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CPSC30040

Academic Year 2024/2025

Grass and Forage Production (CPSC30040)

Subject:
Crop Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Zoe McKay
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Fieldwork Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed for students in Animal and Crop Production/Animal Science/Animal Science Equine and Agri-environmental Sciences. This module will outline the importance of grass at a national, EU and worldwide level. Seasonal and regional variation in grass growth will be discussed. Grassland management including sward establishment, management fertilisation and utilisation will be discussed. Grazing systems and forage conservation techniques will be outlined. The role of nitrogen in grass production, the potential for loss from the system, and strategies (including clover) to reduce inorganic nitrogen inputs and improve sustainability will be detailed. The role of grazing management in the maintenance of sward quality and the advantages and disadvantages of grass based animal production systems including environmental and economics sustainability will be discussed.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the student should be able to: Describe the importance of grass in an Irish agricultural context and outline the advantages and disadvantages of a grass-based agricultural system; Explain the factors affecting grass growth on a seasonal and regional level; Describe the types of grassland and grass species used in Ireland, how varieties are selected and the stages of sward establishment; Evaluate the potential for loss of nutrients from grassland and methods of increasing the efficiency of nutrient use; Discuss the key stages in grassland management; Discuss the interactions between the sward and the grazing animal that impact on sward quality and animal performance; Discuss sustainable grass based agricultural systems; Outline a protocol for the conservation and utilisation of winter feed from grass and potential for alternatives.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Practical

4
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

54
Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a large stage 4 module, therefore in order to keep lectures interactive power point slides in combination with class discussions, YouTube clips, relevant handouts, peer discussion are incorporated. In order to increase the proportion of blended teaching methods to increase variability and engagement, practical classes at the UCD Lyons Farm are incorporated to enhance student learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools for example but not limited to, ChatGPT, are not permitted for use in this module.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANSC30290 - Grassld Mgt & Appl Dairy Nutr

Equivalents:
Grass and Forage Production (CPSC37040)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ Exam Week 5 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Exam (In-person): Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ Exam Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Continuous Assessment: In-class exercises Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
10
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Continuous Assessment: Assignment Essay Week 12 Graded No
50
 No

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

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group/class feedback post assessment after MCQ 1 and 2.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 6 Mon 13:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 13:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 13:00 - 13:50
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