Ecology & Management of Grazing Systems

Subject AGRI30029 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twenty-four hours lectures, 36 hours practicals/tutorial sessions
Total Time Commitment:

Contact hours: 60. Estimated total time commitment (including non-contact time): 120 hours.

Prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Brendan Cullen

Contact

bcullen@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Pastures and grasslands comprise the dominant vegetation cover across the Australian continent. The way pastures and grasslands are managed is therefore central to the sustainable use of natural resources such as soil and water, as well as the economic development of the pasture-based livestock industries (meat and wool sheep, beef cattle, and dairy).

This subject will include:

  • An overview of Australia's pasture and grassland resources;
  • the population biology of pasture plants, including the growth cycles of annual and perennial plants, and pathways of plant survival;
  • the major pasture plant species and pasture types, their agronomic and adaptive characteristics and management requirements;
  • pasture improvement principles and practices;
  • plant and pasture growth processes influencing the accumulation of yield in pastures, and implications for management;
  • the feeding and nutritive value of pastures and factors affecting animal intake; and
  • the principles and practices of grazing management.
Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject, students will:

  • understand the basic ecology and agronomy of pasture and grassland communities and the factors that influence yield of a grazed pasture;
  • know the principles underlying efficient pasture and grazing management, and the practices required for sustainable production from grazing systems;
  • appreciate the importance of seasonality in pasture production, and its consequences for the management of grazing systems;
  • have experience in using the practical tools and skills required for the efficient management of grazing systems; and
  • be able to solve problems in the management of grazing systems.
Assessment:

Two hour end of semester examination worth 50% of final mark;

3 assignments of 500 words each (total of 1500 words) due in approximately week 5, week 9 and week 12 collectively totalling 40% of the final mark;

and practical worksheets equivalent to 500 words completed in approximately weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 of semester 2 and collectively totalling 10% of final marks.

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should have developed their:

  • Problem solving and analytical skills;
  • Capacity to tackle unfamiliar problems;
  • Ability to think systemically and integrate knowledge from different disciplines;
  • Communication skills, through written and oral presentations;
  • Quantitative analysis skills; and
  • Sense of intellectual curiosity

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Agricultural Science
Animal Science and Management
Production Animal Health
Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
Selective subjects for B-BMED
Sustainable Production

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