Program information booklet 2017-2018

Integrated Diploma Program: Academic Program in Agricultural Technologies Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50116)

Registered training organisations:The University of Queensland, Gatton Vocational Education Centre (1511 UQ-GVEC) 2017, South Regional TAFE (52790 SRT) 2018

Developed by

The University of Queensland Gatton

Vocational Education Centre (UQ-GVEC)

UQ-GVEC enquiries

Telephone: (07) 5460 1353 or (07) 5460 1356

Address: University of Queensland

Gatton Vocational Education Centre (UQ-GVEC)

GATTON QLD 4343

Website: http://www.uq.edu.au/gatton/gvec

© The University of Queensland 2017

Copyright materials contained herein have been reproduced under the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, as amended, or with the permission of the copyright owner. This material may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever except for the purposed of individual study.

UQ-GVEC is a Registered Training Organisation: RTO 1511

CRICOS provider number: 00025B

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

Version no. Last saved by Change summary Approved

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V10-16-9/11/16 CG Updated for new requirements CG

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V18-16 21/12/16 MP Final version as per MP MP

Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

2017 into 2018 transitional arrangements...................................................................... 1

Program objectives .................................................................................................. 3

Employment opportunities ............................................................................................................... 3 Opportunities for further study ......................................................................................................... 3

Program overview for 2017 ..................................................................................... 4

Entry requirements .......................................................................................................... 4 Program streams ............................................................................................................................. 5

Program structure and schedule of fees ............................................................... 5

Important information ..................................................................................................... 5 Courses and competencies within units of study and streams ....................................................... 6 Case study/work placement ............................................................................................................ 8

Course presentation ................................................................................................ 9

Academic course descriptions ............................................................................. 10

More information .................................................................................................... 13

Campus accommodation .............................................................................................................. 13 Q-Fever screening and vaccination .............................................................................................. 13

Policies and procedures (2017) ............................................................................ 13

In conclusion .......................................................................................................... 14

MURESK INSTITUTE

Page 1

Introduction The Integrated Diploma Program (IDP) is a two-year, full-time program delivered at the

Muresk campus via a blended academic and vocational mode (lectures, tutorials, practical

classes), with 10 vocational competencies embedded and aligned within the delivery.

Developed in 2014 by The University of Queensland, the IDP was structured as a response

to the needs identified by the agricultural and allied industries who seek graduates with

knowledge and capacity to operate in an increasingly technological workplace. The Western

Australian government recognised this trend and collaborated with the University of

Queensland to customise the program and provide better engaging pathways in Western

Australia to higher education providers in agriculture or higher skilled graduates to industry.

Collaboration between the Muresk Institute via the WA Department of Training and

Workforce Development (DTWD) and The University of Queensland (UQ) Gatton Campus

resulted with the IDP commencing at Muresk in 2015 under a three-year contractual delivery

model leading to regional handover at the end of 2017.

2017 into 2018 transitional arrangements

Under the contractual arrangements, 2017 will conclude the term for The University of

Queensland Gatton Vocational Education Centre (UQ-GVEC) to deliver and accredit the IDP

and the Diploma of Agriculture. This means all students enrolled in UQ-GVEC during 2017

will need to transfer towards the Southern Regional TAFE (SRT) as the nominated Western

Australian vocational provider. Essentially in 2017 UQ-GVEC will offer a one-year course of

study comprised of eight academic courses and two aligned units of competency. This will

lead into the remaining units of competency to be offered via SRT in 2018, leading to the

award of the vocational Diploma of Agriculture issued via SRT.

As at December 2016, the higher educational provider for completion of the remaining

academic program in 2018 was yet to be announced. Under the contractual arrangements,

UQ-GVEC will withdraw from engagement into the remaining delivery of the program and

beyond.

Students who undertake the program in 2017 via UQ-GVEC are eligible to receive the

following:

an academic transcript from the University of Queensland for the eight courses

completed in 2017 while undertaking the Academic Program in Agricultural

Technologies, amounting to eight of the 16 courses to be delivered; plus a

Statement of Attainment from UQ-GVEC for two competency aligned courses

completed in 2017 under the Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50116).

The remaining eight courses and competencies required to attain the Diploma of

Agriculture (AHC50116) will be issued via the Southern Regional TAFE (SRT) upon

successful completion of the two-year program.

This combination of academic and vocational training will equip graduates for a range of

careers in the increasingly technical fields related to agriculture, including farm enterprise

managers, agribusiness services, research support staff and local government.

The IDP also provides a pathway to university level studies. Entry requirements and any

potential advanced standing are subject to each university’s requirements. Students who

Integrated Diploma Program information booklet 2017

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intend to seek this pathway should consult the specific university they wish to enrol with and

discuss the options available.

This prospectus provides the basic information for you to determine if the revised IDP model

and its transitional arrangements for 2017–2018 will meet your needs. It outlines the entry

requirements, approximate fees, courses of study and options, vocational competencies,

delivery modes, qualification outcomes and pathways to employment or further study. For

further information contact the Muresk Institute.

We look forward to your enrolment in the Integrated Diploma Program at Muresk.

Mark Pace

Director UQ-GVEC

MURESK INSTITUTE

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Program objectives On completion of the program graduates will be able to demonstrate:

a sound theoretical understanding of the science of plant and animal production, and the

natural resources that impact on agricultural production

an awareness of and basic skills in using agricultural technologies

an awareness of the issues impacting upon agricultural production

an ability to communicate with rural professionals and advisors

the skills to continually improve knowledge and awareness of agricultural technologies

through access to industry information sources.

Graduates will also be able to demonstrate:

competency in an acceptable range of appropriate agriculturally related skills

an appropriate knowledge of the principles underlying the practices

an awareness of the issues relating to the effective, efficient utilisation and conservation

of agricultural resources

an appreciation of the integration of theory and practice gained through formal study and

the achievement of an acceptable work ethic

a positive attitude to lifelong learning in a rapidly changing society.

Employment opportunities

On completion of the program graduates will be well suited to gain employment in positions

such as:

agricultural research technician

trainee agronomist or sales staff within an agribusiness

trainee management staff within agricultural enterprises

instructor within the agricultural vocational education and training sector

local government environmental officer.

Opportunities for further study

Graduates will be well qualified and prepared to pursue higher education options within the

university sector. Graduates may seek pathways into a number of universities offering

agricultural and related degree programs. Contact your preferred university or TAFE for

more specific information in relation to higher education opportunities.

Integrated Diploma Program information booklet 2017

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Program overview for 2017 Academic program: Academic Program in Agricultural Technologies

Integrated vocational programs: AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture

Campus: Muresk Institute

Offered (2017): UQ Gatton Vocational Education Centre (UQ-GVEC)

Offered (2018): South Regional TAFE (SRT)

Course start date: Semester 1 (27 February 2017)

Course duration: 2 years full-time (4 semesters)

No. of academic courses: 8 of 16 offered under UQ in 2017

No. of academic courses: 8 of 16 offered under (to be advised) in 2018

No. of vocational competencies: 2 of 10 offered in 2017 under UQ-GVEC

No. of vocational competencies: 8 of 10 offered in 2018 under SRT

Semester duration: 15 weeks (subject to final timetable arrangements)

Entry requirements

Minimum Year 12, with five sound achievements including mathematics, English and a

science subject; or a Certificate III in Agriculture (or equivalent).

* * *

Special consideration for entry may be granted to applicants on the basis of other

qualifications and/or work experience.

Applicants entering the program with higher vocational qualifications may apply for

recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Applicants applying for entry without a Certificate III in Agriculture (or equivalent) or who do

not have any rural background or experience will be required to undertake a skill set training

program offered at the Muresk Institute before the start of the Integrated Diploma Program.

Any student may elect to undertake this program, which will include up to eight units of

competency.

Students will be working with farm animals during the Integrated Diploma Program.

Accordingly, all students enrolled should be screened and/or vaccinated against

Q-Fever to reduce the risk of contracting this disease. Check with the program coordinator

for more details.

MURESK INSTITUTE

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Program streams

While all students undertake the same courses and competencies in Semester 1, students

may elect to undertake one of three streams (or specialisations) offered within the remaining

three semesters of the program. These three streams are:

1. Crop production

2. Animal production

3. Plant protection

There are some stream-specific courses and competencies offered in the second, third and

fourth semester units of study.

Program structure and

schedule of fees

Important information

Academic courses or units of competency are subject to change under review

arrangements.

Students are not required to choose their stream until the second semester.

Streams are conditional upon minimum numbers of enrolments.

Part-time enrolments are considered on a case-by-case basis and are only permissible

upon approval by the Training Manager.

VET student loans are applicable to the Diploma of Agriculture only.

Costs contained in the Schedule of Fees also apply to students who may be seeking

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where applicable.

The Schedule of Fees and program structure is correct as at 15/12/16.

Fees are indicative only and are charged on a nominal hour basis as per the current

Government of Western Australia Department of Training and Workforce Development

(DTWD) course fee rates.

Total nominal hours will vary for students approved for RPL or Credit Transfer.

Diploma of Agriculture charges apply to concessional and non-concessional students, in

accordance with the applicable DTWD VET Fees and Charges Policy.

Integrated Diploma Program information booklet 2017

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Courses and competencies within units of study and streams

The academic courses and aligned competencies to be undertaken for each unit of study

and stream of the four semesters are provided in the following tables. Detailed information

on each unit of competency can be found on the Australian Government Department of

Industry website.

* Courses/units are indicative and subject to change under review arrangements.

Semester: 1, 2017 – Cost $360

27 February – 16 June 2017

Census date: 31 March

Streams

Crop Production

Animal Production

Plant Protection

IDP academic courses

AGRC1120D Agriculture and Biology

AGRC1165D Contemporary Issues in Agriculture (two semesters)

LAND1120D Soil and Water Resources

AGRC1125D Agricultural Mechanisation I

AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture competencies

VET Unit of Study: Foundations of Agriculture FA115MUR

AHCSOL401 Sample Soils and Interpret Results

Semester: 2, 2017 – Cost $825

10 July – 27 October 2017

Census date: 31 August

Streams

Crop Production

Animal Production

Plant Protection

IDP academic courses

ANIM1110D Animal Husbandry

AGRC1130D Crop Agronomy

MGTS1966D Rural Business I

LAND1125D Land Management

AGRC1135D Agricultural Mechanisation II

AGRC1165D Contemporary Issues in Agriculture (two semesters)

AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture competencies

VET Unit of Study: Agricultural Production AP215MUR

AHCBUS508 Prepare and Monitor Budgets and Financial Reports #

MURESK INSTITUTE

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Semester: 1, 2018 (third semester of program). SRT will determine remaining fee structure for 2018 as per DTWD VET Fee policy and schedules

Dates TBA

Census date: 31 March

Streams

Crop Production

Animal Production

Plant Protection

IDP academic courses (note: academic subjects may not be offered under the approved RTO)

ANIM1115D Animal Production Technology

AGRC1140D Plant Production Technology

MGTS1967D Rural Business Management and Human Resources II

AGRC1155D Rural Business Management Systems

MGTS1965D Learning and Communication

AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture (3 competencies)

VET Unit of Study: Agricultural Technologies AT116MUR

AHCLSK505 Develop Production Plans for Livestock

AHCBAC507 Develop Production Plans for Crops

AHCBUS506 Develop and Review a Business Plan

BSBCMM401 Make a Presentation

AHCBUS501 Manage Staff

Semester: 2, 2018 (fourth semester of program). SRT will determine remaining fee structure for 2018 as per DTWD VET Fee policy and schedules

Dates TBA

Census date: 31 August

Streams

Crop Production

Animal Production

Plant

Protection

IDP academic courses (note-academic subjects may not be offered under the approved RTO)

AGRC1150D Management of Agricultural Production Systems

AGRC1160D Case Study and Work Placement

MGTS1968D Enterprise Compliance Systems

AGRC1145D Experimental Techniques and Application

AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture (3 competencies)

VET Unit of study: Agricultural Systems AS216MUR

AHCAGB505 Develop a Whole Farm Plan

AHCWHS501 Manage Work Health and Safety Processes

AHCWRK502 Collect and Manage Data

AHCBUS507 Monitor and Review Business Performance

Integrated Diploma Program information booklet 2017

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Case study/work placement

This course enables students to undertake a case study where they can apply their

knowledge and skills in a work setting. The placement enterprise will be selected and

approved on the basis of:

suitability of the enterprise in terms of industry representation, including best practice

initiatives

location of the enterprise in relation to daily access for students from, and to, the Muresk

Institute Campus

nature of the enterprise and the experience able to be offered, in relation to the student’s

specialisation and agreed case study outcomes

availability of suitably qualified and experienced staff to co-supervise the case study

activity in conjunction with an appointed academic supervisor.

MURESK INSTITUTE

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Course presentation In each semester students enrol in academic courses and a range of aligned vocational

competencies prescribed for their selected stream of study. Typically the academic courses

may be delivered in two- or three-week blocks interspersed with a one-to-two-week block of

applied skills training and industry placement. The following table provides an example.

Example only of block-teaching schedule for a semester

Muresk Teaching Calendar (example only)

SEMESTER 1, 2017 UQ-GVEC

Week Date Starting Comment Courses Held Notes

Orientation 27 Feb

Week 1 6 March Course 1 and Course 2 Academic/Prac

Week 2 13 March Course 1 and Course 2 Academic/Prac

Week 3 20 March Applied Skills and Industry

Training Gap training

Week 4 27 March Course 1 and Course 2 Academic/Prac

Week 5 3 April Course 1 and Course 2 Academic/Prac

Mid-

Semester

Break

10 - 16 April

No

Cla

ss

es

Week 6 17 April

Course 3 and Course 4 Academic/Prac

Week 7 24 April Course 3 and Course 4 Academic/Prac

Week 8 1 May Course 3 and Course 4 Academic/Prac

Week 9 8 May Applied Skills and Industry

Training

Week 10 15 May Course 3 and Course 4 Academic/Prac

Week 11 22 May Course 3 and Course 4 Academic/Prac

Week 12 29 May Course 3 and Course 4 Academic/Prac

Week 13 5 June Study week

Week 14 12 June Exam period

Integrated Diploma Program information booklet 2017

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Academic course descriptions AGRC1120D Agriculture and Biology

This course provides an overview and historical context of agriculture and its integral role in

the evolution of human society; introduces the key elements of the environment and natural

resources on which agriculture depends; covers the basic biology of plants and animals;

discusses the importance and role of diversity within agricultural systems and provides for

skills training in routine plant and animal production tasks.

MGTS1965D Learning and Communication

This course provides skills and knowledge that will be useful in the workplace and to help

you complete the program. Effective communication includes the ability to function well in

work teams and organisations, and to access useful information to solve problems and

improve knowledge. The course will include an understanding of how we learn, the

transition to adult learning practices and the difference between scientific, industry and

general media communication styles. Practical activities will include the ability to develop,

structure, research and deliver a report on a relevant topic and make effective

presentations.

LAND1120D Soil and Water Resources

An introduction to agricultural soil and water resources, and irrigation. Soils: Formation,

classification, and physical, chemical and biological properties. Water: Farm water sources,

accessibility, and quality and quantity requirements. Irrigation: application methods, system

types, components, operation and evaluation methods.

AGRC1125D Agricultural Mechanisation I

An introduction to: basic engineering quantities, concepts and calculations; the forms,

functional requirements and operation of tillage, planting and crop chemical application

equipment; and to applied skills training in tractor and farm machinery operation for land

preparation, seeding and crop chemical application.

ANIM1110D Animal Husbandry

This course considers the welfare of animals; their feeding and nutrition; animal health plans

and biosecurity; the behaviour and handling of animals; breeding and reproduction; and

provides training in animal husbandry skills. The emphasis is on pigs, beef and dairy cattle,

and sheep.

AGRC1130D Crop Agronomy

This course builds on Agriculture and Biology to look more specifically at agronomic aspects

of crop and pasture production. It broadly covers the biological resources and the principles

of soil management, crop management and pest and disease management.

MGTS1966D Rural Business I

This course covers the fundamentals of farm business management, how financial and

physical information is used within the business decision making process and by lenders

and other stakeholders, what financial statements are, what they show and how they are

linked with each other and with physical business and business plans.

MURESK INSTITUTE

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LAND1125D Land Management

This course provides an introduction to soil, water and energy conservation principles and

practices, including drainage, and to the principles and practices underpinning

contemporary land management strategies for improved sustainability and profitability in

extensive (grazing) and intensive (cropping) agricultural production systems.

MGTS1968D Enterprise Compliance Systems

Enterprise policy, procedures, processes and practice requirements in relation to

compliance with occupational health and safety, food safety and quality assurance, and best

management practices.

AGRC1140D Plant Production Technology

Covers the underlying principles and operation of a wide range of technologies which are

used, or have potential, for application in agriculture and related industries. Measuring and

recording environmental factors including soil nutrients and water. Monitoring and

measuring crop growth and crop health. Controlling the crop environment and plant growth.

Plant improvement. Optimisation of crop production. Organic production practices.

Postharvest handling and storage technologies. Protected cultivation.

ANIM1115D Animal Production Technology

Animal enterprise management (case studies of animal production enterprises); animal

production techniques including herd selection methods, stock feed processing and

handling, pasture utilisation and grazing management; animal health and biosecurity;

transporting animals; production of high quality animal products (meat, eggs, milk and

wool).

AGRC1170D Plant Protection Technology

Strategies, practices and technologies used for sustainable management of pests and

disease in plant production systems.

MGTS1967D Rural Business and Human Resources II

Business planning: development and review of business plans; preparation and monitoring

of budgets; business and enterprise performance evaluation. Financial and production

analysis and reporting; research information synthesis and presentation. Management of

human resources on farm and in rural organisations.

AGRC1135D Agricultural Mechanisation II

This course provides an introduction to farm power units, grain and pasture/fodder crop

production harvesting, handling and storage equipment, and to skills in farm survey and

set-out techniques.

AGRC1145D Experimental Techniques and Application

The role of experimentation in maintaining and improving the productivity of plant and

animal production systems; biological variation; experimental design; basic descriptive and

analytical statistical techniques, sampling and measurement, data collection, recording,

summarisation and presentation; the development and application of a range of

field/laboratory skills relevant to agricultural research and service industries.

Integrated Diploma Program information booklet 2017

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AGRC1150D Management of Agricultural Production Systems

Management of enterprises and complex rural businesses to achieve environmentally,

economically and socially sustainable production systems; utilisation of computer-based

models and programs, communication technologies and information resources; finance and

marketing; value chain management. These principles and practices will be applied to

animal or broad acre production systems.

AGRC1175D Plant Protection Systems

The planning, development, implementation and management of best practice strategies for

weed/pest/disease control systems; contemporary issues in plant protection IPM, drift

reduction, buffer zones, etc.

AGRC1155D Rural Business Management Systems

Based on the enterprise placement: integration of financial and management systems;

application of business and financial management and decision support (modelling)

packages. The preparation and presentation of a business plan, and performance

evaluation report for a selected enterprise.

AGRC1160D Case Study and Work Placement

A detailed study of an enterprise or other appropriate workplace based on an (approximate)

five-week structured, cooperative placement. A learning contract negotiated between the

student, co-operator and appointed academic staff member. Assessment based largely on

three major reports covering specified resource, business and production activity.

AGRC1165D Contemporary Issues in Agriculture

A seminar series presented by experienced staff and guest speakers on contemporary

issues influencing agricultural policy, productivity and sustainability, such as climate change,

water allocation, renewable energy, biodiversity, biosecurity, carbon trading and food

security.

MURESK INSTITUTE

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More information

Campus accommodation

Muresk Institute has dormitory and fully catered style student accommodation. Students

wishing to reside on campus during their studies should contact the Institute in relation to

availability and cost of accommodation.

Q-Fever screening and vaccination

Q-Fever is caused by a bacterium called Coxiella burnetii. People get infected by inhaling

the bacteria, usually while in contact with infected animals, animal tissues, or animal

products. The main carriers of the disease are farm animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.

In rural areas the risk from kangaroos is also significant. A wide range of other animals can

be infected including camels, llamas, alpacas, rodents, cats, dogs, birds, wallabies and other

marsupials. The bacteria can survive harsh conditions and remain in the environment for

long periods of time, so hay, dust and other small particles may also carry the bacteria.

Veterinary, agricultural science and other students who work with the animals listed above:

are at risk of contracting Q-Fever

should be screened and or vaccinated against Q-Fever if required to reduce the risk of

contracting this disease

may not be able to undertake practical work if not immune to Q-Fever.

Each screening and vaccination program consists of two visits, one week apart.

First visit: Your potential Q-Fever exposure history is discussed and recorded and screening

tests including a skin and blood test are performed to check if you require a vaccine.

Second visit: One week later – your screening tests are checked and a Q-Fever vaccine

given if tests show no immunity to Q-Fever.

It is recommended that students book and attend a complete vaccination program.

Policies and procedures (2017) The IDP has two sets of operational rules, due to the mix of jurisdictions that govern the

program. These can be found in the UQ Policy and Procedure Library (PPL) and

UQ-GVEC’s Code of Practice. Students should be aware that in cases where these rules are

in conflict, The University of Queensland rules will take precedence.

Students should familiarise themselves with all policies and procedures relevant to their

program.

UQ-GVEC’s Code of Practice

UQ’s policies and procedures are available through:

o myAdvisor

o UQ Policy and Procedure Library (PPL)

Muresk Institute’s policies and procedures

Integrated Diploma Program information booklet 2017

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In conclusion This booklet is an overview of the program, and details are subject to change. The intent is

to provide prospective students with sufficient information to start enrolment procedures.

For more information or to start enrolment procedures, please contact:

General Manager

Muresk Institute

T: (08) 9690 1456

E: prue.jenkins@dtwd.wa.gov.au

Further information can be sourced at the following websites:

uq.edu.au/gatton/gvec

dtwd.wa.gov.au/mureskinstitute

We look forward to welcoming you as a student within the Integrated Diploma Program at

Muresk Institute.

A Locked Bag 2, Northam Western Australia 6401

T 1300 994 031

W dtwd.wa.gov.au/mureskinstitute

E muresk@dtwd.wa.gov.au