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Agricultural Science
Agricultural Science
Senior Cycle
Senior Cycle
Summary
Leaving Certificate agricultural science involves the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture. It aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote the sustainability of agricultural resources, and places emphasis on the managed use of these resources. Plants and animal types associated with agriculture are studied, and investigations are undertaken into such aspects as soil, ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology.
Why Study Agricultural Science?
Ag Science remains a very popular subject among students in Ireland and reflects our agricultural background. This subject also proves popular among students who are planning to study Veterinary Science, Science or Medicine in college.
What kind of Student would Ag Science suit?
Some experience of farming would be desirable but not necessary.
Career Sectors
This subject builds skills and knowledge that are particularly useful for careers in the following Career Sectors:
More info can be found at CareersPortal
Exam Structure
Written Paper - 75% of Marks Project - 25% of Marks
Written Paper - 75% of Marks Project - 25% of Marks
Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science Course
Overview of the 2 year course:
Students complete 22 experiments over the two years.
Students also have to complete a project that is worth 25%. This project known as the Individual Investigative Study (IIS).
Students visit a farm in 6th year in Co Tipperary.
Key specifications for the curriculum: https://curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/9ad3071d-b58d-4988-9afc-f4e229ceb864/NCCA-Specification-for-Leaving-Cert-Agricultural-Science.pdf
Blue colour – these topics are covered throughout the 2-year course.
Brown colour – these topics are covered mainly in 5th year.
Purple colour - these topics are covered mainly in 6th year.
Strand 1: Scientific Practices
Hypothesising and experimenting
Evaluating evidence and communicating
Working safely
Strand 2: Soils
Soil formation and classification
Physical characteristics of soil
Chemical characteristics of soil
Biological characteristics of soil
Soil management
Strand 3: Crops
Plant physiology
Applied plant genetics
Plant classification
Principles of crop production and management
Barley
There is a choice to cover chapter 13 or 14. We cover 14.
Potatoes
Catch crop: Kale (Higher Level Only)
Energy crop: Miscanthus (Higher Level Only)
There is a choice to cover ch 15 or 16. We cover 15.
Grassland characteristics and growth
Grazing and grassland management
Sowing and reseeding grassland
Conservation of grass
Strand 4: Animals
Animal nutrition
Animal physiology
Animal reproduction
Applied animal genetics
Dairy breeds, nutrition and management of a dairy herd
Milk composition, milk production and the dairy industry
Beef breeds and beef production: dairy calf to beef and suckler beef production
Sheep breeds and production
Lamb production and husbandry
Pig breeds, management, nutrition and production
Animal health and disease
Environmental impact of agriculture and markets for Irish produce
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