Overview 2021
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
Course objectives
At the completion of the course you will have:
- established a strong understanding of a range of agricultural disciplines including crop and pasture production, animal science, horticultural science, soil science and land management, entomology and plant pathology;
- developed analytical laboratory skills appropriate to various disciplines of agricultural science;
- developed advanced skills in accessing, critically evaluating and communicating the outputs of current, peer-reviewed literature;
- developed an understanding and the skills required to structure a funding application for a research project;
- demonstrated competence in experimental design, research methods, data analysis and critical thinking, appropriate to a future career in research;
- demonstrated the ability to produce original written work, as evidenced by a research thesis.
Course structure
This program has either a 1.5 - or 2-year structure, depending on your background (see academic requirements).
1.5 Year Program (3 Semesters):
A three-semester program will comprise:
1. 100% postgraduate-level units as listed in Schedule B.
2. A research thesis (50%) which shall embody the results of research carried out under the direction of a supervisor or supervisors appointed by the School or a professional practice stream consisting of a 700-level capstone unit (25%) plus additional postgraduate level units (25%) [as listed in Schedule C].
2 Year Program (4 Semesters):
A four-semester program will comprise:
1. 50% consolidation units as listed in Schedule A with a maximum 25% intermediate units permitted.
2. 100% postgraduate-level units as listed in Schedule B.
3. A research thesis (50%) which shall embody the results of research carried out under the direction of a supervisor or supervisors appointed by the School or a professional practice stream consisting of a 700-level capstone unit (25%) plus additional postgraduate level units (25%) [as listed in Schedule C].
If you would like further advice about what your Study Plan would look like at the University of Tasmania, please email Course.Info@utas.edu.au and we will put you in contact with an appropriate staff member.
Note: progression to the research thesis requires a minimum performance standard of 65% average calculated on all units taken, including both pass and fail attempts.
Agricultural Science
Schedule A
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms- how they work and their role in our world. Microorganisms encompass huge diversity and include bacteria, viruses, fungi and single-celled animals and algae. Although not visible to the naked eye, microorganisms have a profound…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The unit introduces the science behind pasture production and management and the link between pasture or other feedstuffs on animal digestion, feed and nutrient utilisation and productive performance. In the practical classes, students are given the opportunity to perform pasture…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces soils of Tasmania and their formation, fertility, and hydrology. The unit links to concepts important in agronomy and horticulture and it aims to develop an understanding of land and soil resources as assets in Tasmanian landscapes. It…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This course covers the basic mechanisms of crop function, from the molecular to the whole plant level. The broad range of fundamental processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, plant water relations, stomata physiology, mineral nutrition, plant hormone functions, plant movements, seed…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit provides an overview of the major Tasmanian animal production systems and how they fit within the broader Australian and worldwide contexts. Students use systems thinking to explore the variety of strategies that growers use meet their production targets…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces you to the disciplines of entomology and plant pathology. It explores the classification, diversity, structure, function and general biology of insects and examines the concepts of plant disease and diagnostic procedures for plant pathogens (including viruses, bacteria,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA255 Introductory Entomology and Plant Pathology
Microorganisms, though invisibly small, collectively make up the majority of the living matter on Earth and have profound influences on many aspects of our lives. This unit will draw on contemporary, real-world examples to explore the influence and impact of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The unit provides students with an overview of intensive and extensive crop production and management. Study includes agro-ecological aspects of fruit, vegetable and grain crop production in Australia and the growth and development of the major crop species. Principles underlying…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit enables students to plan and complete scientific investigations essential to agricultural research. The unit follows a logical progression from understanding the importance of the principles of the scientific method and crafting a well-defined research hypothesis that can be…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA310 Experimental Design and Analysis for Agri-Food Research
In this unit we study the principles behind the management of agricultural pest insects, weeds and diseases. The unit includes modules on (1) Biosecurity, (2) Weeds, (3) Pest & disease monitoring and decision making, (4) Chemicals in crop protection,(5) Cultural…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
In this interdisciplinary unit, students explore systems approaches to farming, wherein understanding of various components of a farm is linked to broader social, cultural, political, institutional, economic and ecological factors that influence how a farm operates. The first partof the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Welcome to Insect Ecology & Behaviour. This unit is research focused in its contentand assessment. We will explore three key research areas in depth: these are insectmating systems, insect natural enemies and insect-plant-interactions. In each of theseareas we will ask…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The unit explores theoretical and practical technologies and innovations applicable to extensive and intensive animal and plant production systems. These technologies and innovations address current productivity and sustainability challenges and include topics such as precision farming and spray technologies, communication…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA316 Agricultural Technology and Innovation
This unit provides students with advanced knowledge of the reproductive system of agricultural animals, nutritional requirements and general health management. Students will be expected to be able to handle and interact with domesticated agricultural animals. An important aspect of this…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Examines the status of agronomy, including developments in breeding, physiology and management. Farming systems research is also examined through a study of topics such as seasonal forecasting and climate change, crop sequence, crop simulation modelling and precision farming, Practical work…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The focus of this unit is on advanced topics of plant disease biology and management. Concepts will be illustrated with diseases caused by viral and virus-like agents, phytopathogenic bacteria, fungi and nematodes in agricultural and horticultural systems. Topics include infection…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The objective of the unit is to provide students with a detailed understanding of key physiological processes underlying horticultural crop production and pre- and post-harvest management practices that are designed to provide products desired by the market. The focus of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit links your knowledge in agronomy, horticulture and business to the area of agricultural land resource assessment. We will develop your understanding and land management skills via practical experiences with SE Tasmanian soil and land resources. This unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Traditional approaches to food safety assurance are failing to keep up with the modern food industry. In response, and to harmonise international trade in food, food safety management is moving to a "risk-based approach that relies strongly on synthesis of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit considers the role of microorganisms in the production, deterioration and safety of foods, from both ecological and physiological perspectives, including the effect of temperature, pH, water activity and other factors on the growth and decline of microbial populations…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit in soil science aims to develop students’ ability to understand key soil physical and chemical properties and processes, and their ability to relate these to soil management in agriculture.The unit is taught in two sections; (i) Soil Chemistry…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The unit covers the basic principles of environmental microbiology, microbial diversity and evolution. Lectures are provided on the latest techniques used in microbial ecology including coverage of advanced methods in functional analysis and genomics. A focus is placed on the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA398 Applied Environmental Microbiology
Schedule B
This unit provides an overview of the major Tasmanian animal production systems and how they fit within the broader Australian and worldwide contexts. Students use systems thinking to explore the variety of strategies that growers use meet their production targets.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This course provides Master of Applied Science students with advance knowledge of mechanisms of plant function, from the molecular to the whole plant level. The broad range of fundamental processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, plant water relations, stomata physiology, mineral…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The unit provides students with an overview of intensive and extensive crop production and management. Study includes agro-ecological aspects of fruit, vegetable and grain crop production in Australia and the growth and development of the major crop species. Principles underlying…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces you to the disciplines of entomology and plant pathology. It explores the classification, diversity, structure, function and general biology of insects and examines the concepts of plant disease and diagnostic procedures for plant pathogens (including viruses, bacteria,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Microorganisms, though invisibly small, collectively make up the majority of the livingmatter on Earth and have profound influences on many aspects of our lives. This unitwill draw on contemporary, real-world examples to explore the influence and impactof microorganisms - both…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms- how they work and their role in our world. Microorganisms encompass huge diversity and include bacteria, viruses, fungi and single-celled animals and algae. Although not visible to the naked eye, microorganisms have a profound…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The unit introduces the science behind pasture production and management and the link between pasture or other feedstuffs on animal digestion, feed and nutrient utilisation and productive performance. In the practical classes, students are given the opportunity to perform pasture…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit equips students to undertake scientific investigations essential to agricultural and food research. The unit follows a logical progression from understanding the importance of the principles of the scientific method and crafting a well-defined research hypothesis that can be…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Provides Master of Applied Science students with knowledge of soil science. The unit provides knowledge of the formation of key Tasmanian soil types, their parent materials and their land use potential. Soil fertility and key nutrient cycles (N, P and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA440 Soil Formation, Function and Fertility
There are multiple perspectives from which you can analyse an industry; this unit will inform students about industry analysis, from the perspective of an advisor or a consultant, with a view to adoption for practice change. It will provide the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This subject is an assignment-based unit in which you are required to produce areview of the current research in a particular area. The topic is chosen in consultationwith the Course Coordinator to complement your proposed area of specialisation.This unit is…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for KLA483 Academic Skills for Agri-food Research
The unit explores theoretical and practical technologies and innovations applicable to extensive and intensive animal and plant production systems. These technologies and innovations address current productivity and sustainability challenges and include topics such as precision farming and spray technologies, communication…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA533 Agricultural Technology and Innovation
This unit links your knowledge in agronomy, horticulture and business to the area of agricultural land resource assessment. We will develop your understanding and land management skills via practical experiences with SE Tasmanian soil and land resources. This unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
In this interdisciplinary unit, students explore systems approaches to farming, wherein understanding of various components of a farm is linked to broader social, cultural, political, institutional, economic and ecological factors that influence how a farm operates. The first part of…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Traditional approaches to food safety assurance are failing to keep up with the modern food industry. In response, and to harmonise international trade in food, food safety management is moving to a "risk-based approach that relies strongly on synthesis of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit aims to provide the theoretical perspectives and methodological skills for students to be able to investigate, improve or develop collaborative innovation (co-innovation) in agrifood value chains in Developed and Transitional Economies. It will provide an understanding of value…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Examines the status of agronomy, including developments in breeding, physiology and management. Farming systems research is also examined through a study of topics such as seasonal forecasting and climate change, crop sequence, crop simulation modelling and precision farming. Practical work…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The unit covers the basic principles of environmental microbiology, microbial diversity and evolution. Lectures are provided on the latest techniques used in microbial ecology including coverage of advanced methods in functional analysis and genomics. A focus is placed on the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA607 Applied and Environmental Microbiology
In this unit we study the principles behind the management of agricultural pest insects, weeds and diseases. The unit includes modules on (1) Biosecurity, (2) Weeds (3) Pest & disease monitoring and decision making; (4) Chemicals in crop protection; (5)…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Provides Master of Applied Science students with knowledge of the role of microorganisms in the production, deterioration and safety of foods, from both ecological and physiological perspectives, including the effect of temperature, pH, water activity and other factors affecting the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The objective of the unit is to provide students with a detailed understanding of key physiological processes underlying horticultural crop production and pre- and post-harvest management practices that are designed to provide products desired by the market. The focus of…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Welcome to Insect Ecology & Behaviour. This unit is research focused in its contentand assessment. We will explore three key research areas in depth: these are insect Page 6 KLA314 Insect Ecology &Behaviourmating systems, insect natural enemies and insect-plant-interactions. In…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The focus of this unit is on advanced topics of plant disease biology and management. Concepts will be illustrated with diseases caused by viral and virus-like agents, phytopathogenic bacteria, fungi and nematodes in agricultural and horticultural systems. Topics include infection…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit in soil science aims to develop students’ ability to understand key soil physical and chemical properties and processes, their ability to relate these to soil management in agriculture, and critical evaluation of soil based research.The unit is taught…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit is only available to Master of Applied Science (Agricultural Science) students.This unit is considered an ADVANCED level unit. Your final grade in this unit is used in the calculation of performance criteria applied to the advanced component of…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
In this unit students will, with assistance and supervision, develop skills associated with obtaining research funding. Students will develop a research proposal for a small project, such as would be submitted to a research agency. Skills will be developed in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA709 Master of Applied Science Project (Part A)
This unit involves a practical "hands-on" experience of scientific techniques relevant to your nominated field of study. The objective of this course is for candidates to receive background and basic training in a range of laboratory techniques. Students will work…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
| Hobart | Winter school | ||||
View all details for KLA710 Master of Applied Science Project (Part B)
Schedule C
The Master of Applied Science, Thesis (50% loading) is the final semester in the Master of Applied Science course in the following specialisations, with each specialisation requiring enrolment in two unit codes of 25% loading:SPECIALISATION UNIT CODESMicrobiologyKLA 717 (25%)KLA 718…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA711 Master of Applied Science (Agricultural Science) Thesis A
The Master of Applied Science, Thesis (50% loading) is the final semester in the Master of Applied Science course in the following specialisations, with each specialisation requiring enrolment in two unit codes of 25% loading:SPECIALISATION UNIT CODESMicrobiologyKLA 717 (25%)KLA 718…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA714 Master of Applied Science (Agricultural Science) Thesis B
This unit is the capstone unit in the professional pathway for the MAppSci(Agricultural Science) course.This unit contains a series of case studies, selected from different areas of agriculture,for example, horticulture, animal production, post-harvest processing, vegetablecropping, dairy, water policy. Within each…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Entry requirements
Eligibility
The Master of Applied Science may be completed in 3 or 4 semesters depending on level of qualifications on entry, and discipline preparedness of the specific candidate.
3 Semester Prerequisites
A Bachelor degree in a science field with a major in Agricultural Science completed to a standard of achievement that is deemed acceptable by the College.
4 Semester Prerequisites
A Bachelor degree in a science related area, and some background (e.g. minor sequence) in Agricultural Science completed to a standard of achievement that is deemed acceptable by the College.
Common
International students must provide an IELTS (Academic) test score of at least Band 6 with a minimum of 6.0 on all bands. Please refer to the Entry Requirements page for further information.
All applicants must:
(1) demonstrate their qualification was conferred no longer that 10 years previously;
(2) provide evidence in their application of laboratory skills to a standard set by the discipline area; and.
(3) provide a written statement of purpose outlining the reasons for their chosen specialisation. Please note that the statement must be no more than 500 words in length and be written in your own words.
Articulation to
Students completing the Agricultural Science specialisation will be eligible to apply for a HDR program, either MSc or PhD, contingent on performance.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses
International students
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $ 62,983 AUD *.
Course cost based on a rate of $30,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries