University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Welcome

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment

Welcome to the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment. We have a long and proud history of teaching and research in the science that underpins environmentally sustainable agricultural production. We also believe that there is a glittering future for agriculture, and so the faculty remains committed to offering students the opportunity to undertake applied science and agribusiness degrees. These degree programs draw on research-based teaching and industry engagement across the agricultural, environmental and business sectors.

With a focus on sustainability at all levels, including environmental sustainability and food security, the faculty’s degrees allow students to develop skills and knowledge applicable to some of the biggest agro-ecological challenges of our time. Field teaching in our degree programs gives students first-hand experience of the science behind agriculture and sustainable environments, as well as a passion to specialise in particular applied science disciplines.

The faculty has some of the best facilities in Australia to support our research and teaching activities, including our Centre for Carbon, Water and Food and our Plant Breeding Institute, both at Camden, our I. A. Watson International Grains Research Centre in Narrabri and our headquarter facilities at Australian Technology Park, Redfern. These state-of-the-art facilities allow us to conduct cutting-edge research and to get our students involved in this important work.

Our programs are designed to ensure our graduates are job-ready with a broad range of skills, positioning them for important roles in both the government and private sectors. We focus on developing our students’ communication, quantitative, analytical, problem solving and research skills, and the breadth of our degree programs across the agricultural and environmental disciplines gives our graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

I am delighted you have decided to pursue one of our applied science degrees – agriculture has a very bright future in Australia and you will be equipped to play a significant role in that future.

Professor Alex McBratney
Dean