Module Details

Module Code: FARM H2710
Module Title: Concepts in Sustainable Agriculture
Title: Concepts in Sustainable Agriculture
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: Stephen Whelan
Domains:  
Module Description: This module aims to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the importance of sustainable food production. The three pillars of sustainability will be covered giving the student the knowledge required to put these concepts into practice in a commercial agricultural setting.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the key performance indicators for sustainability at farm level
LO2 Identify resources used on farms and strategies that ensure their sustainable use
LO3 Can defend the role of Irish agricultural systems in the sustainable production of food
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Environmental KPI
Key environmental performance indicators that apply to farm will be used to critically evaluate farming systems. Reports from Bord Bia and Teagasc will be reviewed to assess current environmental performance of farms along with strategies for improvement
Resource management
Food production is resource intensive which in turn adds considerable cost to the system. Individual case studies from the IFA Smart Farming initiative will be used to examine how the sustainability of a farm can be improved both from a greenhouse gas emission and a biodiversity perspective
Public image of farming
Understanding how the work of Bord Bia and other organisations promotes a positive image of Irish Agriculture.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Project50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
In class assessment on Learning Outcome 1
Assessment Type Case Studies % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Case study that demonstrates the students understanding of sustainable agriculture
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students are to conduct a case study on a farm that is part of the Smart Farming Initiative or similar reflecting on how the measures taken on this farm could be applied to a farm or agri-business that they are familiar with. Students will present their work to their peers.
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Imparting knowledge and ideas and facilitating learners to learn independently. 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact Autonomous student learning and revision of concepts delivered through the lectures. Completion of project work 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Site visits and / or guest lectures that complement the module. 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
This module does not have any book resources
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: