Dryland Agricultural Systems
MJRP-DRAGM

Dryland Agricultural Systems

Postgraduate major

Gain comprehensive understanding of dryland agricultural systems, and examine farming systems in Australia’s Great Southern and South West regions.

This offering version is phasing out and no longer taking applications. You may be able to apply for a later version.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Dryland Agricultural Systems Major (MSc Science)
  • Credit

    Credit

    400
Course outline

Check the application deadline for the parent course

Course outline

Outline

Outline

This information is relevant for students commencing study in 2019. If you plan to commence study in 2020, please view the planned offering.

This course will provide you with the skills to pursue a career in agricultural research and development. Graduates may also find work as consultants and advisers to the livestock and cropping industries in Mediterranean environments around the world.

You will cover science and technology for crop, pasture and livestock production (including the roles of genetics and management in achieving optimum production against environmental constraints), and their integration into viable farming systems.

You will place special emphasis on emerging technologies for precise management of crops and livestock, and their role in ensuring safe, sustainable production systems. In your second year, you will undertake supervised research into a current and emerging industry problem. Intensive study periods may also be available over the summer or vacation periods.

How this course will make you industry ready

The technical and scientific skills acquired through study in this course will enable you to tackle the wide range of problems facing modern agricultural industries, particularly in relation to global food security and climate change.

What jobs can the Dryland Agricultural Systems course lead to?

This qualification will provide you with the skills to pursue a career in agricultural research and development, and as consultants/advisors to the livestock and cropping industries in Mediterranean environments around the world.  Employers are likely to include Government and private research organisations, agricultural consultancy groups, and individual growers and grower groups. 

What you'll learn

  • understand the global and cultural issues in agriculture and how these impact on the practice and management of farming systems
  • appreciate the importance of cultural and individual human rights and how these impact on the study of agriculture; embrace the diversity and opportunities presented by different cultures; value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives
  • work both as an independent scientist and within teams, either as a professional leader or a collaborator, using effective problem solving and decision making skills in an ethical manner
  • acquire professional skills in management of soil, crop, pasture and livestock, allowing the application of this knowledge to a wide variety of rainfed farming situations
  • use logical scientific methods to analyse problems and apply this knowledge to a wide variety of rainfed farming situations especially in a Mediterranean context
  • students will be fluent in current literature, theories and practices of production technology and their integration into farming systems
  • use a broad range of communication skills appropriate to the audience
  • select and use new and established technologies appropriate to dryland farming systems
  • acquire and contribute to new agricultural and scientific knowledge and expertise relating to a broad variety of professional situations and recognise the importance of continuous training and education

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

  • A recognised bachelor degree in science and have achieved competency in agricultural systems or a related discipline to the level of second-year tertiary study, OR
  • A recognised bachelor degree with honours in a related field or graduate diploma in a related field. Applicants via this pathway may be eligible for credit for recognised learning.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Master of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRP-DRAGM
  • Last updated on: 4 October 2024

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