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Master of Agricultural Sciences (MC-AGSC)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2017 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Majors, minors and specialisations
- Notes
Contact
Prospective students:
http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/about/contact
Currently enrolled students:
Coordinator
Brendan Cullen
Overview
Award title | Master of Agricultural Sciences |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2017 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 085097E |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 200 credit points |
Duration | 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time |
The Master of Agricultural Sciences provides a research-led national and international focused program directed at students who wish to build a professional career in a specialised area of Agriculture.
Graduates from the Master of Agricultural Sciences will possess attributes that will ensure they can either find employment in the public or private sectors related to a wide range of agricultural production, environmental, economics, bioresearch and service industries, and community organisations concerned with public good, or continue onto further postgraduate programs of study.
Students will choose between one of four major Specialisations: Agribusiness, Animal Science, Crop Production, or Food Sustainability. While these specialisations are designed to equip students with advanced skills in a particular area of the agricultural sciences, the program is designed to also deliver students with knowledge of the sector as a whole.
On completion of the Master of Agricultural Sciences students will have gained a broad understanding of many of the issues underpinning the advances in food and fibre production within the Australian and International Agriculture sectors. Students will also have completed at least a 25 point research project or internship subject and broadened your base knowledge through elective subjects. These subjects include those focused on animal and plant production; management of disease and pest incursions; on advanced breeding; the economic aspects of agriculture; and spatial information capabilities.
Links to further information
http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-agricultural-sciences/overview
Entry requirements
The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria:
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: either
- an undergraduate degree in any discipline, or equivalent; or
- a minimum of six years documented relevant professional work experience
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection committee will consider:
- prior academic performance; and, if relevant
- professional experience.
3. The Selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board Rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the University’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Notes:
- Successful applicants whose undergraduate degree is in a cognate discipline may receive up to 50 points credit towards the Masters
- Successful applicants with an honours degree in a cognate discipline may receive up to 100 points credit towards the Masters
- Successful applicants with completed graduate level subjects in a cognate discipline may receive credit towards the Masters, up to 100 points
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences (FVAS) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take reasonable steps to make reasonable adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the Faculty's programs. FVAS contributes to the New Generation degrees and offers a broad range of programs across undergraduate and post-graduate levels many of which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.
Students of the Faculty's courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the School. Candidates must have abilities and skills in observation; motor in relevant areas; communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.
Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, however students need to be able to participate in the program in an independent manner and with regard to their safety and the safety of others.
I. Observation: In some contexts, the student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and applied sciences. More broadly, observation requires reading text, diagrams, maps, drawings and numerical data. The candidate should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.
II. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.
III. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function necessary for participation in the inherent discipline-related activities. The practical work, design work, field work, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, require varying motor movement abilities. Off campus investigations may include visits to construction sites, urban, rural and/or remote environments.
IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of professionals in land and environment industries, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this course students will:
- Be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen specialisation – Agribusiness, Animal Science, Crop Science or Food Sustainability
- Interpret, critically analyse and evaluate data generated through research activities in order to effectively understand and implement improved agricultural systems
- Be exposed to advanced research topics and practical applications within the disciplines of agricultural science, and develop the skills necessary to plan and execute an independent piece of research and communicate the impact of this work
- Develop an understanding of problem solving and research methodologies and demonstrate personal accountability by applying solutions to diverse challenges facing agricultural systems
- Investigate and apply innovative approaches to the contemporary, interdisciplinary management of commercial agricultural systems
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of environmental, economic, social and ethical factors related to plant and animal-derived food and fibre production in Australia and globally, with the cognitive, technical and creative skills necessary to communicate the information to a specialist and non-specialist audience
Generic skills
- A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
- An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources
- Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
- Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
- Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations
- Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication.
- Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
- Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community.
- Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
- Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
- Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
Graduate attributes
The graduates from the Master of Agricultural Sciences (coursework) will have achieved academic excellence in their chosen field(s) of study. They will possess in-depth knowledge in those fields(s) and have been equipped with all necessary tools and skills to become leaders at both national and global levels.
Course structure
The course structures for the Master of Agricultural Sciences are dependent on the course entry point.
Majors, minors & specialisations
Course Entry Points
Course entry points are based on the Entry Requirements described below and are determined by an applicant's previous study.
Name | Credit Points |
---|---|
200 Point Master of Agricultural Sciences | |
150 Point Master of Agricultural Sciences | |
100 Point (A) Master of Agricultural Sciences | |
100 Point (B) Master of Agricultural Sciences |
Specialisations in Agricultural Sciences
Students select one of four specialisations in Agricultural Sciences. All specialisations are available within all course entry points in the Master of Agricultural Sciences.
Name | Credit Points |
---|---|
Agribusiness Specialisation | |
Animal Science Specialisation | |
Crop Production Specialisation | |
Food Sustainability Specialisation |
Elective subjects
Name | Credit Points |
---|---|
Master of Agricultural Sciences - Elective Subjects |
CSP Places for eligible applicants are only available in this course at the 150 point entry. Students wishing to study 200 points will only be eligible for a full-fee place. It is recommended that students wishing to study 200 points complete the Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Sciences (50 points) and then apply for articulation into the Master of Agricultural Sciences (150 points) to be eligible for a CSP offer.
In accordance with the the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326), Examiners may offer reassessment (as a second attempt at passing a subject for a borderline failure in a single subject) to a student enrolled in this course. A borderline failure is defined as a mark of 45% or more.
Last updated: 4 May 2024