Module Title:Principals and Standards of Organic Production
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will focus on the Organic Principles and field visits will explore the practical application of the principles. The Organic Standards will be examined in the context of sectoral enterprises including organic processing. Learners will become familiar with the Organic Standards and the legislative process in developing standards nationally and at EU level. This module will form the basis for other organic modules delivered throughout the degree.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to introduce the underlying principles of organic production. Students will also study the Organic Standards familiarising themselves with the regulations that govern the sector, this includes challenges of practical application of the standards at farm and business level. Understanding of the regulatory process is important for all employment opportunities within the organic agricultural industry.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the organic principles and the development of the organic sector internationally.
LO2 Understand the importance of the organic principles in organic production and processing
LO3 Demonstrate an understanding of the organic regulations and the inspection processes as they apply at farm and processor level
LO4 Be capable of planning an organic conversion.
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
Organic Standards
Learners will explore the process for development of the organic standards and regulatory requirements as presented in the Organic Food and Farming Standards in Ireland. Lectures on the organic production principles will be complemented by exploration of standard development at national and European level.
Legislation and organic conversion
Learners will be exposed to the organic certification system at farm level in terms of annual requirements for organic operators. Practical sessions will focus on developing the skills to interpret the regulations, design conversion plans and apply them to a wide range of organic enterprises.
Organic Principles and best practice
This module covers the organic principles that underpin the sector and how these can be applied at farm and field level. Practical sessions will explore how learners can expand on the principles and ensure that whole farms systems are developed to incorporate the principles and inform best practice in the sector.
Assessment Breakdown%
Project50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Students will be given a case studies of conventional farms and asked to complete plans for their conversion to organic units. 1,2,3,4 50.00 n/a
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Terminal Exam 1,2,3,4 50.00 End-of-Semester
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Students will be given a case studies of conventional farms and asked to complete plans for their conversion to organic units. 1,2,3,4 50.00 n/a
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Terminal Examination 1,2,3,4 50.00 End-of-Semester

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
Practicals 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Independent Learning Time 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Total Hours 72.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Practicals 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Independent Learning Time 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Total Hours 72.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SWOAG_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Organic Agriculture 1 Mandatory
CW_SWOAG_D Bachelor of Science in Organic Agriculture 1 Mandatory