Agricultural Mechanisation – Higher Certificate in Engineering

CAO Points: 254
Campus: Moylish, Limerick City
years: 2

Course Code US651
Level 6
Course Type Undergraduate
Study Mode Full Time
Department Mechanical and Automobile Engineering

Course Overview

This programme provides students with education and training to work within the area of Agricultural Technology. The focus of this programme is firmly on the provision of skilled technicians for the farm machinery industry in Ireland.

The subject matter 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.

The programme 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 abroad with large scale combine or forage crews. The placement will give students the job skills necessary for today’s employment market.

This programme is run in conjunction with the Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. In Year 1, 4 days are delivered in Pallaskenry with 1 day attendance on TUS’s Moylish campus in Limerick city. In Year 2, 3 days are delivered in Pallaskenry and 2 days in TUS Moylish.

Successful graduates will also receive the Green Certificate in Agriculture from Teagasc.

Contact Details

Colm Egan

Email: Colm.Egan@pallaskenry.ie

What are the 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. Find out more here.

Please Note

Applicants are advised that those with a grade less than O4 in Ordinary Level Mathematics may have difficulty coping with the mathematics content of this programme.

Course Modules

Year 1

Introduction to Agricultural Engineering Science and Mathematics

Credits: 10

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

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

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

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

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

In this module the students study engineering design and drawing. Also involved is commercial packages used in agriculture.

Year 2

Industrial Placement

Credits: 15

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.
Intermediate Agricultural Engineering Science and Maths

Credits: 5

Introduce the learner to more advanced engineering science and mathematics.
Intermediate Electrical & Electronic Technology

Credits: 10

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

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

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

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

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.
Agricultural Production

Credits: 5

This module gives the students an overview of dairy and beef production systems in Ireland. It examines the issues relating to agricultural output such as quality assurance, crop production and animal health. Practicals are undertaken on the college farm at Salesian Agricultural College.

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gained employment in the following areas: Machinery Dealerships, Machinery Importers, Machinery Manufacturers, Agricultural Contractors, Fabricators and Heavy Plant trades.

Further Study

Graduates of the programme can progress to a Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering or to a Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering in Road Transport Technology and Management degree in TUS.