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 Assessment
50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
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