Foundations of Agricultural Sciences 2 (AGRI10046)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject, which builds on concepts and knowledge introduced in AGRI10045 Foundations of Agricultural Science 1, aims to provide Bachelor of Agriculture students with an understanding of the underpinning enabling physical sciences, as they relate to agricultural systems. Concepts in physics, chemistry, mathematics and data management will be introduced in the context of the science of earth and soil, water and climate, and plant and animal biology. In particular, this subject introduces students to important underpinning principles in physics and chemistry, in the context of water, solutions, soils and cells. Topics include fluid movement and mechanics, solubility, precipitation reactions, redox reactions and galvanic cells, acid base reactions, salinity and conductivity. The chemistry of selected elements will be discussed in the context of both soils and cells.
Intended learning outcomes
This subject should enable students to understand the importance of physical and chemical principles as the foundations of agricultural sciences, and should develop their capacity to:
- Apply an understanding of key concepts in physics and chemistry to describe fundamental processes such as solubility, precipitation, conductivity, redox reactions, cation exchange capacity, capillarity, surface tension, evaporation
- Understand and explain the physics principles of fluids and thermal physics
- Apply principles in physics and chemistry using logical reasoning, together with appropriate mathematical reasoning, to a variety of familiar and novel situations and problems in agricultural sciences
- Integrate the use of numerical data, graphical analysis, basic statistics, and mapping, to represent and interpret events in the natural world
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- Explain their understanding of fundamental principles in chemistry, physics and data management and their application in agricultural contexts lucidly, both in writing and orally
- Acquire and interpret experimental data
- Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, and study groups
- Think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning; and manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular tutorial classes, tests and the examination
Last updated: 17 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI10045 | Foundations of Agricultural Sciences 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
This subject assumes little background knowledge in science
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
Q Fever: It is a core participation requirement of this subject that students be vaccinated against Q Fever. Do not enrol into this subject if you are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated against Q Fever. For further information please go to: https://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/students/admin/q-fever
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: 17 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Quiz
| Week 3 | 5% |
Written assignment
| Week 4 | 5% |
Intra-semester assessment
| Week 7 | 25% |
Group practical report (3-4 students per group)
| Week 10 | 20% |
Exam
| During the examination period | 45% |
Attendance Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum 80% of scheduled workshops/practical classes. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 17 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Sarah Frankland Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 54 hours. Each week students will participate in three 1-hour lectures, and one 2-hour workshop for 12 weeks. There will also be a one-off field trip to Dookie campus in week 6 of semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 17 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- 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: 17 March 2025