The Animal and Crop Production (ACP) programme aims to provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the animal and crop industries both nationally and globally from a social, economic, global and environmental perspective and that guarantees the production of safe food. We encourage our students to explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret theories, and assumptions in the animal and crop science area. We encourage our students to find, access, and critically evaluate information, and then be able to communicate effectively through writing, speech, and visual information. We do this by providing learning environments that integrate teaching, research, assessment and learning, individually and through group activities so as to develop leadership, critical and reflective practice, effective communication and inquiry skills. The diversity of learning environments (classroom, off campus practical’s – particuarly UCD Lyons Farm, field work, work placement) and methods ensure that students have a stimulating learning experience, which should equip them with the skills necessary to provide professional leadership and support for the expanding and dynamic agricultural sector industry. The ACP programme aims to be an integral component in ensuring the continued success of both the Irish animal and crop industries. Through our curriculum and experiential opportunities, we aim to develop leadership ability, integrity, and curiosity in our students and an inquiry based learning approach is employed incorporating a diverse range of teaching and assessment methods such as case studies, group projects, project work and professional work placements.
- School
- School of Agriculture and Food Science
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Undergraduate
- NFQ Level
- 8
- Award
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Dr Alan Kelly
- Overall Programme Credits:
- 240
- Programme Credits:
- Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Stage 4
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10 - Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
- Stage 1: 55
Stage 2: 50
Stage 3: 60
Stage 4: 50
Curricular information is subject to change.
If you are interested in working closely with farmers in advisory or agribusiness roles, developing more efficient ways of rearing animals and growing crops, this degree is for you.
1 - Describe core sciences including plant and animal biology, in order to demonstrate an in depth knowledge of growth, development and improvement of farm animals and crops.
2 - Demonstrate an understanding of the principles in animal production systems, crop production systems, animal and crop nutrition, grassland systems, soil science, plant pathology, agricultural economics, business and communications.
3 - Analyse the relationships between inputs and outputs in various agricultural fields to make effective and profitable decisions.
4 - Formulate animal and crop production systems that are economical, sustainable and profitable.
5 - Understand the animal and crop industries in Ireland and globally in a way that is welfare and environmentally friendly and guarantees the production of safe food.
6 - Explain the importance of sustainability in relation to animal and crop production systems from a social, economic, global and environmental perspective.
7 - Describe the fundamental principles relating to agricultural economics, farm business management, marketing of farm produce and understanding of supply chain dynamics.
8 - Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern agricultural organizations.
9 - Understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they may affect the future of agriculture, and have the capacity for lifelong learning so as to remain informed of such evolving technical, economical and regulatory frame works.
10 - Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills as they apply to a variety of animal and/or plant production systems.
11 - Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and an ability to work effectively with others.
2 - Demonstrate an understanding of the principles in animal production systems, crop production systems, animal and crop nutrition, grassland systems, soil science, plant pathology, agricultural economics, business and communications.
3 - Analyse the relationships between inputs and outputs in various agricultural fields to make effective and profitable decisions.
4 - Formulate animal and crop production systems that are economical, sustainable and profitable.
5 - Understand the animal and crop industries in Ireland and globally in a way that is welfare and environmentally friendly and guarantees the production of safe food.
6 - Explain the importance of sustainability in relation to animal and crop production systems from a social, economic, global and environmental perspective.
7 - Describe the fundamental principles relating to agricultural economics, farm business management, marketing of farm produce and understanding of supply chain dynamics.
8 - Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern agricultural organizations.
9 - Understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they may affect the future of agriculture, and have the capacity for lifelong learning so as to remain informed of such evolving technical, economical and regulatory frame works.
10 - Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills as they apply to a variety of animal and/or plant production systems.
11 - Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and an ability to work effectively with others.
If you are interested in working closely with farmers in advisory or agribusiness roles, developing more efficient ways of rearing animals and growing crops, this degree is for you.
The Animal & Crop Production option within the BAgrSc degree provides you with a broad knowledge of agriculture relating to crops, animals and agribusiness. The objectives of this degree are to give you:
- Knowledge of the growth, development and improvement of farm animals and crops
- Knowledge of the agribusiness industry and the internal and external factors influencing it
- The capacity to draw on this knowledge base to formulate animal and crop production systems that are economic and sustainable
- The capacity for lifelong learning so as to remain knowledgeable of evolving technical, economic, policy and regulatory frameworks
- Communication and technology skills that are applicable to many areas of professional employment
The Animal & Crop Production degree option is distinctive in that it develops an understanding of the science and business of crop and animal production and their interactions in an environment that is constantly changing due to technology, economics and social and agricultural policy.
The Animal & Crop Production option within the BAgrSc degree provides you with a broad knowledge of agriculture relating to crops, animals and agribusiness. The objectives of this degree are to give you:
- Knowledge of the growth, development and improvement of farm animals and crops
- Knowledge of the agribusiness industry and the internal and external factors influencing it
- The capacity to draw on this knowledge base to formulate animal and crop production systems that are economic and sustainable
- The capacity for lifelong learning so as to remain knowledgeable of evolving technical, economic, policy and regulatory frameworks
- Communication and technology skills that are applicable to many areas of professional employment
The Animal & Crop Production degree option is distinctive in that it develops an understanding of the science and business of crop and animal production and their interactions in an environment that is constantly changing due to technology, economics and social and agricultural policy.
STAGE 1
Stage 1 concentrates on the basic sciences and includes project work in which you explore areas of animal and crop production.
STAGES 2-4
You will take a number of modules, ranging from relevant applied sciences (such as Soil Science, Microbiology) to intensive study in the areas of Animal Husbandry, Crop Husbandry, Farm Business, Agricultural Policy and Communications, together with an opportunity for selection of elective subjects and project work. The animal and crop facilities at the UCD Lyons Research Farm are widely used as teaching aids in this degree option, particularly in the final stages of the programme. An extensive eight-month period of Professional Work Experience is undertaken from January of Stage 3.
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Between January and September in Stage 3 you undertake a period of Professional Work Experience in Ireland or abroad. This is a central part of the programme and allows you to gain practical skills, which make a valuable contribution to your CV and can lead to employment offers following graduation.
Stage 1 concentrates on the basic sciences and includes project work in which you explore areas of animal and crop production.
STAGES 2-4
You will take a number of modules, ranging from relevant applied sciences (such as Soil Science, Microbiology) to intensive study in the areas of Animal Husbandry, Crop Husbandry, Farm Business, Agricultural Policy and Communications, together with an opportunity for selection of elective subjects and project work. The animal and crop facilities at the UCD Lyons Research Farm are widely used as teaching aids in this degree option, particularly in the final stages of the programme. An extensive eight-month period of Professional Work Experience is undertaken from January of Stage 3.
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Between January and September in Stage 3 you undertake a period of Professional Work Experience in Ireland or abroad. This is a central part of the programme and allows you to gain practical skills, which make a valuable contribution to your CV and can lead to employment offers following graduation.
Between January and August in third year, you undertake a period of PWE in Ireland or abroad. You can also study abroad in trimester one of third year, at universities including:
- Lincoln University, New Zealand
- Iowa State University, USA
Graduates are employed in a wide variety of areas, such as:
- Agribusiness
- Animal and crop industries
- Consultancy
- Semi-state or government agencies
- Financial services
- Print, radio and television media
This is also a very suitable degree if you intend to pursue full-time farming or combine part-time farming with a professional career. Research opportunities to Master’s and PhD level are available.
Stage 1
In addition to the 55 credits of core modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 5 credits. Option modules may be taken in place of electives.
Stage 2
In addition to the 50 credits of core modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits. Option modules may be taken in place of electives.
Stage 3
A period of Professional Work Experience is mandatory and must be completed in Stage 3.
Stage 4
In addition to the 50 credits of core modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits. Option modules may be taken in place of electives.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AESC10010 | Land Use and the Environment | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM00020 | Introductory Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MATH10230 | Mathematics for Agriculture I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC10180 | Physics for Ag. Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
RDEV10020 | Information Skills | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
RDEV10030 | Introduction to Agricultural Economics and Business | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ANSC10010 | Introduction to Animal Science | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BIOL10010 | Animal Biology and Evolution | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BIOL10030 | Cell and Plant Biology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM10010 | Introduction to the Chemistry of Biomolecules | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CPSC10010 | Introduction to Crop Science | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
FDSC10030 | Our Food, Our Planet: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
PHYC10190 | Aspects of Physics for Ag. Sci | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
RDEV10040 | Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
AESC20060 | Soil Science Basics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
FOR20100 | Applied Biostatistics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
HORT20070 | Agricultural Botany | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
MICR20010 | Agricultural Microbiology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
ANSC20010 | Genetics and Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
ANSC20020 | Animal Nutrition I | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BSEN30020 | Buildings and Environment | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CPSC20020 | Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
FDSC20100 | Agricultural Biochemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
RDEV20140 | Health, Welfare & Safety in Agriculture | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
AERD20030 | Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
BIOL20050 | Climate Change and Agriculture | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
BSEN30170 | Agricultural Mechanisation: Engines and Crop Machinery | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
FDSC20010 | Food Macronutrients | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
AESC20050 | Applied Zoology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
BSEN20150 | Agricultural Engineering Principles | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC20030 | Principles of Crop Science | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC20040 | Physiological Plant Ecology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CPSC30010 | Professional Work Experience | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 30 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
AESC30100 | Pests, Parasites and Beneficials | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
AESC30220 | Soil Science Applications | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30010 | Animal Reproduction | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30020 | Animal Breeding I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30040 | Animal Nutrition II | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BIOL30010 | Plant Diseases: Biology and Control | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
AERD30190 | Farm Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30120 | Non-ruminant Animal Production (Swine & Poultry) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30400 | Beef Production | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30410 | Dairy Production | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CPSC30040 | Grass and Forage Production | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CPSC40010 | Cereal Production | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
AERD30210 | Food and Agricultural Policy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30390 | Sheep Production | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CPSC30030 | Root and Alternative Crop Production | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
RDEV30060 | Professional Communications | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
AESC40150 | Wildlife Conservation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
AESC40660 | Plants, Roots and Productivity | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
BSEN40410 | Food Chain Integrity | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC30050 | Organic Agriculture | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC30100 | Emerging Crop Pathogens | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
RDEV30380 | Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
AESC40140 | Agri-Environmental Nutrient Management | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
ANSC30130 | Principles of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
ANSC40040 | Advanced Dairy Production | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
BSEN30020 | Buildings and Environment | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC40040 | Developments in Grassland | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC40050 | Devs in Crop Production & Util | Spring | 5 |
See the UCD Assessment website for further details
Module Weighting Info
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 |
|||
| BHAGR003 | 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 |
|||