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Master of Agricultural Sciences (MC-AGSC)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2024 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Majors, minors and specialisations
- Notes
Principal Coordinator
Tony Weatherley
Contact
Prospective students:
Currently enrolled students:
Overview
Award title | Master of Agricultural Sciences |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2024 — 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, providing students with knowledge of the fundamental and applied science of agriculture needed to solve critical global issues around sustainability and food supply using science, technology and business.
The course combines a strong core of agricultural science knowledge with the opportunity for students to focus their learning via selection of one of five Specialisations: Agribusiness, Animal Science, Crop & Soil Sciences, Food Sustainability or Agricultural Extension & Innovation.
Students will complete either a research project or internship, as well as build on their base knowledge through a range of elective subjects covering a variety of areas such as: animal and plant production; management of disease and pest incursions; advanced breeding; the economic aspects of agriculture; and spatial information capabilities.
Graduates will possess attributes that prepare them to find employment in the public or private sectors related to a wide range of agricultural production, environmental, economic, bioresearch service industries, and community organisations concerned with public good.
Links to further information
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-agricultural-sciences/
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 with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%), 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 Science 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. The Faculty of Science 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 Faculty. Students 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. Students should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.
II. Communication: Students must be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. Students should be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.
III. Motor: Students 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 student should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: Students 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 Student Equity and Disability Support.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen specialisation – Agribusiness, Animal Science, Crop & Soil Sciences, Food Sustainability or Agricultural Innovation & Extension
- Interpret, critically analyse and evaluate data generated through research activities in order to effectively understand and implement improved agricultural systems
- Demonstrate familiarity with 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
Completion of one specialisation is required.
The Master of Agricultural Sciences has four entry point programs: 200pt, 150pt, 100pt (A) and 100pt (B) programs.
The course structures for the Master of Agricultural Sciences are dependent on the course entry point.
Subject Options
Degree Core/Selective and Specialisation subjects
*Please refer to the relevant Entry Point Program and Specialisation pages for respective Degree Core/Selective and Specialisation subjects.
Capstone subjects
Students enrol in a minimum of 25 points and a maximum 50 points of capstone subjects for 200pt Program (in Year 2) and 150pt Program. Students enrol in 25 points of capstone subjects for 100pt (A) and (B) Program.
Students undertaking a research project or internship that continue across two semesters are required to enrol in both Part 1 and Part 2 of the relevant subject.
Students select one of:
- Minor research project
- Major research project
- Internship
Students cannot undertake both a research project and an internship.
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
AGRI90070 | Minor Research Project |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
AGRI90079 | Minor Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AGRI90081 | Minor Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AGRI90072 | Major Research Project |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
50 |
AGRI90080 | Major Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
AGRI90082 | Major Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
AGRI90078 | Internship for Agricultural Sciences |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
AGRI90083 | Internship for Agricultural Sciences Pt1 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AGRI90084 | Internship for Agricultural Sciences Pt2 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Elective subjects
Not all subjects are offered every year.
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
AGRI90088 | Leadership and Strategy for Agribusiness | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FOOD90028 | Sensory Evaluation | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90076 | Industry Internship |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AGRI90091 | Advanced Plant Breeding and Improvement | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FOOD90041 | The Politics of Food | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FOOD90012 | Current Issues in Dairy Science | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90066 | Soil Science and Management | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90077 | Agribusiness 2 | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ENST90032 | Sustainability and Behaviour Change |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
ANSC90004 | Monogastric Science | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANSC90003 | Animal Stress Physiology | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANSC90007 | Animal Welfare | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
AGRI90057 | Climate Change:Agric.Impacts&Adaptation | July (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANSC90006 | Genetics and Animal Breeding | August (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90012 | Agribusiness 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
NRMT90002 | Biosecurity: Managing Invasive Species | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90094 | Managing Innovation and Change | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90014 | Managing Markets | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FOOD90010 | Meat and Meat Products | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FOOD90040 | Nutrition Politics and Policy | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FOOD90034 | Sustainable Food Production | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
FOOD90033 | Sustainable Food: Policy and Practice | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FOOD90035 | Plant Food Products | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANSC90009 | Dairy Systems | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANSC90002 | Nutrition and Feed Science | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FRST90033 | Farm Trees & Agroforestry | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANSC90005 | Behaviour of Farm & Companion Animals | May (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90092 | Agricultural Advisory Practice & Theory | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90093 | Agricultural Extension | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90096 | Advances in Crop Monitoring Methods | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI90089 | Human Resource Management | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MGMT90018 | Managing Behaviour in Organisations |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Majors, minors & specialisations
Course entry points
Course entry points are determined by an applicant's previous study, as noted in the course Entry Requirements.
Name | Credit Points |
---|---|
200pt Program | 200 |
150pt Program | 150 |
100pt (A) Program | 100 |
100pt (B) Program | 100 |
Note:
- 100pt (A) Program is the Honours Entry Pathway. Please refer to the 100pt (A) Program page for its specific rules.
- 100pt (B) Program is the Graduate Diploma Entry Pathway. Please refer to the 100pt (B) Program page for its specific rules.
Specialisations in agricultural sciences
Students select one of five specialisations in Agricultural Sciences as follows. All specialisations are available within all course entry point programs in the Master of Agricultural Sciences.
- Agribusiness
- Animal Science
- Crop and Soil Sciences
- Food Sustainability
- Agricultural Extension & Innovation
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: 19 April 2024