Associate Degree in Agribusiness

Program Overview

The Associate Degree in Agribusiness prepares individuals for leadership and management roles in the agriculture industry. It combines business management, planning, and primary production with an integrated learning approach that emphasizes practical application and problem-solving. Graduates gain a solid commercial awareness of agribusiness industries and the skills to advance in their chosen field. The program offers a pathway to a fulfilling career in agriculture and credit towards a Bachelor's degree at the University of Tasmania.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Associate Degree in Agribusiness is an industry-focused course that prepares individuals to become dynamic, creative, and adaptable practitioners with the skills and knowledge to ensure that the business of agriculture is profitable and sustainable in a modern economic climate. It is designed as a steppingstone for those currently working in agriculture who aspire to advance into leadership and management roles or as a foundation for those seeking entry into the industry. The program combines business management, planning, finance, people management, innovation, and primary production within an authentic learning approach utilizing applied, blended, and online interaction. Course content has been developed in consultation with industry experts, who are actively involved in its delivery. A key feature of the course is the integrated learning approach that employs various experiential education opportunities, such as site visits, field work, case studies, simulated work environments, and data-driven decision-making. This approach aims to enhance students' problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills by allowing them to "learn through practice," making university study less daunting and more practical. The program is offered in full-time and part-time study modes, delivered through online study, tutorials, and practical workshops. Completing the Associate Degree in Agribusiness will provide graduates with:

• A pathway to a fulfilling career in agriculture
• Solid commercial awareness of agribusiness industries
• Practical skills to apply directly in the workplace
• Opportunities to advance in their chosen field
• The skills to attain personal career development goals
• Credit towards a Bachelor's degree at the University of Tasmania

Outline:

The Associate Degree in Agribusiness comprises 16 x 12.5 credit point units:

• 6 x core units (75 credit points) at introductory level
• 6 x core units (75 credit points) at intermediate level
• 4 x electives (50 credit points)

Year 1 Core

• ZAA132 Managing People
• ZAA133 Financial Decision-Making
• ZAB111 Agribusiness Fundamentals
• ZAB116 Value Chain Management in Agribusiness
• ZAB119 Principles of Weed, Pest, and Disease Management
• ZAB126 E-agribusiness, Technology, and Innovation

Year 2 Core

• ZAB221 Principles of Agricultural Production
• ZAB222 Agricultural Ecosystems
• ZAB223 Principles of Crop Production
• ZAB224 Principles of Soil Management
• ZAB229 Herd and Pasture Management
• ZAB234 Data and Analysis

Electives

• Students are required to select four electives from a list of available options.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the unit. They may include:

• Assignments
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Projects
• Quizzes
• Exams
Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, and application of the concepts covered in each unit.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical workshops
• Online learning
• Field trips
The program utilizes an integrated learning approach that emphasizes practical application and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to engage in active learning and collaboration with their peers and instructors.

Careers:

Graduates of the Associate Degree in Agribusiness are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the agriculture industry. Potential career paths include:

• Assistant positions
• Managerial roles
• Team leadership
• Field officer
• Research team member
• Salesperson
Graduates will have the skills to effectively liaise with suppliers and/or customers and will be equipped for employment opportunities within the agriculture industry, as well as sectors and occupations connected through agribusiness, including:
• Upstream of the farm: suppliers of seed, fertilizer, chemicals, machinery, stockfeed, labor, finance, business advisory, transport, consultancy, and specialist services such as harvesting contractors.
• Primary production: cropping, horticulture, animal-based enterprises, aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, wineries, farm-based tourism.
• Downstream of the farm: processors and value-adders, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transport and storage operations, logistics, consultants.