Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture
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In April 1995 the new Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture was formed from the an amalgamation of the University's Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and the Victorian College of Agriculture and Horticulture (VCAH). The Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture is the largest only university faculty in Australia to offer training in both agricultural science and forest science. It has one of the oldest and largest university schools of agriculture (established in 1905) and one of only two schools of forestry recognised by the Standing Committee on Forestry of the Australian Forestry Council.
The Faculty now operates from eight campuses: Parkville, Creswick (Forestry), Dookie, Burnley, Gilbert Chandler, Glenormiston, Longerenong and McMillan. In addition, the Faculty has access to a research farm at Strathfieldsaye in East Gippsland.
Close teaching and research links exist with the Faculties of Arts; Architecture and Planning; Economics and Commerce; Engineering Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences; Science; and Veterinary Science. Students in undergraduate courses at Parkville may take elective subjects from one or more of these faculties.
Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are offered in the areas of agriculture and related industries such as farm management and dairy technology, forest science and technology and horticulture.
Apart from reflecting the inherent differences between the agriculture and forestry sectors, the undergraduate courses are distinct in that forestry puts a greater emphasis on management and agriculture and its related courses cover a wider range of the sciences such as microbiology and biochemistry.
As well as lectures, tutorials, seminars and supervised work in laboratories; students work on farms or in forests, handle animals and plants, use related machinery and take part in public speaking and communication programs. They also work in computer laboratories, controlled environmental facilities and glasshouses.
The Faculty's mission is to advance the science, economics and management of sustainable resources used in agricultural, forestry and related natural resource sectors by offering research, education and outreach programs of the highest quality.
The general objectives of the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture are to:
Details of all VCAH courses (TAFE and Higher Education) are in their own separate handbook. Including Diplomas, Associate Diplomas, Bachelor Degrees and TAFE*.
The diploma courses are detailed in a separate handbook available from School of Forestry
Details of postgraduate courses are summarised in Volume two of the University Handbook 1996, Postgraduate Studies.
* Articulation is in place from VCAH TAFE and Diplomas into the BAppSci degrees and Bachelor degrees.
The Faculty has a positive approach to the granting of credit for studies completed elsewhere and, on occasion, for work experience. It participated in the TAFE/Higher Education Pathways Project conducted in 1993 and has agreed to grant specified credit for subjects completed in certain associate diplomas. Subjects completed at bachelor degree level in any recognised tertiary institution in Australia or overseas will be credited if they are judged to contain sufficient equivalence of content to those required for the degree courses. However, credit is not granted for final-year subjects.
The BAgrSc and BForSc are both four years in length and the combined degrees five years. Honours can be awarded at the end of fourth year based on marks from third and fourth years. New course structures in 1995 permit students to take one elective subject in first year and a range of electives in third and fourth years, with second year consisting of fixed subjects for each course. The subjects available are listed at the end of this introduction.
Students are advised to consult with the Faculty when planning their course since Faculty approval is required before elective subjects are chosen. The Faculty Office is the reference point for all matters relating to enrolment, re-enrolment, special consideration, leave of absence, etc.
The aim of the BAgrSc is to educate students of agricultural science to the best international standards and to prepare them for careers in professional work, research and public service. Agricultural science graduates are able to apply the principles and knowledge of science, economics and management to the use and management of natural resources for agricultural purposes. However, they can also apply science in many areas besides agriculture, greatly expanding the range of potential career opportunities.
A revised structure for the BAgrSc degree has been developed for introduction in 1995. Transitional arrangements are generally possible for students who commenced the BAgrSc before this date. Core subjects and electives in disciplinary sequences may be available to third and fourth year students in 1996.
An important feature of the new course is that it introduces the concept of disciplinary sequences. These are concentrations of subjects in a common area of study which provide a depth of knowledge in that area while at the same time providing the opportunity to obtain a sound grasp of scientific principles across a range of disciplines.
The new BAgrSc will offer disciplinary sequences in:
These sequences are built on prerequisite core subjects at years three and four. Provided prerequisite requirements are met, students will be permitted to choose from among 300 and 400-level subjects in either year.
In addition to core subjects at both 300 and 400-level, students may construct a course appropriate to a disciplinary sequence and their interests by selecting subjects from a range of disciplines within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, together with subjects offered within the Faculties of Science, Economics and Commerce, Engineering, and Arts.
Throughout the course, students undertake practical work in the laboratory and in the field. Excursions are arranged to enable them to supplement, by personal observation, knowledge gained in lectures and practical work. Some of these excursions may take place during vacations.
Additionally, students must complete a total of 12 weeks practical work experience during vacations.
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science course has as its objectives that graduates:
The aim of the BForSc course is to educate students of forest science to the best international standards and to prepare them for careers in professional and industrial work, research and public service.
The course provides a broad-based education that will give students the necessary knowledge and thinking skills to care for and manage forested lands for purposes such as the sustainable production of timber, water and other forest products, recreation and the conservation of flora and fauna.
Such an education requires a comprehensive understanding of the biology of forested ecosystems, as well as an understanding of economics, engineering, wood science and sociology.
The first year of the course provides a foundation for later years, with basic studies in biology, biometry and chemistry and two introductory forestry subjects; Conservation of Australian Forests, and Forestry. These subjects are designed to give students a broader introduction to the relationship between Australia's physical environment, its forest and woodland communities, and their management. Conservation of Australian Forests is an elective in the course and may be replaced by any approved subject from another faculty. Subjects taken in second and subsequent years are set out at the end of this introduction.
Students do practical laboratory and fieldwork throughout the course. Excursions are arranged to provide opportunities to supplement, by personal observation, knowledge gained in lectures and practical work. Sometimes they take place during vacations.
Students must also complete a total of 16 weeks forestry work experience with an approved organisation during vacations.
The Bachelor of Forest Science course has as its objectives that graduates:
This course has been developed in response to a demand for agricultural science to be combined with a more specialist training in economics and commerce than is currently possible in the BAgrSc degree. Students can choose a combination of economics, econometrics, accounting and management subjects in order to design a course which fits an intended career path.
This combined course takes five years of full-time study, during which students must obtain 500 study points. Of these, 300 must be from agricultural science and 200 from commerce.
Agriculture points must include:
Commerce points must include:
A typical combined degree course:
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of Commerce course has as its objectives that graduates:
The combined Bachelor of Forest Science/Bachelor of Commerce course is intended to offer an increased choice of subjects and an increased opportunity for students to specialise in areas of interest to them or to diversify their education. Students will be able to pursue any commerce stream for which they have the prerequisites. The course will be a useful preparation for careers in commercial forestry and the forest industries.
This combined course takes five years of full-time study, during which students must obtain 500 study points. Of these, 300 must be from Forest Science and 200 from Commerce.
Forest Science points must include:
Commerce points must include:
A typical combined degree course:
The Bachelor of Forest Science/Bachelor of Commerce course has as its objectives that graduates:
The combined BForSc/BSc course is intended to offer an increased choice of subjects and an opportunity for students to specialise in discipline areas of interest to them or to diversify their education.
While students will have the option to pursue any science discipline for which they have the prerequisites, the environmental science sequence within the BSc course may provide an excellent complement to BForSc studies that will enable students both to broaden and deepen their studies as a preparation for careers that relate more to the environmental aspects of forest and park management, such as ecosystem management or environmental pollution management. Similarly, biotechnology in the BSc course provides an excellent complement to BForSc students for those pursuing careers in tree breeding.
A combined degree in five years is possible because of the commonality of objectives and contents of the two degrees, particularly at first-year level.
Students in the BForSc/BSc combined course must complete a minimum of 500 points to meet the course requirements. Within the 500 points, at least 240 must be science points and include at least 75 science points from Group A at 100 level, up to 140 science points from 100-level subjects and at least 50 science points from 300-level subjects.
Students in the combined course will not be able to gain credit towards the BForSc degree for any subject listed in the Faculty of Science Handbook which is an elective in the BForSc degree. Individual exceptions to this requirement will need the approval of both faculties.
Students cannot receive credit for both 654-308 Conservation Biology and 211-446 Conservation Biology. Students completing 654-308 Conservation Biology will receive science credit, whereas students completing 211-446 Conservation Biology will receive Forestry credit.
The first year of the course is the same as for BForSc except that the elective in first semester must be recognised by the Science Faculty for science points.
As for second and third years of the BForSc.
These years are undertaken at the School of Forestry, Creswick. However, they need not necessarily occur consecutively in the second and third years of the combined course, but could be taken in third and fourth years of the combined course.
Various subjects in the second and third years of the course at Creswick contain such a degree of common material as to rule out enrolment in certain science subjects in later years of the combined course
Students must complete:
Subject to the rules of the BSc course, and exclusions nominated by the Faculty of Science, any science subjects may be chosen provided the student has successfully completed the necessary prerequisites and met any quota. Particular combinations of subjects may be taken from any discipline area.
The Bachelor of Forest Science/Bachelor of Science course has as its objectives that graduates:
The BForSc(Hons), based on results in 300 and 400 level subjects but Project in Forest Science 2, must be included in the 400 level enrolment.
The BSc(Hons) course involves a sixth year of study. The likelihood of selection into the honours year may be significantly reduced if fewer than 90 points at the 300-level are taken. Please refer to the Faculty of Science section for information on entry.
The Faculty of Arts offers a Diploma in Modern Languages to students undertaking courses in faculties other than Arts. This course is available to students in the BAgrSc and combined degrees. Unfortunately, due to the two years spent at Creswick, it is not possible for BForSc students to undertake the diploma. Further details are available from the Arts Faculty Office.
Students should be aware of their rights and obligations while at the University. Essential information on matters such as enrolment, assessment, special consideration in the event of illness or other difficulties etc., is contained in the Student Diary which is issued to every student on enrolment. The Faculty also produces an Undergraduate Assessment Handbook which contains detailed information on progress rules and assessment.
Course prerequisites for 1996 are as follows:
Agricultural scientists develop and assist in the adoption of the new technologies, improved management techniques and sustainable farming methods which are necessary to ensure an economically and environmentally sound future for Australian agriculture. Through research and development work in government, university and commercial laboratories and field stations, agricultural scientists make a substantial contribution to many aspects of changing technology. They also play key roles in spreading new ideas and facilitating the flow of information to assist farmers and land managers to make better decisions. Beyond the farm gate, many agricultural chemical, food processing and farm machinery firms employ graduates, initially as field representatives and later as administrators or managers.
The breadth of training received by agricultural science students opens up a wide range of professional options, and graduates make careers in non-traditional areas such as banks, insurance companies and journalism. The new combined degree with Commerce will offer graduates further opportunities in this area.
Graduates of the BAgrSc course are eligible to become members of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science.
Graduates are well suited to a wide range of occupations, in particular relating to the management of forest resources and the environment. Most forest estates cover several hundred thousand hectares and the management of such a large scale enterprise draws continually on training in forest biology (including ecology, genetics and physiology), hydrology, engineering, remote sensing and economics. Many forest science graduates are employed by government authorities, principally with the State forest service but also with land care, national parks, wildlife, water supply and country fire authorities as well as environmental management and planning agencies. There are also opportunities for employment in private forestry, mainly with the pulp and paper companies, and in the larger firms in the wood-based industry, especially in resource planning, timber and harvesting management, reafforestation and wood technology.
The new combined degrees with Commerce and Science will provide graduates with additional skills and expertise which will broaden the range of opportunities available.
Graduates of the BForSc course are eligible to become members of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.
(Note: Insufficient enrolments may lead to an elective subject being suspended. While no absolute minimum number of enrolments is set for any subject, and each case will be considered on its merits, it can be expected that minimum class size will be around six.)
* New subjects
# Current subjects slightly modified
(A sixth elective subject from another faculty may be taken instead of one of these.)
(Up to 50 points of subjects from other faculties may be approved)
(A sixth elective subject from another faculty may be taken instead of one of this one.)
*counts as two electives
(Up to 50 points of subjects from other faculties may be approved)
The CertForInd provides advanced training for staff employed in the forest industry who are normally graduates in related fields. The program consists of one compulsory subject and two elective subjects from Forest Products or Forest Harvesting specialisations. The course takes one semester to complete (full-time) and candidates who achieve satisfactory results may transfer to the Graduate Diploma, with credit for subjects completed.
Candidates for the DipForInd must normally be graduates in related fields and working in forest industries. The course, which consists of two compulsory subjects and four electives from Forest Products or Forest Harvesting specialisations, takes a minimum of one academic year on a full-time basis. Successful completion provides eligibility for Master of Wood Science candidature.
The CertForSc (Farm For) provides advanced training for advisers and practitioners in farm forestry who are normally graduates in related fields. The program consists of two compulsory subjects and a project. The course is offered on a part-time, block release basis; normally requiring 12 months to complete. It is offered at several regional locations, including Creswick, Lismore, Roseworthy, Albany and Launceston.
The CertSoilMgmnt is a one-semester course intended for graduates in science, applied science, geography and related disciplines, or persons with equivalent qualifications and experience, who have little or no formal training in soil science. It comprises five subjects taught through lectures, laboratory and field practical work and may be used as a prerequisite for the study of special topics in soil science as part of a Graduate Diploma in Soil Science.
The DipSoilSc is intended for graduates in agricultural science who wish to study aspects of soil science in greater depth. Of two semesters duration, the course is the same as the graduate certificate in semester one but includes two specialist electives in semester two, chosen from six subject options.
The DipAgrSc course provides advanced training for professional staff who are graduates in agricultural science, veterinary science or in related fields, and who work (or seek to work) in agricultural research, administration, education or planning. It takes a minimum of one year full-time or two years part-time.
Students who perform at a satisfactory level in the diploma course may be offered the opportunity to transfer their candidature to the Master of Agricultural Science program.
The DipForSc course offers advanced training for professional staff who are graduates in forest science or in related fields, and who work (or seek to work) in forest management, research, education or planning. It takes a minimum of one year full time or two years part time.
Students who perform at a satisfactory level in the diploma course may be offered the opportunity to transfer their candidature to the Master of Forest Science program.
The MAgrSc degree requires at least a year of advanced studies and research after completion of the bachelor's degree or the DipAgrSc. Candidates may also be accepted from those admitted to a degree the Faculty recognises as appropriate.
Current Faculty research includes work in agricultural economics, agricultural extension, agroforestry, animal behaviour, animal genetics and breeding, animal nutrition, application of computers to agriculture, biotechnology, genetics and plant breeding, plant pathology, crop physiology and soil science (including soil erosion).
The MForSc degree requires at least a year of advanced studies and practical work. Normally the BForSc degree or the DipForSc are prerequisites, although candidates with another degree recognised as appropriate by the Faculty may be admitted.
The main areas of forestry research in the Faculty at present are in agroforestry, biotechnology, conservation, fire management, forest economics, forest engineering, forest measurement, forest protection, forest soils, silviculture and wood science.
The MWoodSc degree was established to provide advanced research training in wood science. Admission to candidature for the Master of Wood Science requires successful completion of a Bachelor of Forest Science (or equivalent) and the Diploma of Forest Industries. Candidates transferring from the Diploma of Forest Industries are expected to spend at least one calendar year preparing a research thesis.
The MHortSc degree requires at least a year of advanced study and practical work after completing a BAgrSc, BAppSc(Hort) or other course approved by the Faculty.
The General Manager, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052 Victoria. Telephone: +613 (03) 9344 6390.
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Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture
Status: Official 1996 Date created: Sep 27 1995 Last modified: Sep 27 1995 Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.