BAgrSc Hons Agricultural Science

at University College Cork

All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.
 

Year 1 Modules

• AG1001 Introduction to Agriculture (10 credits)

• BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease

• BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution

• BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals

• CM1202 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry for Agricultural Sciences (10 credits)

• FE1019 Introduction to Food and Agricultural Economics

• FE1030 Introduction to International Food Policy

• FS2005 Principles of Food Science & Technology

• MA1001 Calculus for Science Part I 

• PY1109 Physics for Agriculture & Environmental Science
   

Year 2 Modules

• BC2001 Biomolecules 

• BC2002 Principles of Metabolic Pathways

• ST2001 Introduction to Biostatistics

• BL2001 Plant and Animal Genetics

• MB1001 Introduction to Food & Industrial Microbiology

• PL1012 Fundamentals of Physiology 

• NT2023 Animal Nutrition 

• EV1002 The Environment 

• FE2011 Introduction to Agri-Business Management 

• PS2002 Ecological Plant Physiology

• PS2003 Plant Identification 

• AG2001 Agriculture II (Sustainable Food Production) 
   

Year 3 Modules

• GN3003 Population and Evolution Genetics

• AG3004 Grass and Forage Production (including Breeding) 

• FS3023 Milk Production and Quality for Processing

• ST3910 Design of Experiments for Agriculture and Animal Scientists

• AG3002 Soil Science and Soil/Land Management 

• AG3003 Growth & Lactation Physiology

• FE3023 Agri-Production Economics

• FE3024 Agri-Food Co-operatives and Sustainability

• AG3001 Internship (Work Placement) (15 credits)

• AG3006 Farm Safety and On-Farm Risk Assessment
   

In year 3, students will undertake a total of 30 weeks of Work Placement (AG3001) across two settings ; first an 18-week farm placement with one of Irelands top (in many cases award-winning) dairy farmers, where you will experience all aspects of day to day management of an intensive, highly efficient, profitable and sustainable dairy farming operation. You will access information sources relevant to the critical appraisal and strategic management of a successful modern dairy farm business. Later in the summer, the opportunity to spend 12 weeks amidst one of Ireland’s key industry stakeholders tailored to your individual interest will be arranged. These Work Placements form the basis of a substantial final year project (AG4001), representing assessment based on real-world application, challenging and consolidating your learning from the entire course.
 

Year 4 Modules

• AG4007 Bovine Health, Behaviour and Welfare 

• AG4002 Applied bovine genetics and genomics

• AG4003 Animal Nutrition II (including feed conservation)

• AG4004 Grassland Management 

• AG4005 Farm infrastructure Design and Farm Mechanisation 

• AG4006 Production Systems, Analysis and Management

• AG4001 Final Year Research Project (10 credits)

• AG4008 Business Structures, Career Progression & HR Management on Farms

• AG4009 Bovine Reproduction & Fertility Management

• AG4010 Communication, Innovation & Innovation support on Farms 

• FE4002 Global Food Policy

At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. 
 

The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
 

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
 

• English    O6/H7

• Irish    O6/H7

• Maths    O6/H7 or H4*  

• Lab Science    O6/H7 or H4*  

• Note      H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science

* If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths or Computer Science an 06/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.
 

Mature students:  Applicants should apply directly to the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview. Applicants must have studied a Laboratory Science subject at second-level or QQI/FETAC level or demonstrate involvement in Science related areas. Approximately two places are available on this course for mature students.
 

International Students 

It is recommended that students hold a valid full driving licence prior to commencing their Work Placement in year 3.
 

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

The fees for BAgrSc Hons Agricultural Science may vary from  €22,500 to €25,000 anually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for international students.

Students will be highly employable in the agri-food sector on completion of this programme. Postgraduate opportunities are also possible for those wishing to pursue further studies.