Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Change for Primary Industries

This course develops understanding and skills required by professionals with connections to food production, agribusiness, and forest and resource management to respond to the challenges posed by climate change. It explores the many factors underpinning climate change risk for agricultural production and methods for sustainable food and fibre production and their markets, in the face of changing climate.

At the same time as developing individual capability, application of the knowledge gained during study to participants' work and projects provides immediate and relevant application of course learning and invaluable insights into the impacts of climate change to the future of primary industries.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Change for Primary Industries aims to develop understanding and skills required by professionals with connections to food production, agribusiness, forestry and resource management to respond to the challenges posed by climate change.

The course will develop a deep understanding of the many factors underpinning food and fibre security and an awareness of methods for sustainable food and fibre production and their markets, in the face of changing climate.

The objectives of this course are to:
• Enable students to explore the interdisciplinary and international nature of primary industries and climate change at an advanced level
• Provide students with a sound foundation in the scientific and economic principles and analytical skills behind responding to climate change,
• Develop competence in the analysis of complex systems in devising strategies for responding to climate change for food and fibre security,
• Develop a critical understanding of environmental, economic, social and ethical factors related to climate change and food and fibre security in Australia and globally

To achieve the Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Changes for Primary Industries, you are required to successfully complete all four 12.5 credit point subjects. A total of 50 points for the completion of the course.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• a three-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with an average of at least H2B (65%) in the final year of study, or equivalent; or
• a three-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least two years documented relevant work and/or professional experience, or equivalent; or
• a three-year undergraduate degree in any discipline and at least five years documented relevant work and/or professional experience, or equivalent.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking and/or assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic qualification and performance; and
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Admission and Selection into Course Policy.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5

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

Students who successfully complete the course may be eligible for credit into Masters courses offered by the Faculty of Vetterinary & Agricultural Sciences.

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

Academically excellent:
o have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
o have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
o reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
o be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
o be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines:
o examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
o expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
o have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
o have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment

Leaders in communities:
o initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
o have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
o mentor future generations of learners
o engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity:
o value different cultures
o be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
o have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
o respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

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