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  2. Bachelor of Agriculture
  3. Majors, Minors and Specialisations
  4. Plant and Soil Science
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Plant and Soil Science

Bachelor of AgricultureMajorYear: 2026

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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