Agricultural Engineering - BEng

Program Overview

Through workshops, lectures, and a 30-week work placement, students develop expertise in diagnosing and repairing modern farm machinery, setting them up for careers in technical and managerial roles within the field. The program also prepares graduates for further study in related engineering disciplines.

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.