Virtual Simulation of Agricultural Operations Course
Online 300-hour course in virtual simulation of agricultural operations. 6 modules covering the FAO-56 Bulletin (crop evapotranspiration), ASABE EP496 (agricultural machinery management) and DSSAT. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the role of simulation in farm planning.
Model field operations considering work capacity, timing and logistics.
Simulate crop growth according to climate, soil and irrigation.
Design virtual experiments and analyse their results statistically.
Use simulation as a training tool and as decision support.
Select the appropriate simulation tool for each agricultural problem.
Develop a complete simulation model for a real farm case.
Who it's for
- Modelling agronomist wishing to specialise in Virtual Simulation of Agricultural Operations.
- Agricultural data analyst wishing to specialise in Virtual Simulation of Agricultural Operations.
- Farm planning consultant wishing to specialise in Virtual Simulation of Agricultural Operations.
- Researcher in agricultural systems wishing to specialise in Virtual Simulation of Agricultural Operations.
- Agricultural technology transfer technician wishing to specialise in Virtual Simulation of Agricultural Operations.
- Operations manager in an agricultural company wishing to specialise in Virtual Simulation of Agricultural Operations.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter farming operations.
What you'll work with
- FAO-56 Bulletin (crop evapotranspiration)
- ASABE EP496 (agricultural machinery management)
- ASABE D497 (agricultural machinery management data)
- ISO 11783 (ISOBUS)
- Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 (CAP strategic plans)
- Directive 2007/2/EC (INSPIRE, geographic information)
- Directive 2009/128/EC (sustainable use of pesticides)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What simulation can and cannot model1.2Simulation of operations, logistics and decisions1.3Discrete event and continuous process simulation1.4Crop models and their coupling1.5Climate simulation and its variability1.6Data required for simulation to be useful1.7Difference between simulation and spreadsheet1.8Use cases: sizing, bottlenecks and risk1.9Available tools and their cost1.10Workshop: defining the scope of a model
2.1Breaking the season down into operations2.2Durations, yields and variability2.3Resources: machinery, people and implements2.4Time window and precedence constraints2.5Work capacity and transfer between operations2.6Breakdowns and unplanned stoppages2.7Internal logistics: transport and storage2.8Modelling climate as a constraint2.9Verifying the model against reality2.10Practical: model of a sowing season
3.1Crop growth models3.2Water balance and irrigation response3.3Historical and synthetic climate series3.4Drought and excess rainfall scenarios3.5Coupling the crop and operations models3.6Calibration with local data3.7Uncertainty in agronomic prediction3.8Known limitations of the models3.9Validation with real seasons3.10Practical: simulating a season under two climates
4.1Designing simulation experiments4.2Number of replicates and stability of results4.3Sensitivity analysis of assumptions4.4Comparing management alternatives4.5Identifying bottlenecks4.6Resource optimisation through simulation4.7Presenting results with uncertainty4.8Common pitfalls in interpreting results4.9Documenting assumptions and versions4.10Practical: comparing three machinery configurations
5.1Using simulation to train the team5.2Decision scenarios and discussion5.3Simulation as support for machinery investment5.4Simulating the hiring of services5.5Assessing the economic risk of the season5.6Communicating with management and the bank5.7Limits of simulation in real decision-making5.8Combining simulation with the farmer's judgement5.9Updating the model between seasons5.10Practical: decision report based on simulation
6.1Simulation tools and selection criteria6.2Input data and how to obtain it6.3Reproducibility and version management6.4Integration with farm data6.5Project cost and expected return6.6Training required to maintain the model6.7Common errors in simulation projects6.8When a simple model is enough6.9Evolution of tools6.10Final project: simulation model of a farm
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DSSAT, AquaCrop, APSIM, AnyLogic, Python (pandas), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real procedures for simulating crop seasons, mechanisation scenario experiments and validation with plot data. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the role of simulation in farm planning.
Model field operations considering work capacity, timing and logistics.
Simulate crop growth according to climate, soil and irrigation.
Design virtual experiments and analyse their results statistically.
Use simulation as a training tool and as decision support.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses DSSAT, AquaCrop, APSIM, AnyLogic, Python (pandas). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Operation in Extreme Terrain: Desert
Online 300-hour course in operation in extreme terrain: desert. 6 modules covering ISO 5011 (air intake filter testing), ISO 12103-1 (Arizona test dust) and QGIS. Assigned…
4×4 Chassis Structural Reinforcement Course
Online 300-hour course in structural reinforcement of 4×4 chassis. 6 modules covering Real Decreto 866/2010 (vehicle modifications), the Manual de Reformas de Vehículos (Ministry of Industry)…
Sensors in Forestry Machinery Course
The AI Traffic Control in UAM Course explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise urban air traffic control (UAM). It focuses on applying machine…
More in Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery
All Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships