Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

• A “system-thinking” approach to agricultural production and land management, including an understanding of the structures of agriculture-related industries; the principle factors that determine their location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness; and the biophysical, economic and social factors that affect production systems;
• An understanding how agriculture and other land uses influence the landscape;
• Appropriate knowledge and the ability to critically evaluate knowledge gained from a range of scientific, economic and social sources;The ability to disseminate scientific and industry information;
• 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 collecte and interpret agricultural and environmental data for interpretation;
• An understanding of the reseach methodologies necessary to design and interpret experiments;
• A commitment to the highest standards of academic and intellectual integrity and an acceptance of the communication responibilities of citizenship befitting their professional standing.

631AA - Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)

HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECT

Students will select a project from a list formulated by supervisors through the Honours Research Project subject coordinator. Some of these projects may be offered in collaboration with industry, and collaborating institutions. Project proposals detailing the experimental plan and a literature review will be presented before the Honours Panel for discussion and approval prior to commencing experimental work. Students will be required to present seminars on both their project proposal and the outcomes of their research. The expected length of the thesis (including references) will normally be limited to 20 000 words (approximately 50 A4 pages).

Honours Research Project (202-401 - year long) may be replaced by 202-402 in Semester 1 or Semester 2; or 202-403 Honours Research Project mid-year entry.

FOURTH YEAR

Semester 1

208-411 Research Philosophies and Statistics or 207-414 Social Research Methods

plus two electives in Semester 1 or 2

Electives

Two electives from Semester 1 or Semester 2.

Electives can be chosen from the following list or from approved subjects from other courses.

Students in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)

• Must have achieved an average of 65% in the third-year (300 level) subjets in their pass degree
• Must achieve a minimum of 100 credit points, with an Honours Grade Score of at least 65%
• May take up to 2 electives not on the approved elective list for that degree (in the University Undergraduate Course and Subject Catalogue), provided these are approved by the course coordinator
• Must complete Honours Research Project in an area approved by the course coordinator as being relevant to the particular degree undertaken
• Must meet the defined work experience requriements for the pass degree before starting honours.

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 Faculty of Land and Food Resources 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.

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
• accept social and civic responsibilities
• be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics

• a profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
• a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research identification and description of the business environment in which rural and regional businesses operate
• an ability to derive, interpret and analyse ecological, biological, social, technical or economic information from primary sources
• an awareness of, and ability to utilize appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
• an ability to utilize appropriate technology in the analysis of rural and regional business
• a capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• an ability to integrate information across a broad range of disciplines to solve problems in applied situations
• 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
• an appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
• an ability to participate effectively as part of a team
• an ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects