Outline
Outline
Agriculture is the science and practice of food and fibre production. Australia has the potential to be a leader in developing innovative solutions for sustainable, economical and ethical food production, across domestic and international markets.
The study of agricultural science is multi-disciplinary. It builds from the basics of biology, chemistry and statistics, to the components of agricultural systems – including soil science, crop science, animal science and molecular genetics.
The Agriculture Science major will give you an industry-ready understanding of the science and technology required for the production of plants and animals for food and fibre.
Topics range from overarching issues such as food security, sustainability and climate change, to specifics of crop and animal production and soil health.
You'll be introduced to satellite-based technologies used in precision agriculture for crop, pasture and livestock management systems.
During your studies you’ll have opportunities to engage with Curtin-based research centres, which could lead to career options in those areas.
With food production and security being important issues for both developed and emerging economies, careers in agricultural production and development are available throughout the world.
There are also career options in research, extension and service provision to agriculture and horticulture industries.
How this course will make you industry ready
The Agricultural Science major is designed to give students an industry-ready understanding of the science and technology required for the production of plants and animals for food and fibre.
During your studies you’ll have opportunities to engage with Curtin-based research centres, which could lead to career options in those areas.
What jobs can the Agriculture Science course lead to?
Careers
- Agricultural management/consultant
- Agricultural and resource economist
- Agricultural scientist/technologist
- Agronomist
- Biotechnologist
- Climate scientist
- Plant breeding
- Soil scientist
Industries
- Agriculture
- Agriculture and grain marketing
- Agricultural supply chain logistics
- Biosecurity
- Chemical industry
- Farmer grower groups
- Food security
- International agricultural aid
- Private farming
- Plant and animal breeding
- Government agriculture departments
What you'll learn
- Integrate discipline knowledge and apply the principles of biological and physical sciences to agricultural systems concepts in a range of theoretical and practical situations through research and practical application.
- Access, evaluate and synthesize relevant information from a range of sources appropriate to the agricultural science discipline, process and make critical judgements on the value of available knowledge to generate innovative and sustainable solutions to agricultural problems.
- Communicate information concisely, accurately and 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 addressing global problems in agriculture, while understanding international ethical and professional standards and practices in agricultural science.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with professionals from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the cultural issues that impact the broader profession; value professional and community partnerships through integrating socio-cultural contexts and ethics within agricultural science.
- Be able to work professionally and ethically as an independent agricultural scientist and collaboratively within teams using effective industry-ready problem solving and decision making skills complying with appropriate legislation in the field of agricultural science.
