Undergraduate Certificate in Agriculture

Program Overview

The Undergraduate Certificate in Agriculture equips students with knowledge and skills in food production and sustainable farming. The program covers key concepts in agriculture, including pest management, sustainability, and animal production systems. Students gain practical experience through excursions and guest speakers, preparing them for careers in the growing agriculture industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Undergraduate Certificate in Agriculture provides an opportunity to learn about addressing global challenges in food production and sustainable farming. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the agriculture industry, which is experiencing rapid growth. The curriculum covers the historical development of the agriculture industry in Tasmania and Australia, current and future opportunities in the sector, and key concepts in food and fiber production, such as supply chains, value chains, value-adding, and quality assessment. Students will also explore the challenges posed by pests, weeds, and diseases in primary production, and their impact on productivity, profitability, and market access. Additionally, the program includes a focus on Tasmanian animal production systems, and students will examine the strategies employed by growers to meet production targets. Practical experiences, such as excursions to commercial animal production enterprises and guest speaker sessions, are integral to the learning process.

Outline:

To complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Agriculture, students must earn 50 credit points, including two core units and two elective units.

Core Units:

• Principles of Weed, Pest and Disease Management: Examines the risks and challenges of pests, weeds, and diseases in primary production, including their impact on productivity, profitability, and market access.
• Sustainability: Introduces the concept of sustainability, exploring the necessary transformations to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Elective Units:

Students will select two elective units from the following options:

• Sustainable Resource Management: Explores human population growth, the impending global food crisis, and agricultural ecosystems.
• Animal Production Systems: Provides an overview of the major Tasmanian animal production systems and their global context.
• Understanding Science: Introduces the nature of science, scientific methods, and the role of science in society.
• Food and Fibre Production in a Global Market: Examines the export of Australian agricultural commodities and the challenges and opportunities in dominant industries.
• Crop Production System: Provides an overview of intensive and extensive crop production and management.
• E-agribusiness, Technology and Innovation: Explores the use of technology in agriculture, such as precision agriculture, livestock tracking, and food traceability.

Assessment:

The assessment methods employed in this program may vary depending on the specific units selected. Common assessment tasks may include:

• Exams (essays, short answer questions, multiple-choice questions)
• Quizzes and assignments
• Reports and presentations
• Practical assessments (e.g., field work, laboratory exercises)
• Participation in class discussions and group projects

Teaching:

The program is taught by academic staff who are experts in their respective fields, with a focus on providing practical and real-world learning experiences. Teaching methods may include:

• Lectures and seminars
• Tutorials
• Field trips and excursions
• Hands-on workshops
• Guest speakers from industry

Careers:

Upon completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Agriculture, graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a range of careers in the agriculture industry. Some potential career paths include:

• Agricultural and Forestry Scientists
• Agricultural Forestry and Horticultural Operators
• Animal Attendants and Trainers
• Crop Farm Workers
Additionally, graduates will have the opportunity to transition into further studies, such as the Associate Degree in Agribusiness or the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, with advanced standing for the credit points earned in this certificate program.