Associate Degree in Agriculture

Course 874-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

 ContactMs Jacinta Way, Undergraduate Student Officer, Faculty of Land and Food Resources, Phone: +61 3 5833 9292 Email: jway@unimelb.edu.auMs Ros Gall, Course Coordinator, Faculty of Land and Food Resources, Phone: +61 3 5833 9292 Email: rosgall@unimelb.edu.au 

Course Overview:	This two-year full-time course is available at Dookie campus, and also part time by distance education. Students intending to study by distance mode should note that some subjects have a compulsory residential workshop. On-campus students are expected to spend a time at least equivalent to the formal contact time, in study, tutorial preparation, revision and completion of assignments. Off-campus students should be prepared to devote approximately ten hours a week to each subject.
Objectives:	Students who have completed this course should have acquired: a wide range of practical farming skills; an understanding of the biological and ecological aspects of farming systems that lead to sustainable agriculture; an understanding of the main issues facing the world of agriculture, as well as their responsibilities and roles as farmers and agribusiness operators within the wider community and national economy; the financial skills that will enable them to run a medium-sized business related to agriculture or its service industries; the ability to recognise alternatives and opportunities, and have a capacity for imaginative thinking, sound judgement, problem solving and decision making; the ability to act ethically in their approach to the performance of duties relevant to industry standards; the ability to perform a leadership role within their industry and community; and the ability to communicate effectively with employees, employers, clients and professional services in their industries.
Subject Options:	First Year Core Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 202-154 Introductory Biology for Land and Food Semester 1 12.50 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management Semester 1 12.50 208-125 Review of Australian Agriculture Semester 1 12.50 208-126 Mathematics and Scientific Communication Semester 1 12.50 207-172 Rural Economics Semester 2 12.50 208-152 Agricultural Technology Semester 2 12.50 208-154 Production Systems and Skills II Semester 2 12.50 208-167 Introduction to Agricultural Systems Semester 2 12.50 Second Year Core Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 202-052 Industry Placement# Year Long 0 208-165 Financial Management I Semester 1, Semester 2 12.50 208-273 Managing Staff Semester 1, Summer 12.50 208-248 Water, Soil and Nutrient Management Semester 2 12.50 Elective Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-253 Pasture Management Semester 1, Summer 12.50 208-263 Animal Science and Nutrition Semester 1 12.50 208-265 Integrated Pest and Weed Management Semester 1 12.50 208-162 Agribusiness Marketing Semester 2 12.50 208-249 Landscape Information Systems Semester 2 12.50 208-255 Crop Management Semester 2 12.50 208-271 Animal Management Semester 2 12.50
Entry Requirements:	Entry into Associate Degrees is usually via applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Full details regarding the VTAC application process may be found on the VTAC website or by purchasing the VTAC Guide from newsagencies.
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 field excursions and laboratory activities. 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:	Students may wish to continue their studies and undertake a Bachelor degree or articulate into the Bachelor of Agriculture. Articulation into the Bachelor of Agriculture may result in subject credits granted from studies undertaken in the Associate Degree of Agriculture. Applications are usually submitted through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Full details regarding the VTAC application process may be found on the VTAC webiste or by purchasing the VTAC Guide from newsagencies.
Graduate Attributes:	The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:Academically excellentreach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning Knowledgeable across disciplinesexamine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems 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 have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community Active global citizensbe advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
Generic Skills:	This course encompasses particular generic skills. On completion of the course students should have: Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects 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 an ability to utilise appropriate technology in the analysis of rural and regional business

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