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Agriculture and Food Economics unit (BEA310)

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Unit year 2026

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2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

In this unit, students are introduced to applying economic principles to agriculture, agribusiness, and related markets. Students will apply economic principles to study issues in food production and food security. Content will include topics in farm management and organisation, the operation of agricultural markets, managing risk and the economics of government intervention in food and agricultural markets. The role of soil stewardship, farm diversification and farming in multifunctional landscapes will also be considered.

Summary

Unit name Agriculture and Food Economics
Unit code BEA310
Credit points 12.5
College/School Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline Economics
Coordinator Doctor Nam Ha Duong
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Use economic concepts to identify and discuss issues in the agriculture and food sectors.
  • Select and apply appropriate economic theory to analyse agriculture and food markets, agribusiness, consumers and other market participants.
  • Apply economic theory and models to analyse contemporary agriculture and food policy.
  • Collaboratively work with peers to critically apply economic theory, analyse and evaluate economic issues. Effectively communicate results and research in agriculture and food economics.

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
091901 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $2,862.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

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

AssessmentPolicy Brief (20%)|Policy Debate (30%)|Written Report (Components Due: Week 4, 8 & 13) (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need access to the following textbooks:

1. Principles of Agricultural Economics – Barkley and Barkley 3rd edition (2020) or 4th edition (2023)

2. The Routledge Handbook of Agricultural Economics – Cramer et al. (2019)

Both texts are available on the Utas library website as ebooks or can be purchased from Booktopia. Accessing these texts during the semester will be essential.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.