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Plant and Soil Science
Bachelor of AgricultureMajorYear: 2026
Plant and Soil Science
Overview
This major will provide graduates with a depth and breadth of understanding in plant and soil science in the context of agricultural production systems. Students of this major will study subjects in soil management, agronomy, plant health for growth and production and crop management. Students will also gain a detailed understanding of the drivers of plant industries and how management strategies can optimise yield and product quality.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this major students should be able to:
- Articulate the determinants of soil and plant health
- Explain the structure and function of plant production industries in Australia and around the world, including the determinants of production and their impact for land management
- Demonstrate an understanding of soil function and to use this to develop appropriate management plans to promote agricultural productivity and minimise environmental impacts
- Critically evaluate options, and formulate plans that will ensure long term industry and environmental sustainability
- Demonstrate an understanding of current issues facing plant production systems
- Analyse and scientifically evaluate problems relating to plant production industries
- Communicate and discuss scientific and industry information with relevant stakeholders
Last updated: 19 November 2025
Structure
87.5 credit points
To obtain a major in Plant and Soil Science students need to complete:
- 37.5 credit points of Level 2 Major subjects including
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 Degree Core subject
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 Major Elective (Group A) subject
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 Major Elective (Group B) subject
- 37.5 credit points of Level 3 Major subjects including
- 12.5 credit points of Level 3 Major Core subject
- 25 credit points of Level 3 Major Elective subjects
- 12.5 credit points of Capstone subject
Note:
AGRI30016 is taught at Dookie Campus as an intensive in the break between Semester 1 & 2
Subject Options
Level 2 Degree Core
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI20038 | Principles of Soil Science |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
|
12.5 |
Level 2 Major Electives
Students complete 12.5 credit points from Level 2 Major Elective (Group A):
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI20037 | Crop Production and Management | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI20035 | Applied Crop Production and Horticulture | Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
Students complete 12.5 credit points from Level 2 Major Elective (Group B):
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI20026 | Plant Growth Processes | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI20036 | Ecology and Grazing Management |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Level 3 Major Core
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI30046 | Agronomy |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Level 3 Major Electives
Students complete 25 credit points from:
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI30037 | Soil Management | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI30042 | Plant Pathology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI30048 | Plant Breeding and Genetics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI30016 | Irrigation and Water Management | June (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
Capstone
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI30038 | Professional Practice for Agriculture |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Recommended Level 2 Electives
Please note the below subjects are recommended based on your intended major.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI20003 | Sustainable Food Systems | July (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
| AGRI20036 | Ecology and Grazing Management |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| AGRI20044 | Microbiology in Agriculture | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI20026 | Plant Growth Processes | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Recommended Level 3 Electives
Please note the below subjects are recommended based on your intended major.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI30045 | Applications in Precision Agriculture | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Last updated: 19 November 2025