Trends & Issues in Agrifood Biotech (BTCH30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
| Fees | Look up fees |
|---|
Students will acquire knowledge of the recent and important developments in biotechnology related to agriculture and food and develop an understanding of local and global issues in biotechnology in relation to environment health and sustainable crop and animal production. This subject will provide an overview of the integrated use of various biological technologies for the effective translation of novel research into agri-food related applications including steps involved in commercialisation of agri-food biotechnology-related products and services and international trade and related economic issues. The students will also develop understanding of contemporary social and economic issues arising due to adoption of biotechnology in the agri-food sector.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply an integrated multi-disciplinary view of contemporary scientific, social and economic issues relating to application of biotechnology in agriculture and food production
- Describe and discuss processes involved in commercialisation of agri-food biotechnology related products and services
- Describe and discuss how multidisciplinary solutions are required to address major problems relating to sustainability of global agriculture and human food supply
- Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions and develop a logical argument to support a particular position
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- The ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge across broad discipline areas
- The ability to examine and evaluate critically information from a variety of sources and assess its quality and relevance to issues under discussion.
- The ability to write a logically argued and well researched written essay
- The ability to develop as a well-informed citizen able to contribute to their community
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10002 | Biomolecules and Cells | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10008 | Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| BIOL10009 | Biology: Life's Machinery | Not available in 2025 |
12.5 |
BIOL10004 Biology of Cells and Organisms
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: 20 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Oral presentation and/or written submission
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Mid-semester written examination
| Mid semester | 25% |
Written examination equivalent to 2,000 words
| End of semester | 55% |
Attendance and participation in tutorials Hurdle requirement: Students must attend 8 out of 10 tutorials. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Students must attend 8 out of 10 tutorials.
The oral presentation requires a literature search, reading, and critical evaluation of recent developments in the selected topic.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
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: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Biotechnology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology specialisation Informal specialisation Agri-food Biotechnology - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 20 March 2025