FOR30070
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=FOR30070&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=ETS2&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Forest Harvesting (FOR30070)
Subject: : Forestry
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Dr Brian Tobin
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This seven-week module covers the harvesting machinery and systems used in world forestry, with a special focus in Ireland. A prior knowledge of management, engineering and soils is required, as harvesting interacts closely with each of these. In addition to the coverage of the machinery and systems, a range of topics is discussed that make it possible to evaluate harvesting operations as an integral part of the overall sustainable management of forest resources. These topics include systems analysis, terrain analysis, time and motion study, machine costings, harvesting and the environment, ergonomics, and health and safety issues. The basic aspects of timber transportation is also covered in this module.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
Describe the range of harvesting machinery and systems in use in Ireland and abroad. Recognise factors influencing the effectiveness and efficiency of these machines and systems. Evaluate machinery and systems based on the full range of these factors. Understand the relationships between forestry machines and the environment.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Student Learning | 75 |
| Lectures | 28 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 103 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is taught using a blend of traditional lecture approaches (slide presentations as well as "chalk & talk") as well as group-based peer-to-peer discussion sessions where a range of literature (from machine specification brochures, to environmental impact reports, to research reports and technology update bulletins) is critically examined. This is designed to familiarise students with traditional information sources but also to keep them abreast of topical and newly developing material.\ The continuous assessment assignment provides an opportunity for students to combine topics such as machine design and environmental sensitivity with concepts concerning ergonomics, health and safety, and systems analysis.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): Final written exam. | Week 7 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 75 | Yes |
| Report(s): Forest harvesting machinery evaluation assignment. | Week 12 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 | Yes |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Summer | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment\ • Peer review activities\ • Self-assessment activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Feedback on learning activities is integrated into the group problem-solving and critical evaluation of literature exercises. The small class size allows for feedback on development to both individuals as well as groups. This occurs throughout the 7 weeks. Following the first 3 to 3 weeks, moderated peer-to-peer and self evaluation in used within group dynamics and discussions.
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Mon 12:00 - 12:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 23, 24 | Thurs 11:00 - 11:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 25, 26 | Thurs 11:00 - 12:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 23, 24 | Thurs 12:00 - 12:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Tues 11:00 - 12:50 |