AESC30100 Pests, Parasites and Beneficials

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module provides an overview of the biology and ecology of invertebrate pests, parasites and beneficials of agricultural importance, and in introduction to integrated pest management. Topics include: the biology, life histories and identification of the major pest, parasite and beneficial groups, review of the main types of damage and benefits caused, the nature and causes of pest and disease outbreaks and the basic principles of pest control and integrated pest management. The module comprises taught lecture classes and a total of 6 x 2 hour practical classes held in the laboratory for class groups A and B on alternate weeks during the trimester. Students will be informed of their practical class group at the start of the trimester.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:- Recognise, and describe the biology, ecology and economic importance of the main groups of crop pests, beneficials and livestock parasites in Irish agriculture. Understand livestock parasite transmission strategies, and crop pest cycles. Be aware of the variety of possible control strategies, especially with regard to understanding life cycles and the causes of pest/parasite incidence. Understand the concept of integrated pest management, and the key steps involved in designing an IPM strategy. Understand the interaction between husbandry practice, environment, and crop and livestock disease incidence in relation to integrated control strategies.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

12
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

106
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures, lab work, group work 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

This module (AESC 30100) and AESC 30210 Plant Protection - Pests ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. Students who take AESC 30210 cannot take this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
BIOL10030 - Cell and Plant Biology

Incompatibles:
AESC30150 - Forest Protection, AESC30210 - Plant Protection - Pests


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Lab Report: Assessment of in class lab reports following practicals Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30
Examination: End of term examination with a combination of essay and multiple choice questions 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Tara Dirilgen Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Alison O'Reilly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Dara Stanley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Annetta Zintl Lecturer / Co-Lecturer