Key facts

UNE unit code: AGSY102

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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This is an integrative agricultural systems unit which aims to equip you with the foundational tools to sustainably manage agricultural systems, and consider complex relationships between different dimensions of sustainability.

This unit provides you with an overview of the different crop, pasture and animal production systems globally and in Australia, and the major biophysical and economic factors and constraints affecting them and future possibilities of innovative technology.

Topics include principles of crop and pasture agronomy; extensive and intensive animal production systems from domestication to adaption; alternative farming systems including regenerative agriculture and organic farming; sustainable agricultural management; agricultural economics and precision agriculture.

You will also develop your scientific analysis and communication skills.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
05 August 202407 August 20243 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 2, OnlineThe intensive school is mandatory for online students only.

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
RSNR120

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

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Janelle WilkesAssociate Professor - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a technical and theoretical understanding of the key principles of agricultural sustainability;
  2. analyse information in order to appreciate the economic principles that are involved in decision making about sustainable resource management in agricultural ecosystems;
  3. demonstrate a technical and theoretical understanding of how agricultural plant and animal systems provide resources to sustainably meet human needs and aspirations;
  4. appreciate and describe the scientific principles that underpin agricultural technologies (agtech) and their applications to sustainable agricultural practices, and in doing so demonstrate the ability to work autonomously and use of judgment within the subject area; and
  5. demonstrate a range of manipulative, observational, interpretive, written, graphical and verbal communication skills.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assignment Yes20%All offerings

All students must complete the in class and online practical assessments, that are broken into parts. 

No. Words: 1500

Mandatory PracticalsYes All offerings

The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.

Mid trimester ExaminationYes30%All offerings

Assessment of theory and practice.

Final ExaminationYes50%All offerings

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.

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