Bachelor of Agriculture (Degree with Honours)

The honours year in Bachelor of Agriculture comprises advanced coursework, and an individual research project designed to extend students' knowledge and skills in solving research problems.

Completion of an honours year further prepares students for employment, or for a research higher degree (Doctor of Philosophy or Masters by Research).The honours year programs are undertaken on a full-time basis and commence at the start of the year only.On completion of the fourth (honours) year, the School determines the award of honours degrees on the basis of average mark of the weighted average of all fourth-year subjects.

The resulting figure is the 'Honours Score'.https://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/honours

Course structure

BH-AGR is a 100 point honours year for students who have completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Agriculture.

The honours course is comprised of coursework subjects and a research project. The coursework subjects will enable students to gain an understanding of the principles of research. Students will also be expected to attend Faculty research seminars throughout the year.

Entry requirements

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

• within the last 10 years a Bachelor of Agriculture with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%), or equivalent, with a major relevant to the discipline stream within the Bachelor of Agriculture (Degree with Honours) that they seek to enter.

Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection

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

• prior academic performance; and
• the availability of supervision and resources in suitable project areas.

Quotas may be applied to the degree as a whole or to individual discipline streams and preference may be given to applicants with evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research.

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 must be met.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

It is University and degree 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 degree.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives 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 course are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Student Equity and Disability Support Team: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private health coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial reimbursement for vaccine costs.

More information: https://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/students/admin/q-fever

Intended learning outcomes

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

• 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 their location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness; and the biophysical, economic and social factors that affect production systems
• 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 problems and reach appropriate solutions
• Effective communication skills in a variety of media
• The ability to collect and interpret agricultural data
• An understanding of the research methodologies necessary to design and interpret experiments
• A commitment to the highest standards of academic and intellectual integrity befitting their professional standing