Applied Industry Studies

This subject is not offered in 2016.

272 hours

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

This subject provides students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during their Bachelor of Agriculture degree to problem- based agricultural industry scenarios. Students will develop the capacity to undertake a ‘systems thinking’ approach to problems within the agricultural sector, and bring to their studies the understanding that they have developed throughout their studies of the multifactorial nature of decision making in agricultural settings- the environmental, economic, social and political factors that impact on system analysis and strategic decision making. They will also develop their skills in data management and modelling, team based problem solving, and oral and written communication. Students will work in small groups on weekly case studies and workshop-based activities with colleagues from each of the majors within the degree; working together to solve large scale industry issues across the agricultural sector. This subject provides the capstone learning experience of the Bachelor of Agriculture, with the aim of producing graduates well equipped to gain employment in the agricultural sector.

Key learning objectives of the subject are to develop in our students:

• A 'systems-thinking' approach to agricultural production and land management, including an understanding of: the structures of agriculture-related industries
• Abilities to critically evaluate options, and formulate plans that will ensure long term industry and environmental sustainability
• Skills to effectively analyse, and scientifically evaluate agricultural and environmental problems and reach appropriate solutions
• An understanding of current challenges facing agricultural production systems- economic, environmental, social and political
• The ability to communicate and discuss scientific and industry information with relevant stakeholders
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• The capacity for initiating and maintaining cooperative relationships with colleagues
• The ability to analyse and interpret agricultural and environmental data for appropriate decision making

• A 1000 word individual written report due in week 7 of semester worth 5%
• A 4000 word group written report due at the end of Semester 1 worth 35%
• A ten-minute group oral presentation and a 2000 word written report due in week 8 of Semester 2 worth 20%
• Class participation, including peer review of contribution to group project, due in week 10 of Semester 2 worth 10%
• A two-hour exmaintion due in the end-of-semester examination period Semester 2 worth 30%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

This subject will develop the following generic skills:

• The ability to effectively participate as a member of a team to complete group assignments
• The ability to plan and use time effectively and manage small team projects
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills
• Well-developed problem-solving abilities
• Independent and analytical thought