LIT_fulltime2017

LC428
Department of Applied Science
Code: LC428
Programme Level: 7
CAO Points 2016: 220
Duration: 3 Years
Class Contact Hours: Yr 1: 24 hrs per week
Yr 2: 21 hrs per week | Yr 3: 18 hrs per week
Environmental Management
in Agriculture
Bachelor of Science
What is the programme about?
Agri-food and Fisheries is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry. It collectively employs some 150,000 people with
an annual output of over €24 billion. The agriculture and agribusiness sector is growing strongly, and there are
further plans for expansion under the Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 reports. A key challenge for
agriculture will be to increase production in a sustainable manner which does not negatively impact on the natural
environment. This programme will provide a strong foundation in science and environmental management,
combined with specialist agriculture modules. It will allow successful graduates to work in the agri-sector, with a
clear understanding of relationships between agricultural, food production, and key environmental issues.
The programme is delivered in conjunction with the existing B.Sc. in Environmental and Geographical
Sciences. Approximately two thirds of the programme focuses on science and environmental management
with one third focused on agricultural issues. The degree is run in co-operation with Gurteen College,
Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary where a ten credit module takes place in the first year of the programme titled “Farm
Enterprises - Theory & Practice”. The second and third year see progressively increased content relating to
agriculture, with considerable lab work, field work, field trips and computer skills sessions provided
throughout the degree. A sustainable development stream allows wider reflection on balancing the needs of
the environment, the economy and society while a professional development module prepares students for a
work placement during the summer of third year.
Who is the programme suited to?
This programme will suit people with an interest in agriculture and the environment. School subjects such as
geography, agricultural science, biology and chemistry are particularly relevant. It is also suitable for mature
students with relevant work experience. The programme incorporates options for students to be able to exit with
a Level 6 Higher Certificate award after two years. Graduates will be eligible for positions within the science and
environmental management sector and be particularly qualified where these positions arise within the agri-sector.
Location:
Thurles Campus, Co. Tipperary
Minimum Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5
O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate
subjects, including Mathematics and
English or Irish.
QQI FET/FETAC Applicants & Mature
Applicants: Refer to section ‘Entry
Requirements’ for further information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact: Mr. Clifford Guest,
Programme Leader
Tel: 0504 28253
Email: paula.briody@lit.ie
Web: www.lit.ie/Courses/LC428
Facebook.com/EnvironmentalCourse
Modules
Year 1: Introduction to Environmental Science, Applied Environmental Science, Environmental Maths and
Computing, Rural Land Use and the Environment, Farm Enterprises – Theory & Practice, Introduction to
Sustainable Development, Personal Effectiveness.
Year 2: Earth Science & Ecology, Field Study Skills & Geographic Information Systems, Conservation and
Biodiversity Management, Management Systems in Agriculture, Agriculture & the Agri-Business Sector,
Environment and Sustainable Development.
Year 3: Water Quality and Environmental Impacts of Agriculture, Research Techniques, Geographic
Information Systems, Key Issues in Agriculture, Environmental Auditing & Environmental Impact
Assessment, Work Placement, Professional Development, Train the Trainer.
What can I do after the programme?
Students may wish to progress to the current 4th year B.Sc. (Hons) in Environmental & Geographical
Sciences award or to a 4th year add-on honours degree in Environmental Management in Agriculture which is
currently being developed by LIT. Employment opportunities include work with companies carrying out onfarm
environmental and sustainability auditing; as environmental technicians or environmental officers with
businesses, public sector bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Undergraduate Prospectus 2018/2019
71