Learn more on our website fvas.unimelb.edu.auFaculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences

BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE

Work with the latest innovative technologies

Receive an important global perspective

Gain experience with industry placements

Join us at Australia’s No. 1 university

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.

The NEW Bachelor of Agriculture fvas.unimelb.edu.au

Agriculture is a major contributor to the Australian national economy and productivity is booming - more than in any other industry sector.

In light of this, 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.

BECOME A HIGHLY-SKILLED AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST, READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD.

An exciting new curriculum, with input from industry The new Bachelor of Agriculture will commence in 2016. It will provide you with breadth and depth of knowledge as well as key practical skills in the agricultural sciences.

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 new Bachelor of Agriculture degree will:

» strengthen your foundation knowledge in basic agricultural sciences

» help you to understand the broader industry context and give you an important global perspective

» integrate cross-disciplinary subjects at each year level

» improve your communication, problem-solving 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 foundation studies in: biology, natural environments, agricultural production and agricultural science.

In second and third years you have the opportunity to pursue your interests by selecting a major in plant and soil science, animal science or agricultural economics.

A semester of practical learning at our working farm and science hub This is a 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. This option allows you to focus on practical learning in a hands-on 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 2,240 hectares and includes a high-technology robotic dairy, broad acre farming crops and 5000 merino sheep.

You have the opportunity to live on campus, 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 heartlandThe Dookie campus is based in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, which is often referred to as the “Food Bowl of Australia”. Approximately 25 per cent of the total value of Victoria’s agricultural production is generated in this region, from which you can access and learn.

Some of Australia’s largest food processing companies are als 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.

DurationThree years full-time Part-time study and honours available

IntakeSemester 1

CampusesParkville and Dookie Optional practical semester at Dookie

Place types » Domestic Students: Commonwealth

Supported Places

» International Students: Fee places

Entry requirements2015 Clearly in ATAR Score: 70.65

Domestic applicants must have completed Units 3 & 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English/English Language/Literature or at least 30 in EAL, and at least 25 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics or at least 30 in Further Mathematics.

International applicants please refer to bit.ly/bachelor-of-ag-at-melbourne

How to apply Domestic students: All domestic undergraduate applications for Semester 1 are managed through VTAC.

Onshore international students: Apply through VTAC if you are completing Australian Year 12 or an IB.

International students: Apply through the Future Students website: futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/applications/ug-int

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 affecting your education will be considered when we assess your application for entry. Learn more at: futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au

QUICK FACTS

Dookie Campus

Wangaratta

Shepparton

Melbourne

Be in demandThe 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 10 Most Valuable University Degrees list for 2015: Environmental Science, Sustainable Development and Agronomy.

Employment outcomes for bachelor-degree graduates in agricultural science are also strong. Approximately 90 per cent of graduates gain full-time employment four months after graduation (significantly above the average of 71 per cent for all bachelor degree graduates). A high percentage of positions are available in cities, as well as rural and remote areas.

Make a difference to global agricultural issuesYou 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 part of 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 with the pre-requisite qualification.

CAREER OUTCOMES

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 the science of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fibre, and land reclamation. It includes work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, and soil science.

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, consultation, 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: 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 prepare monthly profit and loss reports.

Why the University of Melbourne?

Australia’sNo. 1 university

No. 10 in the world for graduate employability

* Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture (ACDA), February 2014

Program overviewYou will study four subjects each semester with core subjects undertaken each year. The first year of subjects is common to all ag course plans. Four subjects are studied each semester. In second year you have the opportunity to undertake majors in Plant and Soil Science, Animal Science or Agricultural 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 or other subjects offered by the faculty provided they are outside your major.

Year One » 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.

» Foundations of Agricultural Science (25 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.

» Natural Environments (12.5 points)

» Biology (25 points)

Later Years » Complete one of three majors: Plant

and Soil Science, Animal Science and Agricultural 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.

» The final year gives students the opportunity to undertake an internship and gain industry experience.

YEAR 11

Biology of Cells and Organisms

Natural Environments

Agricultural Production Systems 1

Agricultural Production Systems 2

2Genetics and the Evolution of Life

Foundations of Agricultural Systems 1

Foundations of Agricultural Systems 2

Agricultural Production Systems 3

YEAR 3

MAJOR: PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCE

1Applied Industry Studies

Plant and Health Improvement

Irrigation and Water Management

Elective

2 Elective Elective Elective

MAJOR: ANIMAL SCIENCE

1Applied Industry Studies

Production Animal Health Applications

Applied Reproduction and Genetics

Elective

2Production Animal Health Applications

Animal Welfare and Ethics

Elective

MAJOR: AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

1Applied Industry Studies

Farm Management Economics

Elective Elective

2Agricultural Systems Analysis

Elective Elective

YEAR 2

MAJOR: PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCE

1Research Methods for Life Sciences

Soil and water Resources

Biochemistry in Agricultural Systems

Plant Growth Processes

2

Crop Production & Management or Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems

Elective Food Security or Agricultural Economics

Elective

MAJOR: ANIMAL SCIENCE

1Research Methods for Life Sciences

Soil and water Resources

Biochemistry in Agricultural Systems

Applied Animal Physiology

2

Crop Production & Management or Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems

Comparative Nutrition and Digestion

Elective Elective

MAJOR: AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

1Research Methods for Life Sciences

Soil and water Resources

Elective Elective

2

Crop Production & Management or Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems

Elective Elective Elective

YEAR SEMESTER SUBJECTS Subjects in this colour are core to all degree majorsKey:

Learn more on our website fvas.unimelb.edu.auFaculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences

BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE

Work with the latest innovative technologies

Receive an important global perspective

Gain experience with industry placements

Join us at Australia’s No. 1 university

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.Disclaimer

Authorised by: Dean, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, July 2015 CRICOS Provider code: 00116K Intellectual Property: Copyright University of Melbourne 2015. 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 www.unimelb.edu.au/Statutes

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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.

HonoursThe Faculty accepts entry into our Honours programs for Semester One. 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

FeesAll 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

ScholarshipsThe 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, 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 – 12 students.

To register, please visit: fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/pre-ag-club

Further informationPlease contact the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences

Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352) OR +61 3 9035 5511

fvas.unimelb.edu.au

HOW DOES A CITY KID END UP STUDYING AGRICULTURE? LIKE MANY STUDENTS, NATALIE ECKERT’S INTEREST IN AGRICULTURE ORIGINALLY CAME FROM HER INTEREST IN VETERINARY SCIENCE.

“I originally wanted to be a rural vet and so I thought agriculture was a better option than a plain science degree,” she said.

She said the opportunity to learn and practice agricultural science in the field at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus in the Goulburn Valley was a highlight of the degree.

Natalie said the ability to gain field experience to back up classroom learning was among the best aspects of the Bachelor of Agriculture.

She said she feels confident that whether she’s working in meat production or agribusiness banking, her education in the Bachelor of Agriculture means she is ready for the challenge.

“I wouldn’t want to put limits on exactly what I’d want to be years down the line because I don’t know yet, but I think that’s probably the beauty of the Ag course,” she said.

PROFILE NATALIE ECKERT