Key facts

UNE unit code: AGSY410

*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

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Extend your capacity to address the complex problems facing today’s agricultural and farming systems with future-proofed skills and advanced discipline knowledge.

This unit builds on your rural science knowledge, enhancing your ability to critically analyse interactions between soil, plant, animal and human systems.

Using case studies and theoretical models to assess agricultural systems, outcomes and sustainability, the unit is designed to provide an opportunity to consolidate, integrate and apply your prior learning, once you have completed the majority of units in your Bachelor of Rural Science.

You will hone the skills needed to evaluate and generate solutions for the diverse problems you may encounter in the field. The unit encourages you to work collaboratively and logically within set time constraints, attributes that are invaluable in many real-world settings.

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
TBATBA4 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolAll offeringsThe intensive school is mandatory for both on-campus and online students. The intensive school contains a multi-day field trip and students may incur additional expenses. For further information please contact the unit coordinator.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
any 24cp at 300 level and PRACRURSC

Notes

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

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Jonathan McLachlan
Jonathan McLachlanSenior Lecturer in Pasture Science and Grazing Management - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

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

  1. critically analyse the interactions between soil, plant, animal and human systems;
  2. independently apply judgement to select appropriate detailed information to explain systems outcomes;
  3. analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex problems clearly articulating a logical progression of thinking;
  4. communicate knowledge through appropriate media in a professional manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
  5. collaborate with others to complete tasks within certain time constraints.

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
Five-Year Property PlanYes35%All offerings

Individually written report

No. Words: 3000

Group Seminar - Assurance TaskYes25%All offerings

Group based problem solving activities.

No. Words: 2000

Students must achieve a pass of 50% or greater for this assessment in order to pass the unit.

Oral Examination - Assurance TaskYes40%All offerings

Individually examined at the end of trimester (25 mins). 

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

Students must achieve a pass of 50% or greater for this assessment in order to pass the 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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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)

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