Bachelor of Agriculture

Course being phased out from 2008. Last intake 2007

This course is offered at the Dookie campus of the University.

Agriculture is essentially the study of the management of resources for the sustainable production of food and fibre. When you study agriculture you are taught the principles and applications of science, economics and management, animal production, agribusiness, catchment management and various multidisciplinary packages such as systems analysis and management.

This course has its objectives that graduates:

• have an understanding how agriculture and other land uses influence the landscape;

• have acquired appropriate knowledge and ability to critically evaluate knowledge gained from a range of scientific, economic and social sources;

• have acquired the ability to disseminate scientific and industry information.

315-AA Bachelor of Agriculture (last intake 2004)

315-DO Bachelor of Agriculture (last intake 2004)

315-PD (New) Bachelor of Agriculture (Parkville and Dookie) - Commencing in 2008.

BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE

First Year subjects in courses being phased out from 2008:

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

An additional elective subject in Semester 1; and one additional elective subject in Semester 2.

THIRD YEAR

Core subjects

Year long subject 202-307 Industry Project (25 points, year-long) may be replaced by 202-309 Industry Project (25 points, Semester 1 or Semester 2)

An additional elective subject in Semester 1 and two additonal elective subjects in Semester 2.

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).

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.

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, forest ecosystem science. Programs available include Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters (by coursework), Masters (by research) and Doctoral degrees.

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

• basic practical skills required to manage a farm enterprise and supervise workers;

• a 'systems-thinking' approach to agricultural production and land management, including an understanding of the structures of agriculture-related industries; the principal factors that determine their location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness; and the biophysical, economic and social factors that affect production systems;

• skills to effectively analyse, and scientifically evaluate agricultural and environmental problems and reach appropriate solutions;

• effective communication skills in a variety of media;

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

• appropriate group facilitation skills;

• the ability to collect and interpret agricultural and environmental data for interpretation;

• an understanding of the research methodologies necessary to design and interpret small experiments;

• a commitment to the highest standards of academic and intellectual integrity and an acceptance of the community responsibilities of citizenship befitting their professional standing.

On completion of this course students have acquired the following skills:

• the capacity for independent thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
• an ability to derive, interpret and analyse ecological, biological, social, technical or economic information from primary sources
• highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue 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.