Module Details

Module Code: AGRI6001
Title: Land Mechanisation
Long Title: Land Mechanisation
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 6210 - Agriculture
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide the learner with a broad understanding of the working principles of tractor engines, land cultivation machinery and small horticultural machines. The skills associated with the safe use of crop sprayers, land cultivation and seeding machinery are also developed during the module.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe safe working methods and practices in accordance with associated legislation.
LO2 Describe working principles of engines.
LO3 Describe and perform 50, 100 and 300 hour engine service requirements for tractors and machines.
LO4 Drive and operate a tractor proficiently for basic applications.
LO5 Discuss the use of suitable machinery for land cultivation and agricultural applications.
LO6 Calibrate, maintain and operate boom type and handheld pesticide applicators in line with criteria set down in the sustainable use of pesticides directive based on QQI 5N1797.
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).
14035 AGRI6001 Land Mechanisation
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
Safety
Safe procedures. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and hazard identification.
Tractor Operations
Tractor controls, three point linkage and trailer hitching procedures, driving manoeuvres, safety awareness and hazard identification, use of tractor instrumentation, displays and clocks, forward speed calibration.
Engine and Ancillary Systems Operating Principles
Four and two stroke petrol and diesel engine operating cycles. Engine layout, construction and operation. Engine lubrication, cooling, fuel systems, air intake system, engine electrical systems.
Engine maintenance
Engine service and maintenance procedures, service schedules and recording.
Land Cultivation & Seeding
Use and maintenance of ploughs and cultivation machinery. Calibration, setting and use of mechanical feed and pneumatic type seed drills for planting grain crops.
Crop Sprayers
Calibration, maintenance and use of crop sprayers for pesticide application (boom type and hand held applicators). Sprayer nozzle types, application rate calculations, pesticide types and classifications, labels and packaging of pesticides, environmental risk assessment, notification criteria, pesticide application recording criteria, use of protective clothing.
Basic Workshop Practices
Identification and safe use of hand and power tools for tractor and engine maintenance applications.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,6
Assessment Description
Complete a risk assessment document for an agricultural or horticultural operation
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Practical calibration and operation of boom type sprayer combined with short answer questions.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Tractor driving and operating controls and implements in a safe manner along with short answer question assessment.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Essay or detailed descriptive answer type questions based on the operating systems of internal combustion engines, based on lecture material and further research.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Fieldwork and workshop based practical training sessions Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students are expected to do an additional three hours of self-directed independent learning weekly. The lecturer will at times indicate to students areas they should pay particular attention to. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Fieldwork and workshop based practical training sessions Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students are expected to do an additional three hours of self-directed independent learning weekly. The lecturer will at times indicate to students areas they should pay particular attention to. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Dempsey, P.. (2018), Troubleshooting and Repairing Diesel Engines, 5th. 2,5,7,8,9,12,13, McGraw-Hill Educational Books, US, [ISBN: 9781260116434].
  • Larkin Hansen, S. & A.. (2015), Maintaining Small-Farm Equipment, Storey Publishing, [ISBN: 9781612125275].
  • Joseph Kinsella. (2012), Health, Safety & Welfare Law in Ireland, Ch 1-4 & 7-9, Gill & Macmillan Ltd, [ISBN: 9780717152636].
  • Hanlon, J.. (2011), Pesticide Application Workbook PA0111, Teagasc Curriculum Development & Standards Unit.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Heywood, J.B.. (2018), Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals, 2nd. 1,10,11,12,13, McGraw-Hill Education, US, [ISBN: 9781260116106].
  • Bill Butterworth. (2012), Farm tractors, Springer, London, [ISBN: 9780419132400].
  • Culpin, C.. (2008), Farm Machinery, 12th. [ISBN: 978144370301].
  • Paul Dempsey. (2010), Two-stroke engine repair & maintenance, 1st. McGraw-Hill, New York, [ISBN: 978-0071625395].
  • Maher, J., Moloney, J. and Tully, E.. (2006), Safety on the Farm, Teagasc.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 1 Mandatory
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 1 Mandatory
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 3 Elective
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 5 Elective
CR_BAGRI_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Agriculture 1 Mandatory