This programme in Agri-Environmental Sciences is specifically designed for IT transfer students. It is designed for students who wish to acquire wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of the core sciences that underpin agriculture, the functionality and resilience of agro-ecosystems and the sustainable management of natural resources, all of which are key to a sustainably competitive agriculture sector. The programme fosters an integrated appreciation of the benefits and value of environmental quality in farming systems, and it provides a professional body of knowledge and the capacity for critical thinking that are necessary in identifying effective management solutions to complex environmental concerns based on scientific evidence. To achieve this end, the programme provides a wide coverage of the biological and environmental sciences that underpin our understanding of natural processes within farming systems, and builds on this foundation to develop an increasingly integrated understanding of agro-ecology, the farmed landscape, and rural conservation and management. The programme integrates this scientific knowledge base with a broad understanding of agricultural and environmental policy at Irish, European and global levels. The learning environment includes class, laboratory and field-based tuition, with an emphasis on developing key practical competencies. Student learning is assessed using a range of methods, including continuous class evaluation, written and project assignments and end of semester examinations using written and multiple choice formats. The programme includes 16-20 weeks of Professional Work Experience (PWE) placement in year three, and a final year project that permits students to focus on their particular interests, and to develop self-directed learning and problem solving capacities

1 - Integrate knowledge acquired in applied plant and animal biology, and soil and environmental sciences, with a practical understanding of farm production systems
2 - Apply practical skills in plant and animal identification, soil and water analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in environmental analysis, evaluation and management
3 - Understand the relevance of natural processes that underpin the multifunctional value and productivity of the rural environment
4 - Evaluate and implement solutions for environmental and conservation management problems in agriculture and related forms of rural land use
5 - Devise and implement effective strategies for the management and protection of natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem services in the rural environment
6 - Assess potential environmental impacts, and evaluate and devise acceptable remedies to pressing agri-environmental challenges, including the mitigation of climate change, protection and management of soil and water quality, pest and disease management, and the control of invasive species
7 - Plan, conduct and interpret scientific investigations involving the collection, appropriate analysis and reporting of environmental data
8 - Search and review scientific literature and other reliable information sources, and effectively communicate the acquired knowledge
9 - Use a wide range of field and laboratory procedures and equipment in an efficient and safe way
10 - Develop and utilize a wide range of generic skills useful in further career development through specific class exercises, the final year project and Practical Work Experience (PWE).

In addition to the 50 credits of core modules, students must take additional modules amounting to 10 credits. A period of Professional Work Experience is mandatory and must be undertaken in Stage 3.

In addition to the 40 credits of core modules students must take:
Autumn: 2 out of 3 of option modules (10 credits total) from the Autumn list
Spring: 10 credits of electives, which may include the option module in Spring

Module ID	Module Title	Trimester	Credits
Stage 3 Core Modules
AESC30170	Professional Work Experience	2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)	10
AESC20060	Soil Science Basics	Autumn	5
AESC30080	Agri-Environmental Issues and Policy	Autumn	5
AESC30100	Pests, Parasites and Beneficials	Autumn	5
BIOL30010	Plant Diseases: Biology and Control	Autumn	5
ENVB30010	Systems Ecology	Autumn	5
AESC30010	Scientific Writing and Review	Spring	5
AESC30160	Agrichemicals and the Environment	Spring	5
AESC30230	Climate, Carbon and Soil	Spring	5
Stage 3 Core Modules
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN0OF: Suggested: These modules may expand your knowledge and experience and can be taken in place of electives.
AERD20030	Business Management	Autumn	5
CPSC30100	Emerging Crop Pathogens	Autumn	5
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN0OF: Suggested: These modules may expand your knowledge and experience and can be taken in place of electives.
Stage 3 Options - B)MIN0OF: Please choose the following 5 credit option modules or alternatively a 5 credit elective module to complete the additional 5 credits required for completion of the SpringTrimester.
HORT30040	Landscape Management	Spring	5
Stage 3 Options - B)MIN0OF: Please choose the following 5 credit option modules or alternatively a 5 credit elective module to complete the additional 5 credits required for completion of the SpringTrimester.
Stage 4 Core Modules
AESC30250	Environmental Data and Modelling	Autumn	5
BIOL40370	Plant Pathology and Biotechnology	Autumn	5
CPSC30040	Grass and Forage Production	Autumn	5
AESC40140	Agri-Environmental Nutrient Management	Spring	5
AESC40160	Research Project (AESC)	Spring	15
AESC40340	Environmental Management	Spring	5
Stage 4 Core Modules
Stage 4 Options - A)2 OF: Please choose two of the following 5 credit option modules to complete the additional 10 credits required for completion of the Autumn Trimester.
AESC40150	Wildlife Conservation	Autumn	5
AESC40360	One Health	Autumn	5
AESC40660	Plants, Roots and Productivity	Autumn	5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 OF: Please choose two of the following 5 credit option modules to complete the additional 10 credits required for completion of the Autumn Trimester.
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN0OF: Suggested: These modules may expand your knowledge and experience and can be taken in place of electives.
AESC40690	Ecosystem Monitoring	Spring	5
ZOOL40280	Biological Invasions	Spring	5
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN0OF: Suggested: These modules may expand your knowledge and experience and can be taken in place of electives.

		Award		GPA
Programme	Module Weightings	Rule Description	Description
BHAGR019	Stage 4 - 50.00% Stage 3 - 50.00%	Standard Honours Award	First Class Honours	3.68	4.20
			Second Class Honours, Grade 1	3.08	3.67
			Second Class Honours, Grade 2	2.48	3.07
			Pass	2.00	2.47