Bachelor of Agriculture

From 2016 the new Bachelor of Agriculture will provide all students with a sound understanding of the structure and operation of agricultural production industries of Australia, as well as an understanding of Australia’s role in global food and fibre production.

Students will develop a sound understanding of fundamental scientific concepts, and will learn to apply this understanding to a range of agricultural contexts, including precision farming.

Through core multidisciplinary studies at each year level, students will develop an integrated and multidisciplinary understanding of agricultural science, and of the social, political, and economic drivers of resource management, agricultural development and sustainability.

At the same time, depth of understanding in a chosen major in either Plant and Soil Science, Animal Science or Agricultural Economics, will equip students with the knowledge, skills and aptitudes required to assess and improve performance in agricultural industries, to ensure long term sustainability, and to contribute as leaders in agricultural industries and communities.

Students will be involved in study at both the Dookie and Parkville semester (with the option of a full time program of study at the Dookie campus in semester 2 of second year). Students will also undertake extra mural vacation industry placements.

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

• Abilities to critically evaluate options, and formulate plans that will ensure long term industry and environmental 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 agro-forestry) influence the landscape
• Breadth and depth of knowledge relevant to agriculture, and the ability to critically evaluate knowledge gained from a range of scientific, economic and social sources
• Skills to effectively analyse, and scientifically evaluate agricultural and environmental problems and reach appropriate solutions
• The ability to communicate and discuss scientific and industry information with relevant stakeholders
• Effective communication skills in a variety of media and settings
• The capacity for initiating and maintaining cooperative relationships with colleagues, employers and clients
• Basic practical skills required to manage a farm enterprise and supervise workers
• Effective team collaboration and leadership skills
• The ability to collect, analyse and interpret agricultural and environmental data for appropriate decision making
• An understanding of the research methodologies necessary to design, conduct and interpret small scientific research projects
• A commitment to the highest standards of academic and intellectual integrity, and an acceptance of the community responsibilities of citizenship befitting their professional standing

The Bachelor of Agriculture consists of 150 points of core studies, with 100 points of common core across the first year of study. In the second year of studies students can choose from one of three majors.

Progression: Students must complete 50 points of study at one subject year level before proceeding to the next subject year level.

Bachelor of Agriculture Majors

In the second year of study students in the Bachelor of Agriculture choose a major from one of the following areas:

• Production Animal Science
• Plant and Soil Science
• Agricultural Economics

Students also have the option of studying for Semester 2 in their second year of study at the Dookie Campus.

Production Animal Science

This major will provide graduates with a depth and breadth of understanding in production animal science in the context of agricultural systems. Students of this major will study subjects in animal biology, nutrition and physiology, health and welfare. Graduates of this major will also gain a detailed understanding of animal production industries, and how management strategies can optimise growth and product quality.

Plant and Soil Science

This major will provide graduates with a depth and breadth of understanding in plant and soil science in the context of agricultural production systems. Students of this major will study subjects in soil biology and management, and plant health for growth and production. Students will also gain a detailed understanding of the drivers of plant industries and how management strategies can optimise yield and product quality.

Agricultural Economics

This major will provide graduates with a depth and breadth of understanding of economics the context of agricultural production systems. Students will study subjects in economics, resource and farm management, and value chain analysis. Graduates of this major will be well equipped to analyse agricultural systems from an economic perspective, and provide advice on management decision making in this context.

Year One

Students will study cross-disciplinary subjects in both the first and third years of this degree.

In year one students will study eight core subject (Note: Students in the Bachelor of Agriculture should take ENVS10001 in the Semester 1 availability)

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: one of

(a) the Victorian Certificate of Education including:

• VCE Units 3 and 4 – either a study score of at least 25 in one of English, English Language or Literature or a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language, and
• VCE Units 3 and 4 – either a study score of at least 25 in one of Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, or a study score of at least 30 in Further Mathematics;

(b) the International Baccalaureate Diploma including

• at least Grade 4 in English or English B (Standard Level or Higher Level), and
• at least Grade 5 in Mathematical Studies (SL) or at least Grade 4 in Mathematical Studies (HL), Mathematics or Further Mathematics;

(c) a senior secondary program, foundation studies program or equivalent approved by the Academic Board including appropriate English language and Mathematics studies.

Except for applicants eligible for Access Melbourne, minimum ATAR or equivalent overall performance rankings apply http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/access_melbourne_and_equity_programs/access-melbourne).

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. For applicants who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the undergraduate English language requirements (http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/entry-requirements/language-requirements) must be met.

Note. For applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre, “middle-band” selection adjustments are made only on the basis of eligibility for Access Melbourne.

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 (8344 0836 or disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au or visit http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability for further information ).

A core participation requirement of this course is that students agree to be vaccinated against 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. A number of subjects offered in this course may place students at risk of exposure to Q Fever.

Q Fever screening and vaccination can be arranged through the University Health Service. The cost of the vaccination program is separate to tuition fees.

Further information: http://students.fvas.unimelb.edu.au/my-studies/q-fever

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 incorporating streams within animal science, crop science, food security and agribusiness; food science; agribusiness and wine technology and viticulture. Programs available include Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters (by coursework), Masters (by research) and Doctoral degrees.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Agriculture will be:

• Scientists equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the agricultural sector and the profession of agricultural science as soil scientists, agronomists and plant scientists, animal scientists, agricultural economists or social scientists
• Confident in their ability to solve problems, create new knowledge, and apply knowledge and skills to create solutions
• Flexible and energetic team players who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Aware of their role as leaders locally, nationally and globally in ensuring sustainable agricultural production outcomes

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

Q Fever

A core participation requirement of this course is that students agree to be vaccinated against 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. A number of subjects offered in this course may place students at risk of exposure to Q Fever.

Q Fever screening and vaccination can be arranged through the University Health Service. The cost of the vaccination program is separate to tuition fees.

Further information: http://students.fvas.unimelb.edu.au/my-studies/q-fever

Reassessment

In accordance with the University’s Assessment Procedure (MPF1026), Examiners may offer reassessment (as a second attempt at passing a subject for a borderline failure in a single subject) to a student enrolled in this course. A borderline failure is defined as a mark of 45% or more.