Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Course 015-AC (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2009
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Undergraduate

Coordinator

Dr Robert Edis

Contact

Dr Robert Edis, Course Coordinator, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Parkville. Phone: +61 3 8344 7131 Email: roberte@unimelb.edu.au

Ms Louisa King, Undergraduate Officer, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Parkville. Phone: +61 3 8344 6390 Email: kingl@unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview:

From 2008 this course will be phased out. (Last intake in 2007.)

This course is offered at the Parkville campus of the University. Students may need to travel to Burnley or Dookie campus for some subjects.

Agricultural Science is essentially the study of the science and management of systems for the production of food and fibre in a sustainable way. When you study agricultural science you are taught the principles and applications of science, economics, social science and management.

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science lends itself to degree specialisation in crop production, animal production, agribusiness, and various multidisciplinary packages such as systems analysis and management.
Objectives:

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

  • an ability to demonstrate a broad knowledge of fundamental scientific precepts across a range of disciplines, with a high level of achievement in one or more of the disciplines of agricultural science relating to soils, plants, animals and economics in production systems;

  • an understanding of the structures of agriculture and related industries and the principal factors that determine location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness;

  • the capacity to apply scientific knowledge to the definition, analysis, and solution of agricultural and environmental problems;

  • the ability to design and conduct scientific enquiries;

  • an understanding of principles of sound practice in relation to health, safety, animal welfare and the environment in agriculture and related industries;

  • a capacity for the exchange, acquisition and dissemination of scientific and industry information and for technology transfer.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

015-AC Bachelor of Agricultural Science

015-QA Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Subject Options:

BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

FIRST YEAR SUBJECTS

The majority of first year subjects will still be on offer in 2008 however in some circumstances subjects will no longer be available and an alternative will need to be chosen. Students should refer to the 2007 Undergraduate Handbook for first year subject details and consult with either the course co-ordinator or their undergraduate student administrative officer.

SECOND YEAR

Core subjects:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.500

Elective subjects:

5 electives

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2009
12.50
Not offered in 2009
12.50
Not offered in 2009
12.50
This subject will not be available in 2009
Semester 2
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
Summer, Semester 2
12.500

THIRD YEAR

Core subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Year Long
0.000

Elective subjects:

6 electives

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Year Long
25.000
Semester 1, Semester 2
25.000
Semester 1
12.500
Semester 1
12.500
Semester 1
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
Not offered in 2009
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
Entry Requirements:

This course is being phased out. There have been no new enrolments into this course from 2007. The information for this course is for continuing students who are completing this course.

Entry into undergraduate 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 a newsagent.

Core Participation Requirements: Students enrolling in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment 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 enroll 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 (DLU).
Further Study:

Students may wish to continue their undergraduate studies and undertake their Honours year.

The Faculty offers excellent opportunites for students to pursue postgraduate studies in the fields of agricultural science, forestry, natural resource management, urban horticulture, food science, animal welfare, wood science, agribusiness, wine technolgy and viticulture and forest ecosystem science. Programs available include Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters (by coursework), Masters (by research) and Doctoral degrees.
Graduate Attributes:

Graduates will be expected to:

  • have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
  • have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
  • reach 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;
  • be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies;
  • be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work;
  • be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment;
  • engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs.

Generic Skills:

A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship.

Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team.

Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects.

Skills in recording observations, analysis and interpretation of data.

Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research.

Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community

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