Module Details

Module Code: SCIE C4F01
Module Title: Crop Protection Science
Title: Crop Protection Science
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: The module aims to build upon the skills acquired from the previous crop production modules. Students will acquire the skillset necessary to sustainably manage the use of Plant Protection Products on farms. This knowledge will be applicable to cereal, oilseeds, legume, root and grassland production.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 The use of integrated pest management as it applies to sustainable agricultural systems.
LO2 Have an appreciation of the most up to date regulations in the area of crop production including environmental and health issues. Critically, the student will acquire the skills necessary to keep abreast of various legislation as it evolves and impacts upon their business.
LO3 The correct use of plant protection products on farm to ensure human, animal and environmental safety.
LO4 Have an understanding of the modes of action of plant protection products and how to apply this to sustainable crop production
LO5 Knowledge of crop physiology and how this attributes to distinctive management strategies for each crop.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
7833 FARM H2716 Crop production and weed science
7844 FARM H1717 Introduction to Crop Production
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Integrated pest management
• Rotations • Alternative forage selection • Cultural control • Establishment of critical thresholds for the control of crop pests and diseases
Crop Physiology
Photosynthesis. How crops partition biomass. Yield components. Source vs. Sink crops.
Plant Protection Products
Active ingredients. Modes of action. Application rates. Spray timings. Resistance issues
Human, Animal and Environmental Health
The impacts of PPPs on health. Correct usage. Knowledge of product labels.
Legislation governing PPP use
Sustainable Use Directive. Registered Users. Registered Advisors. Equipment Testing. Integrated Pest Management.
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 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will create an Integrated Pest management strategy to cover a number of pests for a farm they are familiar with.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be required to critically assess and show an understanding of plant protection product labels
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
An essay with a detailed review of literature concerning physiology of crops currently grown in Ireland and how these physiological features effect crop management
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 30
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Terminal Examination

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 Polytunnel based practicals to discuss and demonstrate the use of PPPs. Farm visits to show IPM strategies. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Selected websites and journals. Continuous assessment. Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Gibson, D.G.. (2008), Grasses and Grassland Ecology, Oxford University Press, Oxford, [ISBN: 9780191546099].
  • Younie, D.. (2012), Grassland Management for Organic Farmers, Crowood Press.
  • Robinson, D. H.. (2013), Management of Grassland with Information on Mowing, Grazing and Cultivation.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Frame, J., Laidlaw, S.. (2011), Improved Grassland Management, Crowood Publishing., [ISBN: 100852362463].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: