Module Details

Module Code: LAWS C1708
Module Title: Farm Mechanisation and Regulations
Title: Farm Mechanisation and Regulations
Module Level:: 6
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 main types of farm machinery in use on Irish farms. Students will be introduced to the operation and maintenance of engines and motors (diesel, petrol, electric and hydraulic). Students will also learn how to calibrate various farm machinery, optimising their use. The module will develop learners’ awareness of the most economical means of procuring and operating machinery or machinery services, while also introducing learners to the legal requirements and the health and safety regulations governing the operation of farm machinery.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain and illustrate how engines and motors (diesel, petrol, electric, hydraulic) work, the energy characteristics of different agricultural equipment and the influence of soil conditions on their operation and maintenance requirements.
LO2 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the wide range of agricultural machinery applying to both tllage and livestock based enterprises. Students will be expected to critique the energy consumption of various agricultural practices and how to reduce this consumption.
LO3 Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of precision farming techniques and instruments, their advantages and disadvantages.
LO4 Explain the various regulations governing the operation and maintenance of farm machinery, both on the farm and on public roads, with special attention to Health and Safety Regulations.
LO5 Illustrate and discuss the running costs and overhead costs of typical farm machinery and how machinery is financed and operated most economically.
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
Farm Machinery Types
• Understanding the machinery types associated with different streams of agriculture including tillage, dairy, dry stock, pigs and poultry • Slurry spreading laws and their impact on waste storage
Regulations Governing the Use of Farm Machinery
• Introduce the learners to the subject of health and safety regulations regarding farm machinery operation.
Financial Aspects of Farm Machinery Operation
• Understanding the true costs of procurement, maintenance and operation of machinery including taxation • Leasing v. Purchasing Options, advantages and disadvantages of each • Costing of agricultural contractor services against ownership • Depreciation of machinery • Energy saving through conservation agriculture • Sourcing of second-hand rather than new machinery
Understanding how machinery works
• Understanding how diesel and petrol engines, electric motors, hydraulic systems work, their energy requirements and how they are maintained. • Understanding of equipment and instruments used in precision farming, including Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) instruments and their operation.
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 2,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Case Study: Learners will be required to conduct relevant case studies in machinery operation and the use of contracting services in the machinery sector especially in terms of economic performance and comparison
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Project on farm machinery health and safety including regulations.
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 machinery operations, applications of precison agriclture 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 student 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: