Intensive Production Systems unit (KLA334)

Introduction

This unit will integrate prior learning to evaluate intensive agricultural production with a balanced focus on animal (dairy and beef), rotation and perennial horticultural systems.  The unit will be complementary to ‘Broadacre cropping and pastures’ Agriculture with a focus on intensive resource use. 

The horticultural production systems component will provide students with a detailed understanding of key physiological processes underlying horticultural crop production and post-harvest management practices designed to provide products desired by the market. The breadth of horticulture is considered including tree (fruit and nut) crops, viticulture and intensive vegetable production with some reference to industrial crops and amenity horticulture. Multiple field trips will underpin understanding of past and current production practices and systems and enable insight into potential future systems. 

The animal production systems component will provide students with a detailed understanding of intensive dairy and beef production systems in northern Tasmania. The unit will examine the genetic, reproductive and technological foundations that underpin productivity in intensive livestock enterprises. Students will evaluate how system design, reproductive performance, genetic selection and emerging technologies contribute to profitability, efficiency and sustainability. Practical classes, including reproductive tract dissection, tutorials and a dairy visit, will support applied understanding of production targets and system performance in current and future livestock systems.

Summary

Unit name	Intensive Production Systems
Unit code	KLA334
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Professor Dugald Close
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By
Level	Advanced

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how market forces impact on and inform horticultural production and post-harvest decisions.
• Relate physiological principles of plants to critically evaluate and critique past, present and future horticultural production systems.
• Use critical thinking and scientific evidence to inform future practices in animal production.
• Explain how technologies can enhance sustainable animal production to meet future needs

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
			not applicable

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Assessment	3. Genetic/ Reproductive performance analysis report (20%)|Mid Semester Exam - Horticulture (25%)|Theory in practice field trip report (25%)|Final exam (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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