Agricultural Systems Technology
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllThis 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.
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.
A 16-week period of structured Professional Work Experience takes place in third year. PWE can be taken in Ireland or abroad.
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
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.
“Having grown up on a dairy farm, I have always held a keen interest in all thing’s agriculture. In particular cutting edge agricultural technologies and their role in sustainable agricultural production systems. For this reason, I chose to study Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) at UCD. During my time at UCD, I completed a six-month professional internship in the Netherlands with the leading dairy automation company, Lely. Practical modules within the AST course such as sensors and sensing systems, agricultural mechanisation and computer programming allowed me to excel in this practical internship. Working with highly motivated and driven teaching staff ensures that you achieve your maximum potential.”
Mark O’Dowd, Student
Professor Nick Holden
e. nick.holden@ucd.ie
Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Belfield, Dublin 4
