Formal lectures will be complemented by practical field sessions that will allow for a balance of theory and hands on learning activities. Classroom activities will focus on the main animal enterprises in Irish agriculture including the challenges faced by the sector. Visiting lecturers will be used where appropriate to enhance the learning experience of the students and expose them to new concepts in animal production. Students will learn the hands on management aspects (e.g. BCS) of animal production through farm based practical sessions.
Module Aim:
This module aims to introduce students to animal production in Ireland and the various challenges faced by the sector. Students will learn about the management principles that apply to animal production at farm level that improve the overall sustainability of the sector.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Demonstrate key skills that apply to animal production e.g. body condition scoring, locomotion scoring etc.
LO2
Understand animal breeds that are suitable to Irish production systems
LO3
Be capable of discussing sustainability as it applies to animal production systems
LO4
Demonstrate a knowledge of the importance of ruminant animal production in Ireland
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
Cattle production
Students will learn about the practical aspects of managing a herd of beef cattle
Dairy production
Students will learn about some of the practical management aspects of dairy production
Sheep production
Students will learn about the practical aspect of sheep production
Animal health
Concepts of health management will be discussed including the development of a farm health plan and strategies for reducing antibiotic use
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
10.00%
Project
20.00%
Practical
20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Multiple Choice Questions
Students will complete a MCQ to demonstrate knowledge in content delivered in lectures
2
5.00
n/a
Multiple Choice Questions
Students will complete a MCQ to demonstrate knowledge in content delivered in lectures
3
5.00
n/a
Project
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Project
Students will compile a review of a specific aspect of animal production in Ireland
1,2,3,4
20.00
n/a
Practical
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Student will submit reports on field studies completed throughout the period.
1,2
20.00
n/a
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 animal production delivered during the term
1,2,3,4
50.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment