Online Courses Handbook 2003

303336 v.2 Associate Degree in Agribusiness

Introduction
This course emphasises farm management, catering for those seeking a career on a family owned farm or as a salaried manager. The requirement for students to work for one year in a commercial production environment before starting formal studies at Muresk enables them to acquire practical skills in using modern machinery during crop production, animal husbandry, dairy activities, pasture management and haymaking and observe a full year of farm operation. In addition, students learn basic computing skills related to farm management and can undertake tutorial work in communications and mathematics. Students who complete this degree are eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Agribusiness degree.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
None. TEE Mathematics, Accounting, Economics and Biology are desirable.

Specific Requirements
STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.

Note
Mature age students, Agricultural College students with superior grades, and students who have completed a TAFE Associate Diploma or Diploma course are encouraged to apply. Students enrolling in this course may complete one year of practical farming experience before commencing full-time study.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. 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
The course is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Some units are available by external study modes. Students are required to complete eight weeks of industry practice during semester breaks. Industry practice is a pre-requisite for graduation.

Course Organisation
This course is a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises, independent study, and relevant industry practical work and visits to commercial enterprises in Western Australia.

Professional Recognition
This course is recognised by the Western Australian Public Service Board as an approved two year tertiary course which can satisfy appointment and promotion requirements.

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 are required to pay for their own food and accommodation while on field trips or camps.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

303220 v.2 Agribusiness Systems 101 5.0 25.0

303227 v.2 Communications 101 2.5 12.5

303292 v.2 Plant and Soil Resources 101 5.0 25.0

303294 v.2 Food and Fibre Production 101 5.0 25.0

303390 v.2 Information Literacy 101 3.0 12.5

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

303297 v.2 Animal Science 102 5.0 25.0

303298 v.2 Farm Business Systems 102 5.0 25.0

303299 v.2 Agribusiness Economics and Policy 102 5.0 25.0

303301 v.2 Plant and Soil Systems 102 5.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

303319 v.2 Agricultural Production Systems 201 5.0 25.0

303324 v.2 Food and Agribusiness Marketing 201 5.0 25.0

303325 v.2 Farm Business Systems Analysis 201 5.0 25.0

303399 v.2 Farm Accounting and Finance 201 5.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

303251 v.2 Agribusiness Tax and Law 202 5.0 25.0

303330 v.2 Farm Business Systems Modification 202 5.0 25.0

303334 v.2 Farm Business Management 202 5.0 25.0

303340 v.2 Advanced Animal Science 202 5.0 25.0

OR

303333 v.2 # Crop Protection 202 5.0 25.0

100.0

# Students may select an elective instead of this unit with the approval of the Course Coordinator.