Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science) B.Sc(AgSc)

2009

Program Outline

This program provides an understanding of how science and technology underlie modern agricultural practices and how they relate to the sustainable use of natural resources. After two years of foundation studies in science, in the final year level students have the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of agriculture, including agriculture and resource management, crop and pasture sciences, livestock sciences, land management and soil conservation, horticultural science and pest management. While students have the opportunity to specialise in one or more specific disciplines, the breadth of experience throughout the program also means that graduate employment opportunities are available in many fields of biology, agriculture and science. The program has a strong emphasis on the practical skills utilised in agricultural research.

Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic and international students.

Domestic

Selection criteria:	Year 12 applicants 2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 70.55 You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER). Higher Education applicants You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. VET applicants You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Special Entry applicants You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 40% and the quantitative component contributes 60% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Assumed knowledge:	SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies
How to apply:	SATAC Code: 324151 Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees:	Commonwealth-supported place: $7,412
General enquiries:	Student Centre

International

Selection criteria:	IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing 6 5.5 5.5 6 6 International TER 70
Assumed knowledge:	Chemistry and Mathematics desirable
How to apply:	Application information for international students Important application deadlines for international students
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Annual tuition fees:	International student place: $22,000
General enquiries:	Student Centre

Areas of Specialisation

Following two years of foundation studies in science, students will have the opportunity to specialise in an area relevant to agriculture and resource management: crop and pasture sciences, livestock sciences, land management and soil conservation, horticultural science and pest management. The program has a strong emphasis on the practical skills utilised in agricultural research.

In a fourth year, students can undertake a major research project for an Honours Degree.

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Please note that this program is under review and the courses listed at levels II and III are indicative only. Level I
Semester 1 (core courses) AGRIC 1000RW: Perspectives in Modern Agriculture I BIOLOGY 1101: Biology I: Molecules, Genes & Cells Plus one of the following CHEM 1100:  Chemistry IA CHEM 1101:  Foundations of Chemistry IA Semester 2 (core courses) BIOLOGY 1202: Biology I: Organisms GEOLOGY 1200: Earth's Environment STATS 1004: Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)* Plus one of the following CHEM 1201: Foundations of Chemistry IB CHEM 1200: Chemistry IB Plus passes in additional Level I course to the value of 3 units chosen from: MATHS 1013: Mathematics IMA MATHS 1011: Mathematics IA PHYSICS 1101: Physics for the Life & Earth Sciences IA PHYSICS 1008: Physics Principles & Applications I ENV BIOL 1002: Ecological Issues I MATHS 1011: Mathematics 1A * STATS 1000 Statistical Practice I offered in Semester 1 can be substituted if required.
Level II
Semester 1 (core courses) AGRIC 2500WT: Animal & Plant Biochemistry II ENV BIOL 2500: Botany II SOIL&WAT 2500WT: Soil & Water Resources II PLANT SC 2500WT: Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology II Semester 2 (core courses) AGRONOMY 2502RW: Production Agronomy II ANIML SC 2501WT: Genes and Inheritance II ANIML SC 2503RW: Livestock Production Science II Plus one of the following BIOMET 2500WT: Research Methodology II BIOMET 2500RW: Research Methodology II
Level III
Passes in the following courses: PLANT SC 3230WT: Communication in the Agrifood Industries BIOMET 3000WT: Agricultural Experimentation Passes to the value of 9 units in one of the following areas Crop & Pasture Science AGRONOMY 2013RW: Production Agronomy AGRONOMY 3012RW: Advanced Agronomy AGRONOMY 3016RW: Crop & Pasture Ecology PLANT SC 3004WT: Mineral Nutrition of Plants PLANT SC 3009WT: Plant Molecular Biology PLANT SC 3200WT: Plant Breeding Horticulture Science HORTICUL 3000WT: Production Horticulture HORTICUL 3001WT: Horticulture Systems HORTICUL 3004WT: Olive Production & Marketing Land Management and Soil Conservation AGRONOMY 3026RW: Ecology & Management of Rangelands SOIL&WAT 3010: Remote Sensing SOIL&WAT 3002WT: Soil Management & Conservation SOIL&WAT 3012WT: Soil Water Management SOIL&WAT 3014WT: GIS for Agricultural Science SOIL&WAT 3016WT: Soil Ecology & Nutrient Cycling Livestock Science ANIML SC 3015RW: Animal Nutrition & Metabolism ANIML SC 3016RW: Animal Health ANIML SC 3017RW: Comparative Animal Physiology ANIML SC 3018RW: Pig Production - Science into Management ANIML SC 3043RW: Biotechnology in the Animal Industries ANIML SC 3045RW: Animal Breeding & Genetics Pest Science ANIML SC 3019RW: Ecology & Mangement of Vertebrate Pests PLANT SC 3030AEX/BEX: Integrated Weed Management PLANT SC 3130WT: Plant Pathology PLANT SC 3131WT: Integrated Pest Management PLANT SC 3231WT: Insect Ecology

Career Opportunities

Agricultural Science graduates are equipped to solve industry problems and apply new technology in their areas of specialisation. Graduates gain employment in a wide variety of areas, including research & technical work, teaching, communication (advisory services) and administation.

Career paths of some graduates involve all of these areas and are not necessarily confined to agriculture. Most are employed in agriculture related industries, commercial enterprises, government departments or as self-employed consultants. Some graduates may become agricultural journalists.

Potential careers

Land Resources and Land Care, Pest Control, Plant Breeding, Revegetation, Soil Conservation, Wildlife Officer, Agronomist, Animal Breeding, Biotechnology, Horticulturalist, Journalist (Science Communications)

Useful Links

• School of Agriculture, Food & Wine
• Academic Advisor

Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences Undergraduate Program Rules