Key facts

UNE unit code: AGRO321

*You are viewing the 2026 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

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

Develop skills in crop management and sustainable production, and develop your knowledge of the principles and processes of plant, soil and water interaction for the management of irrigated and dryland cropping systems.

This unit provides you with an overview of horticultural production systems management. You will also examine concepts relating to dryland and irrigated field crop production systems, including constraints to yield, water management, plant nutrition and integrated weed, insect and disease management for broadacre crops.

If you choose to study on campus, regular practical sessions and field trips provide you with exposure to real-world crops and cropping systems. Studying online, you will participate in laboratory activities and field excursions during an intensive school.

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
TBATBA3 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 2, OnlineThe Intensive School is mandatory for online students.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
AGRO211 or AGRO200 or BOTY211 or BOTY203 or candidature in a postgraduate award in the School of Environmental and Rural Science or School of Science and Technology

Notes

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.

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

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Richard Flavel
Richard FlavelAssociate Professor of Crop Science - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

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

  1. describe the constraints to, and potentials of, sustainable crop and cropping production systems;
  2. integrate general principles of soil and plant processes for sustainable agricultural plant production (dryland and irrigated crops and cropping species) practices;
  3. manage crops and cropping systems for environmental, economic and social outcomes; and
  4. communicate effectively to others in written and verbal formats on issues relating to sustainability within the Agronomy discipline.

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
Field Trial ReportYes15%All offerings

Field trial report including statistical analysis. Formative assignment with feedback on analysis and interpretation to be discussed as topic of oral report.

No. Words: <1000

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Oral Examination - 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.

 

In-class quizzes - Assurance TaskNo10%All offerings

In-class spot quizzes based on unit content to date will be held during on-campus classes and intensive school. Dates will not be released in advance. 

Oral Examination - Assurance TaskYes25%All offerings

Oral examination on field trial report interpretation. Approximately 10 minutes.

Oral assessments will be done in real time either face to face (on campus) or via zoom/teams (off campus).

To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Oral Examination - Assurance Task and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.

No. Words: 1500

PracticalYes 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.

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.

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Agriculture in Australia: An Introduction

ISBN: 9780195560114

Malcolm, B., Sale, P., Leury, B. and Barlow, S., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2009

Text refers to: All offerings

Crop Physiology: Applications for Genetic Improvement and Agronomy

ISBN: 9780124171046

Sadras, V. and Calderini, D., Elsevier Inc 2nd ed. 2014

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

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.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.