This module will increase the awareness of students as to the impact which agriculture has on the environment and enhance the skills necessary to maintain and improve the farm environment.

1. Discuss the requirements necessary for the current environmental schemes.
2. Evaluate safety on a farm.
3. Discuss farm forestry applications and their impact on the environment.
4. Evaluate water quality with respect to the ways in which agriculture can alter water quality and the consequences for the environment.
5. Explain planning requirements and building design regulations, waste storage.
6. Analyse the impact of Agriculture on the environment.

This module will introduce the learner to the husbandry of healthy arable crops. The y will develop skills in the evaluation of the stages of crop production and the interventions that would be necessary to ensure profitability. The learner will also develop proficiency in grassland management techniques. The learner will have an appreciation of the establishment and harvesting of arable and horticultural crops.

1. Establish and husband cereal, root and horticulture crops.
2. Discuss fundamental plant biology.
3. Display an understanding of the management of pasture for hay and silage production and digestibility.
4. Hypothesise methods of establishing a grass ley for grazing, grazing management techniques and multi-species swards.
5. Recommend methods of crop harvesting and suitable fertiliser strategies for grassland & crop production.

This module will introduce the learner to the working farm setting and prepare the m for their role in the farm environment. The module will also introduce the principles of farm health and safety.

1. Demonstrate a good comprehension of personal safety.
2. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with farmers and fellow workers and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
3. Assess good standards of health and safety; and assist with the maintenance of hygiene and quality assurance standards in the farm environment.
4. Demonstrate a comprehension of health and safety legislation, sustainable use directive.

The learner will be introduced to beef production systems, their role in farming and the economics of beef production systems.

1. Discuss how to establish a beef production system to suit a particular farm.
2. Discuss the key drivers of profitability in both spring and winter milk production systems.
3. Discuss how herd management at farm level can affect reproductive performance and subsequent output.
4. Critique profitable beef and dairy production systems.
5. Understand the key drivers of profitability in the various beef and dairy production systems.

This module aims to give all students operational experience of a working farm. In addition, students can also obtain experience in an Agriculture related business/enterprise. Students will be exposed to placement providers with the objective of maximising their employability and future career prospects whilst providing employers with capable staff who can demonstrate and apply their technical and academic skills to real-world situations.

1. Categorise the quality assurance procedures in the host enterprise.
2. Evaluate the organisation of the host farm or agriculture related business/enterprise and their role within it.  
3. Describe the operational practices within the host farm or agriculture related business/enterprise.  
4. Work as part of a team by effective communication and understanding how farmers operate in a complex working environment.  

The learner will be introduced to core concepts of animal science. This module will give an overview of animal production at world, EU and national levels, with emphasis on those aspects most relevant to animal production in Ireland. The learner will be introduced to the roles of animal breeding/genetics, animal physiology and animal nutrition as well as animal health, behaviour, and welfare in Animal Science, including aspects of ongoing and future research areas.

1. Compare the structure, function, and processes of the major body systems of farm animals.
2. Contrast the reproductive characteristics of farm animals.
3. Evaluate systems of Animal Production and the role of genetics.
4. Discuss the impact of diseases in animal production systems.
5. Critique the current legislation regarding animal health relative to farm situations
6. Contrast the specific husbandry requirements of farm animals.

This module aims to provide students with the ecological features inherent in Irish terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in order to conserve and preserve species and biodiversity.

1. Categorise ecological features of Irish terrestrial ecosystems (woodland/grassland) and demonstrate land management solutions for their conservation.
2. Classify Irish freshwater ecosystems and relate the importance of maintaining their species and diversity
3. Distinguish Irelands aquatic ecology in the marine environment and examine its ecovalues and functions at the National and International land management and policy levels.
4. Differentiate between the natural evolution of individual species and the threat to organisms in the various Irish ecosystems with respect to current land management practices
5. Demonstrate knowledge of Irelands Special Areas of Conservation as they affect the ecological nature of the species and organisms in the specific habitat and the role they play in diversity.
6. Illustrate novel solutions through the analysis of relevant ecological data to Irelands biodiversity plan to adapt to Irelands environmental climate changes.

This module will further develop the key skills of the learner in the area of agricultural accounts and their importance, as well as covering the fundamentals of agribusiness marketing. It is intended to give an overview of the concepts used in financial accounting and an understanding of the financial statements produced. It will also equip the learner with a strong basis from which to develop a marketing plan for an organization involved with farming, as well as outlining long term leasing and alternative tax incentives.

1. Understand the fundamentals of marketing and methods of agri-business marketing.
2. Outline the types of business organisations involved in agriculture, critique the formation of a limited company.
3. Prepare a profit and loss account, balance sheet, a cash flow budget, and examine a farm business loan repayment capacity. Understand the importance of monitoring farm business accounts, and comment on the results obtained in order to justify future farm business decisions.
4. Calculate VAT, CGT and CAT.
5. Discuss Long term leasing options and stock relief.

The learner will develop a more complete understanding and a sustainable approach to maintaining a balanced nutrient makeup in the soil to minimize nutrient loss and maximize soil health. The learner will also be taught how to do this in conjunction with latest EC legislation.

1. Discuss trace elements and their interactions in soil possible effects on animal and plant growth
2. Compare and contrast the effectiveness of different methods of soil drainage for various land types.
3. Evaluate fertiliser use to maintain correct soil balance in soil and prevent nutrient imbalances.
4. Discuss soil physical, chemical and biological properties and how these influence carbon sequestration
5. Discuss sustainable fertilizer use and nutrient application to minimise leaching and gaseous emissions
6. Describe the importance of EC Nitrates Regulations and farmer compliance with these regulations, and their implications for farming practice.

The learner will be introduced to livestock production systems, their role in farming and the economics of production systems.

1. Understand the key performance indicators and industry performance/targets of the pig, poultry and sheep industries in Ireland.
2. Discuss the management of pig, poultry and sheep production systems, and latest technologies and advancements used within each.
3. Perform basic techniques used in advising farmers with difficulties with particular sheep production systems.
4. Critique a farm production system.
5. Interpret economic analysis of the various enterprises and justify future direction advice.

This module will enhance the research, presentation and communication skills of the student enabling them to undertake and present their research and practical class results in an improved and appropriate style.

1. Prepare high quality Tables and Figures suitable for scientific publication / presentation.
2. Plan, perform and refine a targeted search strategy of the scientific literature using appropriate search engines to source and evaluate data for a literature review.
3. Abstract, collate, record and organise scientific data in an improved scientific style.
4. Prepare a high quality scientific poster suitable for a scientific workshop, avoiding common pitfalls, and critically evaluate the work of others.

This module is a study of the ingredients used and the principles of the processes involved in the production of the main foods produced by the Irish agricultural sector, milk, meat, cereals, fruit and vegetables. It involves a study of the processes used to preserve and maintain the quality of milk, meat, fruit, vegetables, cereal, fruit and vegetable products. It introduces students to some of the basic food technology concepts and unit operations required for working in the food industry and how food processing operations are controlled and monitored.

1. Recognise and label different types of equipment used for unit operations on food and be familiar with common unit operation parameters. 
2. Describe and discuss the various processing steps required to produce high-quality value-added food products from appropriate agricultural produce. 
3. Discuss methods which can be used to maintain the quality of raw materials following harvest, during transport or storage and prior to sale or further processing.  
4. Identify and describe the basic hygiene parameters needed in the production of food. 
5. Select and use different types of processing equipment in order to convert raw materials into value added food products.  

This module aims to give students the ability to understand and evaluate the environmental effects of agriculture, and to adjust farming practices which may enhance biodiversity and wildlife populations.

1. Study the effects of agriculture on ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Appraise the implications of relevant national & EU environmental legislation, and how this affects farming & agricultural practices.
3. Evaluate analyses of environmental samples, including nutrient and biochemical analyses.
4. Examine conservation management techniques in conjunction with agri-environmental schemes practices and to evaluate their possible effectiveness in restoring biodiversity and wildlife populations.
5. Carry out basic ecological assessments of certain habitats, including procedures for identifying and describing habitats.

This module aims to give students more crop production knowledge, including the use and role of growth stages, evaluation of methods of cereal crop establishment, an ability to appraise different approaches to agrochemical use in crop production, and methods of evaluating seed variety selection.

1. Discuss the use and role of crop growth stages
2. Critique the Legislation in relation to registration as a user of herbicides, importance of the SUD (Sustainable Use Directive);
3. Discuss the importance of seed variety selection.
4. Evaluate types cereal crop establishment and equipment.
5. Evaluate other alternative to combining crops and costs.

This module will develop the skills required to carrying out a literature search on a scientific topic, writing a literature review, referencing scientific work and synopsizing research work. The module will further develop the communication skills of scientific writing and oral presentation of project work.

1. Access and reference  scientific work in an appropriate manner. 
2. Analyse and interpret a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, and graphical. 
3. Present scientific information using a range of formats. 
4. Plan and undertake an independent literature search on a specific topic. 
5. Summarize scientific information critically and present to classmates. 

The learner will develop a more complete understanding of the wider economic and political influences on agricultural business.

1. Analyse the elasticity of supply and demand in relation to agriculture.
2. Differentiate between various market structures and their effect on agricultural trade.
3. Critique the effect of international trade agreements in agriculture and variations in international exchange rates, including possible ramifications of Brexit.
4. Discuss macroeconomics and inflation and unemployment.
5. Evaluate agricultural futures markets and their influence on agricultural trade.
6. Appraise the importance of agricultural patents.

The learner will develop an understanding of the importance welfare to critically evaluate the behaviors of domesticated animals in a variety of differing environments. The learner will further develop an appreciation of optimal and suboptimal management of a variety of domesticated animals and the effects upon their behaviors.

1. Critically evaluate the laws relating to animal welfare and owner responsibility.
2. Appraise welfare in veterinary practice and farm environments, including strategies to address the welfare concerns of animals which are confined/separated from their owners.
3. Devise a strategy for evaluating the effects of distress in our domestic animals
4. Examine the history of domestication for companion animal and farm animals, and relate how to changes in our treatment of animals can improve animal welfare.
5. Critically analyse how different species are affected by domestication in terms of environment and nutrition and socialisation
6. Categorise the requirements of different domesticated species (environmental, nutritional and social) essential to maintaining good health

This module will provide an overview of the principles within the production and management of crops, and the principle and practice of operating and managing farm machinery. They will develop an understanding of the importance of careful management to prevent damage and disease being introduced into the crop at planting, growing, harvest and storage stage. The learners will also be introduced to mechanisation of the main agricultural equipment and given an understanding to the management in an agricultural setting.

1. Evaluate the physical performance and environmental efficiency of agricultural machines and mechanised systems and the risks associated with the use of agricultural machinery.
2. Appraise equipment on the basis of technical criteria and correctly utilise equipment in order to undertake specific tasks.
3. Formulate machinery working costs.
4. Communicate normal management regime for a growing crop of potatoes.
5. Interpret and apply the fundamental concepts of plant science to manipulate crop yield and quality to meet market specifications

To develop research skills to a level that allows a student to design a specific project and write a literature review for that project.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the stages in the research process.
2. Develop an appropriate hypothesis and design a set of experiment to test this hypothesis.
3. Compile and critically evaluate a significant body of relevant literature.
4. Communicate results of a literature review and project plan.

This module will study sustainable agricultural production methods. The Learners will examine soil and water conservation, reduction of environmental impact and maintenance of biodiversity in an agricultural context.

1. Appraise systems and methods used to deliver sustainability in agricultural production
2. Evaluate sustainable intensification in relation to the increasing world population.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the sustainability of rural communities, and the use of science and technology to address the issues and problems associated with food security and sustainability.
4. Analyse Profitability of sustainable systems of agricultural production
5. Assess issues relating to the maintenance of biodiversity and limitation of greenhouse gas production
6. Discuss challenges to agricultural sustainability into the future.

This module will enable the learner to develop further knowledge in major health issues which are of economic importance to agriculture in Ireland including infectious, contagious and non- infectious diseases. The learners will develop an understanding in the scientific basis for animal responses to nutritional inputs. The learner will expand on their knowledge on the advancement and integration of animal genomics and the reproduction of various farm animals.

1. Evaluate the range and control of diseases of importance in agriculture.
2. Review and appraise the options available within the industry in terms of immunology and vaccines.
3. Evaluate animal feeds and calculate basic animal ration formulation.
4. Critically evaluate the effects of animal management on reproduction performance.
5. Comment on the potential for genomic advancement within the industry.

This module will develop the skills required to safely perform a scientific investigation and to test the hypothesis developed in the Research Project Design module. The module will further develop the communication skills of scientific writing and oral presentation of project work.

1. Compile independent appropriate methodology to test a scientific hypothesis
2. Perform appropriate procedures to examine scientific hypothesis
3. Critically evaluate research findings, perform statistical analysis to analyse research data collected
4. Detail project work in the form of a written report
5. Defend the outcomes of the research project by formal presentation.