Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science

Course 026AA (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus: 2010 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 12 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Dr Rebecca Ford, Course Coordinator, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Phone: +61 3 8344 9753, Email: rebeccaf@unimelb.edu.au

Contact

Postgraduate Officer, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Phone: +61 3 8344 7834, Email: msle-pgcoursework@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma consists of 100 credit points of study at level 400 and above and is an exit point within the Master of Agricultural Science. The Postgraduate Diploma may be undertaken as either full-time over one year or part-time study over two years and will be delivered at the Parkville campus. International students may only enrol in the course on a full-time basis. The program comprises eight coursework subjects (12.5 points each), seven core subjects and one selective subject. These cover a range of plant and animal disciplines as well as a focus on current and emerging environmental agricultural and associated industry impacts.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science is nested within the first year of the Master of Agricultural Science.
Objectives:

Student who complete this course will achieve the following course objectives:

  • to enable student to explore the interdisciplinary nature of agricultural crop, food and fibre production and markets at an advanced level;
  • to provide students with a sound foundation in the scientific principles and analytical skills behind improved agricultural production systems and their sustainability;
  • to introduce students to advanced research topics and practical applications within the disciplines of agricultural science;
  • to introduce students to industrial applications of agricultural science and the commercial outcomes;
  • to develop a critical understanding of environmental, economic, social and ethical factors related to plant and animal-derived food and fibre production in Australia and globally.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: Core & Selective Subjects
Majors/
Minors/
Specialisations

Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science
Subject Options:

Core Subjects

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
October
12.50

Selective Subjects

Please select one of the following subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Entry Requirements:

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to successfully pursue the course using the following criteria:

  • An honours degree or equivalent qualification; or
  • An undergraduate tertiary qualification with a weighted average of 65% or better in the final year of study; or
  • Successful completion of a Graduate/Postgraduate Diploma with a weighted average of 65% or better.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Graduate Attributes: Graduate in the Postgraduate Diploma program will possess attributes that will ensure they can either find employment in the public or private sectors related to a wide range of agricultural production, environmental, economics, bioresearch and service industries, and community organisations concerned with public good, or continue into further postgraduate programs of study.
Generic Skills:

This couse encompasses particular generic skills. On completion of the course students should have:

  • A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
  • An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources
  • Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
  • Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
  • Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations
  • Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication.
  • Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
  • Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community.
  • Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
  • Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
  • Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects

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