”
Faculty have chimed in as well about the usefulness of the SmartAg certificate classes.
For example, Dana Choi, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, says the module titled, “Wireless Sensor Networks,” provides students with hands-on activities that closely simulate real agricultural scenarios.
“For example, they set up sensors to track moisture levels or temperature changes, transmitting real-time field data to a cloud server,” Choi says. “Students develop valuable skills in data analytics, system design, and remote agricultural management. These exercises not only equip students with the ability to integrate IoT devices but also enhance their understanding of how such technology can lead to more sustainable farming practices. This hands-on approach not only improves learning outcomes but also showcases the innovative work our department is doing to advance precision agriculture.”
Students must put together portfolios of their course work, which makes them document and think about what they’ve learned that could be useful in the workplace, Burks says.
“The portfolios are a positive thing to have on your resume,” he says. “The certificate shows a potential employer that you’ve achieved these competencies. The SmartAg skills are the middle ground between theory and application.”In an article co-authored by Burks, ABE Chair Kati Migliaccio, and assistant professor Adam Watson, the scientists say: “The sustainability of our world food supply chain will likely depend on many factors, including a favorable climate, water availability and quality, soil fertility and conservation, production costs and efficiency…(and) we believe that SmartAg students empowered with emerging AI approaches hold promise for the future.”
