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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

313574 v.1 Dryland Agricultural Systems Major (Master of Science)

Introduction

This masters program will allow candidates to acquire knowledge and skills for dryland (rainfed) agricultural systems. Candidates will study farming systems in southern Australia, focusing on south-western Australia; these systems have relevance to Mediterranean environments around the world, and to areas where agricultural production is determined by rainfall during the cooler part of the year. The program will cover science and technology for crop, pasture and livestock production (including the roles of genetics and management in achieving optimum production against environmental constraints), and their integration into viable farming systems. Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies for precise management of crops and livestock, and the role of these technologies in ensuring sustainable and environmentally sound production systems into the future. A research project in an area relevant to dryland systems is an important component of the program.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
303368 v.5   Sustainable Agricultural Systems 301 6.0 25.0
311700 v.1   Science Research Methodologies 551 3.0 25.0
313545 v.1   Soil Science 200 5.0 25.0
313570 v.1   Animal Science 503 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312373 v.2   Integrated Pest Management 302 4.0 25.0
313546 v.1   Genetics and Biotechnology 200 5.0 25.0
313566 v.1   Environment and Agriculture Research Project 500 8.0 25.0
313569 v.1   Broadacre Crop and Pasture Science 500 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
312627 v.1   Quantitative Biology 501 5.0 25.0
313544 v.1   Advanced Livestock Production Systems 300 5.0 25.0
313567 v.1   Environment and Agriculture Research Project 510 8.0 25.0
313620 v.1   Molecular Biology 500 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
313543 v.1   Advanced Cropping Systems and Precision Agriculture 300 5.0 25.0
313568 v.1   Climate Change and Adaptation 500 2.0 25.0
313578 v.1   Environment and Agriculture Research Project 520 8.0 50.0
  100.0