Agricultural Systems Technology (ETS2)

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The Agricultual Systems Technology programme(s) is aimed at students who wish to build their knowledge and skills-base to address the complexities of developing, deploying and managing technology for the agriculture sector. With a focus on design, numeracy and technology, our students are committed and engaged wtih agricultural production, and specifically technology to enhance efficiency, sustainablity and reliability. Technologies of interest range from computer systems, networks, data management and sensors through machinery systems to precision agriculture. Students will work both individually and in teams while studying modules in basic science, agricultural sciences, engineering technologies and data science delivered by internationally recognised research active academic staff to ensure the content addresses state-of-the-art technologies and innovation. While the major retains an emphasis on lectures and practicals, there is a significant use of problem solving, applications, online materials and work experience to support learning and to provide practical experience. The Agricultural Systems Technology major results in a level 8 BAgrSc (Hons) degree, that can lead directly to a career path or to Masters degrees in Agricultural Systems Technology, Environmental Technology or Sustianable Energy and Green Technologies. These allow students the flexibility to specialise with advanced programmes aligned to their specific interests.


1 - Understand the main components and processes underpinning agricultural systems
2 - Understand the scientific underpinning of technology for agriculture
3 - Understand and assess the full range of health & safety issues associated with work in a farm, factory or forest environment, and be able to use a range of field/laboratory/office/equipment in an efficient and safe way
4 - Manage sensors, data and information in the farm management environment
5 - Assess the role of, and potential for development, of technology for sustainable agricultural development
6 - Devise scientific investigations relevant to all aspects of agricultural systems technology, apply appropriate research methodologies, and interpret findings
7 - Devise and implement technical and technological strategies for optimum agricultural production
8 - Carry out holistic environmental assessment of agricultural production systems
9 - Evaluate agricultural machinery and energy systems and carry out sustainable farm systems management
10 - Evaluate and devise sensing technology for agricultural management
11 - Use a range of written and oral communication techniques and channels to interact effectively with all stakeholders
12 - Develop the ability to direct personal learning and understand the importance of engagement in life-long learning

Graduates will find rewarding and challenging employment in agri-food industries, including:




  • Production Agriculture

  • Environmental Protection

  • Consulting

  • Equipment Manufacturing

  • Agri-Tech



Typical Roles Include Technical and Managerial Positions in:




  • Production

  • Service Provision

  • Environmental Protection

  • Information Technology

  • Manufacturing

  • Process & Product Design



There are also excellent graduate study opportunities to specialise in Environmental Technology, Food Engineering, Sustainable Energy and Green Technology.


Stage 1

In addition to the 50 credits of core and option modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits.

Stage 2

In addition to the 55 credits of core modules, students must complete 5 credits of elective modules.

Stage 3

In addition to the 55 credits of core modules, students must complete 5 credits of elective modules.

Stage 4

In addition to the 55 credits of core modules, students must complete 5 credits of elective modules.

Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
     
CHEM00020 Introductory Chemistry Autumn 5
MATH10230 Mathematics for Agriculture I Autumn 5
PHYC10180 Physics for Ag. Science Autumn 5
RDEV10020 Information Skills Autumn 5
RDEV10030 Introduction to Agricultural Economics and Business Autumn 5
BIOL10010 Animal Biology and Evolution Spring 5
BIOL10030 Cell and Plant Biology Spring 5
CHEM10010 Introduction to the Chemistry of Biomolecules Spring 5
MATH10240 Mathematics for Agriculture II Spring 5
Stage 1 Core Modules
     
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN1OF:
Students must select an Autumn module
     
AESC10010 Land Use and the Environment Autumn 5
FOR10020 Trees and Forests in Ireland Autumn 5
FDSC10010 Food Diet and Health Autumn and Spring (separate) 5
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN1OF:
Students must select an Autumn module
     
Stage 1 Options - B)MIN0OF:
Choose your electives from any available modules across UCD or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, these are available:
     
FDSC10010 Food Diet and Health Autumn and Spring (separate) 5
BSEN10010 Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge Spring 5
CPSC10010 Introduction to Crop Science Spring 5
HORT10020 Plants and People Spring 5
RDEV10040 Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management Spring 5
Stage 1 Options - B)MIN0OF:
Choose your electives from any available modules across UCD or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, these are available:
     
Stage 2 Core Modules
     
AESC20060 Soil Science Basics Autumn 5
BSEN20060 Food Physics Autumn 5
COMP10010 Introduction to Programming I Autumn 5
FDSC20010 Food Macronutrients Autumn 5
FOR20100 Applied Biostatistics Autumn 5
MICR20010 Agricultural Microbiology Autumn 5
ANSC10010 Introduction to Animal Science Spring 5
ANSC20020 Animal Nutrition I Spring 5
BSEN20150 Agricultural Engineering Principles Spring 5
CPSC20030 Principles of Crop Science Spring 5
RDEV20140 Health, Welfare & Safety in Agriculture Spring 5
Stage 2 Core Modules
     
Stage 2 Options - A)MIN0OF:
Choose your elective from any available modules across UCD that fit your term dates or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, this is available:
     
CPSC20020 Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production Spring 5
Stage 2 Options - A)MIN0OF:
Choose your elective from any available modules across UCD that fit your term dates or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, this is available:
     
Stage 3 Core Modules
     
BSEN30510 Professional Work Experience 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 10
AERD20030 Business Management Autumn 5
BSEN20170 Applied Programming for Agricultural Technology Autumn 5
BSEN30170 Agricultural Mechanisation: Engines and Crop Machinery Autumn 5
BSEN30190 Agricultural Mechanisation: Hydraulics and components Autumn 5
CPSC30040 Grass and Forage Production Autumn 5
FOR30430 Geographic Information Systems Autumn 5
BSEN20040 Biosystems Engineering Research Trends Spring 5
BSEN30520 Sensors and Sensing Systems Spring 5
BSEN30530 Numerical Methods for Agricult Spring 5
Stage 3 Core Modules
     
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN0OF:
Choose your electives from any available modules across UCD that fit your term dates or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, these are available:
     
AESC30230 Climate, Carbon and Soil Spring 5
ANSC30050 Experimental Design and Data Analysis Spring 5
FOR30070 Forest Harvesting Spring 5
HORT30390 Plant Biotechnology & Micropro Spring 5
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN0OF:
Choose your electives from any available modules across UCD that fit your term dates or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, these are available:
     
Stage 4 Core Modules
     
AERD30190 Farm Business Management Autumn 5
BSEN30240 Waste Management Autumn 5
BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Autumn 5
BSEN40570 Capstone Project 1 Autumn 5
COMP20070 Databases and Information Systems I Autumn 5
BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring 5
BSEN30210 Precision Agriculture Spring 5
BSEN40510 Precision Livestock Management Spring 5
BSEN40520 Optical Sensing Technology Spring 5
BSEN40550 Capstone Project 2 Spring 10
Stage 4 Core Modules
     
Stage 4 Options - A)MIN0OF:
Choose your electives from any available modules across UCD or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, these are available:
     
BSEN30280 Water and Wastewater Engineering Autumn 5
BSEN30020 Buildings and Environment Spring 5
BSEN30030 Air Pollution Spring 5
Stage 4 Options - A)MIN0OF:
Choose your electives from any available modules across UCD or, if you prefer something in Agriculture, these are available:
     
See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info  
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHAGR001 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


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