Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture
| Duration | 4 years |
|---|---|
| Code | DK882 |
| Location | Ballyhaise |
Awarding Body: DkIT
Progression: Research postgraduate positions in DKIT or other Institutions
Location: Ballyhaise Agricultural College and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
Application: CAO
Maintenance Grant: Application through SUSI (Means Tested)
Entry Requirements
Entrants must have a pass or higher in at least six Leaving Certificate subjects (including Maths and Irish or English) including a grade C3 or higher in two Higher Level subjects and at least 300 points. Entrants from Northern Ireland must have at least two academic A levels at grade C or higher and four other subjects at GCSE, AS or Applied A Levels, to include Mathematics and English (or Irish). BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Applied Science are also accepted.
Course Aim
The aim of this programme is to produce graduates with knowledge, skills and competencies to respond effectively to current and future developments in Agriculture and the Agri-Food Industry. The programme will provide graduates with a strong foundation in science, business and agriculture and will specifically develop skills and knowledge in the areas of animal and crop production, animal husbandry and biosecurity, health and safety, agricultural mechanisation, financial and business management, entrepreneurship and innovation, environmental protection and the production and processing of safe, quality-assured food. Graduates will have knowledge and appreciation of national and international policy and legislation and will have excellent communication skills, research competence and the ability to respond to the challenges of larger scale, market-led production, alternative rural enterprise and environmental sustainability.
Location
The programme is based in Ballyhaise Agricultural College (3 days per week in first year) and Dundalk Institute of Technology (2 days per week in first year).
Course Structure and Content
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Chemical Sciences Animal and Crop Production Science Mathematics and Computing Farm Business Management 1 Agricultural Mechanisation |
Academic and Research Skills Biological and Chemical Sciences Animal and Crop Production Science Farm Facilities and Machinery Farm Business Management 2 |
|
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Farm Business Management 3 Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition Quality Assurance Dairy, Sheep, Pigs and Poultry Production Cattle Production |
Farm Business Management 4 Crop Production (incl Forestry and Mushrooms) Regulatory and Legal Issues Health and Safety Work Placement (8 -12 Weeks) |
|
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Financial Management Systems Marketing for the Agri-Business Sector Quality Management in the Food Industry Soil Science and Land Management Food Processing, Analysis and Production Management Research Methods |
Quality Management on the Farm Agricultural Entrepreneurship Business Management Systems Agricultural Production and Management Systems Agriculture in the Environment Internship - 3 months (placements available in New Zealand, US, or Europe) |
|
| Year 4 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Agricultural Policy and Professional Practice Value-added Agri-Food Products Herd Health and Biosecurity Pollution Control in the Agri-Food Sector Agri-Science Project |
Agri-Food Business Excellence Sustainable Rural Development Large-Scale Farm Management Elective: Agricultural Biotechnology OR Food Biotechnology Agri-Science Project |
Progression and Career Options
Graduates can progress to the MSc in Biotechnology in DkIT or to research postgraduate positions in DkIT or other Institutions.
Career Options:
- Commercial farmer or farm manager
- Researcher
- Agricultural advisor with consultancy or state body, eg Teagasc
- Technical sales role
- Analytical or research scientist in the waste management sector
- Quality manager or production supervisor in the food industry
- Rural entrepreneur
Further Information
Dr Breda Brennan, Head of Department of Applied Science, DkIT
Tel: 042 9370265 Ext 2976 Email: breda.brennan@dkit.ie