Agricultural Engineering Major Project

This module represents the work to be delivered independently by a student to the solution of a broadly defined Agricultural engineering problem and therefore its objective is to assess their capabilities in executing a challenging project (i.e. time management skills, synthesising Agri. Science and Engineering knowledge, the ability to design, built, test and analyse a solution to a complex agricultural problem, presentation skills, technical writing abilities etc.). The student will apply Project Planning and Management tools to plan, manage and control the operation of the project.

The project provides the learner with an opportunity to synthesise the agricultural science, farming practices and engineering knowledge gained from both experiential and formal learning across programme to solve a broadly defined engineering problem, and therefore the net outcome is a good demonstrator of their overall Agricultural Engineering capabilities.

At the beginning of the academic year, learners select or proposes an Agricultural project and are allocated a supervisor (The duty of the supervisor is to guide and advise the learner throughout the project). A schedule of project milestones, deliverables and deadlines is also given to the learner and these are assessed at various agreed stages throughout the year. The project will also address the relevant Sustainable Development Goals which have been highlighted by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations as being focused on the engineering profession.

1. Research, critique and analyse best practices in Irish animal or crop production.

2. Apply and intertwine the engineering and agricultural knowledge accumulated throughout the programme to solve a broadly defined problem.

3. Take responsibility for their own work, appreciate the importance of milestones and deadlines, and develop their ability to work as an individual with or without the support of a supervisor.

4. Independently conduct research in a particular field of engineering using the leading publications, journals, conference papers etc.and critical review and reflect on these publications. The project will also address the project appropriated Sustainable Development Goals highlighted by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations.

5. Apply effective communication skills when communicating with technical, academic and lay individuals or groups.

6. Apply Project Planning and Management tools to plan, manage and control the expenditure and operation of the project by modularising the project into a series of milestones and deliverables.

7. Write a technical report, create a poster, develop a video and make a presentation on the all work completed, including references and recommendations for future work.