Bachelor of Agriculture

From 2008 the Bachelor of Agriculture course has been redesigned. The majority of first and second year subjects will be undertaken at the Parkville campus while 3rd year studies are completed in flexible delivery mode at the Dookie Campus. In first year students will undertake two subjects at the Dookie campus while one second year subject will be undertaken at Dookie. These subjects will require attendance at a residential block which will take place outside the scheduled teaching weeks.

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.

Students are introduced to the basic scientific concepts associated with agricultural production, they will then develop an understanding of the current issues faced by the industry throughout the various sectors. They will also develop knowledge of the technology available to both assess and improve the various sectors. A key focus of the course is to develop student ability to critically evaluate options as well as skills in decision making that will ensure long term industry sustainability.

• 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 location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness
• an understanding of how agriculture and other land uses (including forestry and agro-forestry) 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
• basic practical skills required to manage a farm enterprise and supervise workers
• 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.

Bachelor of Agriculture

Entry into undergraduate degrees is usually via applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Full details regarding the VTAC application process may be found on the VTAC website or by purchasing the VTAC Guide from newsagencies.

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.

Students may wish to continue their undergraduate studies and undertake their Honours year.

The Faculty offers excellent opportunities 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 technology 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.

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
• be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs.

The Bachelor of Agriculture aims to provide students with:

• the capacity for independent critical 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
• an ability to participate effectively as part of a team
• an ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects.