Master of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Specialisation)

Program Overview

The Master of Agriculture and Food Science (Specialisation) program provides advanced knowledge in agricultural and food sciences, combining core sciences, business, and agriculture. Students can choose from specializations in Crop Science and Plant Health, Food Microbiology, or Sustainable Agricultural Systems, and pursue either a professional or research pathway. The program equips graduates with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and innovative food production.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Agriculture and Food Science (Specialisation) course aims to provide graduates with advanced contemporary knowledge in agricultural and food sciences. It's designed for students with either cognate or non-cognate degrees. The program combines core sciences, business, and agriculture, helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and innovative food production in Tasmania.

Objectives:

To equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary challenges in agricultural and food systems. To foster independent research and problem-solving abilities, preparing students for either a higher research degree or a career in agriculture and food-related industries. To enable graduates to critically evaluate data, promote sustainable, ethical, and safe practices, and contribute towards the University's strategic direction of improving processes and sustainability outcomes in Tasmania's blue and green economies.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Year 1 Core Units (50 credit points)
KLA401 Global Food Supply: Explores food production, access, use, and resilience in diverse global contexts, using case studies to illustrate the complexities of food systems. KLA439 Agrifood Research Methods: Focuses on modern statistics, data science, and critical thinking within the context of agri-food research, emphasizing the combination of statistical analysis, probability reasoning, and scientific hypotheses. KLA449 Industry Analysis and Adoption: Equips students with the skills to conduct detailed industry analyses and communicate potential market or technical innovations to various audiences. KLA483 Academic Skills for Agri-food Research: An assignment-based unit where students explore a specific aspect of agriculture, food science, or microbiology in detail through a review of scientific literature.
• Choice of Specialisation (75 credit points)
• Crop Science and Plant Health
focuses on improving crop production outcomes and supporting decision making for plant health and biosecurity, with units covering: KLA533 Agricultural Technology and Innovation: Explores theoretical and practical technologies and innovations applicable to agricultural production systems, addressing productivity and sustainability challenges. KLA534 Agricultural Landscape systems: Links knowledge in agronomy, horticulture, and business to agricultural land resource assessment, developing students' understanding and management skills. KLA606 Agronomy: Examines the status of agronomy, including advancements in breeding, physiology, and management. Also covers farming systems research through topics like seasonal forecasting, crop sequence, and precision farming. KLA608 Crop Protection and Biosecurity: Studies the principles of managing agricultural pest insects, weeds, and diseases, with modules on biosecurity, pest and disease monitoring, and decision making. KLA610 Horticultural Science: Provides an in-depth understanding of physiological processes underlying horticultural crop production and management practices designed to meet market demands. KLA611 Insect Ecology and Behaviour: Explores insect mating systems, natural enemies, and sensory ecology through research-focused content and assessment.
• Food Microbiology focuses on the use of microorganisms in food production and control of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, with units covering:
KLA602 Advanced Food Safety Management: Examines traditional and modern approaches to food safety assurance, emphasizing risk-based management and synthesis of scientific evidence. KLA604 Foodborne Pathogens: Enhances knowledge of the physiology, ecology, and epidemiology of food-borne pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, for maintaining food security and public health. KLA609 Food Microbiology: Provides knowledge of the role of microorganisms in food production, deterioration, and safety, covering ecological and physiological perspectives and factors influencing microbial growth. KLA616 Microbes and Man: Explores the influence and impact of microorganisms on various aspects of human life, drawing on contemporary real-world examples. KLA617 Fermented Food and Beverages: Focuses on the production life cycle of fermented food and drink, from raw materials to finished products, considering quality, safety, and market trends. KLA619 Microbiology: Studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and single-celled animals and algae, their diversity, and their role in our world.
• Sustainable Agricultural Systems focuses on sustainable practices in livestock farming and landscapes, with units covering:
KLA533 Agricultural Technology and Innovation: Explores theoretical and practical technologies and innovations applicable to agricultural production systems, addressing productivity and sustainability challenges. KLA534 Agricultural Landscape systems: Links knowledge in agronomy, horticulture, and business to agricultural land resource assessment, developing students' understanding and management skills. KLA535 Farming Systems: Introduces systems thinking and practice in a farming context, exploring how broader social, cultural, political, economic, and ecological factors influence farming through case studies and practical experiences. KLA608 Crop Protection and Biosecurity: Studies the principles of managing agricultural pest insects, weeds, and diseases, with modules on biosecurity, pest and disease monitoring, and decision making. KLA613 Soil Science: Develops understanding of key physical and chemical properties and processes of soils, their relationship to land use and management, and the ability to critically analyze soil data and make informed decisions. KLA614 Animal Science: Explores how animal science production can be expanded sustainably while considering animal welfare and climate impacts, providing knowledge of modern animal production practices. KLA615 Pasture and Animal Science: Introduces the science behind pasture production and management and the link between pasture or other feedstuffs on animal digestion, feed and nutrient utilization, and productive performance.
• Choice of Research or Professional Pathway (75 credit points)
• Professional Pathway:
KLA502 Leadership, People, and Culture: Covers leadership theory and HR practices, contrasting leadership and management and exploring team leadership and organizational culture. KLA507 Agribusiness Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Explores innovation and entrepreneurship for business growth, examining disruptive and incremental innovations to enhance efficiencies and create new opportunities. KLA719 Case Studies in Agriculture: Presents a series of case studies from different agricultural areas, such as horticulture, animal production, and post-harvest processing, to develop students' analytical and problem-solving skills. KLA721 Project Planning: Involves developing a proposal to address an industry problem or opportunity, including background research, stakeholder analysis, and budget planning.
• Research Pathway:
KLA711 Master of Agriculture and Food Science Thesis A: Involves undertaking an independent research project under the supervision of qualified staff, designing and delivering a research proposal, conducting research, and presenting and defending a thesis. KLA714 Master of Agriculture and Food Science Thesis B: Similar to KLA711 but conducted over a longer period with a more extensive research project. KLA720 Research Project Proposals: Involves developing a proposal for a small research project with assistance and supervision from staff, including identifying relevant research topics, funding bodies, and project design.

Assessment:

Assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the specific units and pathway chosen. However, common assessment types include:

• Assignments: Written reports, case studies, and research papers.
• Presentations: Oral presentations of research findings, project proposals, and case study analyses.
• Examinations: Closed-book and open-book exams, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essays.
• Group Projects: Collaborative projects involving teamwork, research, and report writing.
• Practical Work: Experiments, field studies, and laboratory exercises.
• Thesis: An extended research project and dissertation for the Research Pathway.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips, and independent study. Classes are typically small, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with faculty. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields, actively involved in research, and dedicated to providing a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment.

Careers:

Graduates of the Master of Agriculture and Food Science (Specialisation) program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to pursue careers in various sectors, including:

• Agricultural research and development
• Food science and technology
• Agriculture and food policy
• Agribusiness management
• Farm management and consulting
• Natural resource management and conservation
• Education and extension services
• Government and regulatory agencies