Bachelor of Agriculture

There will be no intake into this course code from 2016 onwards.

Students wishing to study the Bachelor of Agriculture should search the handbook and apply for Course Code B-AGR Bachelor of Agriculture.The teach-out plan for 315PD can be found at:

http://students.fvas.unimelb.edu.au/fvas-programs/course-plans/315pd-bachelor-of-ag-teach-out-planFrom 2008 the Bachelor of Agriculture course has been redesigned.

The majority of first and second year subjects will be undertaken at the Parkville campus while 3rd year studies are completed in flexible delivery mode at the Dookie Campus.

In first year students will undertake two subjects at the Dookie campus while one second year subject will be undertaken at Dookie.

These subjects will require attendance at a residential block which will take place outside the scheduled teaching weeks.Agriculture is essentially the study of the management of resources for the sustainable production of food and fibre.

When you study agriculture you are taught the principles and applications of science, economics and management, animal production, agribusiness, catchment management and various multidisciplinary packages such as systems analysis and management.

Course structure

Bachelor of Agriculture

Last updated: 23 September 2020

Entry requirements

There will be no intake into this course code in 2016. Students wishing to study the Bachelor of Agriculture should search the handbook and apply for Course Code B-AGR Bachelor of Agriculture.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

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 ).

Students enrolling in the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences are advised that some courses of study may put them at an increased risk of contracting 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. It is recommended that students consider undertaking screening and vaccination for Q Fever prior to commencement of study. Students may be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to undertaking some coursework. Your course coordinator will advise you of this requirement prior to commencement of the study semester. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme, Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private medical coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.

Intended learning outcomes

Students are introduced to the basic scientific concepts associated with agricultural production, they will then develop an understanding of the current issues faced by the industry throughout the various sectors. They will also develop knowledge of the technology available to both assess and improve the various sectors. A key focus of the course is to develop student ability to critically evaluate options as well as skills in decision making that will ensure long term industry 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 forestry and agro-forestry) influence the landscape
• Appropriate knowledge and the ability to critically evaluate knowledge gained from a range of scientific, economic and social sources
• The ability to disseminate scientific and industry information
• Skills to effectively analyse, and scientifically evaluate agricultural and environmental problems and reach appropriate solutions
• Effective communication skills in a variety of media
• The capacity for initiating cooperative relationships with colleagues, employers and clients
• Basic practical skills required to manage a farm enterprise and supervise workers
• Appropriate group facilitation skills
• The ability to collect and interpret agricultural and environmental data for interpretation
• An understanding of the research methodologies necessary to design and interpret small experiments.
• Acommitment to the highest standards of academic and intellectual integrity and an acceptance of the community responsibilities of citizenship befitting their professional standing.