COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc in Agricultural Science at the University of Galway is a four-year honours program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of modern agriculture and agrifood systems. In Year 1, students build a strong scientific foundation, taking core modules in Chemistry (CH101), Biology (BO101), Physics (PH101), Introduction to Agricultural Science (AG1101), Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture (DEV1102), and Sustainable Development (DEV1100). These modules provide essential knowledge in the life, physical, and environmental sciences while introducing concepts of sustainability and the principles underpinning modern agricultural systems.Year 2 focuses on integrating scientific knowledge with applied agricultural skills. Students study modules such as Livestock Animal Nutrition (AG2101), Farm Safety and Risk Assessment (AG2102), Sustainable Agriculture (DEV2101), Introduction to GIS (TI2102), Agronomy of Crop Production (AG4103), Animal Health, Welfare and Quality Assurance (AG2103), Animal Breeding and Reproductive Physiology (AG2104), Microbes and the Environment (MI204), AgriBiosciences (PAB2101), and Comparative Rural Business Development (DEV2100). These modules provide a balance of technical, biological, and management knowledge, preparing students for practical farm-based applications and decision-making.In Year 3, students advance to applied farm practice and global perspectives in agriculture. Core modules include Farm Financial Management and Planning (DEV3100), Grassland and Forage Production (AG3101), Soil Science (PAB3101), AgriBiosciences for Sustainable Global Development (PAB3102), Food Systems and Climate Change (PAB4108), Farm Diversification Seminar Series (AG3105), Farm Practice and Performance Benchmarking (AG3104), and a 20-credit Agri-food Placement (AG3103). This year emphasizes real-world experience through placements, benchmarking, and sustainability-focused agricultural practices.Year 4 is designed for specialisation and strategic planning, with modules including Animal Systems I-III (AG4101, AG4102, AG4105), Climate Change, Plants & Agriculture (PAB4103), Farm Business Planning (DEV4100), Farm Planning (AG4104), Current Topics in Plant & AgriBiosciences (PAB4106), Microbiomes Underpinning Agriculture (MI4107), Agronomy of Crop Production (AG4103), Plant and Agricultural Genetics (PAB3103), Plant and Agri-Biotechnologies (PAB4104), and Whole Farm Planning (DEV4101). The focus is on integrating scientific knowledge, sustainability, and farm business planning, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute to resilient, climate-smart food systems globally.