Agricultural Engineering

Program Overview

Agricultural Engineering – BEng

Course Overview

This course provides students with education and training to work within the area of Agricultural Technology. The focus of this course is firmly on the provision of skilled technicians for the farm machinery industry in Ireland. Course content includes tractor engineering and workshop process, machinery operation, electrical and electronic technology, administration and management, engineering science and mathematics, engineering drawing and CAD and computer studies, project and industrial placement together with a high degree of personal and practical skills. Students will be taught a mix of technology, practical, academic, administrative and managerial modules which will prepare them to carry out complex diagnostics and repairs of modern machinery and to be receptive to future technological developments to take advantage of vacancies that will arise within the industry.

Course Details

• CAO Points: 303
• Location: Moylish, Limerick City
• Duration: 3 years
• Course Code: US769
• Level: 7
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Department: Mechanical and Automobile Engineering

Course Modules

Year 1

• Agricultural Engineering Science & Maths 1
  • Credits: 10
  • Description: This module introduces the learner to the basics of engineering science and mathematics, and how to apply these to problems in the field of agricultural technology.
• Introduction to Electrical & Electronic Technology
  • Credits: 10
  • Description: The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the basics of farm machinery electrics and electronics. Areas of study include the use of the multimeter, wiring circuits of agricultural machinery, testing and diagnostics of issues in wiring and electronic circuits.
• Introduction to Tractor Engineering and Workshop Processes
  • Credits: 15
  • Description: The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the basics of farm tractors and workshop repair processes for example diesel engines, hydraulics, brakes and transmissions and welding.
• Machinery Operations
  • Credits: 10
  • Description: The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to operation, setup and maintenance of agricultural equipment such as modern grass and forage equipment and tillage equipment.
• Project
  • Credits: 10
  • Description: The focus in this module is to prepare the student for the working environment. This is achieved by the correct planning, organisation and repair or fabrication of equipment used by the agricultural industry. Projects are fabrication or repair based for example: Fabrication: log splitters, post driver and bale handlers Repair: Tractor engines, clutches, brakes, hydraulic, transmissions or machinery repair.
• Computer Applications including CAD
  • Credits: 5
  • Description: In this module the students study engineering design and drawing. Also involved is commercial packages used in agriculture.

Year 2

• Industrial Placement
  • Credits: 15
  • Description: Students complete 30 weeks work placement in agricultural dealerships/garages, fabricators, large contractors. Foreign placement is also available with large scale combine and forage harvesting crews. The placement will give students the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in college.
• Agricultural Engineering Science & Maths 2
  • Credits: 5
  • Description: Introduce the learner to more advanced engineering science and mathematics.
• Intermediate Electrical & Electronic Technology
  • Credits: 10
  • Description: Introduce the learner to the complex electrics and electronics on farm machinery such as Isobus, CAN bus and sensor technology.
• Intermediate Tractor Engineering
  • Credits: 10
  • Description: This module introduces the learner to more complex aspects of the modern tractor such as modern engine features and modern tractor transmissions systems.
• Workshop Administration
  • Credits: 5
  • Description: This module emphasises the management/business/administrative aspect of the Service Manager’s job. The module covers service department work-related areas such as Workshop Loading and Control, Workshop Efficiency and Productivity, Workshop Layout, Warranty Administration and Customer Service Process. The module also covers the work of the Dealer Principal, the Parts Sales and Vehicle Sales departments.
• Business Management
  • Credits: 5
  • Description: This module is designed to provide an overview to the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship and business management. Learners will gain a knowledge of and appreciation for the need to apply sound business techniques to managing a farm business. The module will also cover the issues involved in farm succession and inheritance.
• Computing, Agricultural Engineering
  • Credits: 5
  • Description: This module will help students understand some practical applications of computers in the Automotive, Transport and Agricultural Industry with particular regard to tractor and agricultural machinery dealerships, machinery dealerships, agricultural machinery manufacturers and agricultural contractors.

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Agricultural CAD & Design 1
• Agricultural Tractor Systems and Technology 1
• Engineering Mathematics 3
• Hydraulics, Control & Diagnostics on Agricultural Tractor & Machines 1
• Material & Mechanics

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Agricultural Tractor Systems & Technology 2
• Control & Diagnostics on Agricultural Tractor & Machines 2
• Engineering Mathematics 4
• Individual Project
• Mobile Hydraulics

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
• Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• Level 6 Craft Certificate (Trade), National/Higher Certificate: Candidates who hold a Senior Trade Certificate and/or National Craft Certificate or holders of a National/Higher Certificate (Level 6) in Engineering or Technology may be considered for admission to Year 2 of this programme.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Career Opportunities

• Employment opportunities for graduates include Technical/Engineering Drafting, Field Technician, Service and Diagnostic Technician, Agricultural Engineering Manufacturing, Agricultural Engineering System Maintenance and Management, Agricultural Engineering Sales, Service, etc.
• Graduates may continue on to suitable Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering/Science honours degree course in TUS such as Mechanical Engineering.

Additional Information

• The course has a high practical content with the inclusion of a 30-week work placement in approved training locations such as main garages, contractors and fabricators. Students will also have the opportunity to complete the work placement in the United States with large scale combine or forage crews.
• Successful graduates may also receive the Green Certificate in agriculture from Teagasc.
• This course is run in conjunction with the Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. In Year 1, 4 days are delivered in Pallaskenry with 1 day attendance at TUS Moylish campus in Limerick. In Year 2, 3 days are delivered in Pallaskenry and 2 days in TUS. In Year 3, 2 days are delivered in Pallaskenry and 3 days in TUS.

Program Outline

Agricultural Engineering – BEng - TUS

Degree Overview:

This 3-year full-time BEng program focuses on providing students with the education and training necessary to work within the area of Agricultural Technology, specifically targeting the farm machinery industry in Ireland. The program emphasizes the development of skilled technicians capable of performing complex diagnostics and repairs on modern machinery.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the technical skills to diagnose and repair modern farm machinery.
• Prepare students to be receptive to future technological developments within the industry.
• Develop a strong foundation in engineering science, mathematics, and computer applications.
• Foster practical skills through hands-on experience and a 30-week work placement.
• Enhance personal and managerial skills to succeed in the agricultural technology field.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Agricultural Engineering Science & Maths 1 (10 Credits): Introduces the basics of engineering science and mathematics, applying them to agricultural technology problems.
• Introduction to Electrical & Electronic Technology (10 Credits): Covers the fundamentals of farm machinery electrics and electronics, including multimeter usage, wiring circuits, and diagnostics.
• Introduction to Tractor Engineering and Workshop Processes (15 Credits): Focuses on the basics of farm tractors and workshop repair processes, including diesel engines, hydraulics, brakes, transmissions, and welding.
• Machinery Operations (10 Credits): Introduces the operation, setup, and maintenance of agricultural equipment like modern grass and forage equipment and tillage equipment.
• Project (10 Credits): Prepares students for the working environment through planning, organization, and repair or fabrication of agricultural equipment.
Examples include fabrication of log splitters, post drivers, and bale handlers, and repair of tractor engines, clutches, brakes, hydraulics, transmissions, or machinery.
• Computer Applications including CAD (5 Credits): Covers engineering design and drawing, as well as commercial software packages used in agriculture.

Year 2:

• Industrial Placement (15 Credits): Students complete a 30-week work placement in agricultural dealerships/garages, fabricators, or large contractors.
Foreign placement is also available with large-scale combine and forage harvesting crews. This placement provides practical experience and job skills.
• Agricultural Engineering Science & Maths 2 (5 Credits): Introduces more advanced engineering science and mathematics.
• Intermediate Electrical & Electronic Technology (10 Credits): Covers complex electrics and electronics on farm machinery, including Isobus, CAN bus, and sensor technology.
• Intermediate Tractor Engineering (10 Credits): Focuses on more complex aspects of modern tractors, such as modern engine features and transmission systems.
• Workshop Administration (5 Credits): Emphasizes the management/business/administrative aspects of a Service Manager's job, covering areas like workshop loading and control, efficiency, layout, warranty administration, and customer service.
• Business Management (5 Credits): Provides an overview of entrepreneurship and business management, covering farm business management, succession, and inheritance.
• Computing, Agricultural Engineering (5 Credits): Explores practical applications of computers in the automotive, transport, and agricultural industries, with a focus on tractor and agricultural machinery dealerships, manufacturers, and contractors.

Year 3:

• Semester 1:
• Agricultural CAD & Design 1
• Agricultural Tractor Systems and Technology 1
• Engineering Mathematics 3
• Hydraulics, Control & Diagnostics on Agricultural Tractor & Machines 1
• Material & Mechanics
• Semester 2:
• Agricultural Tractor Systems & Technology 2
• Control & Diagnostics on Agricultural Tractor & Machines 2
• Engineering Mathematics 4
• Individual Project

Teaching:

• The program includes a mix of theoretical and practical modules.
• Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, workshops, and laboratory sessions.
• The program is delivered in conjunction with the Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co.
Limerick.
• Further Study: Graduates may continue on to suitable Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering/Science honors degree courses at TUS, such as Mechanical Engineering.

Other:

• Successful graduates receive the Green Certificate in agriculture from Teagasc.
• Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co.
Limerick (SACP) charges a separate additional fee to students for food, materials, and accommodation.