MJRH-ADAGS v.1 Agricultural Science Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.

This honours level major provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying agricultural science with students able to explore the field through opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects. The major culminates in a personalised capstone experience. Students will use chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of production systems and to apply problem-solving techniques to management strategies. Students will be introduced to satellite-based technologies including precision agriculture for crop, pasture and livestock management systems. The course will have a strong focus on broadacre systems in mediterranean and low-rainfall environments of southern Australia, and these will be discussed in the context of global issues such as food security, changing markets, sustainability and climate change. Graduates of this course have a combination of a strong scientific and critical thinking approach and employment-ready skills.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science.

Career Opportunities

Students graduating with an honours degree in science can pursue careers in research through postgraduate degrees (Master by Research, PhD) but are also high competitive in industry. Graduates from the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) have the added advantage being able to evidence the development of high level discipline, leadership and entrepreneurship skills through engagement with industry and research groups throughout their course. The future for the agriculture industry is very attractive and the skills gained in this course are in high demand across agricultural food chain industries. Highly educated, creative people are needed to develop new methods and technologies to produce food sustainably throughout developed and emerging economies.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students may require a laboratory coat.

This major consists of agricultural science core units, a set of core units focused on the development of research and leadership skills and attributes, and a final year capstone experience. There is an elective stream that enables the opportunity to study a minor in Arts, Commerce or Science. Students enrolled in this major are required to undertake professional experience to fulfil course requirements. Visits to commercial enterprises in Western Australian are an essential part of the course. Graduates from this course will have an industry-ready understanding of the science and technology required for the productive and sustainable use of plants and animals in agricultural production systems.

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, an advanced capacity to apply agricultural systems concepts in a range of theoretical and practical situations, and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the agricultural sciences through research

2. critically, logically and rationally analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems in agricultural sciences, address them by applying practical and theoretical tools and critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge

3. access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own findings

4. communicate effectively by demonstrating the capacity to listen and respond (using both written and spoken language) to clients, staff, professionals, management and industry and conform to discipline standards in presentations and publications

5. consider profitability, sustainability and impact on the environment, health and society when using new and established technologies in agribusiness related industries

6. engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in agricultural sciences

7. participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems in agriculture while understanding international ethical and professional standards in agricultural sciences

8. work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the cultural issues that impact research in agricultural sciences or the broader profession; value professional and community partnerships through integrating socio cultural contexts and ethics with in agricultural sciences

9. be able to work professionally and ethically as an independent agricultural scientist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of their area of study; comply with appropriate legislation in the field of agricultural science

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. One intake is offered each year in February.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 2 FULL YEAR

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 3 FULL YEAR

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 4 FULL YEAR

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 2

OPTIONS TO SELECT FROM IN YEAR 3 SEMESTER 2

OPTIONS TO SELECT FROM IN YEAR 4 SEMESTER 2

* Students with a high (>75) mark in ATAR Biology should consult with the course coordinator to select an alternate option.