Module Details
Module Code: |
LAWS C1708 |
Module Title:
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Farm Mechanisation and Regulations
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Title:
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Farm Mechanisation and Regulations
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Module Level:: |
6 |
Module Coordinator: |
Stephen Whelan
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Module Author:: |
John Carroll
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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.
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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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.
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No recommendations listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
Additional Requisite Information
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No Co Requisites listed
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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
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Regulations Governing the Use of Farm Machinery
• Introduce the learners to the subject of health and safety regulations regarding farm machinery operation.
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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
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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.
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Module Content & Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Continuous Assessment | 70.00% |
End of Module Formal Examination | 30.00% |
AssessmentsFull Time
End of Module Formal Examination |
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Reassessment Requirement |
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
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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.
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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 |
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Contact |
Including visits by guest lecturers |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
24 |
Practicals |
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Contact |
Field Visits |
12 Weeks per Stage |
1.00 |
12 |
Independent Learning |
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Non Contact |
Including websites of machinery manufacturers |
12 Weeks per Stage |
3.00 |
36 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
Module Resources
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Recommended Book Resources |
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Bell, Brian. (2005), Farm Machinery, 5th. Old Pond Publishing, [ISBN: 1903366682].
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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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 |
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Other Resources |
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Agco Corporation,
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Fendt World,
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Case.com,
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Valmet.com,
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Irish Government,
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