303423 v.2 Bachelor of Agribusiness

Introduction

This course offers majors in Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources, Farm Management, Agribusiness Marketing, Equine Management, Horticultural Management and Viticultural Management. It develops knowledge and skills in management, technical production and marketing applied to activities in agribusiness including production units such as farms, enterprises in horticulture, viticulture, equine industries, aquaculture, aquatic resources and in firms servicing primary producers and their products. The focus is on developing skills in the management and optimisation of systems to achieve profitable and sustainable outcomes. The course takes a holistic view of agribusiness, developing and understanding of linkages between consumers and the production, processing and distribution systems management associated with these industries. Students develop professional attributes sought by employers such as the ability to understand, apply and communicate key principles; to think analytically and creatively; teamwork and self directed learning skills. Professional development is enhanced during a period of twelve to sixteen weeks in professional practice spent in an agribusiness organisation in Australia or overseas.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

None. TEE Mathematics, Biology, Accounting and Economics (Chemistry for Horticulture and Aquaculture majors) desirable. Able candidates without prerequisite subjects may be accepted and required to complete approved bridging units.

Specific Requirements

Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources, Farm Management, Agribusiness Marketing or Horticulture Major, Viticultural Management - STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.

Note

Those undertaking the Viticultural Management Major must complete a minimum of 12 weeks practical work outside of normal semester time.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Applications for recognition of prior learning may be awarded for approved TAFE units. Students who have completed the Associate Degree in Agribusiness may apply for recognition of prior learning in the Bachelor of Agribusiness.

Duration and Availability

This course is three years full-time or equivalent part-time study. External study is also available. Students must complete a period of twelve weeks of industry practice. Industry practice is a prerequisite for graduation.

Course Organisation

Each major comprises a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises, independent study, relevant practical work and professional experience to fulfil course requirements. Visits to commercial enterprises in Western Australian are a vital part of the course.

Professional Recognition

Graduates undertaking the Horticultural Management major are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Agriculture Science and Technology. In addition, horticultural management students are eligible to join the following professional bodies - Australian Institute of Horticulture and the Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation. Graduates undertaking the Viticultural Management major are elgible for membership of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science (AIAIS).

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study. Students should note that excursion expenses may apply to units within this course. Further information is available from the Muresk Institute.

Special Note

Prospective students should be advised that Muresk Institute are developing a major in Equine Management for possible implementation in 2004, pending final University approval. Contact Muresk for further information.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.