Course Information
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time- Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN250
CAO Points Range 2019: 423
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 175
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
- Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge
- Agricultural Economics
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Programming
- Information Skills
Second Year
- Agricultural Engineering Principles
- Animal, Crop and Soil Science
- Applied Biostatistics
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Food Physics
- Food Macronutrients
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-semester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.
International Study Opportunities
There are opportunities to study abroad for one semester 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
“My interest in the Agricultural Systems Technology programme stemmed from a combination of having an avid interest in engineering and being immersed in agriculture due to my farming background. I spent a semester studying in Purdue University, Indiana. Without doubt, this was the best college experience. I completed my PWE in Dairymaster, an Irish owned company who design and construct milking parlours for clients globally. With the projected growth in this area this is invaluable experience to have gained. With all the current advances in agriculture and the increased dependence on precision and accuracy, I am glad to be studying in this area. I see myself returning to my home farm one day, but am sure this course will lead to plenty of other employment opportunities.”
Bill O’Neill Student
