Overview 2021
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
Location
- What is an ATAR
- CRICOS: 033207A
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
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
Provides students with a basic knowledge of microbiology including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and viruses. The unit considers the place of microorganisms in the evolution of life on earth, their structure, chemistry, biology and ecology, and consideration of their role in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Introduces students to the production and management of pastures and general ruminant nutrition. In the pastures component topics include pasture types and species, pasture establishment, plant growth and development, grass-legume relationships, essential nutrients for pastures, seasonality of production and fodder…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The unit provides an introduction to the formation of key Tasmanian soil types, their parent materials and their land use potential. Soil fertility and key nutrient cycles (N, P and K), soil morphology and salinity will be examined in lectures,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Covers the basic mechanisms of plant function, from the molecular to the whole-plant level. The unit consists of several modules and covers cell physiology, whole-plant physiology, crop growth and development and crop adaptive responses to environment. These modules examine plant--water…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
An overview of Australian and global livestock production systems in wool, meat sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle, pig and poultry industries is provided. The unit will cover genetics, breeding, nutritional management, lactational physiology, wool, milk and meat quality, feedlotting, pasture-based…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces you to the most dominant life forms on earth via 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…
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 and real-world examples to explore the influence and impact…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The unit provides students with an overview of Australian horticultural and grain crop production and management. Study includes agroecological aspects of fruit, vegetable and grain crop production in Australia and the growth and development of the major crop species. Principles…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit enables students to plan and complete scientific investigations essential to agricultural research. On completion of this unit, students should be able to: understand the principles of scientific method and formulate a well-defined research hypothesis; design experiments relevant to…
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
Studies the principles and practices of management of plant diseases, pests and weeds. Modules of teaching within the unit will include: (1) Weeds (2) Pest and Disease Monitoring and Decision Making (3) Chemicals in Crop Protection (4) Cultural Control and…
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 part of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Provides an overview of insect ecology and examines insect mating systems, insect-plant interactions and insect natural enemies. It explores the application of this theory to pest management and may briefly overview specialist areas such as toxicology and forensic entomology.…
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 explores animal science within the scope of modern agriculture. During the unit, students will gain knowledge of the science underpinning different aspects of modern animal production. Students will be encouraged to engage with the scientific literature and identify…
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 is…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Advanced topics of plant disease biology and management are the focus of this unit. Topics will be illustrated by diseases caused by viral and virus-like agents, phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi in agricultural and horticultural systems. Topics include infection biology, host…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit provides 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 the unit is on the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit examines agricultural production systems within the context of climate, landscapes and natural resources. Management of soil, land, water and vegetation resources on a catchment and property basis will be covered. Students will develop competency in the assessment of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Food safety management, particularly for microbial hazards, is undergoing revolutionary change internationally. Essentially, a more wholistic approach is being advocated that relies on analysis and synthesis of knowledge and data from several scientific disciplines. The approach is termed 'risk analysis’.This…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit equips 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 growth and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Develops students`ability to undertake basic soil analyses and interpret soil analytical data for management of soil physical, chemical and morphological problems. Issues covered include: management of salinity, soil drainage design, soil water retention and irrigation principles, soil biology, erosion control,…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Microorganisms out-number all life forms on the planet and greatly impact biological, chemical and physical processes. This unit considers the significance of microorganisms in the ecology of terrestrial and marine environments; microbial diversity and evolution; the role of microbes in…
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 Master of Applied Science students with an overview of Australian horticultural and grain crop production and management. Study includes agroecological aspects of fruit, vegetable and grain crop production in Australia and the growth and development of the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Introduces Master of Applied Science students to the most dominant life forms on earth via 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…
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 living matter on Earth and have profound influences on many aspects of our lives. This unit will draw on contemporary and real-world examples to explore the influence and impact…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Provides Master of Applied Science students with knowledge of microbiology including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and viruses with particular emphasis on the structure, function and ecophysiology of bacteria and viruses.The unit considers the place of microorganisms in the evolution of life…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Provides Master of Applied Science students with advanced knowledge in the production and management of pastures in grazing animal systems and general ruminant nutrition. In the pastures component topics include pasture types and species, pasture establishment, plant growth and development,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit enables Master of Applied Science students to plan and complete scientific investigations essential to agricultural research.On completion of this unit, students should be able to: understand the principles of scientific method and formulate a well-defined research hypothesis; design…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA439 Experimental Design and Analysis for Agri-Food Research
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 foundations…
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 a review of the current research in a particular area. The topic is chosen in consultation with the Head of School and/or MSc Applied Science Coursework Unit…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
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 examines agricultural production systems within the context of sustainable use of soil, land and other natural resources in a changing and/or variable climate. Assessment of soil, land, water and vegetation resources on a catchment and property basis 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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA535 Farming Systems and Business Management
Food safety management, particularly for microbial hazards, is undergoing revolutionary change internationally. Essentially, a more holistic approach is being advocated that relies on analysis and synthesis of knowledge and data from several scientific disciplines. The approach is termed 'risk analysis’.This…
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.
Microorganisms out-number all life forms on the planet and greatly impact biological, chemical and physical processes. This unit provides fundamental and more importantly conceptual knowledge of the significance of microorganisms in the ecology of terrestrial and marine environments; microbial diversity…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA607 Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Introduces Master of Applied Science students to the principles and practices of management of plant diseases, pests and weeds. Modules of teaching within the unit will include: (1) Pest and Disease Monitoring and Decision Making, (2) Chemicals in Crop Protection,…
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 | ||||
This unit provides 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 the unit is on the…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Provides Master of Applied Science students with an overview of insect ecology and examines insect mating systems, insect-plant interactions and insect natural enemies. It explores the application of this theory to pest management and may briefly overview specialist areas such…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit provides Master of Applied Science students with instruction on advanced topics of plant disease biology and management. Topics will be illustrated by diseases caused by viral and virus-like agents, phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi in agricultural and horticultural systems.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The unit provides Master of Applied Science students with knowledge of soil science including: developing the candidates ability to undertake chemical and physical soil analyses and interpret soil analytical data for management of soil related environmental management problems. Issues covered…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit explores animal science within the scope of modern agriculture. During the unit, students will gain knowledge of the science underpinning different aspects of modern animal production. Students will be encouraged to engage with the scientific literature and identify…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
In this unit students are introduced to project development and the process required to gain funds to support new research. With assistance and supervision, students will develop a mature research proposal for a small project, such as would be submitted…
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 unit is for candidates to receive background and basic training in a range of laboratory and/or field techniques.Students will…
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
Candidates undertake an independent supervised program of research under the supervision of a qualified staff member or external co-supervisor with expertise in their field of interest.Enrolment consists of two 25% units as follows: KLA711 and KLA714.…
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
…
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 contains a series of case studies, selected from different areas of agriculture, for example, horticulture, animal production, post-harvest processing, vegetable cropping, dairy, water policy. Within each case study, the student will consider complex problems from an industry perspective,…
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