BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE

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1 BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Learn more on our website fvas.unimelb.edu.au Studying The NEW Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Melbourne gives you the skills and knowledge to apply science to significant real-world issues. Work with the latest precision farm technologies Receive an important global perspective Understand the broader industry context Join us at Australia s No. university

2 The NEW Bachelor of Agriculture fvas.unimelb.edu.au BECOME A HIGHLY-SKILLED AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST, READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD. Agriculture is a major contributor to the Australian national economy, and productivity growth is booming, more than in any other industry sector. In light of this exciting growth, the University of Melbourne consulted widely with industry, employers and graduates and the new Bachelor of Agriculture undergraduate degree was born a degree that empowers you with the general, technical and problem-solving skills required to meet the high demand for graduates in agriculture. Benefit from our extensive experience At Melbourne we have experienced the highest level of enrolment growth in any agricultural program in Australia. This is because we are well-known for our extensive experience in teaching agriculture and we are a research intensive faculty across multiple disciplines. We have over 60 academics teaching and conducting innovative research across our Parkville campus and Dookie campus our working farm and science hub.

3 QUICK FACTS Duration Three years full-time Part-time study and honours available Intake Semester Campuses Parkville and Dookie Optional practical semester at Dookie Place types Domestic students Commonwealth Supported Places International Fee Place Entry requirements 05 Clearly in ATAR Score: Applicants must have completed General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods (CAS), and have a study score of at least: 5 in English/English Language/Literature or 30 in EAL, 5 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) of Specialist Mathematics or 30 in Further Mathematics. How to apply Domestic students: All domestic undergraduate applications for Semester are managed through VTAC. International students: All international students not based in Australia should apply through the Future Students website: futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/ contact/ international/b_ag_ enquiry_form Special entry: Access Melbourne is the University s special entry and access scheme. By applying through Access Melbourne, you can be assured that any circumstances that have affected your education will be considered when we assess your application for entry. Learn more at: futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au An exciting new curriculum, with input from industry The new Bachelor of Agriculture will launch in 06. It will provide you with breadth and depth of knowledge as well as key practical skills. Study soil science, plant science and animal science. Examine key aspects of agricultural production (food and fibre), from a scientific, economic, environmental and ethical point of view. Work in teams to apply your knowledge to solve key industry challenges from improving animal production and welfare to addressing climate change and food sustainability. The revitalised Bachelor of Agriculture degree will: strengthen your foundation knowledge in basic agricultural sciences help you to understand the broader industry context integrate cross-disciplinary subject at each year level give you an important global perspective improve your communication, problemsolving and teamwork skills expose you to the latest precision farm technologies, at our Dookie campus provide many opportunities for external practical placements. The first year of the course will focus on providing you with a solid foundation in agricultural science. You will undertake core studies in: Biology of Cells and Organisms, Natural Environments and Agricultural Production Systems and. In second and third years you have the opportunity to pursue your interests by selecting majors in plant and soil science, animal science and economics. A semester of practical learning at our working farm and science hub This is the unique opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds access to our city campus as well as a semester at our Dookie campus, near Shepparton. The optional semester allows you to focus on practical learning in an on the ground environment. The Dookie campus is a focal point for key research, training and technology development that is helping to shape the future of agriculture in Australia. The Dookie campus is situated on,40 hectares and consists of a hightechnology robotic dairy, broad acre farming crops and 5000 merino sheep. You have the opportunity to live on campus too, close to classrooms and study facilities, just a 30-minute drive to Benalla and Shepparton and 60 minutes to Wangaratta. As well as enjoying this unique study opportunity, you have access to many campus recreational facilities, including swimming pool, gym, tennis, basketball and squash courts, cricket nets as well as horse club and agistment facilities. Take a walk through the campus bushland reserve, or enjoy the beautiful Goulburn Valley. Live and study in Victoria s agricultural heartland The Dookie campus is based in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, which is often referred to as the Food Bowl of Australia. Approximately 5 per cent of the total value of Victoria s agricultural production is generated in this region, which you can access and learn from. Some of Australia s largest food processing companies are located in this area along with major secondary industries related to food processing, manufacturing and transport. Be job-ready With important input from industry experts and potential employers, our new curriculum focuses on developing graduate agricultural scientists who are job ready from day one. On graduating you will have: an understanding of the science behind agricultural production and agricultural farming systems an appreciation of broader economic, environmental and ethical issues business acumen, including a basic understanding of the key drivers of profit and growth critical thinking skills you can apply to practical production and farming issues the ability to communicate with a diverse range of industry stakeholders. Shepparton Dookie Campus Melbourne Wangaratta

4 Why the University of Melbourne? Australia s No. university No. 0 in the world for graduate employability CAREER OUTCOMES Be in demand The agricultural boom places agricultural science graduates in a position of high demand. Just last year, it was estimated there are more than five jobs for every graduate of agriculture and related disciplines. Business Review Australia rates three agriculture science degrees within their Top 0 Most Valuable University Degrees list for 05: Environmental Science, Sustainable Development and Agronomy. Employment outcomes for bachelor-degree graduates in agricultural science are also strong. Around 90 per cent of graduates gain full-time employment four months after graduation (significantly above the average of 7 per cent for all bachelor degree graduates). A high percentage of positions are also available in cities too, as well as rural and remote areas. Make a difference to global agricultural issues You will become an agricultural scientist with the skills and knowledge to contribute to key industry fields at local, national and international levels. University of Melbourne graduates are highly sought after by employers because they possess the right combination of technical skills and personal attributes, including a confidence in their ability to problem-solve and address challenges, their ability to work as a team, an interest in sustainable farming practices and a genuine desire to work with rural communities. Enjoy a range of exciting career opportunities Enter a range of interesting and diverse careers as well as postgraduate study options and research. You can even take advantage of the career pathway entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Animal production Enjoy a range of interesting careers relating to animal production: advisor for animal feed companies, agricultural/farm consultant, animal health/welfare officer, animal/ veterinary, animal welfare officer, artificial breeding technicians, feedlot manager, pharmaceutical sales, quality assurance and quarantine officer. Career spotlight: Animal health officer You will have the important role of enforcing the law and educating the public on the prevention of cruelty to animals. You will investigate complaints, rescue animals from harmful situations, care for them and re-home them. You will carry out inspections of domestic properties and commercial operations. You will assist in preparing cases for hearings. You will obviously need a love for animals as well as communication skills and the ability to work alone or as part of a team. Agronomy Agronomy is a specialist in agricultural practices, which translates to a range of interesting roles, including catchment manager, environmental advisor, forestry officer, research officer, soil and water conservation officer, soil technician and salinity project officer. Career spotlight: Agronomist An agronomist applies their scientific and technical knowledge to help farmers to increase crop yield and maximise profits. You may gain specialist positions in research, advice, sales, crop nutrition, soils or farming sustainability. Career spotlight: Soil scientist As a soil scientist you will examine the biology, chemistry, physics and hydrology of soil systems and conducting relevant research, in order to advise on the best strategies for their effective conservation and management. You may work in a lab, an office or out in the field (or a combination of these), alone and in teams (and work closely with farmers and their staff). Technical specialists Technical specialists can apply their knowledge in valuable ways: biotechnology, food and wine specialist, genetics biochemist, laboratory technician, research and development officer and technical officer. Career spotlight: Technical officer You will use your specialist knowledge to advise agricultural businesses on the best technical approaches to various aspects of their operation. You will be responsible for complex technical support and advice, which could relate to research, production, forestry, servicing, agronomy, animal husbandry and marketing. You will educate management on the latest standards and techniques and manage relevant data and training materials. You will report on various products and operations and recommend changes. Sales and marketing Use your technical scientific knowledge and your business acumen to assist in the promotion of agricultural businesses. Roles include events coordinator, journalist, media consultant, and sales and marketing coordinator/manager. Finance and consultancy The financial stability and direction of agricultural businesses is a vital ingredient to success. You may work as an agribusiness consultant, farm advisor and rural finance officer/manager. Policy, government and trade Provide advice to a range of government and policy-related organisations. You may work as an advisor to industry organisations, aid and development officer, commodity trader, economic advisor, international trade, policy advisors, resource economics, and as an officer within state and federal government departments. Career spotlight: Commodity trader You will participate in market and commodity analysis and implement trading strategies. You will also manage relationships with key customers and suppliers and assist with the preparation of monthly profit and loss reports.

5 Program overview You will study four subjects each semester with core subjects undertaken each year with a common first year. In second year you have the opportunity to undertake majors in Plant and Soil Science, Animal Science and Economics where subjects are cross disciplinary and industry-based, working in teams to solve industry challenges. Choose your elective subjects based on your areas of interest and have the opportunity to select breath subjects offered by the faculty provided they are outside your main interest of study. Foundations of Agricultural Science (37.5 points) This suite of subjects will contain three areas: Landscape, climate and the biosphere; soil; and water. Each of these will be examined in context using the physical sciences of chemistry, physics, data management, mathematics, modelling and geology. Principles of Agricultural Production Systems (37.5 points) This suite of subjects introduce the major production systems (plant and animal) and the enabling social and business sciences that underpin them, such as agricultural economics, agribusiness, agricultural communities, the environment and policy. Two units of Biology (5 points) You have the opportunity to complete three majors: Plant and Soil Science, animal Science and Economics. Undertake interdisciplinary core subject at each year level. For example: Agricultural Systems Analysis is a core interdisciplinary subject at third year. It brings together students from each major to solve real industry problems, which enhances teamwork and problem-solving skills Choose from a wide range of electives, including an optional semester at Dookie campus our working farm and science hub. YEAR SEMESTER SUBJECTS Key: Subjects in this colour are core to all degree majors YEAR Biology of Cells and Organisms Genetics and the Evolution of Life Natural Environments Foundations of Agricultural Systems Principles of Agricultural Production Systems Foundations of Agricultural Systems Principles of Agricultural Production Systems Foundations of Agricultural Systems 3 Major: Plant and Soil Science Research Methods for Life Sciences Soil and water Resources Biochemistry in Agricultural Systems Plant Growth Processes Cropping Systems or Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems Food Security or Agricultural Economics Major: Animal Science YEAR * Research Methods for Life Sciences Soil and Water Resources Biochemistry in Agricultural Systems Applied Animal Physiology Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems Comparative Nutrition Major: Economics Research Methods for Life Sciences Soil and Water Resources Ecology and Management of Grazing systems Major: Plant and Soil Science Applied Industry Studies Plant and Health Improvement Crop Production and Management Irrigation and Water Management Major: Animal Science YEAR 3* Applied Industry Studies Production Animal Health Applications Applied Reproduction and Genetics Production Animal Health Applications Animal Welfare and Ethics Major: Economics Applied Industry Studies Farm Management Economics Agricultural Systems Analysis * Subject to Academic Board approval

6 Honours The Faculty accepts entry into our Honours programs for either semester. We encourage you to contact us to confirm your eligibility and to discuss supervisor and project availability before applying: fvas.unimelb.edu.au/b-ag-hons Fees All domestic undergraduate students enrol in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which is subsidised by the Australian Government. Students pay a contribution amount that is determined by the Australian Government, based on the subjects undertaken. Eligible students can defer the payment of his contribution, under the HECS-HELP scheme. For more information about fees, including HECS-HELP and international student fees, please visit: futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/ admissions/fees Scholarships The Faculty and University offer a number of generous scholarships. For more information, please visit: fvas.unimelb.edu.au /scholarships Join our Pre-Ag Club today! If you are considering studying agricultural science but want to learn more and start making connections, then the Pre-Ag Club is for you. Explore the agricultural sciences and the exciting career opportunities available, expand your knowledge via special seminars and practical sessions, meet our leading academics and researchers, connect with students who share your interests, discover the benefits of a degree and career in agricultural sciences, learn how you can make a real difference with a Bachelor of Agriculture, open to Year 9 students. To register, please visit: fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/pre-ag-club Further information Please contact the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Phone: 3 MELB (3 635) OR fvas.unimelb.edu.au Disclaimer Authorised by: Dean, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, July 05 CRICOS Provider code: 006K Intellectual Property: Copyright University of Melbourne 05. Copyright in this publication is owned by the University of Melbourne and no part of it may be reproduced without permission of the University. For further information refer to Statement on Privacy Policy: When dealing with personal or health information about individuals, the University of Melbourne is obliged to comply with the Information Privacy Act 000 and the Health Records Act 00. For further information refer to Disclaimer: The University of Melbourne has used its best endeavours to ensure that the material contained in this publication was correct at the time of printing. The University gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information and the University reserves the right to makes changes without notice at any time in its absolute discretion.