Module Title:Principles of Crop Production
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 4 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will be complemented by practical field sessions that allows for a balance of theory and hands on learning activities. Classroom activities will focus on the production principles of various crops that are grown in Ireland. Visiting lecturers will be used where appropriate to enhance the learning experience of the students and expose them to new concepts in crop production. Learners will brought to selected tillage and grassland farms in the South East to discuss the management concepts for crop production.
Module Aim: This module aims to introduce students to crop production in Ireland and the various challenges faced by the sector. Students will learn about the principles that underpin all types of crop production, ensuring that an environmentally sustainable system of crop production can be achieved at farm level
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Knowledge of the crops that are commonly grown in Ireland
LO2 Understanding of the basic principles that underpin all forms of sustainable crop production
LO3 The influence of environmental factors on crop production
LO4 The application of crop management principles to pasture land
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
The arable sector in Ireland
An introduction to the arable sector including crops grown, area sown, end uses etc.
The cereals industry in Ireland
Where our crops grow. What they are used for. Amounts produced.
Basic principles of crop production
The science behind how a crop grows. Photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, water requirements.
The influence of environmental factors on crop growth
How temperature, sunlight, water, soil characteristics effect crop growth
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Identification of crops of agricultural importance. 1,2 5.00 n/a
Multiple Choice Questions A MCQ exam will take place covering the theory of crop production 2,3,4 5.00 n/a
Project Students will complete a literature review assessment on the basic production principles of a crop of their choosing. 2,3,4 20.00 n/a
Written Report Students will submit written reports of practical site visits. 1,2 20.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam An end of year exam will take place covering aspects of crop production delivered 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 Every Week 2.00
Practicals Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning Time Every Week 3.00
Total Hours 6.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EFARG_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Agricultural Systems Engineering 1 Mandatory
CW_EFARG_D Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Systems Engineering 1 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 1 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_D Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 1 Mandatory