University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

The module is designed to allow postgraduate students working on agrifood & sustainability related topics to contextualise their research within the broader context of agriculture and the agrifood sector in Ireland and globally. Students will be enabled to understand the origins of the Irish agriculture and agrifood sectors, current status, challenges and opportunities of national and international relevance. The module provides an introductory overview of the contribution of farming and the agri-food industry to the Irish economy. Lectures provide an insight to key policy developments which have shaped the current structure of the Irish agriculture and agri-food sector and overview of the current challenges regarding land use change, technology innovations, adoption, environmental and economic sustainability. The module will introduce students to the challenges in Irish livestock and Irish crop sectors, how research in related areas contributes to its continued sustainable development and introduce role of agricultural extension and technology adoption for agrifood sector. The module will be taught in conjunction with experts from Teagasc and other partner organisations of NUI Galway, and will include lectures/seminars from leading international experts. ����1 - No Poverty; 2 - Zero Hunger; 3 - Good Health and Well-being; 4 - Quality Education; 5 -Gender Equality; 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation; 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 10 - Reduced Inequality; 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities; 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production; 13 - Climate Action; 14 - Life Below Water; 15 - Life on Land
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Summarise the main factors which have affected the development of agriculture in Ireland
  2. Explain the linkages between agri-related research across different research areas;
  3. Identify priority and opportunity areas in which research can assist the development of Irish agriculture and agrifood systems;
  4. Present a report placing selected research topic in the broader context of Irish agriculture and agrifood systems;
  5. Demonstrate an improved ability to make oral and written communications of research topics in context of Irish agriculture and agrifood systems;
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (70%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PAB5117: "Understanding Ireland’s Agriculture & AgriFood Sector" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.