Agriculture & Food Science - Plants & People
The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of the importance of plants for human life.
Duration
Spring Trimester - January to May
MODE OF DELIVERY:Blended
Eligibility
Learning Exclusions:
Those who have previosuly taken Plants and People as an elective are advised not to register to this module.
While no students are excluded from this module, the content of the module may be too basic for students in Stages 3 and 4.
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
Careers / Further progression
Open Learning means you can fit university around your life. Whether you're looking to progress your career, or you've just finished school and wondering if university is for you, Open Learning fits around your schedule and gives you all the benefits of being a full-time student, without the full-time commitment.
Open Learning allows you to select the modules you wish to study, set the pace of your study, and whether you undertake the module assessment. It also can lead to undergraduate degree entry in UCD if you are taking the Certificate in Open Learning (30 credits) or if you are a Mature Student you can take one module (5 credits) in lieu of the MSAP exam.
There are 14 Progression Pathways to choose from Students who earn 30 credits (6 x 5 credit modules) receive a NFQ Level 7 Certificate in Open Learning. This can be used to apply through the CAO for dedicated places on 14 different UCD degree programmes depending on Grade Point Average (GPA) and modules completed.
Further information
TRIMESTER: Spring
To get started, you need to first complete and submit an online pre-registration form. Applications will reopen again on 8 August 2023.
The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of the importance of plants for human life. Plants are the basis of life on earth and have long be used by humankind for food, shelter, medicinal, cosmetic, design, art and other purposes. They also have a fundamental role to play in the regulation of climate. Historically plants have also been used in the creation of many well known gardens and parks and in recent times sports pitches and golf-courses. This module delivered by several lecturers, both internal and visiting, and provides a broad overview of the production of foodstuffs, such as fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, cereals and important beverages such as beer and coffee. The use and production of plants for ornamental and other uses will also be discussed. The horticultural industry in Ireland and its key sectors will be outlined. The production of trees and shrubs and their use in the design and management of private gardens, parks and open spaces in the past and present will be described. The social, economic and environmental benefits of plants for both those in urban and rural areas will be examined. The topic of social horticulture and its role in the development of social capital will be also be discussed. The criteria for a successful playing surface for football and golf will be described. Students will be directed to background material in the Library and the World Wide Web. As this is a Stage 1 module emphasis is placed on linking this module with other Stage 1 modules in the Agricultural Sciences Programme in particular.
We have a dedicated team who supports the Open Learning programme:
Jenny Doyle, Centre Operations Manager - jennifer.doyle@ucd.ie
Lucy and Ciarán are members of our Operations Team and they can also help you with your queries. Get in touch with us by emailing all@ucd.ie