Crop Science

BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

As a student in our Crop Science Programme, you will learn about the science, production, and management of crops from genes to fields. With a focus on agronomy, you will explore crop production and soil management to improve yield and quality. Our expert faculty members are active researchers in the rapidly developing field of agriculture and agribusiness. In addition to a strong foundation in basic sciences, you will have the opportunity to study emerging crop pathogens, organic agriculture, climate and soils, and plants and diets.

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

In first and second year, the focus is on the development of the key basic sciences that underpin a crops agronomy course such as soils science, agricultural botany, agricultural chemistry and economics. The focus then moves to more crop science applied courses and builds on your initial science to give you a more advanced understanding of crop science including modules such as pesticide use, integrated pest management, plant nutrition and climate and soils.

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

  • Soil Science
  • Microbiology
  • Agricultural Botany
  • Arable Crop Production
  • Business Management

Third Year

  • Plant Diseases
  • Pesticide Use
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Control of Weeds
  • Soil Science
  • Nutrition
  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)

Fourth Year

  • Farm Business
  • Cereal Production
  • Organic Agriculture
  • Forest Production
  • Emerging Crop Pathogens
  • Climate & Soils
  • Plants & Diets

Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures and tutorials, participating in 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

A 16-week period of structured PWE takes place in third year and may be a combination of on farm, agri-business and research centre placements. PWE can be taken in Ireland or abroad.

The course is designed to allow you to take the Autumn Trimester aboard in third year in an international university such as:

• Kansas State University, USA
• Purdue University, USA
• Michigan State University, USA
• Olds College, Canada

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The potential opportunities for graduates are in a wide variety of areas such as

• Agribusiness
• Brewing and malting sectors,
• Crop advisory work for state organisations
• Private consultancy
• Financial services

This is also a very suitable degree if you intend to pursue full-time farming or combine part-time farming with a professional career. Research opportunities to master’s and PhD level are available.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“UCD has partnered with the leading agribusiness company, Origin Enterprises plc to develop the next generation of digital tools for use by the farmer and agronomist. CONSUS is a €17.6m programme over 5 years, which is jointly funded by Science Foundation Ireland and Origin Enterprises. CONSUS, is a collaborative research programme focused on the application of precision agriculture to crop production with a particular emphasis on optimisation of agri-food production systems leading to more efficient food production with lower environmental impacts. The outcomes from this research programme will deliver a step-change in crop agronomy tools and practices, leading to enhanced global competitiveness and inform teaching on the new Crop Science degree programme.”

Professor Kevin McDonnell, Programme Director

Contact Information

Professor Kevin McDonnell
e. kevin.mcdonnell@ucd.ie

UCD Agriculture and Food Science School Office,
Agriculture and Food Science Centre,
Belfield, Dublin 4

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