This module introduces key concepts in information systems, with practical lab based exercises using relevant business applications. Learners will also delve into the technical aspects of computer networks, the Internet, and emerging technologies like disruptive innovations and cloud computing.

1. Analyse current information and communications technologies (ICTs) and apply them to business problems.

2. Classify security risks to personal and business information and identify appropriate controls systems.

3. Collaborate using internet technologies and cloud systems.

4. Differentiate typical computer network implementations

5. Account for the implementation of the Internet

6. Manage and analyse business data using desktop applications.

The aim of this module is to provide students with an overview of the key concepts of marketing and the function of marketing in a business. Among the areas covered are the changing marketing landscape, creating and capturing customer value, analysing the marketing environment, understanding consumer and business buyer behaviour

1. Demonstrate an introductory understanding of the key concepts and frameworks of marketing.

2. Explain the key challenges and emerging trends in marketing theory and practice.

3. Apply basic principles of marketing to well-defined situations.

4. Explain marketing’s role in business.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to manage beef and sheep farms in accordance with best practice and relevant legislation.

1. Differentiate the structure, systems of production, marketing and overall sustainability of Irish beef and lamb.

2. Identify the latest research trends in beef and sheep breeding and nutrition and their implementation at farm level.

3. Identify the key drivers to improve the physical and financial performance of beef and sheep enterprises including the roles of financial benchmarking tools and government supports.

4. Design a suitable herd and flock health plan including biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance and antiparasitic resistance.

This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to apply organic farming principles to production, meet market requirements, and apply organic standards in compliance with EU and Irish legislation. Topics to be covered include the factors to be considered in the conversion from a conventional to an organic system, maintenance of soil fertility, rotations, nutrient management, pest and disease control in crops, principles of organic livestock production and the marketing of organic produce.

1. Outline the principles of organic production including regulations and standards of organic production for crop and livestock systems

2. Discuss the factors to be considered in the conversion to organic production

3. Describe and discuss the maintenance of soil fertility, prevention and control of weeds, diseases and pests in an organic cropping system.

4. Compare and contrast the principles of livestock production on an organic farm compared to a conventional farm.

5. Evaluate the economic viability and market opportunities for organic production including EU and national supports

This module provides the knowledge required to understand the physical and chemical composition of soils, soil classification, soil fertility, soil nutrients and soil pollution. Students will learn the role of analytical testing in soil and water analysis using a variety of analytical techniques. Students will also learn how to frame and critically analyse laboratory data, and how to report scientific results. Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the role of analytical testing in soil and water analysis.

2. Perform analytical analysis, analyse and interpret the scientific test results.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical composition of soils, soil classification, soil fertility and soil nutrients.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of farming practices on the environment.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of soil and water quality, and the impact from farming practices.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to manage a dairy herd in accordance with best practice and relevant legislation.

1. Plan and manage varying dairy production systemsincluding spring and winter milk production

2. Identify and assess the key performance indicators in terms of dairy breeding and nutrition of the dairy cow.

3. Identify problems and seek solutions to dairy farm problems in a logical manner.

4. Analyse the physical and financial performance on dairy farms.

5. Perform a range of routine skills in the area of grassland measurement, data collection and management.

The module explores a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems and the inhabitant communities of plants and animals. This module focuses on building an understanding of ecosystem diversity with the appraisal of: wetlands, woodlands, peatlands, grasslands, field and riparian margins. The structure and function of each ecosystem will be examined at a micro level as botanical keys are used to identify woody and herbaceous species. Farmland animal and bird populations will also be studied to highlight the interaction and relationship dynamics within each ecosystem.

1. Identify and classify a range of terrestrial ecosystem using habitat classification systems

2. Demonstrate an ability to identify herbaceous and woody species using botanical keys.

3. Identify animal species commonly found in various farming environments.

4. Identify bird species commonly found in various farming environments.

The Agricultural Economics module is designed to provide learners with an overview of the role, structure and operation of the agri-food sector in Ireland within the context of the wider economy and society. The module provides an introduction to learners of the contribution to the Irish economy of Ireland's primary agricultural enterprises: beef, dairy, sheep, pigs and tillage. The module also provides an overview of the national economy in Ireland and the impact on Irish agriculture by the key policymaking bodies in the European Union.

1. Identify the main parts of the agri-food sector in Ireland and the interactions between them.

2. Explain the primary livestock and tillage/crop production systems in Ireland.

3. Discuss the impact of national, Europeanand global agribusiness policy.on the agri-food sector in Ireland.

4. Explain the roles and functions of key economic institutions in Ireland and the European Union.

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic principles of management accounting in relation to materials, labour, overheads, cost volume profit and integrated accounts. Once an understanding of the principles has been achieved they will be applied in a variety of scenarios.

1. Explain the role of management accounting within an organisation and the requirements for management accounting information.
2. Classify costs according to their function, nature and behaviour
3. Evaluate and apply the principles and accounting treatments for labour, material and overheads.
4. Apply the principles of Cost-volume-Profit analysis and interpret the results.

Students are required to carry out a placement in order to gain suitable industry work experience.

1. Demonstrate ability to research and plan for industry placement.
2. Demonstrate specialised knowledge of operating a farm or an agribusiness, procedures involved in the farm or agribusiness management, and an understanding of how a farm or agribusiness operates.
3. Participate in the planning and management of a farm or an agribusiness.
4. Behave professionally in the planning, operation and management of an agribusiness or a farm.
5. Have sufficient knowledge of agribusiness or farm work experience to manage an agribusiness or farm under direction.
6. Reflect on their individual performance at work, respond appropriately to employment appraisals and maintain an employment diary which records and analysts critical incidents that have occurred during placemnt.

This module introduces students to enterprise diversification helping them to identify a range of options applicable to different contexts (e.g. farming systems, landscape character, rural setting) that can contribute to the sustainable development of a farm holding. This will involve identification of farm resources, e.g. land, capital (financial, natural, social, intellectual), and labour that can be allocated to other product development or rural enterprises. Students will be introduced to innovation needs assessments of rural areas and a diverse range of innovations/diversification opportunities through a range of case studies, field trips and videos together with guest lectures from rural entrepreneurs.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of rural enterprise diversification options applicable to different settings

2. Identify farm resources e.g.land, capital (financial, natural, social, intellectual), and labour that could potentiallybe allocated to other productdevelopment or rural enterprises

3. Explain and apply the process of innovation needs assessment at the farm level
4. Identify a range of rural enterprise diversification options including opportunities for allocation of farm resources to other agricultural products.

Business is digital. Digital business drives business and societal change worldwide, and has led to the creation, destruction, and transformation of businesses. This module is to develop an e-strategy for a digital business and use digital components for business and industry. Students will know how the digital components will impact business and identify how to combine these to develop business online.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the components required for an ebusiness.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of keyissues facing an e-business keeping in mind business trends and success stories

3. Create an ebusiness strategy

4. Create an online presence for an e-business using a leading contemporary content management platform

This module covers the basics of Financial Management and Taxation as they apply to the agricultural business sector. The module introduces students to finance and financial information analysis, covering working capital management, capital budgeting and sources of finance. The module also introduces students to the basics of Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax and Stamp Duty, covering the relevant rules and reliefs that apply in the agricultural business sector.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and scope of financial management and taxation as it relates to the agricultural business industry;
2. Analyse and interpret the working capital requirements of various business entities;
3. Prepare an investment appraisal analysis based on proposed projects and projected returns and make recommendations of appropriate action;
4. Analyse and evaluate the funding requirements for various business entities;
5. Calculate basic taxation computations under Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax, and Stamp Duty;
6. Explain and apply the specific agricultural reliefs available in Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax and Stamp Duty.

The social and economic development of rural Ireland is integral to the wellbeing of our country as a whole and to our quality of life. Ireland's economy, heritage and culture is heavily dependent on the contribution of rural areas. Rural areas hold much of Ireland's natural resources, biodiversity and visitor attractions, and rural communities are important guardians of our heritage, culture and natural capital.

The Rural Development and Agricultural Policy Module covers some of the challenges which many rural areas in Ireland contend with an older demographic profile, a relatively narrow enterprise base, the implications of climate change for traditional industries such as farming, a high property vacancy rate in towns and villages, and a greater vulnerability to the effects of economic downturn.

The module looks at how nationally and internationally rural development is integrally linked to policies across a wide range of areas including spatial planning, enterprise growth, job creation, social cohesion, community development, public services, communications infrastructure, agriculture, the marine, climate adaptation, tourism, heritage, health and leisure.

1. Explain and discuss rural development and agricultural policy in Ireland.

2. Identify the main opportunities and constraints relating to the development of the rural economy.

3. Discuss the contribution of LEADER and other National and EU Programmes in supporting rural communities.

4. Outline and evaluate conflicts of interest that can occur in the management of natural resources and its possible impacts on rural communities.

5. Describe and evaluate different approaches to the management of our land and natural resources.

6. Explain and discuss the origins of sustainable development in rural devlopment.

The focus of the module is on providing students with a working knowledge of techniques and principles to enable them to make good financial decisions, resulting in increased farm income and improved long-term viability. The topics covered by this module will help the farm business to operate at a high level of technical & financial efficiency. This module will cover, step-by-step, the essential elements from developing a strategic plan to acquiring equipment, establishing infrastructure, assessing markets, budgeting, managing day to day operations and selecting a business structure to support long-term viability. The emphasis throughout is on using sustainable agricultural systems and managing the whole farm.

1. Distinguish the keys steps involved in the farm business planning process from an existing enterprise to the establishment of a new enterprise

2. Apply farm management toolsand available labour-saving practices to support confident farm decision-making

3. Describe and evaluate the types and forms of agricultural buildings and infrastructure associated with different farming systems

4. Synthesise the financial supports available to the farm business

5. Define the role of education and knowledge transfer in the decision making process and viability of a farm business

The module examines the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainable forest and woodland management, while appreciating the role of these habitats in the provision of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. The module focuses on the transformation of Ireland's forest cover and introduces the concept of sustainable forestry and timber and non-timber products as an alternative land use within an agricultural setting. Practical work will include the identification of native, introduced and conifer species which will be mapped to different forest and woodland types.

1. Provide an overview of global and in particular, Irelands forest industry and identify the role of the main stakeholders

2. Evaluate national forest policy and grant aid structures in terms of sustainable woodland management.

3. Demonstrate an ability to identify native, introduced species as well as woodland associated flora and fauna.

4. Demonstrate an in-depth appreciation of the multifunctional role of forestry in terms of balancing production with ecosystem services and biodiversity protection

5. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the site specific silvicultural system adopted for both commercial forests and natural woodlands

The overall objective of this course is to examine market research as a tool for providing information for marketing and business decision-making. It provides an overview of the practice of research and why market research is needed. It looks at the research process, describes and classifies different types of data and methodologies and shows their use in context. Its aim is to equip students with the knowledge and ability to conduct and use market research in their future careers.

1. Explain the essential steps of the market research process.

2. Distinguish between secondary and primary data, and quantitative and qualitative data.

3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs and research methods.

4. Conduct secondary data research and develop a primary data collection plan, demonstrating level-appropriate competence in academic writing and presentation.

5. Explain and apply the ethical requirements when conducting market research.

This module introduces the physical science of climate change including its drivers and impacts. Central to this is an understanding of carbon cycling and greenhouse gas fluxes, with a focus on the land system. The expected risks of climate change to natural and managed ecosystems are explored including the key concept of risk related to the level of global warming. Building on these core concepts climate change adaptation and mitigation are investigated at a global and national level with specific focus on agriculture. Finally, practices by which the land system in Ireland can contribute to climate actions are evaluated. Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: Zero Hunger; Climate Action; and Life on Land.

1. Describe the physical processes which drive climate change including greenhouse gas fluxes and carbon stocks, sinks and sources.

2. Explain the risk climate change poses to human and natural systems includingfood security and ecosystem functioning.

3. Explain the concepts of climate change adaptation and mitigation with reference to the land system at global and national scales.

4. Appraise the options for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Irish land system and specifically foragriculture, soils, land use change and forestry.

5. Evaluate potential trade-offs betweenland based climate actions and other objectives such as space for nature and food security.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competencies necessary to better manage grasslands and to give a broad overview of intensive and extensive grassland systems.

1. Identify the optimum growing conditions for grass and grass clover swards.

2. Discuss the reseeding, establishment and weed control requirements for grass, grass/clover and multi species swards.

3. Analyse the daily grass requirement for a given herd of cattle/sheep and identify suitable grazing infrastructure.

4. Investigate and establish grass covers and targets for optimum grass utilisation on a given farm.

5. Design and implement a grazing platform for a given farm situation to include suitable paddock sizes and demonstrate the role of the spring rotation planner, summer wedge and autumn budget.

The aim of this module is to help students master the concepts, skills, and practices of effective business communications and negotiations.

1. Assess the major concepts and theories of negotiation and the purpose of communications.
2. Evaluate suitability of social media and online tools for Business Communication
3. Assess and reflect on interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and negotiation style.
4. Develop facilitation/mediation skills and strategies for negotiations and conflict management.
5. Assess and discuss International and Cross-Cultural communications.

The module introduces Learners to the business planning process and they learn to plan a project around key milestones and concepts, including the essential skill of raising finance and gathering talent.The different options of how to protect Intellectual Property are explored. The module teaches the Learner the key skills and principles required to fund a start-up and manage and support a new venture. Learners will be broken into individuals or teams and will be asked to research and present and defend a detailed Business Plan for a proposed new venture idea. The proposed new venture idea can have been identified in the New Venture Creativity module covered by the Learner previously.

1. Distinguish between different types of intellectual property ownership

2. Demonstrate an understanding of how to plan for the launch of a new venture

3. Be in a position to research and produce a detailed business plan for a new venture idea

4. Analyse a new venture from the perspectives of investors and funding bodies

5. Construct a persuasive presentation on a new venture proposal for a potential investor

This module is designed to equip learners with a conceptual knowledge of agrimarketing management and to enable them to analyse marketing opportunities and to make marketing decisions in the agriculture and food sector. Marketing is at the core of any agricultural or food production business. It is an organisational philosophy and a set of guiding principles for interacting with customers, competitors, and the environment. Agrimarketing is reponsible for creating and delivering customer value to the benefit of the organisation and its stakeholders. It involves identifying and measuring consumers' needs and wants and then developing agrimarketing strategy and implementation programmes for offerings that satisfy customers' needs better than the competition.

1. Demonstrate a conceptual knowledge of agrimarketing management and how it interacts with other aspects of business management.
2. Demonstrate a conceptual knowledge and understanding of the theory and functions of agrimarketing management.

3. Analyse agrimarketing opportunities and challenges in markets, competition and the agrimarketing environment.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the contrast between Business to Business and Consumer Marketing
5. Develop an agri-marketing strategy incorporating all the elements of the marketing mix.
6. Work effectively and efficiently as an individual and in a team situation