| Module Title: | Preparation and Practice for Work Placement in Organics |
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| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
The Professional work placement module is of 24 week duration which will be undertaken in blocks of at least six weeks duration. The farm based placement must take place on an approved organic unit. Each student will be allowed to choose from a combination of 6 weeks in a livestock enterprise, 6 weeks in a tillage enterprise or a combination thereof that totals to 12 weeks. This allows the student to specialise this aspect of their degree depending on whether their core interests are animal or crop orientated or both. Students must also undertake at least 12 weeks in agri-industry. The student is free to extend the duration of their placement at individual host institutions, with prior agreement between the host and the placement coordinator. All placements must be approved by IT Carlow. In September of the academic year learners will commence discussion of their placement requirements with the Work Placement Co- Ordinator in IT Carlow, who will assist in the choice of a suitable location. The student will also undertake professional development during Semester 1 of third year where they will be supported in the preparation of CV’s, Interview Skills and letters of Application as well as conducting aptitude and psychometric testing. The host institution (farm or agri-industry) must undergo a preliminary site visit by IT Carlow to assess the suitability of the host for work placement. Criteria for selection include the provision of a safe place in which to work and learn, prior experience with placement students, the appointment of a host supervisor (line manager) for the student and the completion of an interim and end of placement review of the student's performance. |
| Module Aim: |
Work placement is central to the programme. The module provides opportunities for progressive, professional development where the learner can further develop their own interests in the agri-industry. Work placement also offers the learner opportunities put the theories, ideas and activities generated in the taught elements of the programme onto practice. In this way, placements provide experience and examples that can be used to link theory and practice in teaching methodologies such as problem-based learning. It is a 24 week-long placement which will be undertaken in two x 6 week placements on an organic farm and one 12 week placement in agri-industry or a combination thereof depending on the student’s prior learning and whether or not they are travelling abroad for work placement. The aim of the placement will be to develop the managerial and skills based expertise to run an agri-business successfully and sustainably. |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to: |
| LO1 |
Demonstrate competencies that characterise modern agricultural practices as they apply to organic systems |
| LO2 |
Demonstrate development of skills of analysis, critical thinking, problem solving and reflective practice |
| LO3 |
Participate fully under supervision in the day to day running of the farm or agribusiness. |
| LO4 |
Carry out farm tasks in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, with due regard for animal welfare |
| LO5 |
Develop personal confidence, communications and team working skills in a practical working farm, agribusiness or farm construction firm environment |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
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| 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
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| 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 |
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Support for the learner:
When the student has identified a placement on an organic farm or agribusiness, the work placement coordinator assigned to the student will contact the host farmer / agribusiness to discuss the placement in detail. The key person taking responsibility for supervising the student is nominated and given a copy of the Work Placement Manual.
At the beginning of the placement the student and the placement coordinator meet to ensure the student is fully aware of the supports available to him/her and has a full understanding of both their academic and work obligations in respect of the Placement.
Where practical, the student is visited by his/her work placement coordinator to report on the progress of the placement and to address any problems that may have arisen.
The professional placement module has been specifically designed to allow learners on the BSc in Organic Agriculture and the companies and organisations on which they do their placement to develop and enhance the sustainability of their businesses. The process also enables the learners of the IT Carlow to acquire professional experience early in their careers. The professional placement module is of 24 week duration which will be undertaken in blocks of at least six weeks in duration and will encompass both on farm and industry experience. The farm chosen must be a certified organic farm and allow the learner to acquire the skills that are important to their professional development. The learner must also chose an industry based placement, this can be with an downstream or upstream service provider in the organic food chain or a state / semi-state research centre.
In circumstances where placement restrictions apply owing to personal limitations, or when unfavourable economic conditions exist, alternative educational and practical programmes will be arranged for the benefit of learners. This would be seen as a most exceptional situation and every effort will be made to ensure that learners avail of the Professional Placement Programme.
It is hoped that the college will be able to place learners in organisations such as:
• The Department of the Environment
• The EPA
• Selected organic farms with a learner centred approach
• Agribusinesses upstream or down stream to the farm enterprise
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Work Placements Abroad
Opportunities will be explored to provide opportunities for Work Placements on certified organic farms in the Europe, North America and Australia / New Zealand. The aim of this will be to broaden the learner’s knowledge of different farming systems and environments.
Hosts will complete and sign the 'International version' of the Professional Work Placement Guide' indicating that they accept responsibility for the line management of the student while on placement at their institution. While it will not be practical for the work placement supervisor to visit hosts in an international setting, communication between the host and supervisor will be maintained.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Project | 100.00% |
| Project |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
This module is assessed on a pass/ fail basis. In Semester 1 of Third Year, students must participate in professional development sessions that are offered by campus. Whilst on placement, students must complete regular diaries of their activities as well as an end of placement project report. The host line manager must also complete a report on the students time in a particular business. |
1,2,3,4,5 |
100.00 |
Sem 2 End |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
| Project |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
This module is assessed on a pass/ fail basis. In Semester 1 of Third Year, students must participate in professional development sessions that are offered by campus. Whilst on placement, students must complete regular diaries of their activities as well as an end of placement project report. The host line manager must also complete a report on the students time in a particular business. |
1,2,3,4,5 |
100.00 |
Sem 2 End |
| 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 |
| Contact Hours |
12 Weeks per Stage |
1.00 |
| Contact Hours |
12 Weeks per Stage |
0.25 |
| Total Hours |
15.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Contact Hours |
12 Weeks per Stage |
1.00 |
| Contact Hours |
12 Weeks per Stage |
0.25 |
| Total Hours |
15.00 |
Module Delivered In
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