Agricultural Science Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)

Agricultural scientists are central to ensuring that we can feed a growing global population. In this major you will use chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of production systems and to apply problem-solving techniques to management strategies.

This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), a course designed for high performing students to pursue their interest in Science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship. You will work in multidisciplinary teams with students from other majors in the Advanced Science course to address global issues such as food security, changing markets, sustainability and climate change.

There is a strong focus on field trips and practical agricultural experience. You will study broad acre cropping and livestock production systems through research-led activities, problem-solving and self-directed experiments using the Curtin University field trial site and glasshouse facilities.

Work-based learning is ensured through the requirement to engage in an immersive industry and/or research experience.

Throughout this major, you will have opportunities to engage with world-leading researchers, such as the Curtin Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), Australia’s leading research group for developing solutions to crop pathogens.

The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) provides opportunities through second and third year to undertake internal and external internships and immersive work experience, sourced by the student, which can be used for course credit.

Please note: beginning your studies in July may increase the duration of this course beyond four years due to unit availabilities.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information. 

How to apply

This major sits within the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours). In step 3 of the application process, you will be asked to confirm the major you wish to study.

Applying as an undergraduate student is easy. For information tailored to your situation, visit our easy to follow instructions to get your application started.

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What you'll learn

• Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, an advanced capacity to apply agricultural systems concepts in a range of theoretical and practical situations, and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the agricultural sciences through research.
• Critically, logically and rationally analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems in agricultural sciences, address them by applying practical and theoretical tools and critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge.
• Access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own findings.
• Communicate effectively by demonstrating the capacity to listen and respond (using both written and spoken language) to clients, staff, professionals, management and industry and conform to discipline standards in presentations and publications.
• Consider profitability, sustainability and impact on the environment, health and society when using new and established technologies in agribusiness related industries.
• Engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in agricultural sciences.
• Participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems in agriculture while understanding international ethical and professional standards in agricultural sciences.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the cultural issues that impact research in agricultural sciences or the broader profession; value professional and community partnerships through integrating socio cultural contexts and ethics with in agricultural sciences.
• Be able to work professionally and ethically as an independent agricultural scientist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of their area of study; comply with appropriate legislation in the field of agricultural science.