Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science

Course 026-AA (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: Graduate/Postgraduate

Coordinator

Dr Rebecca Ford, Course Coordinator, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Phone: +61 3 8344 9753, Email: rebeccaf@unimelb.edu.au

Contact

Postgraduate Officer, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Phone: +61 3 8344 7834, Email: msle-pgcoursework@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma consists on 100 credit points of study at level 400 and is an exit point within the Master of Agricultural Science. The Postgraduate Diploma may be undertaken as either full-time over one year or part-time study over two years and will be delivered at the Parkville campus. International students may only enrol in the course on a full-time basis. The program comprises up to eight coursework subjects (12.5 points each), four core subjects and four other subjects. The core subjects include three non-cognate subjects in semester 1 and one cognate subject in semester 2. Students may undertake either two or four elective subjects, dependant on whether they choose to complete Project A (25 points)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science is nested within the first year of the Master of Agricultural Science.
Objectives:

Student who complete this course will achieve the following course objectives:

  • to enable student to explore the interdisciplinary nature of agricultural crop, food and fibre production and markets at an advanced level;
  • to provide students with a sound foundation in the scientific principles and analytical skills behind improved agricultural production systems and their sustainability;
  • to introduce students to advanced research topics and practical applications within the disciplines of agricultural science;
  • to develop competence n the design, conduct and analysis of experimental work;
  • to introduce students to industrial applications of agricultural science and the commercial outcomes;
  • to develop a critical understanding of environmental, economic, social and ethical factors related to plant and animal-derived food and fibre production in Australia and globally.
Subject Options:

Core Subjects

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2009
12.500

Electives

Students need to choose one elective within the following groups.

Selecting either:

208-503 Research Philosophies and Statistics or 207-512 Social Research Methods

208-504 Agricultural Plants and the Environment or 208-612 Advanced Animal Management

202-502 Research Project A or other approved electives

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
25.000
Entry Requirements:

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to successfully pursue the course using the following criteria:

  • An honours degree or equivalent qualification; or
  • An undergraduate tertiary qualification with a weighted average of 65% or better in the final year of study; or
  • Successful completion of a Graduate/Postgraduate Diploma with a weighted average of 65% or better.
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
Graduate Attributes: Graduate in the Postgraduate Diploma program will possess attributes that will ensure they can either find employment in the public or private sectors related to a wide range of agricultural production, environmental, economics, bioresearch and service industries, and community organisations concerned with public good, or continue into further postgraduate programs of study.
Generic Skills:

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

  • A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
  • An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources
  • 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
  • Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations
  • Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication.
  • 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.
  • Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
  • 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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