Agricultural Science
MJRH-ADAGS

Agricultural Science (Advanced)

Undergraduate major

Do you want to lead the agricultural industry into the future? In this advanced science course you'll participate in research-led activities and explore global issues such as food security, sustainability and climate change.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 95
  • Qualification
    Agricultural Science Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)
  • Credit

    Credit

    800
Course outline

Check the application deadline for the parent course

Course outline

Overview

Overview

Agricultural scientists are central to the world’s ability to sustainably feed its population. This course offers a flexible and personalised approach to studying the science that underpins agricultural production. It has a strong focus on field trips and practical agricultural experience, with opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects. 

This is a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) course, designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship.

You’ll study broadacre cropping and livestock production systems through research-led activities, problem-solving and self-directed experiments using the Curtin field trial area and glasshouse facilities.

Your study will include advanced molecular biology and genetic experiments at Curtin’s new laboratories, and you’ll be introduced to satellite-based technologies used in precision agriculture for crop, pasture and livestock management systems. You’ll engage with leading researchers, such as those in the Curtin-based Centre for Crop Disease Management – Australia’s foremost research group for developing solutions to crop pathogens.

You’ll also work in multidisciplinary teams with students in other advanced science majors, to explore global issues such as food security, sustainability and climate change.

This course has a strong focus on practical agricultural experience and field trips. Throughout your second and third year you’ll have opportunities to source immersive work experience and internships, which can be used for course credit, and participate in field tours in third year in the Western Australian grain belt.

See our handbook for more course information.

How this course will make you industry ready

This course has a strong focus on practical agricultural experience and field trips. Throughout your second and third year you’ll have opportunities to source immersive work experience and internships.

Graduates from this course will have an industry-ready understanding of the science and technology required for the productive and sustainable use of plants and animals in agricultural production systems.

What jobs can the Agricultural Science (Advanced) course lead to?

Careers

  • Agricultural scientist
  • Consultant

Industries

  • Agriculture
  • Food security
  • Government research and development

What you'll learn

  • Consider profitability, sustainability and impact on the environment, health and society when using new and established technologies in agribusiness related industries.
  • Engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in agricultural sciences.
  • Participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems in agriculture while understanding international ethical and professional standards in agricultural sciences.
  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, an advanced capacity to apply agricultural systems concepts in a range of theoretical and practical situations, and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the agricultural sciences through research.
  • Critically, logically and rationally analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems in agricultural sciences, address them by applying practical and theoretical tools and critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge.
  • Access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own findings.
  • Communicate effectively by demonstrating the capacity to listen and respond (using both written and spoken language) to clients, staff, professionals, management and industry and conform to discipline standards in presentations and publications.
  • Work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the cultural issues that impact research in agricultural sciences or the broader profession; value professional and community partnerships through integrating socio cultural contexts and ethics with in agricultural sciences.
  • Be able to work professionally and ethically as an independent agricultural scientist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of their area of study; comply with appropriate legislation in the field of agricultural science.

Why study Agricultural Science (Advanced) at Curtin?

Professional recognition

As a graduate, you’re eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.

Cutting-edge

Engage with the Centre for Crop and Disease Management for unique learning and career opportunities.

Work experience

Benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities from your first year.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.

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.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 95

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 95

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Biology ATAR, Chemistry ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    Not accepted. VET study cannot meet the equivalent ATAR requirement.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  • Attained an ATAR of 95; or
  • Completed 200 credits over one year, with a course weighted average (CWA) of 80% or higher; and
  • Met the prerequisites.

Maths Methods prerequisites can be met with:

  • Maths Methods ATAR or equivalent; or
  • MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
  • MATH1015 Linear Algebra 1 with a final mark of at least 70; or
  • MATH1016 Calculus 1 or
  • MATH1017 Accelerated Mathematics 1

 

Higher education course switcher criteria

This course has a semester one intake only. Please refer to the TISC website for more information.

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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

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 scholarships

Please view the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now

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: MJRH-ADAGS
  • Last updated on: 10 December 2024

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