Trends & Issues in Agrifood Biotech (BTCH30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Students will acquire knowledge of the recent and important developments in biotechnology related to agriculture and food and develop an understanding of local and global issues in biotechnology in relation to environment health and sustainable crop and animal production. This subject will provide an overview of the integrated use of various biological technologies for the effective translation of novel research into agri-food related applications including steps involved in commercialisation of agri-food biotechnology-related products and services and international trade and related economic issues. The students will also develop understanding of contemporary social and economic issues arising due to adoption of biotechnology in the agri-food sector.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject, the student should develop:
- An integrated multi-disciplinary view of contemporary scientific, social and economic issues relating to application of biotechnology in agriculture and food production
- An understanding of processes involved in commercialisation of agri-food biotechnology related products and services
- An understanding of how multidisciplinary solutions are required to address major problems relating to sustainability of global agriculture and human food supply
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- The ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge across broad discipline areas
- The ability to examine and evaluate critically information from a variety of sources and assess its quality and relevance to issues under discussion.
- The ability to write a logically argued and well researched written essay
- The ability to develop as a well-informed citizen able to contribute to their community
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- Oral presentation (10 minutes) OR written assignment (1500 words) due during the semester (10%)
- 1-hour mid-semester written examination (25%)
- Review essay (1500 words) due during the semester (15%)
- 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (50%)
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend 8 out of 10 tutorials.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Mohan Singh Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 lectures and 12 hours of other activities (such as tutorials/group/forum discussions) Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours including 48 contact hours; 24 hours of class preparation and reading plus 30 hours of assessment related tasks.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Biotechnology Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology Major Production Animal Health - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 20 March 2025