Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science

Course 747-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: Agriculture is one of the world’s largest, most important and dynamic sectors. Strong competitive forces in Australia and world economies have transformed modern agricultural systems. These changes have resulted in an increasing demand for managers, scientists and researchers who can understand the science, technologies, information, decision and communications systems which lie at the heart of evolving agriculture. The increase in production and trade of food and fibre has resulted in strong impacts elsewhere: growing environmental concerns have brought a sharp focus on the need to put agricultural output within the context of its wider natural and social environments, striking sustainable balances between production and conservation, income and welfare.
Objectives:

This course is designed to meet the needs of students entering middle management positions within agricultural and related sectors and provides a pathway to further study through:

  • Developing knowledge, skills, understanding and competence in the area of agriculture;
  • Developing an understanding of agricultural science through appreciation of the interdependence of the biological, economic, social and environmental factors which shape the development of agricultural systems, both in Australia and internationally;
  • Increasing knowledge and analytical capabilities appropriate to the specialist discipline of their choice;
  • Developing competence in the design, conduct and analysis of research questions and experimental work;
  • Extending scholarly and critical attitudes in the agricultural disciplines.
Subject Options:

Core Subjects

Students study the following core subjects:

208-820 Research Study in Agricultural Science

and

208-411 Researh Philosophies and Statistics

or

207-506 Social Research Methods

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
25.000

Electives

Students need to choose a total of five elective subjects chosen from the approved list offered by the Faculty of Land and Food Resources. Other subjects may be selected, including those offered by other faculties of the University of Melbourne, subject to approval by the Course coordinator.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
Semester 1
12.500
Not offered in 2009
12.50
Semester 1
12.500
Semester 1
12.500
Entry Requirements:

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

  • Hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification; or
  • A TAFE or Higher Education Advanced Diploma and two years full-time documented relevant Professional work experience; or
  • A TAFE Diploma and four years full-time documented relevant Professional work experience; or
  • At least six years full-time, or equivalent, documented relevant Professional work experience with complex agricultural systems including at least three years full time, or equivalent, in a supervisory or managerial role.
  • The selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referees’ reports and employers’ references to elucidate any of the requirements listed above.
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 Graduate 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

Download PDF version.