Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science University of Melbourne

Overview

Overview

During the Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science program at University of Melbourne you will build your knowledge of the fundamentals of plant physiology, the basics of biochemistry and soil processes, including the rapidly expanding field of soil microbiology.

You'll gain an understanding of soil function and appropriate management plans to promote agricultural productivity and minimise environmental impacts, with subjects in ecology, water and soil management, plant growth and nutrition.

You'll also learn how to address issues in plant health and sustainable agriculture, with subjects in ecology, water and soil management, plant growth and nutrition. It will provide you with a strong understanding of agronomy – the science of using plants for food, fuel, fiber and land reclamation.

You can choose to spend Semester 2 of your second year at Dookie campus, where you can observe a wide variety of farming industries first hand, including cropping, livestock and dairy management, horticulture and viticulture enterprises, as well as support industries such as irrigation management, logistics and food processing operations.

Careers

Upon graduation of this program, students can work as:

• Agronomist: advise producers on maximising land use
• Catchment manager or environmental adviser: improve sustainability and environmental health
• Soil scientist: contribute to research, efficient water use or advanced fertiliser development
• Orchard manager: develop budgets, work with marketers, supervise field teams and oversee the production line to deliver fresh fruit to market
• Government policy adviser: apply your agricultural understanding to help government balance programs, regulations and priorities.