Agricultural Science

The major in Agricultural Science prepares people for careers in agriculture including in agribusinesses, research and development organisations, environmental and business consulting firms, and government and policy agencies. Agricultural Science is the study of the science and management required for sustainable production of food and fibre. Basic sciences underpin this major, and are integrated to address complex problems through a systems analysis approach. The major includes crop and livestock systems, and students should also develop knowledge of economics, business, social sciences and natural resources within their breadth studies. The major is a direct pathway into the Master of Agricultural Science.

Agricultural Science Major Graduates should demonstrate:

• a broad knowledge of agriculture and the interactions between factors fundamental to agricultural production including soils, plants, animals and human factors;
• capacity for scientific reasoning, problem solving and research skills to enable data collection, investigation and application of the key scientific processes and technologies related to agricultural science;
• capacity to integrate, synthesise and apply prior learning from the course to real-world problems;
• appreciation of the need for multidisciplinary and a systems-based approach to problem solving;
• ability to communicate scientific , technical and management concepts to diverse audiences with differing cultural backgrounds;
• capacity to evaluate the major challenges impacting on global sustainability such as climate change , food security, energy and water use and the role of agricultural science in addressing these challenges;
• ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge relevant to agricultural science businesses;
• professional values and an ability to work with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds;
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team, giving and receiving feedback;
• both creative and reflective thinking skills.

Completion of 50 points of study at Level 3.

Core subject

Plus three electives selected from