Agricultural Science/International Development
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of International Development
Length
5.5 years
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
The agriculture sector is vital for developing countries, as most of their populations are involved in agriculture. The knowledge students acquire in this unique double degree, could make a difference to assist small-holder farmers in Africa and Asia, to produce adequate yields of food crops with declining land, water and soil resources. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the scientific processes involved in agricultural management and practice, and the political and social requirements for international development. Graduates with skills and knowledge in agricultural science, and an awareness of the human dimensions of development will be well equipped to find employment within the sector.
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, is currently under construction. Once completed, this Centre will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe University's science students.
Course structure
First-year studies include agricultural systems, introduction to anthropology, biology, basic chemistry, and globalisation. Second- and third-year studies include biochemistry for agricultural sciences, plant and animal production and management, statistics for life sciences, development, globalisation and culture, and electives from recommended humanities and social sciences subjects. Fourth- and fifth-year studies include case studies in agricultural science, communication and critical analysis, further studies in plant and animal production and management, development studies, a major research project, and electives from recommended humanities and social sciences subjects. Later-year studies include opportunities for international exchange.
Contact hours
21 contact hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Biology, chemistry, agriculture, soil science, plant science, animal science, politics, sociology, anthropology, development studies, history.
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)
22 710
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 field trips - 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 Melbourne;
for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne 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 - 75
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 83.00
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 9
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 9, 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BBC
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 4A 2B
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 75
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.8
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 75
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.5
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 3.0
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's <b> Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs</b>, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the Melbourne website.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum score of 30 in English (ESL), or 25 in any other English.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Additional information
Students are required to complete at least 12 weeks of approved workplace experience during vacations before being deemed to have completed the course.
Career opportunities
Graduates with this double degree qualification are uniquely placed to work in development programs in developing countries. In addition to the normal skill set and understanding provided by the subjects in International Development, the graduates will have technical skills and understanding in agricultural production systems. Given that increasing the productivity of small-holder farmers in developing countries is an important early step in the development process, then these graduates are likely to find work in international aid and development agencies, non-government aid organisations, consulting, diplomatic trade commissions, and education. There is also growing awareness of potential food production shortfalls in the future, and these will impact severely in many developing countries. Addressing this problem requires skilled agricultural scientists who are aware of development issues and capable of improving sustainable food production.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to become members of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.