ANSC40040
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=ANSC40040&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=CPS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Advanced Dairy Production (ANSC40040)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 4 (Masters)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Karina Pierce
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : Online
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module is designed to expand further on dairy production components included in Dairy Production (ANSC 30040) and to introduce new topics not addressed previously. The core focus of this module is sustainable dairy production systems and factors impacting on sustainability and resilience of dairy production systems including environmental, economic and social factors. Calf and heifer rearing form another important component of this module as a corner stone of sustainable dairy production. \ Each student is expected to complete a group project, which is usually a detailed case study of a dairy farm involving a critical analysis (SWOT analysis) of the most important aspects of the dairy enterprise. The module also involves a field trip to a number of dairy farms.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module the students should be able to: Discuss critically selected aspects of sustainable dairy production systems including an analysis of the issues in terms of the most up-to-date information available; Critically evaluate dairy production in Ireland relative to our main international competitors; Carry out a detailed examination of a farm-based case study, analyse and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various aspects of the dairy enterprise and make recommendations; Prepare a professional report on a case study.
Indicative Module Content:
Sustainable dairy production systems; grass based dairy farming, higher input dairy farming; factors impacting profitability and resilience of dairy farms
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Specified Learning Activities | 36 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 40 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Field Trip/External Visits | 8 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 108 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Delivery of this module includes a combination of lectures, a class field trip to commercial farms, peer and group activities and a group project.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:\
If you do not have either the pre-requisite or co-requisite module, but have equivalent courses please contact the module coordinator.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:\ ANSC10010 - Intro to Animal Science\ \ Co-requisite:\ ANSC30410 - Dairy Production\ \ \ \
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): This exam involves an MCQ type assessment to assess student learning mid-trimester. | Week 6 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 | No |
| Exam (In-person): The final exam will involve essay type questions assessing student learning over the trimester. | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Graded | No | 40 | No |
| Group Work Assignment: Students will participate in a group project based on a case study of a dairy farm. | Week 12 | Graded | No | 35 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
No
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Yes - 2 Hour |
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\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\ • Peer review activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Not yet recorded.
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, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 | Mon 11:00 - 12:50 |
| Spring | Field Trip | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 24 | Mon 13:00 - 17:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 21 | Mon 14:00 - 14:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 23 | Mon 14:00 - 14:50 |