Introduction to Agricultural Systems

Subject 208-167 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twenty-four hours of lectures and 36 hours of tutorials/workshops
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
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

Mr Chris Laird
Subject Overview:

Encompassing both natural and social sciences, the subject provides a foundation to consider sustainable approaches to agricultural production, and the impact of agricultural systems on people and the environment. Students will be introduced to the nature of agricultural production systems as managed ecosystems, how they function, how they interact with the natural environment and how they are intimately connected with human society and social changes.

Through the introduction of sciences as they apply to agriculture, students will be further prepared for the theoretical concepts encountered in specific discipline areas in latter parts of the course.

Students will be introduced to the concepts of decision making and the evaluation of changes in terms of outcomes and consequences.

Topics include:

  • agriculture in the environment - air, land and water; natural and social;

  • natural cycles within food and fibre production - eg. nutrients, reproduction, growth and development;

  • perpetuation of food and fibre production - sustainability, genetics;

  • productivity and Landscapes - use of technology, chemicals and fertilizers;

  • ecology of crops and pastures;

  • catchment ecology - factors impacting on water quality; and

  • global issues - issues associated with climate change and deforestation.
Assessment: One 2-hour examination 50%, students teams will also participate in, and submit a report on three practical field trials/experiments; each will contribute 10% to their final grade (total 30%). One individual literature-based assignment of 2000 words, 20%.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available
Related Course(s): Associate Degree in Agriculture

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