Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Master of Agricultural Science

Program Overview

This four-year combined Bachelor's and Master's in Agricultural Science prepares students for leadership roles in agriculture, bridging traditional knowledge with advanced digital technologies. Students develop critical thinking skills, a comprehensive understanding of agricultural systems, and specialized expertise in areas like Agricultural Economics or Crop and Livestock Farming Systems. UWA's strong industry connections and focus on hands-on experience through fieldwork and internships equip graduates for a wide range of agricultural careers.

Program Outline

Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Master of Agricultural Science Program Details:

Degree Overview:

This Combined Bachelor's and Master's (CBM) is a four-year accelerated program for those with an ATAR of 90 or above. It prepares students to meet the demands of an agricultural industry rapidly being transformed by technology and digitalisation.

Objectives:

• Develop critical thinking skills in traditional agricultural sciences and emerging digital technologies.
• Gain a rigorous understanding of agricultural systems and how to maintain or increase production levels sustainably.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a future in the rapidly evolving field of agricultural science and technology.

Description:

• The first three years focus on an extended major in Agricultural Science and Technology, including some units from the Master of Agricultural Science.
• Students can exit after three years with an Advanced Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science.
• The final year focuses on postgraduate study in the Master of Agricultural Science, including a research project and skills development in data analysis, interpretation, and communication.
• The Master's component is highly interdisciplinary, with specializations in Agricultural Economics, Crop and Livestock Farming Systems, Genetics and Breeding, or Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• Years 1-3: Agricultural Science and Technology (extended major) and a semester of postgraduate study.
• Year 4: Selected specialization in the Master of Agricultural Science.

Example Study Plan:

| YEAR | SEMESTER | UNITS | |---|---|---| | 1st YEAR | 1 | AGRI1001, CITS2401, SCOM1101, Elective | | | 2 | BIOL1131, SCIE1104, Elective, Elective | | 2nd YEAR | 1 | ENVT2236, GENE2250, GEOG2201, SCIE2205 | | | 2 | AGRI2201, PLNT2201, SCIE3314, ANIM3306 | | 3rd YEAR | 1 | AGRI3003, ECON3300, ENVT3060, GEOG3301 | | 4th YEAR | 1 | PG Specific , PG Specific , PG Specific , PG Specific |

• Postgraduate units will vary depending on your chosen specialization, a study plan will be provided later in your degree.

Unit Descriptions:

• AGRI1001 - Feeding the World
• BIOL1131 - Plant and Animal Biology
• CITS2401 - Computer Analysis and Visualisation
• SCIE1104 - Science, Society and Data Analysis
• SCOM1101 - Communicating Science
• AGRI2201 - Pasture and Livestock System
• ENVT2236 - Soil Science
• GENE2250 - Principles of Inheritance
• PLNT2201 - Plants in Action
• SCIE2205 - Science Work Placement
• AGRI3003 - Decisions from Data in Agriculture
• ANIM3306 - Clean, Green and Ethical Animal Production
• ECON3300 - Agricultural Economics and Marketing
• ENVT3060 - Soil–Plant Interaction
• GEOG3301 - Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• SCIE3314 - Crops and Cropping Systems

Careers:

Career Pathways:

• Agricultural Science is a growing industry with a wide range of career opportunities from the laboratory to field work and the city to the rural areas.
• Industries hiring graduates include government agencies, universities, consulting firms, food industries, and fertiliser companies.

Graduate Roles:

• Agronomists
• Breeders
• Farm Managers
• Researchers
• Consultants
• Managers

Other:

• AgTech: Agricultural technology is rapidly developing, and there is a high demand for graduates in this area, especially those skilled in agricultural science.
• UWA Resources: UWA is well-equipped for teaching and research with a field station, a research farm, and the outstanding research and outreach activities of the UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, the Institute of Agriculture, the Centre for Plant Genetics and Breeding, SoilsWest, and the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative.
• Industry Links: UWA has built strong links with industries and professional networks to increase career opportunities upon graduation.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL): WIL helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry-relevant experience.
• Fieldwork: The program includes fieldwork opportunities in Western Australia and beyond.
• Facilities: UWA offers facilities like the Plant Growth Facility (PGF) and the Shenton Park Field Station to support research and practical learning.