Module Title:Applied Physics and Chemistry
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 4 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will be supplemented by laboratory work as individuals and where appropriate, in groups. The lecturer will balance the learning experience to ensure that the learner obtains knowledge through doing as well as through formal lecturers. This will allow them to understand the chemical and physical process that underpin sustainable agricultural production. Case studies will be presented to demonstrate important the role of chemistry and physics in food production. Practical learning experiences will delivered through the use of field labs to demonstrate soil and water chemistry as well as various laboratory sessions to demonstrate chemical processes as well as various laws of physics. An emphasis will be placed on health and safety in biological studies throughout.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to provide the learner with an introduction to the principles of physics and chemistry and their importance and relevance to sustainable agriculture. The module will develop practical laboratory skills in both disciplines.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Be capable of understanding the physical and chemical processes that affect nutrient cycling within an agricultural system
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the chemistry of food and the implications of this for those consuming it
LO3 Be capable of conducting work in a laboratory setting that is both precise and safe
LO4 Have an appreciation of the role of physics as it applies to agri-food scenarios
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
Chemistry
• Introduction: The scope of chemistry & brief history of its development. States of matter and observation of change. • The Periodic Table. • Atomic Theory & Electronic Structure • Bonding & Structure: Chemical Equations and Experimental Calculations • Chemical Kinetics - value. Order of reaction and rate constants. • Properties of Liquids and Solutions: • Acids, Bases and Electrolysis. • Inorganic Chemistry • Organic Chemistry: Introduction to chemistry of carbon compounds. IUPAC Nomenclature for alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, esters and amines. Brief introduction to the structures of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and their uses.
Physics
• Physical standards and units. Errors. • Mechanics: Velocity, acceleration, force. • Work, energy and power, momentum. Simple machines • Light, lenses • Electricity, Ohm’s law, electrical safety. • Thermodynamics Methods of heat transfer. Specific Heat capacity, U values Material Properties Pressure • Atomic and Nuclear physics: radioisotopes, biological effects of radiation, safety levels, x-rays.
Assessment Breakdown%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

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 3.00
Laboratory 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Tutorial 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Independent Learning 12 Weeks per Stage 6.00
Total Hours 144.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SWOAG_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Organic Agriculture 1 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 1 Mandatory
CW_SWOAG_D Bachelor of Science in Organic Agriculture 1 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_D Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 1 Mandatory