Module Title:Concepts in Sustainable Agriculture
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will be supplemented with field trips and case studies of agri-businesses that have engaged in sustainable management practices. Where appropriate, guest lecturers will be invited to share their knowledge on specific aspects of sustainability.
Module Aim: This module aims to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the importance of sustainable food production. The three pillars of sustainability will be covered giving the student the knowledge required to put these concepts into practice in a commercial agricultural setting.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the key performance indicators for sustainability at farm level
LO2 Identify resources used on farms and strategies that ensure their sustainable use
LO3 Can defend the role of Irish agricultural systems in the sustainable production of food
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Environmental KPI
Key environmental performance indicators that apply to farm will be used to critically evaluate farming systems. Reports from Bord Bia and Teagasc will be reviewed to assess current environmental performance of farms along with strategies for improvement
Resource management
Food production is resource intensive which in turn adds considerable cost to the system. Individual case studies from the IFA Smart Farming initiative will be used to examine how the sustainability of a farm can be improved both from a greenhouse gas emission and a biodiversity perspective
Public image of farming
Understanding how the work of Bord Bia and other organisations promotes a positive image of Irish Agriculture.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Project50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Examination In class assessment on Learning Outcome 1 1 25.00 n/a
Case Studies Case study that demonstrates the students understanding of sustainable agriculture 1,3 25.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Students are to conduct a case study on a farm that is part of the Smart Farming Initiative or similar reflecting on how the measures taken on this farm could be applied to a farm or agri-business that they are familiar with. Students will present their work to their peers. 1,2,3 50.00 n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Independent Learning 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Total Hours 72.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SWSFM_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 4 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_D Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 4 Mandatory