Module Details

Module Code: AGRI S8Z20
Full Title: Agri-Food Production Project
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 2 Semesters
Credits:: 10
Module Owner:: Eamon Mullen
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The student will undertake a desk based research project within the area of agri-food production. It will provide an opportunity for students to integrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired to date and develop their skills through the research, planning, implementation, interpretation and presentation of a defined body of work relating to the programme.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Apply knowledge and skills in the research of a specific aspect of agri-food production.
MLO2 Conduct and present a comprehensive literature review report, with due regard to the Institute Policy on Academic Integrity.
MLO3 Design a suitable programme of investigations and present a comprehensive and viable research plan.
MLO4 Work independently within defined time and resource boundaries.
MLO5 Analyse and interpret the data collected using statistical and other appropriate methods.
MLO6 Present the results of this research effectively in high-quality oral and written formats.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Overview
In this module students will undertake a desk based research project within the area of agri-food production. Each student will be assigned a supervisor who will be responsible for overseeing the research project for the duration of the academic year. Students will collect, collate, review and present information from the literature on the defined topic of their project. Students must submit a typed, bound, project thesis of 7,000 (+/- 500) words using an approved format and perform and defend a 10-15 minute oral presentation of their work.
Module Management
Students who express interest in a specific project area will be allocated supervisors with corresponding expertise. Other students will be allocated a project supervisor by random ballot. The topic area may be chosen from a list provided by supervisors. The supervisor will direct and oversee the project during both semesters. Project titles will be agreed by mutual consent after discussion. Students will be encouraged and facilitated to do projects in association with industry or other external organisations if appropriate. Students will meet with their project supervisor for approximately 30 minutes per week to discuss the planning, experimental design and progress of the work. Supervisors may employ a combination of individual student meetings and ‘team’ meetings. Refresher library tutorials will be provided to improve information retrieval skills and ensure compliance with the Institute Academic Integrity Policy. Students will also attend a tutorial and practical class each week on Statistics and Experimental Design.
Sample Project Titles
• A feasibility study into a gluten free, organic, protein snack bar for the Irish fitness market. • A feasibility study into a nutritional powdered drink supplement for the mitigation of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. • A feasibility study into the setting up of a particular artisan food enterprise on a small to medium sized farm. • An investigation into consumer attitudes to the use of quality assurance schemes for the promotion of a particular category of food product. • Are nutrition labels on food a help or source of confusion to consumers who want to eat healthily? • Do supermarkets encourage food waste? • Nanotechnology and its application to food packaging. • Pros and cons of a sugar tax for the Irish food industry and consumers. • The application of instrumental methods of analysis to the lean manufacturing of food products.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Literature Review and proposal (5,000 ± 1000 words): The student will be required to submit a comprehensive, referenced, literature review on the subject area of relevance to their selected project topic. The student will also be required to include a plan of work for their selected project, including project objectives, methodology, data analysis, project risk assessment, time-line and resource requirements. The literature review and project plan reports will be assessed by their project supervisor and a second reader.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 35
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S2 Week 27 Learning Outcome 1,2,4,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The student will be required to submit a comprehensive thesis on the literature review, methodology, results, data analysis and conclusions of their project using an approved format (7,000 ± 500 words). This report will be assessed by the project supervisor and a second reader appointed from the team of supervisors.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S2 Week 28 Learning Outcome 1,3,4,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The student will be required to prepare and present the project findings in the form of an illustrated oral presentation of 10-15 minutes duration, followed by questions. This will be attended and assessed by the entire team of supervisors and the external examiner will be invited.
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S2 Week 26 Learning Outcome 5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Statistics Assessment
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End of Year Learning Outcome 1,3,4,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Supervisor’s report: The project supervisor will issue a report based on the student’s performance during the course of the project. This will be based on criteria such as attendance, diligence, motivation, initiative and problem solving skills.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Meeting with Supervisor Every Week 0.50 0.5
Tutorial Contact Statistics and Experimental Design Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact Statistics and Experimental Design Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact Review of literature Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent Study Non Contact Preparation of project plan and thesis Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.50
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Murray, R.. (2011), How to Write a Thesis, 3rd. Oxford University Press, Maidenhead, England..
  • DkIT Library. (2015), Guide to Harvard Referencing, DkIT Library.
  • Blaxton, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2010), How to Research, 4th. Open University Press, Oxford, England.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ruxton, G.D. and Colegrave, N.. (2010), Experimental Design for the Life Sciences,, 2nd. Open University Press, Oxford, England..
  • Dawson, C.. (2009), Introduction to Research Methods: a practical guide for anyone undertaking a research project., 4th. How To Books, Oxfordshire.
  • Bolt, B. and Walter B.. (2012), Effective scientific writing : an advanced learner's guide to better English, VU University Press.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources