Soil and water security are major human existential challenges to the planet and more so in Australia, being the driest continent with highly weathered soils.
The Soil Science and Hydrology major provides students with training in three key areas; soil, water and climate, and their links with functional, resilient and productive ecosystems.
Soil, water and climate define the physical constraints to ecosystems, and the interpretation of these along with their costs and benefits supports the development of policy and sustainable management strategies.
This knowledge will help secure our soil and water resources to maintain healthy, functional and productive ecosystems. We will explore the complex interaction between soil, water and climate, and the way we manage our landscapes. Ecosystems are considered across paddock to catchment scales and include all sectors from agriculture to forestry to mining to nature reserves.
This major has a strong emphasis on field-based learning through field schools and emphasis on field measurement and modelling through analysis of non-spatial and spatial data. Working with case studies and projects, you will identify and analyse real-world problems with the aim of identifying options to maintain the functionality of these interrelated systems. Students will develop generic skills in GIS, laboratory and data analysis that will enable students to contribute to water and soil security.
Join the exciting world of agriculture by studying in this three year degree that builds your knowledge in four key areas: plant production, animal production, soil science and hydrology, and agribusiness.
If you want to help meet the growing demand for efficient food production globally, and learn the latest in agricultural science and technology, including using sensors, robotics and big data analytics, this degree is for you.
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science is an ideal course for students who want to acquire a broad and coherent understanding of agricultural science and its role in sustainable production and global food security. You will study a broad range of subjects including introductory agricultural science, biology, animal management, agronomy, agricultural economics and business, agricultural markets, statistics and data analysis, genetics, plant protection, biotechnology and digital agriculture.
Alongside these core subjects, you will achieve disciplinary depth by selecting one of eight cognate majors in areas such as agricultural economics, animal production, food science and soil science and hydrology. You will be able to apply your disciplinary expertise to solve problems in inter-disciplinary group project units.
This course has cross-cutting knowledge themes of Profitability, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship and Ethical Behaviour and will equip you with the skills required for professional work in the agriculture sector.
