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 full-time (5 years in an accelerated program) or up to 10 years part-time.
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
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
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.
Middle Band
Successful completion of Agriculture and Horticulture, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics, or Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points.
Selection
ATAR 83.00 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 80 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form detailing prior educational experience and reasons for interest in the course.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL), or 25 in any other English.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Additional information
Students must complete at least 12 weeks' approved workplace experience during vacations to be deemed to have completed the course.
Career opportunities
Potential future food production shortfalls 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. Consequently, graduates are uniquely placed to seek roles in development programs in developing countries. In addition to the normal skill set and understanding provided by international development subjects, graduates should have technical skills and understanding in agricultural production systems.
Given that increasing the productivity of smallholder farmers in developing countries is an important early step in the development process, graduates are likely to find work in international aid and development agencies, non-government aid organisations, consulting, diplomatic trade commissions, and education.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.