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Agricultural Systems Biology (AGRI10050)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Biology is the study of life, ranging from simple cells to complex multicellular organisms, and the processes which allow life to exist. Knowledge of the relevant biological concepts is essential for understanding of agricultural theory and practice. This subject aims to introduce the Bachelor of Agriculture students to the importance of the biological sciences in Agriculture and present the key biological processes in an agricultural context. Students will be introduced to a range of concepts vital to understanding the living world, familiarising students with the foundations of cell biology, microbiology, plant and animal systems, evolution and ecology.
This subject will begin with a brief history of Agriculture and will lead on to a discussion of the origin of life, basic molecules of life and how these molecules come together to form living cells. The structure and function of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells will be discussed as will the importance of microbes for soil health and agriculture. These key concepts in evolution, cell biology and soil health, are fundamental to understanding both the biological sciences and how biology underpins agriculture. Plant growth and development will then be introduced. Agriculturally significant crops including Wheat and Soybean will be used to discuss topics ranging from physiological processes such as seed germination, plant growth, transpiration and the transport of substances throughout the plant to metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and how pests, disease and environmental factors can affect agricultural production will also be discussed. Animal physiology will be introduced using Agriculturally significant animal species such as cows (ruminants) and pigs (monogastrics). The basic structures, functions and importance of animal biological systems such as the endocrine, respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems will be discussed and factors which influence agricultural production will be emphasized.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the biological basis and diversity of life
- demonstrate an understanding of the biological concepts related to cell biology, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, evolution and ecology and how these concepts are related to agricultural processes and agricultural production
- critically observe, record, evaluate and present relevant scientific data
- demonstrate the principles of experimental design and analysis through simple laboratory practicals and assignments
- define and articulate scientific principles and information underlying biology related topics in written format suitable for scientific audiences ensuring academic and intellectual integrity
- work cooperatively in small groups/teams in practical classes demonstrating competence in the use of relevant laboratory equipment
- demonstrate critical thinking through practical and laboratory assessments and assignments
Generic skills
- Be able to critically assess and integrate new knowledge to use these skills to solve problems
- Be able to complete basic manipulations with laboratory equipment
- Have developed skills in recording observations, analysis and interpretation of data
- Be able to work in small groups
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
AGRI10053 | Agriculture Discovery | February (On Campus - Dookie) |
0 |
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Quiz
| Week 5 | 5% |
Intra-semester assessment
| Week 7 | 15% |
Quiz
| Week 11 | 10% |
Group report based on activities from module 2
| Week 8 | 15% |
Report based on activities in module 3
| Week 12 | 10% |
Examination
| During the examination period | 45% |
Hurdle requirement: 80% attendance at the practical classes and tutorials | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Sarah Frankland Coordinator Andrew Cutting Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2hrs lectures/ week, 12x 2hr tutorials, 3x 2hr practicals. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
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: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Knox R B , Ladiges P Y, Evans B K and Saint R , Biology, An Australian Focus 5th Ed, McGraw-Hill, 2014
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Agriculture
Last updated: 31 January 2024