Introduction to Agricultural Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

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.

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%.

Information Not Available

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Information Not Available