Bachelor of Rural Business (Honours)

Course 866-DO (2008)

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

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Undergraduate

Contact

Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien, Course Coordinator, Faculty of Land and Food Resources, Phone: +61 3 5833 9253 Email: obriend@unimelb.edu.auMs Jacinta Way, Undergraduate Coordinator, Faculty of Land and Food Resources: Phone: +61 3 5833 9292 Email: jway@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview:

This course, offered at the Dookie campus, has a strong core of business. It combines an understanding of business systems with an overview of biological and production systems, communication and information skills and incorporates science, management and information technology in the context of problem solving. It develops knowledge and skills in accounting, finance, management, economics, information technology, business law, markets and marketing, policy and human resource management, in the context of an understanding of business practices and operating environments thereby allowing entry into business management and professional services.

Australia has seen the introduction of new industries in regional areas, many of which have a value adding and/or processing component. In addition, there are Government initiatives to address environmental issues such as water availability and rights, salinity, global warming and environmental accountability. To equip graduates with the skills needed in this new rural business environment the Bachelor of Rural Business is strongly focused on the modern business operating environment. The degree provides a comprehensive understanding of business operation, markets and competition, post farm gate activities, value adding, international trade, economic growth, environmental and resource sustainability issues and rural development.

Students will analyse and evaluate businesses and develop innovative management practices and solutions to enhance such businesses. They will be able to specialise in:

  • Agribusiness

  • Regional Development

  • Rural Management or

  • Small to Medium Enterprise Management.
Objectives:

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

  • essential business management skills;

  • an understanding of the theory and principles of business practices and business tools;

  • a high level of understanding of the issues facing rural and regional businesses;

  • an understanding of the application of business practices and skills to the issues facing such businesses;

  • effective communication skills applicable in a variety of situations;

  • a capacity for initiating cooperative relationships with colleagues, employers and clients; and

  • an appreciation of the economic, political and social influences in rural and regional communities, with the ability to respond appropriately.

Subject Options:

Subject selections are based upon consultation with course coordinators.

Many subjects from the Bachelor of Rural Business (Honours) are no longer running. Suitable alternatives need to discussed prior to enrolments. Please contact Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien, Course Coordinator, Faculty of Land and Food Resources, Phone: +61 3 5833 9253 Email: obriend@unimelb.edu.au

Entry Requirements:

All applicants must satisfy the following two requirements:

  • Applicants must hold a bachelors level degree in either Agricultural Science or Animal Science and Management or approved by Course Coordinator.

  • The minimum entry requirement is an average mark of at least 65 in the third year (300-level) subjects of the degree.
Core Participation Requirements: Students enrolling in the Faculty of Land and Food Resources are advised that some courses of study may put them at an increased risk of contracting Q Fever. Q Fever is a relatively common, preventable condition which while rarely fatal, can cause a severe acute illness and can result in damage to heart valves and chronic fatigue. It is recommended that students consider undertaking screening and vaccination for Q Fever prior to commencement of study. Students may be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to undertaking some coursework. Your course coordinator will advise you of this requirement prior to commencement of the study semester. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private health coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to laboratory activities and field trips. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit (8344 7068 or DLU-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au).
Further Study: After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared to either enter the workforce pursuing a career, or enrol for further research study through applying for a masters or doctor of philosophy degree.
Graduate Attributes: The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:Academically excellenthave a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies Knowledgeable across disciplinesexamine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines Leaders in communitiesinitiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations Attuned to cultural diversitybe well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work Active global citizensbe advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
Generic Skills:

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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