Agriculture

Agriculture is a diverse science. It has been considered as cropping and livestock farming, but has now moved into the realm of cutting-edge technology. Our current use of the planet is unsustainable. We need highly educated, creative and clever people to develop new ways and new technologies to sustainably produce the resources and food we require, while still protecting the environment.

The BSc (Agriculture) builds on the Environment and Agriculture pre-major and provides you with an understanding of the science and technology required for the productive use of plants and animals for food, fibre and amenities. By undertaking the Agriculture major, you will study extensive production systems (rain-dependent and field-based enterprises such as grain crops, cattle grazing, and sheep, lamb and wool industries), with a strong focus on the broadacre crop and livestock production systems of Mediterranean climates, including the winter-dominant, low rainfall environments in western and southern Australia. This major also includes study of intensive production systems (those relying on high inputs of water, fertiliser or feed, and which generate large amounts of produce from small areas), with particular emphasis on horticulture.

You will learn to understand the limitations to production imposed by these particular environments, and study ways to manage risk associated with the impacts of season, climate variability and global warming.

'Precision agriculture' explores newer technologies such as satellite-based imagery for measuring crop and pasture growth and soil variability, remote sensing, remote management of crops and pastures, and tracking systems for livestock.

Cutting-edge technology is increasingly used for efficient farm management, making the most effective use of limited water, and efficient use of fertiliser and feed to best manage variable seasons. There is also the opportunity to incorporate principles of environmental management and agribusiness in the program of study.

You can study this as part of a double major with:
Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Environmental Biology
Chemistry
Coastal Zone Management
Physics

You can study this major as part of a Science and Arts or Science and Commerce double degree.
See the Courses Handbook for the structure of this part of the double degree.

Why Agriculture?

• There is an increasing demand for graduates in the service industries associated with agriculture, as well as in development of new technologies and processes. Our graduates are practical, innovative, job-ready, technically skilled and scientifically well-trained.
• Australian agriculture is under increasing pressure to sustain a rapidly growing population.
• Future productivity improvements will rely on passionate, skilled graduates undertaking high-calibre research and development, and adopting innovations and new technologies.
• Agricultural Science can lead to many opportunities. Graduates are sought in many industries and organisations due to their science training, their critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities.

• Australian & NZ students
• International students