Bachelor of Agriculture

The Bachelor of Agriculture provides 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 an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts, and will learn to apply this understanding to a range of agricultural contexts, including precision farming.Through core 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 Plant and Soil Science, Production 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 campuses (with the option of a full time program of study at the Dookie campus in Semester 2 of second year).

Students will also have an opportunity to undertake extra-mural vacation industry placements.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Agriculture consists of 300 course points overall.

• 150 points of course core subjects:
• 8 core Level 1 subjects (8 x 12.5 points)
• 3 core Level 2 subjects (3 x 12.5 points)
• 1 core Level 3 subject (1 x 12.5 points)
• 37.5 points as completion of one of three prescribed majors
• 3 prescribed Level 3 subjects for the major (3 x 12.5 points)
• 25 points of B-AGR electives at Level 3
• 50 points of B-AGR electives at Level 2. Selected subjects to include prerequisites for student’s intended major. Selected subjects can include Dookie option.
• 37.5 points of additional B-AGR electives where
• No more than 25 points at Level 1

Progression: Students must complete at least 50 points of study at one subject year Level before attempting enrolment in a subject at the next subject year Level. The exception to this is AGRI30041 / Industry Internship, which students in the Bachelor of Agriculture are permitted to undertake after the completion of Year 1.

Entry requirements

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 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.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. Undertaking this course requires completion of subjects where students will be required to actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Q Fever Vaccination

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/admin/q-fever

Intended learning outcomes

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
• 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