Course Information
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time- Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN250
CAO Points Range 2021: 440
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 267
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
This course 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 will be committed and engaged with farming and food production, and specifically with technology, to enhance efficiency, sustainability and reliability. Technologies of interest range from computer systems, networks, data management and sensors, through machinery systems to precision agriculture.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
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 and Sustainable Energy and Green Technology.
What Will I Study
Students will study modules in basic science, agricultural sciences, engineering technologies and data science.
Modules include:
First Year
- Animal Biology & Evolution
- Introductory Chemistry
- Mathematics for Agriculture
- Physics for Agricultural Science
- Agricultural Economics & Business
- Introduction to Biomolecules
- Cell & Plant Biology
- Information Skills
- Optional Modules
Second Year
- Agricultural Engineering Principles
- Animal, Crop and Soil Science
- Applied Biostatistics
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Food Physics
- Food Macronutrients
- Computer Programming
Third Year
- Agricultural Mechanisation (engines, hydraulics, components and machinery systems)
- Sensors & Sensing Systems
- GIS & Remote Sensing
- Business Management
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Numerical Methods for Agricultural Technology
- Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Fourth Year
- Precision Agriculture (crops)
- Precision Livestock Management
- Optical Sensing Technology
- Databases and Information Systems
- Experimental Project
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Quantitative Risk Assessment
- Waste Management
Students will spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practicals, and undertaking independent study.
A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following blog post: Reasons to study Agricultural Science in UCD.
International Study Opportunities
There are opportunities to study abroad for one trimester in third year. Possibilities include:
- University of California, USA
- University of Queensland, Australia
- Michigan State University, USA
- Kansas State University, USA
- Purdue University, USA
Testimonial
“I chose the Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) course, as I have always had a keen interest in not only farming but engineering, technology, and understanding why things do what they do. The course is a great way to understand the background of our farming practices and how we can use technology to improve them further. The course is small and close-knit, which means you know everyone, and it makes classes very enjoyable. AST has given me so many opportunities, including studying abroad at Queensland University in Australia. I completed my PWE with Self Help Africa, where I worked on projects where technology is used to create better farming practices for third world country farmers. With the way the world is changing and growing, I think studying AST is the way forward.”
Claudia McCormick, Student
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Contact Information
Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: agandfoodprogrammes@ucd.ie
