Module Details

Module Code: EPRO6001
Title: Protecting Rural Environments
Long Title: Protecting Rural Environments
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8510 - Environmental Protection
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to give learners an understanding of fragility of the natural environment and the role of farmers and horticultural practitioners in its preservation and protection.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the elements of the rural environment and discuss how human activities such as food production can impact on the local and global environment and how regulators strive to minimise this impact.
LO2 Describe the significance of farm generated organic material as pollutants and fertilisers and the need for responsible use of animal and crop protection products so that farming is efficient and safe for the environment and consumers.
LO3 Perform laboratory investigations and demonstrations to understand the processes which underlie the protection of environments from damage.
LO4 Analyse data, reports and case studies to assess and understand the need for and effectiveness of control and regulation of the environmental impact of food production.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Quality of the Environment
Elements of the environment, Environment as a resource, Effect of farming and industry on the environment. Invasive species and their control.
Organic Pollution.
Nutrients as pollutants. Management of manures and effluents. Water pollution and effects on aquatic organisms. Effluent analysis.
Heritage, Flora and Fauna Conservation
Environmental impact of farming. Biodiversity. Ancient sites and the built environment. Conservation. Hedgerows and wildlife habitats. Regulated conservation schemes.
Crop and Animal Protection Products in the Environment.
Selection, storage, application and disposal of agri chemicals. Security, control and safety. Biodegradable and persistent products. Bio-accumulation and bio-concentration.
Environmental Protection.
"The polluter pays" principle. Legislation and regulation. Environmental protection agencies and enforcement. Directives and Schemes.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Environmental Management Project
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Laboratory Sessions, Case Studies and Presentations
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Course work assessment
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact laboratory Analysis, Case Studies, Presentations Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed Learning, study, project work Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Gary Thorpe. (2015), AP Environmental Science, 6th. Barron's Educational Series Inc., p.576, [ISBN: 1438005520].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Website, Environmental Protection Agency. www.epa.ie.
  • Website, Irish Government Departments of Agriculture and Environment. www.irl.gov.ie.
  • Website, Teagasc. www.teagasc.ie.
  • Website, Origin Green. origingreen.ie.
  • Website, Farmers Journal. farmersjournal.ie.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 5 Mandatory
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 5 Elective