313574 v.1 Dryland Agricultural Systems Major (Master of Science)
Major/Stream Overview
This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.
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.
Major/Stream Organisation
Major/Stream Learning Outcomes
A graduate of this course can:
1. acquire professional skills in management of soil, crop, pasture and livestock, allowing the application of this knowledge to a wide variety of rainfed farming situations
2. use logical scientific methods to analyse problems and apply this knowledge to a wide variety of rainfed farming situations especially in a Mediterranean context
3. students will be fluent in current literature, theories and practices of production technology and their integration into farming systems
4. use a broad range of communication skills appropriate to the audience
5. select and use new and established technologies appropriate to dryland farming systems
6. acquire and contribute to new agricultural and scientific knowledge and expertise relating to a broad variety of professional situations and recognise the importance of continuous training and education
7. understand the global and cultural issues in agriculture and how these impact on the practice and management of farming systems
8. appreciate the importance of cultural and individual human rights and how these impact on the study of agriculture; embrace the diversity and opportunities presented by different cultures; value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives
9. work both as an independent scientist and within teams, either as a professional leader or a collaborator, using effective problem solving and decision making skills in an ethical manner
| Course Structure | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Semester 1 | |||||
| 311700 | v.1 | Science Research Methodologies 551 | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| 312627 | v.1 | Quantitative Biology 501 | 5.0 | 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 | |
| 313568 | v.1 | Climate Change and Adaptation 500 | 2.0 | 25.0 | |
| 313569 | v.1 | Broadacre Crop and Pasture Science 500 | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| 314000 | v.1 | Gene to Phenotype 200 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 1 | |||||
| 303368 | v.6 | Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Food Security 301 | 4.5 | 25.0 | |
| 313544 | v.1 | Advanced Livestock Production Systems 300 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 314015 | v.1 | Environment and Agriculture Research Project 500 | 8.0 | 25.0 | |
| 314018 | v.1 | Environment and Agriculture Research Project 510 | 6.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 2 | |||||
| 312143 | v.3 | Agricultural Extension and Development 302 | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| 313543 | v.1 | Advanced Cropping Systems and Precision Agriculture 300 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| 314017 | v.1 | Environment and Agriculture Research Project 520 | 12.0 | 50.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
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