Agricultural Science

The Science of Farming and Food

.
Why consider Agricultural Science?
• If from a farming background
• Very accessible subject - practical / logical
• Complements Biology / Geography
• Project can be completed early, freeing up
time in 6th Year.
• It’s really interesting!!
 Introduction

• A Science Subject (not ‘farming’!!) – Laboratory component

• Study of the science underpinning Irish farming.
• Animal and Crop production.
• Experiments (approx. 25)
• A requirement to gain practical knowledge and experience –
farm visits / “adopted farm”
• Project / Practical work is worth 25% of Final Grade.
Animals Crops Soil Science Genetics Environment

Classification Ecology
Classification Soil Formation
DNA /
Breeds Chromosomes
Environmental
Cows, \ Cattle Sheep Barley Beet
Protection
\ Pigs Potatoes Chemical / Physical
Properties of soil
Catch crops
Grassland /Maize Inheritance
Animal Physiology, Mutation Pollution
Reproduction. Soil Types -
implications for
farming
Plant Physiology,
Genetic crosses Organic Production / Biological
Nutrition / Digestion Seed production
Mono and di- Controls
hybrid crosses
Mineral Nutrients /
Lime / Fertilizers
Management for
production Crop end use
Forestry
Applied Genetics
Diseases / Disease
Prevention

Grassland / Grazing
Management. Progeny and
Performance
Grass conservation Testing
 Practical Requirements
• Project and Lab Copy = 25%
• Important to do a very good project
• Project starts in September of 5th Yr – can complete by Yr end.
• Need to identify an ‘adopted farm’ – on which to base your
practical experience, but farm visits are organised.
• Hand-out on Project
• Write up experiments / practicals
• External Examiner, practical exam – May of 6th Year.
 Challenges of the Subject
• New terminology – good standard of English
required - at Higher Level particularly.

• Self discipline to complete Project Work on

time and to a good standard.
 Advantages of the Subject

• Syllabus is compact – generally complete by

Christmas of 6th Year.
• Significant overlap with both Biology and
Geography – thus saving work.
• Suits logical / practical thinkers.
• Students from farming backgrounds have a
significant advantage.
 Thank You

• I am happy to meet with anyone who would like to

discuss this subject further.

• Ms. Walsh Room 407