Course overview
The need to develop sustainable and profitable agricultural systems to meet the demands of a burgeoning global population at a time of major changes in the environment is an important challenge for agricultural science. This course provides a general introduction to Australian agriculture. It examines some of the physical, biological and economic characteristics of Australian agricultural systems and how technology is used to manage these systems. Topics include climatology and meteorology, genetic resources and the importance of genetic improvement, water use efficiency and the application of current and emerging technologies in agricultural production. Practical and tutorial classes will help develop skills in data handling and presentation, written communication, plant identification and animal handling.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the biophysical and socioeconomic factors underpinning the major agricultural industries in southern Australia and how they inter-relate with one another
- Understand the essential features of sustainable agricultural systems and the importance of physical and biological resource base as the foundation of sustainable production systems.
- Develop a systems approach to agricultural science, where knowledge from different disciplines is integrated to develop an improved understanding of the operation of production practices in agriculture.
- Know and understand essential key concepts and terms used in professional practice
- Find, collate and critically evaluate information from different sources as an individual or as part of a team
- Perform basic calculations related to specific topics in the course