Module Details

Module Code: AGRI C1F03
Module Title: Principles of Crop Production
Title: Principles of Crop Production
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: 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 will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
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
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
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
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 5
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Identification of crops of agricultural importance.
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 5
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A MCQ exam will take place covering the theory of crop production
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will complete a literature review assessment on the basic production principles of a crop of their choosing.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will submit written reports of practical site visits.
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
An end of year exam will take place covering aspects of crop production delivered
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. Every Week 2.00 2
Practicals Contact On farm visits to discuss aspects of crop production Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Completion of field laboratory reports. Autonomous student learning and revision of concepts delivered through the lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • McMahon et al. (2011), Science: Growth, development and utilisation of cultivated plants, 5. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 0-13-501407-7].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: