This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to apply organic farming principles to production, meet market requirements, and apply organic standards in compliance with EU and Irish legislation. Topics to be covered include the factors to be considered in the conversion from a conventional to an organic system, maintenance of soil fertility, rotations, nutrient management, pest and disease control in crops, principles of organic livestock production and the marketing of organic produce.

1. Outline the principles of organic production including regulations and standards of organic production for crop and livestock systems

2. Discuss the factors to be considered in the conversion to organic production

3. Describe and discuss the maintenance of soil fertility, prevention and control of weeds, diseases and pests in an organic cropping system.

4. Compare and contrast the principles of livestock production on an organic farm compared to a conventional farm.

5. Evaluate the economic viability and market opportunities for organic production including EU and national supports

This module introduces physics to students, with emphasis being placed on applications of physics in everyday life. Students will acquire a broad grounding in physics including classical mechanics, electric and gravitational fields and potentials, electromagnetism and waves, thermal physics, theoretical aspects are reinforced with practical laboratory sessions. The delivery of the module will be such that it seeks to integrate the physics topics covered such that they are understood within the context of earth and space.

1. Explain physical concepts such as SI units and the terms, conventions and units of measurement appropriate to physics.

2. Describe the underlying concepts and principles of physics as well as their applications in everyday life.

3. Use mathematical language and the techniques to understand problems in physics and develop problem-solving skills.

4. Measure, record and analyse data from practical experimentsand use appropriate methods to interpret and report results.

5. Communicate scientific information accurately and effectively using written, oral, visual and numerical forms.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to manage beef and sheep farms in accordance with best practice and relevant legislation.

1. Differentiate the structure, systems of production, marketing and overall sustainability of Irish beef and lamb.

2. Identify the latest research trends in beef and sheep breeding and nutrition and their implementation at farm level.

3. Identify the key drivers to improve the physical and financial performance of beef and sheep enterprises including the roles of financial benchmarking tools and government supports.

4. Design a suitable herd and flock health plan including biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance and antiparasitic resistance.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to manage a dairy herd in accordance with best practice and relevant legislation.

1. Plan and manage varying dairy production systemsincluding spring and winter milk production

2. Identify and assess the key performance indicators in terms of dairy breeding and nutrition of the dairy cow.

3. Identify problems and seek solutions to dairy farm problems in a logical manner.

4. Analyse the physical and financial performance on dairy farms.

5. Perform a range of routine skills in the area of grassland measurement, data collection and management.

This module provides the knowledge required to understand the physical and chemical composition of soils, soil classification, soil fertility, soil nutrients and soil pollution. Students will learn the role of analytical testing in soil and water analysis using a variety of analytical techniques. Students will also learn how to frame and critically analyse laboratory data, and how to report scientific results. Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the role of analytical testing in soil and water analysis.

2. Perform analytical analysis, analyse and interpret the scientific test results.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical composition of soils, soil classification, soil fertility and soil nutrients.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of farming practices on the environment.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of soil and water quality, and the impact from farming practices.

Students are required to carry out a placement in order to gain suitable industry work experience. The professional practice should develop the learner's professional competence, increase their self awareness and help inform decisions concerning their career path.

1. Demonstrate ability to research and plan for industry placement.
2. Demonstrate specialised knowledge of operating a farm or an agribusiness, procedures involved in the farm or agribusiness management, and an understanding of how a farm or agribusiness operates.
3. Participate in the planning and management of a farm or an agribusiness.
4. Behave professionally in the planning, operation and management of an agribusiness or a farm.
5. Have sufficient knowledge of agribusiness or farm work experience to manage an agribusiness or farm under direction.
6. Reflect on their individual performance at work, respond appropriately to employment appraisals and maintain an employment diary which records and analysts critical incidents that have occurred during placemnt.

This module introduces students to enterprise diversification helping them to identify a range of options applicable to different contexts (e.g. farming systems, landscape character, rural setting) that can contribute to the sustainable development of a farm holding. This will involve identification of farm resources, e.g. land, capital (financial, natural, social, intellectual), and labour that can be allocated to other product development or rural enterprises. Students will be introduced to innovation needs assessments of rural areas and a diverse range of innovations/diversification opportunities through a range of case studies, field trips and videos together with guest lectures from rural entrepreneurs.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of rural enterprise diversification options applicable to different settings

2. Identify farm resources e.g.land, capital (financial, natural, social, intellectual), and labour that could potentiallybe allocated to other productdevelopment or rural enterprises

3. Explain and applythe process of innovation needs assessment in rural areas

4. Identify a range of rural enterprise diversification options including opportunities for allocation of farm resources to other agricultural products and non-agricultural on farm enterprises

The social and economic development of rural Ireland is integral to the wellbeing of our country as a whole and to our quality of life. Ireland's economy, heritage and culture is heavily dependent on the contribution of rural areas. Rural areas hold much of Ireland's natural resources, biodiversity and visitor attractions, and rural communities are important guardians of our heritage, culture and natural capital.

The Rural Development and Agricultural Policy Module covers some of the challenges which many rural areas in Ireland contend with an older demographic profile, a relatively narrow enterprise base, the implications of climate change for traditional industries such as farming, a high property vacancy rate in towns and villages, and a greater vulnerability to the effects of economic downturn.

The module looks at how nationally and internationally rural development is integrally linked to policies across a wide range of areas including spatial planning, enterprise growth, job creation, social cohesion, community development, public services, communications infrastructure, agriculture, the marine, climate adaptation, tourism, heritage, health and leisure.

1. Explain and discussrural development and agricultural policy in Ireland.

2. Identify the main opportunities and constraints relating to the development of the rural economy.

3. Discuss the contribution of LEADER and other National and EU Programmes insupporting rural communities.

4. Outline and evaluate conflicts of interest that can occur in the management of natural resources and its possible impacts on rural communities.

5. Describe and evaluate different approaches to the management of our land and natural resources.

6. Explain and discuss the origins of sustainable development in rural devlopment.

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of agroecology through developing an understanding of the abiotic and biotic interactions of terrestrial ecosystems. This module focuses on building an understanding of ecosystem, structure, function and dynamics as the concept of agroecology is based on ecological principles and understanding ecosystem processes. It includes examples from a range of terrestrial ecosystems including coastal, peatlands and heathlands, grasslands, croplands and forests. The module includes practical elements covering the structure and functioning of agroecosystems.

Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: No poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life On Land, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.

1. Describe the fundamental ecological concepts of populations, communities and environment interactions of a range of terrestrial ecosystems (peatland, grassland, cropland, forest and coastal)

2. Describe the biotic and abiotic components of a range ofterrestrial agroecosystems

3. Explain the dynamics, energy flow, and nutrient cycling in a range of ecosystems

4. Identify and classify range ofterrestrial habitats in agricultural landscapes (both extensive and intensively farmed) using both Irish and international habitat classification systems

5. Collect and interpret sample data (biological and environmentaldata) from selectedterrestrial habitats

The focus of the module is on providing students with a working knowledge of techniques and principles to enable them to make good financial decisions, resulting in increased farm income and improved long-term viability. The topics covered by this module will help the farm business to operate at a high level of technical & financial efficiency. This module will cover, step-by-step, the essential elements from developing a strategic plan to acquiring equipment, establishing infrastructure, assessing markets, budgeting, managing day to day operations and selecting a business structure to support long-term viability. The emphasis throughout is on using sustainable agricultural systems and managing the whole farm.

1. Distinguish the keys steps involved in the farm business planning process from an existing enterprise to the establishment of a new enterprise

2. Apply farm management toolsand available labour-saving practices to support confident farm decision-making

3. Describe and evaluate the types and forms of agricultural buildings and infrastructure associated with different farming systems

4. Synthesise the financial supports available to the farm business

5. Define the role of education and knowledge transfer in the decision making process and viability of a farm business

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to aquatic ecology, focusing on the interactions within river, lake, wetland, estuary, and transitional ecosystems. It covers key environmental pressures affecting these ecosystems and methods for assessing water quality through physico-chemical and biological variables. Theoretical knowledge is applied in the field through practical sampling and assessment techniques, with findings presented in technical reports. Emphasis is placed on environmental management strategies to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

1. Synthesisethe interaction of the differentabiotic and biotic processes and how they influence the aquatic environment.

2. Identify the main environmental pressures impacting the aquatic environment and distinguishthe impacts of the different types of pollution and aquatic invasive species.

3. Assess water quality using a range of physico-chemical and biological assessment methods.

4. Apply integrated solutions to environmental management approaches.

5. Undertake integrated field-based sampling and laboratory based biological and physiochemical analyses, with cognisance and evaluation of the risks of working in hazardous environments.

6. Interpret water quality data, research literature and present findings in a technical report.

The module examines the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainable forest and woodland management, while appreciating the role of these habitats in the provision of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. The module focuses on the transformation of Ireland's forest cover and introduces the concept of sustainable forestry and timber and non-timber products as an alternative land use within an agricultural setting. Practical work will include the identification of native, introduced and conifer species which will be mapped to different forest and woodland types.

1. Provide an overview of global and in particular, Irelands forest industry and identify the role of the main stakeholders

2. Evaluate national forest policy and grant aid structures in terms of sustainable woodland management.

3. Demonstrate an ability to identify native, introduced species as well as woodland associated flora and fauna.

4. Describe and contrastthe ecology and ecosystem services provided byplantation and natural woodlands

5. Demonstrate an in-depth appreciation of the multifunctional role of forestry in terms of balancing production with ecosystem services and biodiversity protection

6. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the site specific silvicultural system adopted for both commercial forests and natural woodlands

This module introduces the physical science of climate change including its drivers and impacts. Central to this is an understanding of carbon cycling and greenhouse gas fluxes, with a focus on the land system. The expected risks of climate change to natural and managed ecosystems are explored including the key concept of risk related to the level of global warming. Building on these core concepts climate change adaptation and mitigation are investigated at a global and national level with specific focus on agriculture. Finally, practices by which the land system in Ireland can contribute to climate actions are evaluated. Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: Zero Hunger; Climate Action; and Life on Land.

1. Describe the physical processes which drive climate change including greenhouse gas fluxes and carbon stocks, sinks and sources.

2. Explain the risk climate change poses to human and natural systems includingfood security and ecosystem functioning.

3. Explain the concepts of climate change adaptation and mitigation with reference to the land system at global and national scales.

4. Appraise the options for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Irish land system and specifically foragriculture, soils, land use change and forestry.

5. Evaluate potential trade-offs betweenland based climate actions and other objectives such as space for nature and food security.

This module covers and introduction to the use of Geographical Information Systems for agriculture science students. The learner will study how to obtain, visualise, manipulate and present spatial data using GIS software (e.g. ARCGIS Pro) and the use of GIS software as a decision support application tool.

1. Describe the structure of geographic information and spatial data and the manipulation of such information

2. Identify sources of spatial data and explore modern data capture methods
3. Demonstrate theoretical and practicalknowledge of GIS functions usingsoftware tools applied to real world scenarios.

4. Ability to demonstrate use of GIS tools applied to agricultural and environmental issues

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competencies necessary to better manage grasslands and to give a broad overview of intensive and extensive grassland systems.

1. Identify the optimum growing conditions for grass and grass clover swards.

2. Discuss the reseeding, establishment and weed control requirements for grass, grass/clover and multi species swards.

3. Analyse the daily grass requirement for a given herd of cattle/sheep and identify suitable grazing infrastructure.

4. Investigate and establish grass covers and targets for optimum grass utilisation on a given farm.

5. Design and implement a grazing platform for a given farm situation to include suitable paddock sizes and demonstrate the role of the spring rotation planner, summer wedge and autumn budget.

The module focuses on the legislative ecological monitoring requirements to assess progress in achieving objectives of a wide range of EU legislation and policy including biodiversity policy, the EU Water Framework Directive, Birds and Habitats Directives, Environmental Impact Assessments (with reference to agriculture). This module describes the use of bioindicators and bioindices in ecological monitoring across a range of taxonomic groups and environmental conditions. This module provides an introduction to ecological monitoring in a variety of agricultural ecosystems. Biodiversity assessment and ecological condition assessment using a range of metrics will be taught. Practical work will involve visits to a range of sites to sample, identify and apply a selection of monitoring methods.

Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: No poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life On Land, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.

1. Describe a range of bioindicators and bioindices that can be used in the monitoring of air, water and terrestrial environmental quality

2. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate ecological monitoring systems currently used for condition assessment for various legislativeand policy targets

3. Evaluate the ecological condition ofecosystems in agricultural landscapes using multi criteria assessments

4. Describe biodiversity and its assessment using a range of indices (e.g. similarity, diversity and rarity).

The module focuses on the legislative ecological monitoring requirements to assess progress in achieving objectives of a wide range of EU legislation and policy including biodiversity policy, the EU Water Framework Directive, Birds and Habitats Directives, Environmental Impact Assessments (with reference to agriculture). This module describes the use of bioindicators and bioindices in ecological monitoring across a range of taxonomic groups and environmental conditions. This module provides an introduction to ecological monitoring in a variety of agricultural ecosystems. Biodiversity assessment and ecological condition assessment using a range of metrics will be taught. Practical work will involve visits to a range of sites to sample, identify and apply a selection of monitoring methods.

Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: No poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life On Land, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.

1. Describe ecological management of natural resources and the ecosystem servicesconcept

2. Evaluate ecological management techniques used to manage a range fo terrestrial ecosystems e.g.grasslands, wetlands, peatlands,heathlands,woodland, hedgerows and field boundaries

3. Describe the role of ecological management of agroecosystems in multifunctional agricultural systems to provide co-benefit for nature/biodiversity, climate, water and production

4. Explain the developmentofecological management programmes for a range of ecosystems and evaluate existing national policiesand programmes targeted at ecological management of natural resources e.g. agri-environment schemes, Natura 2000 protected areas

5. Synthesise their understanding of the major ecological processes that determine the structure and functioning of ecosystems and apply adapted ecological managementsolutions to ecological issues.

This module develops the subject of statistics and data analyses to learners as applied in agricultural and environmental sciences. The module will cover descriptive statistics, types of data and variables, data distributions and variability, probability before progressing to data exploration, inferential statistics and data presentation. Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic theoretical and applied statistical concepts and recognition of data and variable types.

2. Manage dataand applystatistical software for relevant analyses of agricultural and ecological data

3. Demonstrate an ability to explore data and exhibit an understanding of descriptive statistics.

4. Apply the principles of hypothesis testing to appropriately select, conduct and report some basic statistical tests including with suitable graphical presentation