Agricultural Science
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Length
4 years
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
Growing enough food to sustain the world is one of the biggest challenges we face in the 21st century, and agricultural scientists are required to play a key role.
In studying the science that underpins successful agriculture, students will develop a thorough understanding of plants, animals, economics, environmental issues and soils,as well as the relationship between them. Students will also develop the professional skills required to become a recognised expert in agricultural science and be eligible for accreditation as a member of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.
La Trobe is developing some of the best agricultural science teaching and research facilities in the world, through the development of AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience , a A$288 million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, currently under construction.
Students may choose to study agricultural science as a double degree, studying for concurrent qualifications in business or international development – providing a full suite of skills for their career. Students can also get direct industry experience and an extensive range of support and assistance options through specialised Faculty programs.
Please note students enrolling at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus for the last two years of the course.
Course structure
First-year studies cover the impact of agriculture on the environment, cells and organisms, genetics and human biology, chemistry, plant science, physics, and statistics. Second- and third-year studies include land and soil management, plant and animal nutrition, physiology and protection from diseases and pests, marketing, landscape management using GIS and remote sensing, and climate, sustainability and society. In fourth year students undertake case studies in agricultural science, experimental design, and a major research project.
Students must also undertake 12 weeks' approved industry experience outside semester time.
Albury-Wodonga students must transfer to the Melbourne campus after completing first year.
Contact hours
24 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Soil chemistry, soil physics, soil productivity, plant and animal nutrition, plant and animal physiology, plant and animal biochemistry, plant and animal production, agricultural business economics, marketing, commodity trading, statistics, research methodology, problem-solving case studies.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
23 360
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for fieldtrips - food, accommodation, travel - may also apply.
Selection
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (60%) UG) level conducted by La Trobe University Language Centre; for more information please visit the La Trobe International College website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 213 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 80 with no individual score less than 20; or
Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or
Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 50
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 50.40
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 6
Hong Kong A Levels - 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCD
STPM - 7
MICSS (UEC) - 2A 4B
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 65
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.3
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 60
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.5
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.0
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe International College website.
Extra requirements
An essential requirement of the agricultural science degree is 12 weeks approved industry experience taken during vacations. International applicants are advised to ensure they have the correct visa to undertake this work placement.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Career opportunities
Growing awareness of an impending food production crisis will increase the need for skilled agricultural scientists to improve sustainable food production in a changing climate. Career paths for graduates are wide-ranging, and extend well beyond traditional agriculture. They include technological investigation and consultancy in agriculture; conservation, environmental protection and resource management; applied research; agribusiness; agronomy; and the development and application of biotechnology in agriculture and related industries. Further studies in agriculture or related areas, such as biotechnology or veterinary science, are also possible.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.