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:
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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 Assessment
50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
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