Module Details

Module Code: AGRI C3F01
Module Title: Precision Agriculture
Title: Precision Agriculture
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide learners with an insight into the applications of precision agriculture technologies on Irish farms. Students will be introduced to the principles behind, and the operation and maintenance of guidance, autosteer, data collection, variable rate and sensing technologies. Students will also learn how to choose the technologies that best suit a particular situation and how to optimise their use. The module will develop learners’ awareness of the most economical and sustainable means of procuring and operating machinery equipped with these technologies, while also introducing learners to the legal requirements and the health and safety regulations governing their operation.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain and illustrate how GIS, positioning, guidance, sensing and data collection systems operate on a fundamental level.
LO2 Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of how these precision systems are applied at farm level.
LO3 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the wide range of precision technologies that apply to both tillage and livestock based enterprises. Students will be expected to critique the suitability of the technologies to different enterprises.
LO4 Explain the various regulations governing the operation and maintenance of precision farm technologies, with special attention to Health and Safety Regulations.
LO5 Illustrate and discuss the potential environmental and economic advantages to using precision technologies as opposed to conventional techniques.
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
Precision Technologies
Understanding the precision technologies that are available to Irish Agriculture: Positioning; Machine guidance; Data collection; Sensing. Learners will gain a knowledge of the principles underpinning the operation of each of these systems and an understanding of how they might be applied to agricultural systems
Understanding how precision technologies apply to farm equipment
Understanding how the technologies can be applied at farm level: Machine guidance; (light bars, autosteer, accuracy levels) Farm mapping (weed, disease, yield etc.) Data capture (sensors, cameras, drones etc.); Variable rate technologies (herbicide, fungicide, nutrient management)
Geographic Information Systems
Learners will be introduced to GIS and will be given an understanding of how GIS underpins a number of precision technologies relating to positioning, guidance etc.
Regulations Governing the Use of Precision Farm Equipment
Continuing on from health and safety aspects learned in the agricultural design and mechanisation module; this course will equip learners with the knowledge required to operate these technologies in a safe manner within current legislation
Financial and Environmental Aspects of Precision Technology
• Understanding the true costs of procurement, maintenance and operation of precision technologies • Costing of agricultural contractor services against ownership • Depreciation of machinery • Environmental sustainability impact of sensing/variable rate technologies
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment70.00%
End of Module Formal Examination30.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Case Studies % of Total Mark 35
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Case Study: Learners will be required to conduct relevant case studies in operation of precision technologies at farm level. An environmental and economic appraisal will be conducted to compare the use of these technologies with conventional techniques
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Project on the current uses, and future potential of sensing technologies in agricultural systems
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Assessing knowledge of fundamentals of precision systems, applications of precision agriculture and health and safety regulations.
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 30
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Terminal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
Reassessment Description
Re-assessment will be based on repeat coursework. This is at the discretion of the exam board contingent on the nature of the failed submission. The student the may have to complete a number of components of the project or it may be requested to repeat and attend the module.

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 Including visits by guest lecturers 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Practicals Contact Field Visits 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Independent Learning Non Contact Including websites of machinery manufacturers 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bell, Brian. (2005), Farm Machinery, 5th. Old Pond Publishing, [ISBN: 1903366682].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Kinsella, Joseph. (2012), Health, Safety & Welfare Law in Ireland, Gill & Macmillan Ltd, p.224, [ISBN: 9780717152636].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: