Institute of Land and Food Resources : Guide to courses 31. Bachelor of Agricultural Science

 Search : Index : Institute of Land and Food Resources
Prev 30. Courses being phased out (degrees)
Next 32. Bachelor of Forest Science

Table of Contents

31. Bachelor of Agricultural Science
    31.1. Course objectives
    31.2. Careers for agricultural graduates
    31.3. Undergraduate subjects

31. Bachelor of Agricultural Science

There has been no first-year entry into this course from 2001 onwards. Please refer to the details for the new course Bachelor of Agriculture. The information below only applies to continuing students.

The aim of the BAgSc is to educate students to the best international standards and to prepare them for a great variety of careers in professional work and research. 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.

An important feature of the BAgSc is that it allows 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 BAgSc offers disciplinary sequences in:

• agricultural economics and business;

• animal management and production science;

• crop and pasture science.

These sequences are built on prerequisite core subjects. 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 electives offered by the institute, together with approved subjects offered within other faculties of the University.

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. This is a hurdle requirement of the course and completion in the course will not be granted until work experience requirements are fully met.

31.1. Course objectives

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science course has as its objectives that graduates:

• can demonstrate a broad knowledge of fundamental scientific precepts across a range of disciplines, with a high level of achievement in one or more of the disciplines of agricultural science relating to soils, plant and animal management and production;

• understand the structures of agricultural and related industries and the principal factors that determine location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness;

• have a capacity to apply scientific knowledge to the definition, analysis and solution of agricultural and environmental problems;

• have an ability to design and conduct scientific enquiries;

• understand principles of sound practice in relation to health, safety, animal welfare and the environment in agricultural and related industries;

• have a capacity for the exchange, acquisition and dissemination of scientific and industry information and for technology transfer;

• have a capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning;

• understand the rights, privileges and responsibilities conferred with the degree and with membership of professional associations and learned societies.

31.2. Careers for agricultural graduates

Agricultural scientists develop and assist in the adoption of 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.

Graduates of the BAgSc course are eligible to become members of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.

31.3. Undergraduate subjects

Insufficient enrolments may lead to an elective subject being suspended.

Search : Index : Institute of Land and Food Resources
Prev 30. Courses being phased out (degrees)
Next 32. Bachelor of Forest Science

Status:                   Official 2003
Last Modified:            Monday April 28 22:11
SGML to HTML Conversion:  Information Division - CWIS (SDI)
Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Enquiries:                http://unimelb.custhelp.com/