Key facts
UNE unit code: AGSY102
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
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 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The Intensive School is mandatory for online students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a technical and theoretical understanding of the key principles of agricultural sustainability;
- analyse information in order to appreciate the economic principles that are involved in decision making about sustainable resource management in agricultural ecosystems;
- demonstrate a technical and theoretical understanding of how agricultural plant and animal systems provide resources to sustainably meet human needs and aspirations;
- 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
- 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.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | All students must complete the series of in class and online practical assessments. No. Words: 1500 |
| Excel Quiz - Assurance task | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Invigilated quiz assessing manipulative, interpretive and graphical communication skills. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Mid trimester Examination - Assurance Task, Interview - Assurance Task, Excel Quiz - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Mid trimester Examination - Assurance Task, Interview - Assurance Task, Excel Quiz - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. 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. |
| Interview - Assurance Task | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Group interview activity which assesses observational, interpretive and verbal skills. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Mid trimester Examination - Assurance Task, Interview - Assurance Task, Excel Quiz - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.
|
| Mandatory Practicals | Yes | 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 Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Assessment of theory and practice. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Mid trimester Examination - Assurance Task, Interview - Assurance Task, Excel Quiz - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam during 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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