University of Sydney Handbooks - 2017 Archive

Download full 2017 archive Page archived at: Mon, 28 Aug 2017 11:21:55 +1000

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Unit of study descriptions

Year 1

Year 1 will have the following 48 credit point structure:
GEOS1001 Earth, Environment and Society

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Bill Pritchard, Dr Sabin Zahirovic, Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 2 hour practical per week. Prohibitions: GEOS1901 or GEOG1001 or GEOG1002 or GEOL1001 or GEOL1002 or GEOL1902 or ENSY1001 Assessment: Exam (40%), 2000 word essay (25%), practical reports (15%), presentation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is the gateway unit of study for Human Geography, Physical Geography, Environmental Studies and Geology. Its objective is to introduce the big questions relating to the origins and current state of the planet: climate change, environment, landscape formation, and the growth of the human population. During the semester you will be introduced to knowledge, theories and debates about how the world's physical and human systems operate. The first module investigates the evolution of the planet through geological time, with a focus on major Earth systems such as plate tectonics and mantle convection and their interaction with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and human civilisations. The second module presents Earth as an evolving and dynamic planet, investigating global environmental change, addressing climate variability and human impacts on the natural environment and the rate at which these changes occur and how they have the potential to dramatically affect the way we live. Finally, the third module, focuses on human-induced challenges to Earth's future. This part of the unit critically analyses the relationships between people and their environments, with central consideration to debates on population change, resource use and the policy contexts of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
or
GEOS1901 Earth, Environment and Society Advanced

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Bill Pritchard, Dr Sabin Zahirovic, Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 2 hour practical per week. Prohibitions: GEOS1001 or GEOG1001 or GEOG1002 or GEOL1001 or GEOL1002 or GEOL1902 or ENSY1001 Assumed knowledge: (ATAR 90 or above) or equivalent Assessment: Exam (40%), 2000 word essay (25%), practical reports (15%), presentation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Advanced students will complete the same core lecture material as for GEOS1001, but will be required to carry out more challenging practical assignments.
BIOL1006 Life and Evolution

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Charlotte Taylor Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 lectures per week and online material and 12x3hr practicals Prohibitions: BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1906 or BIOL1996 Assumed knowledge: HSC Biology. Students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (offered in February). Assessment: practical eportfolio (10%), during semester exams (20%), communication (30%), summative final exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense.Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. This unit will explore how new species, diseases and parasites continue to arise while others go extinct and discuss the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It will also explain how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. You will participate in inquiry-led practical classes integrating Life and Evolution concepts. By doing this unit of study, you will develop the ability to examine novel biological systems and understand the complex processes that have shaped those systems and organisms into what they are today.
Textbooks
Please see unit outline on LMS
or
BIOL1906 Life and Evolution (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Charlotte Taylor Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 lectures per week and online material and 12x3hr practicals Prohibitions: BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1006 or BIOL1996 Assumed knowledge: 85 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent. Assessment: practical eportfolio (10%), during semester exams (20%), communication (30%), summative final exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense.Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. This unit will explore how new species, diseases and parasites continue to arise while others go extinct and discuss the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It will also explain how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Life and Evolution (Advanced) has the same overall structure as BIOL1006 but material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. Students enrolled in BIOL1906 participate in alternative components. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.
Textbooks
Please see unit outline on LMS
or
BIOL1996 Life and Evolution (SSP)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Nathan Lo and A/Prof Simon Ho Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 lectures per week and online material and 30-36 hours of practicals Prohibitions: BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1006 or BIOL1906 Assumed knowledge: 90 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent Assessment: practical 60% (comprised of two practical reports, laboratory note book and seminar presentation), 40% final summative exam as per biol1906 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense.Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. The practical work syllabus for BIOL1996 is different to BIOL1906 (Advanced) and consists of a special project based laboratory.
Textbooks
Please see unit outline on LMS
CHEM1001 Fundamentals of Chemistry 1A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Toby Hudson Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week; one 3 hour practical per week for 9 weeks. Prohibitions: CHEM1101 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1903 or CHEM1909 or CHEM1109 Assumed knowledge: There is no assumed knowledge of chemistry for this unit of study but students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Chemistry Bridging Course (offered in February). Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignments (10%) and continuous assessment quizzes (15%) Practical field work: A series of 9 three-hour laboratory sessions, one per week for 9 weeks of the semester. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Chemistry Bridging Course (offered in February, see http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/studying-chemistry/bridging-course.shtml).
The aim of the unit of study is to provide those students whose chemical background is weak (or non-existent) with a good grounding in fundamental chemical principles together with an overview of the relevance of chemistry. There is no prerequisite or assumed knowledge for entry to this unit of study. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
or
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Toby Hudson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: Three 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week; one 3 hour practical per week for 9 weeks. Prohibitions: CHEM1001 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1903 or CHEM1909 or CHEM1109 Assumed knowledge: HSC Chemistry and Mathematics. Students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) and HSC Mathematics (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Chemistry and Mathematics Bridging Courses (offered in February). Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignment (10%) and continuous assessment quizzes (15%) Practical field work: A series of 9 three-hour laboratory sessions, one per week for 9 weeks of the semester. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) and HSC Mathematics (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Chemistry and Mathematics Bridging Courses (offered in February, http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/studying-chemistry/bridging-course.shtml).
Chemistry 1A is built on a satisfactory prior knowledge of the HSC Chemistry course. Chemistry 1A covers chemical theory and physical chemistry. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
or
CHEM1901 Chemistry 1A (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Toby Hudson Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week; one 3-hour practical per week for 9 weeks. Prohibitions: CHEM1001 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1903 or CHEM1909 or CHEM1109 Assumed knowledge: 85 or above in HSC Chemistry or equivalent Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignment (10%) and continuous assessment quizzes (15%) Practical field work: A series of 9 three-hour laboratory sessions, one per week for 9 weeks of the semester. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Chemistry 1A (Advanced) is available to students with a very good HSC performance as well as a very good school record in chemistry or science. Students in this category are expected to do Chemistry 1A (Advanced) rather than Chemistry 1A.
The theory and practical work syllabuses for Chemistry 1A and Chemistry 1A (Advanced) are similar, though the level of treatment in the latter unit of study is more advanced, presupposing a very good grounding in the subject at secondary level. Chemistry 1A (Advanced) covers chemical theory and physical chemistry. Lectures: A series of about 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
or
CHEM1903 Chemistry 1A (Special Studies Program)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Toby Hudson Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three 1 hour lectures, one 1 hour tutorial per week and one 3 hour practical per week for 11 weeks. Prohibitions: CHEM1001 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1909 or CHEM1109 Assumed knowledge: 90 or above in HSC Chemistry or equivalent Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignment (10%) and continuous assessment quizzes (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Entry to Chemistry 1A (Special Studies Program) is restricted to students with an excellent school record in Chemistry. The practical work syllabus for Chemistry 1A (Special Studies Program) is very different from that for Chemistry 1A and Chemistry 1A (Advanced) and consists of special project-based laboratory exercises. All other unit of study details are the same as those for Chemistry 1A (Advanced). A Distinction in Chemistry 1A (Special Studies Program) is an acceptable prerequisite for entry into Chemistry 1B (Special Studies Program).
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
ENVX1002 Introduction to Statistical Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures/wk, 1x1 hr tutorial/wk, 1x2 hr computer practical/wk Prohibitions: ENVX1001 Assessment: 1 × Exam during the Exam period (50%), 2 × Practical Tests (10% each), 2 × Assessment Tasks (10% each) and 8 Online Quizzes (1.25% each). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a core first year unit for the BEnvSys, BScAgr, BFoodAgrib, BVetBiol and BAnVetBioSc degrees. It provides the foundation quantitative and statistical skills that are needed in other units in the degrees and for further study in applied statistics. In the first portion of the unit the emphasis is on the role of statistics in scientific research, describing data and its variability, and probability. In the second part the focus is on sample designs and framing scientific hypotheses; estimating a single treatment mean via a confidence interval and testing for a particular mean via a z-test or t-test; estimating or testing the difference between two treatment means. The final part of the unit is on the use of calculus for modelling biological and environmental data, for example the use of linear and non-linear functions. In the practicals the emphasis is on applying theory to analysing real datasets using the spreadsheet package Excel and the statistical package Genstat.
Textbooks
Recommended readings: -Mead R, Curnow RN, Hasted AM (2002) 'Statistical methods in agriculture and experimental biology.' (Chapman & Hall: Boca Raton). -Quinn GP, Keough MJ (2002) 'Experimental design and data analysis for biologists.' (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK).
ENVI1003 Global Challenges: Food, Water, Climate

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Stephen Cattle Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lectures per week, 2hrs tutorial/computer lab per week, 2 day weekend field trip Assessment: 1x2hr exam (60%), field trip report (20%), tutorial presentation (10%), gis reports (10%) Practical field work: Computer practicals and 2 day field trip Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In the 21st century the population of the world will increase both in size and its expectation in terms of food, energy and consumer demands. Against this demand we have a planet in crisis where natural resources are degraded, biodiversity is diminishing and planetary cycles related to climate are reaching points of irreversible change. Management of our precious natural resources is a balancing act between production and conservation as always, but now we have to do this against a background of potential large scale changes in climate. In this unit students will gain an understanding of the key environmental challenges of the 21st century; namely food security, climate change, water security, biodiversity protection, ecosystems services and soil security. In the second half using Australian case studies we will explore how we manage different agro-ecosystems within their physical constraints around water, climate and soil, while considering linkages with the global environmental challenges. Management now, in the past and the future will be considered, with an emphasis on food production. This unit is recommended unit for students interested in gaining a broad overview of the environmental challenges of the 21st century, both globally and within Australia.
AGEC1006 Economic Environment of Agriculture

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prohibitions: AGEC1003 or AGEC1004 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics Assessment: 1x2hr exam (55%) and 1x50 min mid-semester exam (25%) and workshop papers (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to give an understanding of some basic economic principles and to introduce the characteristics of the economic environment in which Australian agriculture operates. Topics to be covered include the structure, nature and history of the agricultural industries in Australia; agricultural adjustment in the world economy; introductory principles of production economics and farm management; elementary price theory and the factors affecting the demand, supply and prices of agricultural commodities.
Textbooks
HE Drummond and JW Goodwin, Agricultural Economics, 3rd edn (Prentice-Hall, 2011)
BIOL1007 From Molecules to Ecosystems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Pauline Ross Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lectures per week and online material and 12x3hr practicals Prohibitions: BIOL1907 or BIOL1997 Assumed knowledge: HSC Biology. Students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (offered in February). Assessment: practical (50%), summative final exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and discover how expanding tools have improved our capacity to manage and intervene in ecosystems for our own health and organisms in the environment that surround and support us . You will participate in inquiry-led practicals that reinforce the concepts in the unit. By doing this unit you will develop knowledge and skills that will enable you to play a role in finding global solutions that will impact our lives.
Textbooks
Please see unit outline on LMS
or
BIOL1907 From Molecules to Ecosystems (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Pauline Ross Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lectures per week and online material and 12x3hr practicals Prohibitions: BIOL1007 or BIOL1997 Assumed knowledge: 85 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent Assessment: summative exam (50%), practical component which may include independent or group project (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and discover how expanding tools have improved our capacity to manage and intervene in ecosystems for our own health and organisms in the environment that surround and support us . This unit of study has the same overall structure as BIOL1007 but material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.
Textbooks
Please see unit outline on LMS
or
BIOL1997 From Molecules to Ecosystems (SSP)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Pauline Ross Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lectures per week and online material Prohibitions: BIOL1007 or BIOL1907 Assumed knowledge: 90 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent Assessment: one 2-hour exam (50%), project report (50%) which includes written report and presentation Practical field work: As advised and required by the project - approximately 30-36 hours of research project in the laboratory or field Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and intervene in ecosystems to improve health. The same theory will be covered as in the advanced stream but in this Special Studies Unit, the practical component is a research project. The research will be either a synthetic biology project investigating genetically engineered organisms or organismal/ecosystems biology. Students will have the opportunity to develop higher level generic skills in computing, communication, critical analysis, problem solving, data analysis and experimental design.
Textbooks
Please see unit outline on LMS
AGEN1006 Biological Chemistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Claudia Keitel (Coordinator), Dr. Thomas Roberts, Dr. Feike Dijkstra, Prof. Balwant Singh, Dr Toby Hudson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/wk, 1x1-hr tutorial/wk 1 x 3-hr practical/wk Prerequisites: CHEM1001 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901 Prohibitions: CHEM1002 Assessment: Three quizzes (3x5%), 1 x Problem solving exercise (10%), Laboratory-based assessment (15%), Video presentation (5%), Final exam (55%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study expands on the basic chemical concepts taught in first semester (CHEM1001). The unit will cover the structure and behaviour of organic and inorganic compounds relevant to chemical reactions in biological systems. The unit will introduce students to organic molecules (hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, aromatic compounds, organic acids) and inorganic chemistry (e.g. acid-base and redox reactions, solubility, metal complexes) as well as the structures and reactions of major biological macromolecules (e.g. carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids). In weeks 1-7, lectures, tutorials and laboratory work are conducted in co-operation with the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science. In weeks 8-13, lectures, tutorials and laboratory work will be undertaken in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment. Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work are integrated, providing students with a theoretical and practical basis for further studies in the management of biological systems. This 6 credit point unit consists of approximately 80 hours directed learning.
Textbooks
Reference books; Blackman, Bottle, Schmid, Mocerino and Wille Chemistry and SI Chemical Data (package), 2nd Edition, 2012 (John Wiley) ISBN: 9781118234228

Year 2

Year 2 will have the following 48 credit point structure:
ENVX2001 Applied Statistical Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop (Coordinator), A/Prof Willem Vervoort, A/Prof Peter Thomson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures/wk, 1x1 hr tutorial/wk, 1x2 hr computer practical/wk Prerequisites: ENVX1001 or ENVX1002 or BIOM1003 or MATH1011 or MATH1015 Assessment: 1 × Exam during the Exam period (50%), 2 × Practical Tests (2x10%), 2 × Assessment Tasks (2x10%) and 8 Online Quizzes (8x1.25%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is a core 2nd year unit for students in the BEnvSys, BScAgr and BAVBSc degrees. It consists of two parts. In the first part students will learn the basics of experimental design and investigate how to use an ANOVA to analyse experiments with more than 2 treatment levels, multiple factors and different blocking designs. In the second part an introduction to a branch of mathematics called linear algebra is given with an emphasis on the applications to statistics and modelling. In this part the students will learn to model relationships between response and predictor variables using regression, and find patterns in datasets with many variables using principal components. During the practicals two software packages; Genstat and Excel, will be used to analyse real datasets. At the end of this unit, students will have learnt how to design and experiment and how to analyse data using ANOVA, regression and principal components, the basic methods needed for their future studies and careers.
Textbooks
No textbooks are recommended but useful reference books are:
GENE2002 Veterinary and Agricultural Genetics 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Peter Sharp Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 lec/wk, 3 prac/fortnightly and 1 tut/fortnightly Prerequisites: 6cp from (VETS1018, BIOL1XXX (except BIOL1XX3)) Prohibitions: GENE2001 Assumed knowledge: Knowledge of biology, chemistry and statistics from, or equivalent to that in, the 1st year Units of Study in the degrees in which this Unit is available. Assessment: 1x 2hr final exam (60%), 4x on-line quizzes (10%), assignment(s) (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides an introduction to the genetics and breeding of plants and animals, especially domesticated or managed "wild" species and populations. It provides an understanding for parallel and following courses. Lectures cover the basics of gene transmission and interaction, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genomics, population and quantitative genetics, as well as the more applied aspects of plant and animal breeding and biotechnology. Practicals and tutorials emphasize, with agricultural (plant and animal), and veterinary examples, the procedures of genetic and cytogenetic analysis. Computer simulation is used to illustrate the principles of population genetics, quantitative inheritance and selection programs. The unit of study also provides exposure to current plant and animal breeding and biotechnology practices and creates awareness of ethical issues relating to these developments.
Textbooks
Essential Cell Biology - Bruce Alberts, Dennis Bray, Karen Hopkin, Alexander D Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter, Edition: 4th Garland Science, Introduction to Veterinary Genetics, 3rd Edition, Frank W. Nicholas, ©2010, Wiley-Blackwell
AGEN2001 Plant Function

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tina Bell (Coordinator), Dr Thomas Roberts Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures, 1x 3-hr practical per week Prerequisites: 6cp from (BIOL1XX1, BIOL1XX6) and 12cp from (CHEM1XX1, CHEM1XX2, AGEN1006) Assessment: 1 x 1 hr mid-semester exam (25%), 1 x 1 hr final exam (25%), 1 x 1000w essay (10%), Four practical reports (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to develop an understanding of the structural and molecular principles that underlie the function of plants and how these principles relate to the use of plants by humans as sources of food, fibre and fuel.
The unit is a core unit for BScAgr students and an elective for BSc and other degree programs. It recognizes the specialized nature of plant anatomy and biochemistry and is a platform for students who wish to gain a sound knowledge of plant growth and development.
This unit covers the structure of plant cells and the anatomy of the major tissues and organs of plants. It also covers the biochemistry of the main carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid constituents of plants, as well as the metabolic pathways that regulate plant growth and development.
At the completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the structure and function of plants. Students will also be able to demonstrate abilities in the practice of laboratory methods used to analyse plants and the effective communication of experimental findings.

Students enrolled in this unit will gain research and enquiry skills through attendance at lectures and participation in laboratory classes and tutorials; information literacy and communication skills through the synthesis of information used to prepare practical reports; social and professional understanding by participation in group-work and assessments that seek to demonstrate the role of agriculture in the broader community.
Textbooks
Taiz L, Zeiger E (2010) Plant Physiology 5th ed.
SOIL2003 Soil Properties and Processes

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Balwant Singh (Coordinator), Prof Alex McBratney, A/Prof. Stephen Cattle Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3x1hr lectures and 1x3hr practical/week, commencing week 1, and a compulsory field excursion to be held on the Thursday and Friday in the week preceding (Week O) the first semester. Assessment: Soil description report (10%), Quizzes (or Essay) (15%), Practical exercise book (20%), Practical exam (15%) and Written exam (40%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts within pedology, soil physics and soil chemistry. These concepts are part of the grounding principles that underpin crop and animal production, nutrient and water cycling, and environmental sustainability taught by other units of study in the Faculty. Students will participate in a two-day field excursion in the first week of semester to examine some common soils of the Sydney Basin, they will also learn to describe soil, and measure soil chemical and physical properties in the field. Referring to common soil profiles of the Sydney Basin, students will concentrate on factors affecting soil formation, the rudiments of soil description, and analysis of soil properties that are used in soil classification. Students will also develop knowledge of the physics of water and gas movement, soil strength, soil chemical properties, inorganic and organic components, nutrient cycles and soil acidity in an agricultural context. At the end of this unit students will become familiar with the factors that determine a soil's composition and behaviour, and will have an understanding of the most important soil physical and chemical properties. Students will develop communication skills through essay, report and practical exercises. The final report and laboratory exercise questions are designed to develop team work and collaborative efforts.
Textbooks
Campbell, K.O. & Bowyer, J.W. (eds) (1988). The Scientific Basis of Modern Agriculture. Sydney University Press.
AGEN2006 Animal Production and Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Michael D'Occhio, Associate Professor Luciano Gonzalez Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 x 1 hr lectures per week Prerequisites: 12cp from (BIOL1XXX, AGEN1004) and 12cp from (CHEM1XX1, CHEM1XX2, AGEN1006) Prohibitions: AVBS1002 Assumed knowledge: HSC level Mathematics and Biology Assessment: 1 x mid-term exam (20%), 1 x 2 hr final exam (30%), 2 x Assignments (2 x 25% each) Practical field work: 10 x excursions/ practical sessions per semester Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to develop the student's ability to critically examine and evaluate the production and management of animals used for food and fibre in Australia and internationally. The unit will focus on new and emerging issues in animal production, including productivity, welfare, remote monitoring and management, animals in the environment, and meeting specifications in an ever-evolving marketplace. The identification, selection and breeding of animals that are optimally suited to production systems is a focus. New thinking and innovations that are being used to address scientific, industry and social expectation challenges will be a feature of the unit and case studies will be used throughout to examine interactions between these factors and their impact on management practices. Students will gain research and inquiry skills through research based group projects, information literacy and communication skills through online discussion postings, laboratory reports and presentations, and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups. At the successful completion of the unit, students will have the core knowledge and skills to enable them to lead developments in production animal industries in Australia and overseas.
Textbooks
No prescribed textbooks
ENTO2001 Introductory Entomology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tanya Latty Session: Semester 2 Classes: (2x1hour lecture, 1x3hour practical, 1x1hour insect collection)/week, commencing week 1. Prerequisites: 12cp from (BIOL1XXX, AGEN1004) Assessment: 1 x 2hr exam (20%), 2 x lab quizzes (20%), 1 x insect collection (40%), group project (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is an introduction to insects, the most abundant group of organisms. The course explores insect biodiversity, evolution, phsyiology, anatomy and ecology. Real world examples are used to demonstrate the ecological roles insects play in natural and agricultural ecosystems (e.g. pollinators, herbivores, predators, parasitoids, disease vectors). This knowledge is then linked to aspects of applied entomology: integrated pest management, bioinspired technologies, medical entomology and insect conservation. Practical sessions focus on insect morphology and taxonomy, so that students learn to identify common insect orders and families. Students must make a representative insect collection. This course forms the basis of students' entomological knowledge for BScAgr and BHortSc degrees and lays the foundation for future study in entomology.
Textbooks
Recommended: Gullan, P.J. & Cranston, P.S. 2005. The Insects: an outline of entomology. 3rd edition, Blackwell Publishing, Malden, MA. 505 pp.
MICR2024 Microbes in the Environment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Michael Kertesz Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lec, 3h prac/wk Prerequisites: 12cp from (AGEN1004, MBLG1XXX, BIOL1XXX) Prohibitions: MICR2021 or MICR2022 or MICR2921 or MICR2922 Assessment: 1 x 2hr exam (60%), 4 x quizzes (15%), lab skills assessment (5%) and 1 x lab project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces the diversity of microbes found in soil, water, air, plants and animal environments. Through an examination of their physiology and genetics it explores their interactions with plants, animals and each other, and their roles as decomposers and recyclers in the environment. The soil is a rich microbial environment, and the concept of soil health and its relationship to plant growth is discussed. Practical classes introduce techniques and skills in isolating, quantifying and culturing microbes, designing and interpreting experiments to study microbial growth, and in preparing and presenting data.
Textbooks
Willey et al. Prescott's Microbiology. 9th edition. McGraw-Hill. 2013.
AGEN2005 Plant Systems Biology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Andrew Merchant (Coordinator), Dr Thomas Buckley Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/tutorials per week plus 1 x 2 day field trip Prerequisites: AGEN2001 or BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 Assessment: 1x 2hr final exam (50%), 1000w essay (30%), 1x practical report (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will provide students with an understanding of the plant metabolic network, its regulation and how metabolic control is integral to an ability to adapt to environmental change. It is a core unit for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bachelor of Environmental Systems. From the perspective of energy flows, this unit will outline a framework for the plant metabolic network at the physiological, chemical and molecular levels. Students will become familiar with network complexity and its regulation through the use of the latest bioinformatics and analytical tools. Students will gain first-hand experience in the assessment of plant health and management of resource availability in both cropping and natural systems by participating in a 2-day field trip in week 11 of semester to institutes and facilities in major Australian research hubs. Information will be interpreted at a range of scales from the cellular to the whole plant, demonstrating the importance of metabolism to plants and to broader biospheric processes. At the completion of this unit, students will be able to articulate the major components of the plant metabolic network, its regulation in response to changes in resource availability and to make informed management decisions for the optimization of the productivity and resilience of Australian ecosystems.

Year 3*

Year 3 will have the following structure: a core (24 credit points) of
AGCH3025 Chemistry and Biochemistry of Foods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Roberts (Coordinator), Prof Les Copeland Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x4-hr practical fortnightly Prohibitions: AFNR5102 or AGCH3017 or AGCH3024 Assumed knowledge: 6 credit points of Intermediate Biochemistry or Chemistry Assessment: 1x2hr exam (40%) and 6 x lab reports (6x10%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study aims to give students an understanding of the properties of food constituents, and the interactions between these constituents during food processing, storage and digestion. The unit will develop an understanding of the relationship between form and functionality of constituents and the concept of fitness-for-purpose (i.e., quality) in converting agricultural products into foods. Students will gain an appreciation of the relationship between chemical composition and properties of macroconstituents (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) and microconstituents (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavour and anti-nutritional chemicals) and their functions in plant- and animal-based foods. The material presented in lectures and practical classes will enable students to develop research and inquiry skills and an analytical approach in understanding the biochemistry of foods, food processing and storage. On completing this unit, students will be able to describe the chemical and biochemical properties of major food constituents, and demonstrate an understanding of the functionality of these constituents in food processing and nutrition. Students will have gained experience in laboratory techniques used in industry for the analysis of some food products, and information literacy and communication skills from the preparation of practical reports.
Textbooks
Lecture and laboratory notes will be made available through Blackboard. There is no recommended textbook.
PPAT3003 Plant Health and Disease

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof David Guest (coordinator), A/Prof Michael Kertesz, Dr Rosalind Deaker, Prof Robert Park Session: Semester 1 Classes: 26 one-hour lectures and 12 three-hour practical classes Prerequisites: 6 credit points of Microbiology units Assessment: Take-home quizzes (20%), Project report (10%), Practical exam (20%), end of semester exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit explores the impacts of microbes on plant productivity, food security and the management of natural environments. The lecture component discusses how microbes interact with plants at the ecosystem, whole plant, cellular and molecular levels, conditioning nutrient availability and acquisition, growth, yield, quality and environmental responses. The biology and epidemiology of plant-associated microbes, infection processes, colonisation strategies, plant responses and breeding for disease resistance will be discussed. The practical component introduces techniques used in handling, measuring and identifying plant-associated fungi and bacteria, diagnosis of plant disease and investigations of plant-microbe interactions, and develops skills in enquiry and problem solving through experimental design, execution and interpretation of data. Students learn to work in a research team, plan effective work schedules, work safely in a research laboratory with a range of scientific equipment, keep appropriate records, and use statistical analysis and simulations in research. The unit is core to the BScAgr degree and is available as an elective to BEnvSys and BSc students.
Textbooks
Schumann GL & Darcy CJ 2010. Essential Plant Pathology (2nd ed.). APS Press, St Paul, Minn., USA
AGRO3004 Managing Agro-Ecosystems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Brett Whelan (Coordinator), Dr Daniel Tan, Dr Lachlan Ingram, Prof. Michael D'Occhio. Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture/wk; 1x 2hr tutorial/practical each week. Half-day field trips during weeks 3. 9, 10, 11 (no lecture or tutorial those weeks). Prerequisites: (BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 or PLNT2003 or AGEN 2001) and SOIL2003. Assessment: 3x quizzes (30%), 1 x Viva Voce (30%), 1x 2hr exam (40%). Practical field work: Half-day field trips during weeks 3. 9, 10, 11 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to provide a solid introductory understanding of the biology and management of cropping systems, with a focus on major Australian broad acre crops. The course examines a typical crop cycle, with an emphasis on cereals, especially wheat. An overview of the main crops grown in Australia is presented. The relationship between crop growth and soil and aerial environments is discussed, and the importance of water and water-use efficiency is highlighted. The physiology of crops--including germination, photosynthesis, vegetative and reproductive growth and development, transpiration, photosynthate partitioning, and mineral nutrient acquisition and use--is studied as the basis of crop yield and production. Biological processes associated with seed (grain) development are described. Weed management, pasture management, and precision agriculture are discussed in theoretical and practical terms, and an introduction to crop adaptation and breeding is presented. Successful students will attain the ability to appreciate and analyse some of the most important limitations to crop yield and production in Australia and how those limitations can be minimized or overcome through science-based planning and management practices.
Textbooks
Reference Books: Pratley, J. (ed) (2003) Principles of Field Crop Production. 4th Edition, Oxford Univ. Press, Melbourne
SOIL2004 The Soil Resource

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Stephen Cattle (Coordinator), Prof Alex McBratney, Prof Balwant Singh Session: Semester 2 Classes: (2x1 hr lec, 1x2 hr pracs)/wk, 25 hr (5 days) fieldtrip in the week immediately preceding the start of Semester 2 (Week O) Assessment: Fieldtrip participation (5%), soil survey mapping report (30%), laboratory report and poster presentation (25%), three group tutorials (20%), viva voce exam (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will familiarise students with the description and mapping of soil types in the Australian landscape, with common analytical methods for soil and with the various forms of degradation that may alter the quality and function of soil. It is an applied soil science unit that builds on the fundamental soil science concepts learned in the SOIL2003 unit. The first practical component of the unit, a five-day soil survey, will give students experience in soil description and classification in the field, and soil samples collected during this survey will be subsequently analysed for a variety of attributes by the students in laboratory practicals. In the lecture series, topics including soil type distribution, soil quality, soil function, soil fertility and soil degradation will be discussed and linked to practical sessions. By the end of this unit, students will be able to construct maps of soil properties and soil type distribution, describe primary soil functions, soil attributes and types of soil degradation in an agricultural context, and be able to recognize and communicate the ability of a soil profile to sustain plant growth. Students will gain research and inquiry skills by collecting, analysing and interpreting soil survey data, and will gain communication skills by having to prepare and present a poster.
And 24 credit points from Table D.

Table D - Year 3 Electives

AFNR3001 Agro-ecosystems in Developing Countries

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x18 days fieldtrip before start of semester 1, online tutorials Assessment: Participation (20%), Research Topic Proposal (20%), Oral Presentation (20%), Major report (40%) Practical field work: 1 x 18 day Field School Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides students with a direct contact with the agricultural reality of a developing country through a fieldtrip. Active learning in the field through contacts with farmers, public servants, cooperatives, private firms and NGOs should then motivate a critical reflection on the constraints to agricultural development in these environments.
The fieldtrip will be organized around central themes (for example, technology adoption, sustainable use of resources, access to credit, land use change) that will be introduced in a short series of seminars (held on main campus ahead of the departure and intended to provide a first introduction to some of the questions that are expected to be addressed in the field) and will constitute the focus of group work once back to main campus.
Although there are no formal prerequisites, the unit is directed to students that have completed most of the second year units in their degrees.
N.B. Department permission required for enrolment. Please note that, in practice, this unit will run prior to the start of semester 1 with all classes and the fieldtrip being scheduled during that period.
AGEC2102 Agribusiness Marketing

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AGEC1006 or AGEC1102 or RSEC1031 Assessment: Group presentation (15%), 1x2000wd case study (25%), and 1x2hr exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to provide an introductory understanding of agribusiness marketing in a modern context. The unit will provide students in the Sciences degrees with an understanding of how the economic theory taught in first year in AGEC1006 can be treated in an applied context. For BAgrEc students, it is an intermediate level unit in the Agribusiness major.
Students will study the theory relating to the firm-level marketing mix and marketing strategy. The emphasis will be on the organisation and trends of agribusiness marketing including value-adding and market power in the supply chain, market efficiency and international marketing by agribusiness firms.
The unit content is analytical, and draws on applied microeconomics to demonstrate how marketing decisions are made along the marketing chain. At the end of this unit students will be able to use marketing theory to analyse the steps in the marketing chain and be aware of the forces for change within that chain.
By completing this unit, students should have improved their ability to master key theories, identify and frame problems, organise knowledge, carry out individual and group research, and synthesise information. They should also have improved their information literacy skills, and communication skills through group presentations and individual research.
ANSC3102 Animal Reproduction

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Simon de Graaf Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 2 hrs/week, tutorials 1 hr/week, practicals 3 hrs/week Assumed knowledge: ANSC3104 Assessment: written and oral assignments (30%), mid-semester practical exam (15%), end of semester written exam (55%) Practical field work: There will be several half day practical classes held at the Camden Campus Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides a comprehensive programme on basic and applied aspects of male and female reproductive biology, with particular emphasis on livestock and domestic animals. The fundamental topics include reproductive cycles, sexual differentiation, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, gestation and parturition. An understanding of the applications of advanced reproductive technologies is developed through lectures, tutorials and the assignments. In addition, practical instruction is given on semen collection and processing, manipulation of the reproductive cycle, artificial insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis in sheep and pigs. Classes are held at the Camperdown Campus in Sydney and at the Camden Campus Animal Reproduction Unit and Mayfarm piggery.
Textbooks
Senger, PL 2013, Pathways to pregnancy & parturition 3rd ed., Current Conceptions Inc
ANSC3103 Animal Structure and Function A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter White Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3hrs/wk, laboratories/tutorials 2hrs/wk (note these will vary depending upon the week) Prerequisites: 12cp from (BIOL1XXX, VETS1032, AGEN2001) Assumed knowledge: AVBS1002 Assessment: assignments/online quiz and examinations Practical field work: This unit involves dissection of animal cadavers Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Animal Structure and Function A will develop an understanding of the role of the body systems in maintaining homeostasis in an animal's internal environment. In ASFA the structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and integumentary systems of the body are explored in depth particularly with reference to the maintenance of homeostasis. The developed understanding of the normal functioning of these systems allows identification of the impact on the animal of abnormal function of these systems. A study of the structure and function of muscle will include its role in movement and as meat in a production setting. The overall goals of the Unit are (i) to enable students to develop a rich understanding of the relationships between body systems and structures (to be continued in ASFB). (ii) to develop generic skills particularly in group work and oral presentation,(iii) to develop an appreciation of the links between structure and function and their relevance to animal disease and production that will be further developed in Veterinary Pathogenesis as well as in advanced, applied studies in Behaviour in third year and in 4th year Animal Production.
Textbooks
For the animal structure component of the unit: Dyce, KM, Sack, WO & Wensing, CJG 2002, Textbook of veterinary anatomy, 3rd edn, W.B.Saunders, Philadelphia
AREC2001 Econ of Biological Production Systems

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ECON1001 or AGEC1006 or AGEC1102 Assessment: 2x1000wd Assignment (40%), 1x2hr Final Exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is concerned with the application of microeconomic principles to management decisions in agricultural, forest, and fisheries systems. The unit builds on the theoretical knowledge acquired in previous studies and introduces the methods of applied economic analysis through a range of topics including: production functions (single and multi-output), cost and profit functions; methods for the measurement of productivity; optimisation in biological production systems; and production under risk.
AREC2003 Concepts in Enviro and Resource Economics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ECON1001 or AGEC1006 or AGEC1102 Assessment: 1x50min Mid-semster test (20%), 2x1000wd Assignments (30%), 1x2hr Final Exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit builds on the concepts in microeconomics to provide insights into efficient and sustainable resource management. The primary focus of this unit is analytical. Emphasis is placed on the importance of property rights structures, cost-effective regulations and dynamic considerations in managing natural resource stocks and environmental assets. Some introductory material on economic valuation of environmental assets and benefit cost analysis is included.
BIOL3018 Gene Technology and Genomics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Mary Byrne Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week. Prerequisites: (MBLG2072 or MBLG2972) and 6 credit points from (MBLG2071 or MBLG2971 or BIOL2XXX) Prohibitions: BIOL3918 Assessment: One 2-hour exam (60%), assignments (40%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A unit of study with lectures, practicals and tutorials on the application of recombinant DNA technology and the genetic manipulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Lectures cover the applications of molecular genetics in biotechnology and consider the regulation, impact and implications of genetic engineering and genomics. Topics include biological sequence data and databases, comparative genomics, the cloning and expression of foreign genes in bacteria, yeast, animal and plant cells, novel human and animal therapeutics and vaccines, new diagnostic techniques for human and veterinary disease, and the genetic engineering of animals and plants. Practical work may include nucleic acid isolation and manipulation, gene cloning and PCR amplification, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, immunological detection of proteins, and the genetic transformation and assay of plants.
Department Permission required for enrolment
or
BIOL3918 Gene Technology and Genomics (Adv)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Mary Byrne Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week. Prerequisites: An average mark of 75 in (MBLG2072 or MBLG2972) and (6 credit points from MBLG2071 or MBLG2971 or BIOL2XXX). Prohibitions: BIOL3018 Assessment: One 2-hour exam (60%), assignments (40%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Qualified students will participate in alternative components of BIOL3018 Gene Technology and Genomics. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.
Department Permission required for enrolment
ECMT2150 Intermediate Econometrics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (ECMT1010 or BUSS1020 or MATH1905 or MATH1005 or MATH1015) and ECMT1020 Prohibitions: ECMT2110 Assessment: 4x250wd Individual Assignments (20%), 1x1hr Mid-semester Test (30%), 1x2hr Final Exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will provide an introduction to the key issues involved in with the econometrics of cross-section and panel data. The topics this unit will cover include: instrumental variables; estimating systems by OLS and GLS; simultaneous equation models; discrete-choice models; treatment effects; and sample selection. Throughout the unit, emphasis will be placed on economic applications of the models. The unit will utilise practical computer applications, where appropriate.
ENVX3002 Statistics in the Natural Sciences

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop (Coordinator), Dr Floris Van Ogtrop (Coordinator). A/Prof Peter Thompson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2 hr workshop/wk, 1x3 hr computer practical/wk Prerequisites: ENVX2001 or BIOM2001 or STAT2012 or STAT2912 or BIOL2022 or BIOL2922 Assessment: 1 × Exam during the Exam period (50%), 5 × Assessment Tasks (5x10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the analysis of data they may face in their future careers, in particular data that are not well behaved, they may be non-normal, there may be missing observations or they may be correlated in space and time. In the first part, students will learn how to analyse and design experiments based on the general linear model. In the second part, they will learn about the generalisation of the general linear model to accommodate non-normal data with a particular emphasis on the binomial and poisson distributions, in addition to modelling non-linear relationships. In the third part linear mixed models will be introduced which provide the means to analyse datasets that do not meet the assumptions of independent and equal errors, for example data that is correlated in space and time. At the end of this unit, students will have learnt a range of advanced statistical methods and be equipped to apply this knowledge to analyse data that they may encounter in their future studies and careers.
Textbooks
Recommended readings:
HORT3005 Production Horticulture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Robyn McConchie Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lec; 1x3hr prac/workshop/wk Prerequisites: (AGEN2001 and AGEN2005) or BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 or AGEN2002 Assessment: 1x 3 hr exam (55%), three assignments (45%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study covers topics on the production of high quality food from perennial fruit crops, wine grapes, vegetables. It also covers the key aspects of the postharvest handling and quality assurance of fresh produce. At the end of this unit students are expected to have a detailed understanding of these areas of horticultural food production and be able to discuss related literature and the physiological principles underlying the commercial success of these horticultural enterprises. Students will also gain research and enquiry skills through research based practical sessions and assignments.
Textbooks
Recommended reading:
AGEC3102 Agricultural and Resource Policy

This unit of study is not available in 2017

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Michael Harris Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (AGEC2001 or AGEC 2101 or AREC2002) and (AGEC2003 or AGEC2103 or AREC2001) Prohibitions: AGEC3002 Assessment: 1x2.5hr exam (70%) and 3x600 wd problem sets (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit covers the theoretical framework for economic analysis of policy interventions (welfare economics and public choice theory). Emphasis is put on building the skills needed to analyze the incidence of economic policy and on the design of policies under asymmetric information. An understanding of the institutional structure of agricultural and resource policy in Australia is promoted through the direct contact with policy makers, public agencies and lobbying groups. N.B. Available to 3rd year students in the Faculty of Economics and Business
Textbooks
To be advised
AGCH3033 Environmental Chemistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr. Feike Dijkstra (Coordinator); Prof. Balwant Singh; A/Prof. Michael Kertesz Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lec & 3hr prac/wk Prerequisites: 12 cp Junior Chemistry (CHEM1001 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901) and (CHEM1002 or CHEM1102 or CHEM1902 or AGEN1006) Prohibitions: CHEM2404 Assumed knowledge: SOIL2003 and LWSC2002 Assessment: Research Proposal (35%), Prac Reports (50%), Presentation and Peer Review (15%) Practical field work: Practical reports and essay writing. Preparation reading for practical or field trips, preparation for group presentation, exam preparation. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This course provides basic concepts in environmental chemistry underpinning many of the environmental problems humans are faced with, with a focus on agricultural and natural ecosystems.

AGCH3033 is a core unit for the BEnvSys degree and an elective unit suitable for the BScAgr, BResEc and BAnVetBioSc degrees, building on intermediate units in chemistry and biology.
Sources, reactions and fate of chemical species will be investigated in air, water, soil and biota. Case studies about human impacts on the environment will be integrated in the lectures, laboratory classes and field trip.
At the end students have an understanding of chemical concepts that are at the root of many environmental problems in agricultural and natural ecosystems. This unit will provide students with tools to identify and assess the chemistry behind environmental problems and will guide students in developing methods to manage these problems.
Students will enhance their skills in problem definition, assessing sources of information, team-work and effectively communicating environmental issues from a chemical perspective through laboratory reports and oral presentation.
Textbooks
Reference Books: Andrews et al. 2004. An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry.
ANSC3101 Animal Nutrition 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Alex V. Chaves Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lectures 2-3 h/week, lecture recording 1-2h/week and in situ and/or online laboratories 2-3 h/week Prerequisites: VETS1032 or AGEN2001 Corequisites: AVBS2001 or MICR2024 Assumed knowledge: Fundamentals of Biochemistry Assessment: 3 individual problem based-learning (PBL) reports (Total of 50%); 1 video presentation (15%); 1 individual PBL creation (15%); and 1 online end term exam (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The Unit is broadly divided into four sections, namely: estimating the nutritive characteristics of feeds; defining the nutrient requirements of animals; diet formulation; errors in feeding. The focus is on coming to an understanding of the assessment of nutritional adequacy and the avoidance and solving of nutritional problems, with a particular emphasis on animals used in agricultural production systems and wildlife. The principles discussed in this course will be expanded in the following year, in which species-specific systems will be described. The basis of successful feeding management is an understanding of the following: the composition of feeds; the digestibility and efficiency of utilisation of nutrients by the animal; the nutrient requirements of the animal; interactions between nutrients that influence health and production. And following from this, students will have the ability to formulate diets to meet animal requirements for a variety of purposes and under a variety of constraints; identify deficiencies, excesses and imbalances in diets and so avoid a decline in productive efficiency and/or a decline in health.
Textbooks
Students are encouraged to have an individual tablet PC or laptop with wireless connectivity (e.g.: ipad; Galaxy Note, etc.) during all classes. There is no required text for the course. A number of textbooks are available on reserve at the library. These include: 1 - Animal Nutrition by McDonald, P., Edwards, R.A., Greenhalgh, J.F.D. and Morgan, C.A. (2002) 6th ed. Pearson Education Limited, Harlow UK. Badham Library Call # 636.0852 3 E 2 - Feeds and Feeding (5th Edition) (Hardcover) by Tilden Wayne Perry, Arthur E. Cullison, Robert S. Lowrey (Authors). Publisher: Prentice Hall; 5 edition (November 19, 1998). Badham Library Call # 636.084 9 B 3 - Animal Feeds, Feeding and Nutrition, and Ration Evaluation CD-ROM (Hardcover) by David Tisch (Author). Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning; 1 edition (October 5, 2005). Badham Library Call # 636.08557 5 4 - Animal Nutrition Science (Paperback) by G. Dryden (Author) Publisher: CABI; 1 edition (October 5, 2008). Badham Library Call # 636.0852 66 5 - Tables of Composition and Nutritional Value of Feed Materials Pigs, Poultry, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, Horses, Fish By Daniel Sauvant, Jean-Marc Perez, Gilles Tran Publisher: INRA (January, 2004). Badham Library Call # 636.0852 60 National Research Council (NRC) publications describing nutrient requirements of various species may also provide useful information; these publications can all be accessed online and are available on reserve at the library: - Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (NRC, 1994). Badham or Camden 636.50852 4 F - Nutrient Requirements of Swine (NRC, 1998). Badham or Camden 636.40852 7 G - Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (NRC, 2001). Badham or Camden 636.214 17D - Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (NRC, 2000). Badham 636.213 27 G - Nutrient Requirements of Horses (NRC, 2007). Badham or Camden 636.10852 5 F There will be copies of this text on reserve and for purchase in the bookstore. Again, it is not essential to buy these text books. All the material required for the course will be presented in lecture and in the lecture notes, but the text may prove useful in understanding the lecture material.
ANSC3104 Animal Structure and Function B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Hamutal Mazrier Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk, laboratories/tutorials 2 hrs/wk, group work and/or independent learning activities 1 hr/week, activities will vary on a weekly basis Prerequisites: ANSC3103 Assessment: Anatomy dissection project (25%), critical review (25%), mid-semester and final examinations (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this Unit students will complete the study of the structure and function of organ systems in animals started in ANSC3103. The role of the immune system will be investigated in relation to maintenance of internal homeostasis. An introduction to the nervous system and male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology will form the basis for further applied studies in these areas in third year Units of Study in Animal Health and Disease and Animal Reproduction. There will be development of the generic skills of critically reading and writing.
Textbooks
For Animal Structure: Dyce, KM, Sack, WO & Wensing, CJG 2010, Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy, 4th edn, W.B.Saunders, Philadelphia
AREC2002 Commodity Market and Price Analysis

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ECON1001 or AGEC1006 or AGEC1102 Assessment: 1x50min Mid-semester Test (20%), 1xGroup Assignment (1000wd equiv) (20%), 1x2hr Final Exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit focuses on the nature of agricultural and resource commodity markets, market demand relationships, market supply relationships, price determination under alternative market structures, marketing margin relationships, derived demand for inputs, spatially and temporally related markets, market dynamics, price expectations, commodity futures markets and other pertinent topics. Applied examples from the agricultural and resource industries and the overall economy will be used throughout the semester as illustrations of the principles involved.
AREC2004 Benefit-Cost Analysis

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ECON1001 or AGEC1006 or AGEC1102 Assessment: 1x200wd benefit-cost presentation (5%), 1x1000wd group work essay (20%), 1x1000wd report (25%), 1x2hr final exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Foundational concepts in welfare economics, such as economic efficiency, criteria for assessing social welfare improvements, and economic surplus measures, are analysed in detail and applied to project evaluation and policy assessment. Procedures of conducting a benefit-cost analysis are presented, and tools of non-market valuation for public goods and environmental assets are covered in detail. These techniques include both stated and revealed preference techniques, including contingent valuation, choice modeling, hedonic pricing and travel cost methods.
AREC3001 Production Modelling and Management

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2001 or AGEC2103 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x2hr Final Exam (60%), 1x50min Mid-semester Test (15%), 1x1500wd Assignment (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit builds on the principles of biological production economics and introduces optimisation methods to solve decision making problems encountered by agribusiness and natural resource firms and managers in public agencies. The principle focus is on the application of linear programming techniques, and students learn to consider solving decision making problems where the outcomes are not known with certainty, and where the timing of decisions is of essence.
ENVX3001 Environmental GIS

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Inakwu Odeh Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three-day field trip, (2 lec & 2 prac/wk). Prerequisites: 6cp from (ENVI1003, AGEN1002) or 6cp from GEOS1XXX or 6cp from BIOL1XXX Assessment: One 15 min presentation (10%), 3500w prac report (35%), 1500w report on trip excursion (15%), 2 hr exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed to impart knowledge and skills in spatial analysis and geographical information science (GISc) for decision-making in an environmental context. The lecture material will present several themes: principles of GISc, geospatial data sources and acquisition methods, processing of geospatial data and spatial statistics. Practical exercises will focus on learning geographical information systems (GIS) and how to apply them to land resource assessment, including digital terrain modelling, land-cover assessment, sub-catchment modelling, ecological applications, and soil quality assessment for decisions regarding sustainable land use and management. A 3 day field excursion during the mid-semester break will involve a day of GPS fieldwork at Arthursleigh University farm and two days in Canberra visiting various government agencies which research and maintain GIS coverages for Australia. By the end of this UoS, students should be able to: differentiate between spatial data and spatial information; source geospatial data from government and private agencies; apply conceptual models of spatial phenomena for practical decision-making in an environmental context; apply critical analysis of situations to apply the concepts of spatial analysis to solving environmental and land resource problems; communicate effectively results of GIS investigations through various means- oral, written and essay formats; and use a major GIS software package such as ArcGIS.
Textbooks
Burrough, P.A. and McDonnell, R.A. 1998. Principles of Geographic Information Systems. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
LWSC2002 Introductory Hydrology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Willem Vervoort (Coordinator), Dr Thomas Bishop, Dr Floris Van Ogtrop Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lec 2hr/wk; practical: 3hr/wk; field work: 25hr/wk (for 3 days only) Prerequisites: 6cp from (ENVI1003, AGEN1002) or 6cp from GEOS1XXX Assessment: 1x 2 hr exam (50%), laboratory and practical reports (3x10%), field trip report (20%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to hydrology and water management in the context of Australian integrated catchment management. It particularly focuses on the water balances, rainfall runoff modeling, analysis and prediction of streamflow and environmental flows, water quality and sustainable practices in water management. Through theoretical work and case studies, the students will engage with problems related water quantity and quality in Australia and the world. The unit builds on knowledge gained in AGEN 1001 and AGEN 1002, and establishes the foundation for later units in the hydrology and water area. The unit provides one of the essential building blocks for a career related to water management and hydrology. The unit consists of two parts; the first part will involve a series of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises and case studies. The second part of the unit consists of a field excursion to regional NSW. During the field excursions, which are aligned with the ENVX3001 unit in the AVCC week, students will engage with current water problems and engage in basic hydrometric and water quality data collection. The data will be used later to analyse catchment condition and water quantity issues.
After completion of this unit, you should be able to:
Explain the different processes in the hydrological cycle
Measure and interpret hydrometric and basic water quality data
Elucidate the processes involved in generation of streamflow from rainfall.
Distinguish the link between water quantity and water quality and its implications for water management.
Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the unique nature of Australian Hydrology
Textbooks
Ladson (2007) Hydrology an Australian Introduction. Oxford University press. Chapters 1 - 6, Gordon, N. D., McMahon, T. A., Finlayson, B. L., Gippel, C. J., and Nathan, R. J. (2004) Stream hydrology: an introduction for ecologists, John Wiley & Sons Inc.
PLNT3001 Plant, Cell and Environment

This unit of study is not available in 2017

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Brian Jones Session: Semester 2 Classes: Workshops and discussions 2 hr/wk; laboratories: alternate weeks 30 hr total (6 pracs; 5 hr each) Prerequisites: 12 credit points from any of Intermediate (Biology or Plant Science or Molecular Biology and Genetics) Prohibitions: PLNT3901 Assessment: 1x 2hr exam (40%), 2x reports (30%), 1x essay (15%), 1x group presentation (15%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study of comprises lectures/workshops and practical sessions that will explore how plants function and interact with their environment. Classes will examine the mechanisms plants have evolved to adapt and acclimate to varied and variable environments. We will address how plants adapt to their light environment and how they respond to common abiotic stresses (e.g. drought, salinity) and biotic stresses (herbivory) and how they interact with other organisms. Emphasis will be placed on integration of plant responses from molecular through to whole plant scales. You will need to draw on knowledge from intermediate units of study and explore the published literature to successfully integrate information from areas unfamiliar to yourself. The purpose of this Unit of Study is to develop an understanding of current directions in Plant Science at an advanced level. When you have successfully completed this unit of study, you should be able to: be familiar with modern approaches of physiology, biophysics and molecular biology in the study of plant function; understand how domains of knowledge interact to describe plant function; understand how plants function in stressful environments; carry out a small research project; draft a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Textbooks
Students will be drawing on the current research literature for content. A Study Guide for the unit will be available for purchase during the first week of semester from the Copy Centre at a cost to be advised.

Year 4^

Year 4 students will complete:
AFNR4101 Research Project A

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Stephen Cattle Session: Semester 1 Classes: No formal classes, approx. 18h per week Prerequisites: 144 credit points of level 1000-3000 units of study Assessment: Research proposal, literature review. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit aims to develop a student's ability to undertake a major research project in an area of specialization. The unit builds on theoretical and applied knowledge gained across most of the units of study undertaken throughout their degree program. This unit is a corequisite with AFNR4102 and each student will work with an academic supervisor in an area of specialization and develop a well defined research project to be executed. The research project is undertaken to advance the students ability to build well-developed research skills, a strong analytical capacity, and the ability to provide high quality research results demonstrating a sound grasp of the research question. Working with an academic supervisor students will develop their ability to define a research project including the producing of testable hypotheses, identifying existing knowledge from reviewing the literature and the design and execution of a research strategy towards solving the research question. Students will build on their previous research and inquiry skills through sourcing a wide range of knowledge to solve the research problem and enhance their intellectual and personal autonomy by means of the development of experimental programs. Students will improve their written and planning skills by composing a research project proposal and the writing of a comprehensive literature review.
AFNR4001 Professional Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 2 Classes: Workshops over four years Prohibitions: AGRF4000 Assessment: 1x blog posting (10%), 1x on-line (multi-media) (30%) and 1x portfolio (60%) Practical field work: 40 days of professional experience, 1 week long excursion Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to allow students to critically reflect on the relationship between the rural enterprise and environment and how they can contribute to the future decisions and management affecting the rural community. It is a core unit of study in 4th year for the BAgrEc, BScAgr, BLWSc, BResEc, BHortSc which requires students to complete 40 days of professional experience with the expectation that students will examine the nature of facts from their degree in this environment. A minimum of 15 days must be completed on-farm/field. The remaining days may be at the student's discretion. The unit will be counted towards 4th year, but professional experience placements will normally be undertaken throughout the degree. In the early stages of the Professional Development program students participate in Faculty excursions that have been developed so they can experience a range of activities, such as research, extension, on-farm and industry both in the rural and urban environment to complement their learning within their individual degree programs. Building on this various workshops have been developed to assist students to identify a rural environment theme or issue of their interest with the specific emphasis being placed on them reflecting on how their new understandings of their theme of interest affects their personal and professional development. To complete this unit students will present a portfolio of their theme including critical reflection on the pivotal relationships between the academic degree, rural environment, professional experience, and beliefs and values if the rural community. Through developing these pivotal relationships, students will be able to use their new understandings to support and guide the future developments in the rural enterprise and environment. By developing and presenting the portfolio and engaging in other online activities the students will enhance their skills in inquiry, information literacy and communication. In particular the autonomous development of case studies reflecting the contemporary issues in agriculture and their professional placements the students will have to consider their understandings of ethical, social and professional issues and further develop the personal and intellectual autonomy.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
AFNR4102 Research Project B

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Stephen Cattle Session: Semester 2 Classes: No formal classes, approx. 18h per week Prerequisites: AFNR4101 Assessment: Oral presentation, research paper, poster. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is a continuation of the major research project initiated in AFNR4101 and continues to build on theoretical and applied knowledge gained across most of the units of study undertaken throughout their degree program. Working with their academic supervisor in the area of specialization the student will continue to pursue the defined research project towards presenting final results and conclusions. The research results are presented in a format of a research paper as submitted to a research journal. The research paper and corrected literature review is combined and presented together as a thesis. Students will continue to build their research skills, develop strong analytical capacity, demonstrate a sound grasp of the topic, and an ability to interpret results in a broad framework. Working with an academic supervisor students will develop their ability to produce results of high quality, draw reliable conclusions and identify future areas avenues of research. Students will build on their previous research and inquiry skills through sourcing a wide range of knowledge to solve the research problem and enhance their intellectual and personal autonomy by means of the managing the research program. Students will improve their communication skills through oral presentation of their research findings, the production of a poster detailing their research findings and the writing of a research paper.
Year 4 students will complete one specialisation comprising two 6cp units of study (from Table E) and up to one elective unit from Table D, E or F.
^ A student may apply to the degree coordinator for permission to enrol in up to one (6 cp) elective University of Sydney unit of study in year 3 and up to one (6 cp) University of Sydney unit of study in year 4 which is not listed in Tables D or E. The application must (1) be made prior to enrolment in the unit (2) be submitted with a written academic justification for enrolment by the student and (3) be submitted with written approval of the relevant unit of study coordinator.

Table E - Year 4 Specialisations

Agricultural Chemistry

AFNR5107 Principles of Biochemical Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rosalind Deaker (Coordinator), Prof Les Copeland, Dr Thomas Roberts, A/Prof Michael Kertesz, Dr Feike Dijkstra, Dr Claudia Keitel, Dr Neil Wilson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 18 hrs of lectures and 36 hrs of laboratory during the semester Prohibitions: AGCH4007 Assessment: Assessment includes attendance and participation in lectures and practical classes. Each module will comprise 25% of the final assessment mark and satisfactory progress in all modules is required for the successful completion of this unit. (4x25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to expose students to the principles and practice of a diverse range of analytical methods used in agricultural and environmental science. The unit of study will be presented in four modules including: materials and sampling techniques; separation techniques (chromatographic and electrophoretic); instrumentation and measurement techniques (spectral analyses); and microbiological and molecular biology techniques. Each module will be a combination of lectures and practical classes that will analyse common agricultural or biochemical samples to illustrate the practical aspects of the theory. Students will also gain skills in data analysis relevant to the respective techniques.
At the completion of these modules, students will be familiar with the operation of a number of laboratory instruments, the theory that underpins their operation, be confident in the analysis of data, and be able to choose the most appropriate sampling strategy and analytical technique to perform high quality research.
AGCH3033 Environmental Chemistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr. Feike Dijkstra (Coordinator); Prof. Balwant Singh; A/Prof. Michael Kertesz Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lec & 3hr prac/wk Prerequisites: 12 cp Junior Chemistry (CHEM1001 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901) and (CHEM1002 or CHEM1102 or CHEM1902 or AGEN1006) Prohibitions: CHEM2404 Assumed knowledge: SOIL2003 and LWSC2002 Assessment: Research Proposal (35%), Prac Reports (50%), Presentation and Peer Review (15%) Practical field work: Practical reports and essay writing. Preparation reading for practical or field trips, preparation for group presentation, exam preparation. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This course provides basic concepts in environmental chemistry underpinning many of the environmental problems humans are faced with, with a focus on agricultural and natural ecosystems.

AGCH3033 is a core unit for the BEnvSys degree and an elective unit suitable for the BScAgr, BResEc and BAnVetBioSc degrees, building on intermediate units in chemistry and biology.
Sources, reactions and fate of chemical species will be investigated in air, water, soil and biota. Case studies about human impacts on the environment will be integrated in the lectures, laboratory classes and field trip.
At the end students have an understanding of chemical concepts that are at the root of many environmental problems in agricultural and natural ecosystems. This unit will provide students with tools to identify and assess the chemistry behind environmental problems and will guide students in developing methods to manage these problems.
Students will enhance their skills in problem definition, assessing sources of information, team-work and effectively communicating environmental issues from a chemical perspective through laboratory reports and oral presentation.
Textbooks
Reference Books: Andrews et al. 2004. An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry.

Agricultural Economics

AREC3001 Production Modelling and Management

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2001 or AGEC2103 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x2hr Final Exam (60%), 1x50min Mid-semester Test (15%), 1x1500wd Assignment (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit builds on the principles of biological production economics and introduces optimisation methods to solve decision making problems encountered by agribusiness and natural resource firms and managers in public agencies. The principle focus is on the application of linear programming techniques, and students learn to consider solving decision making problems where the outcomes are not known with certainty, and where the timing of decisions is of essence.
AREC3002 Agricultural Markets

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: AREC2001 or AGEC2103 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1000wd equivalent problem sets (30%), 1x1500wd essay (30%), 1x2hr final exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to provide an understanding of the underlying forces driving agricultural markets. It addresses price analysis and efficiency, including aspects of form, time and space in agricultural marketing; information and contracts; changing consumer concerns (food safety, ethical production); futures market and other risk sharing devices. Building on the application of microeconomic theory to both production and consumption in agricultural markets, its content is analytical. The unit also investigates some of the forces which prevent the efficient operation of world agricultural markets, including impediments to trade, imperfect markets for inputs and outputs and market power along the agricultural supply chain.

Agricultural Genetics

GENE4012 Plant Breeding

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Richard Trethowan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 20x lectures plus group presentations plus 10hrs practicals/demonstrations (26 July - 30 August) Prerequisites: (GENE2001 or GENE2002) and GENE4013 Assessment: 1x2hr exam (75%) and 1 x group project (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Lectures and practical work are devoted to the theory, philosophy and practice of plant breeding. The unit addresses screening techniques, conservation of genetic variability, breeding for disease resistance and integration of molecular technology in applied plant breeding, with examples from both field and horticultural crops. The unit is taught in the context [of] climate change, food security and the evolving global intellectual property environment.
GENE4015 Cytogenetics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Peter Sharp; animal component coordinator, Dr Jaime Gongora Session: Intensive July Classes: Equivalent of 2 lecture/tutorials & 3 practicals/week Prerequisites: (BIOM2001 or ENVX2001) and (GENE2001 or GENE2002) Assessment: 1x1500wd Essay (25%), 1x750wd Practical report (10%) and 1x1000wd Fact Sheet (15%) 1x1200wd Laboratory report (20%), 1x2000wd Assignment (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a final year elective in the two degrees, BScAgr, and BAnVetBiosci. Approximately a half of the face-to-face contact hours will be given as an intensive, and this section of the unit will be held during the mid-year break before semester 2. Lecture and practical work in cytogenetics, especially of plant and animal species of applied interest in plant agriculture, animal agriculture and other applied interest in animal genetics, such as companion, native and endangered species. The lecture component covers the molecular nature of chromosomes and their transmission, variation in chromosome behaviour, both normal and disease related. In addition, the uses of chromosome engineering to produce variation in plants and animals will also be covered. The practical component covers the technologies used to study chromosomes or both plants and animals, both mitotic and meiotic chromosomes, and molecular techniques such as in situ hybridisation, gene activity and chromosomal protein localisation. On completion, students will be able to apply cytogenetic knowledge and technologies to species of eukaryotes of economic significance, and know how cytogenetic processes have affected the development of these species.

Agronomy

AGRO4003 Crop and Pasture Agronomy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Tan(Coordinator), A/Prof Brett Whelan, Dr Rosalind Deaker, Dr Lachlan Ingram Session: Semester 1 Classes: 12x2 h lectures/weeks 1-13; 4x2 h practicals/weeks 8, 11-13; Field excursions: week preceding start of semester and 6 (subject to weather) Prerequisites: AGRO3004 Assessment: 2 Data Analysis Projects (2x50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines agronomy as the discipline that underpins agricultural production. As a case study, the cotton industry is examined in detail to understand the end-user and social demands on agricultural production, the technical issues that challenge the farmer and the diversity of other specialist information from relevant disciplines such as entomology, pathology and soil science that must be integrated into the farming system. The unit also covers precision agriculture, legume science, rangeland science and crop protection. This unit includes a one-week excursion to cotton growing areas in northern NSW and Qld, specialist intensive instruction provided by the Cotton RDC, a three day excursion to the Cooma rangelands and a series of workshops, tutorials that provides analysis and synthesis of the major farming systems in this industry. Pasture production is also considered in the context of farming systems.
AGRO4004 Sustainable Farming Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Tan Session: Semester 1 Classes: Negotiated practicals and workshops (63h) Prerequisites: AGRO3004 Assessment: Final Exam (50%), 3 Assignments (3x10%), Data Analysis Project (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed to provide students with training in the professional skills required to practice agronomy. The unit principally builds on theoretical and applied knowledge gained in third year agronomy (AGRO3004). In this unit students will integrate their knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, experimental design, and biometry to address applied problems in agronomy, namely the issue of sustainability. Students will develop their ability to establish conclusions towards making recommendations for long term sustainability of crop and pasture systems. By implementing and managing a major field and/or glasshouse experiment(s) students will develop their research and inquiry skills. Team work is strongly encouraged in this unit and the integration and reporting of research findings will facilitate critical thinking and development of written communication skills. After completing this unit, students should be able to confidently design and manage a glasshouse/field experiment, and interpret and communicate their findings, by integrating knowledge from across disciplinary boundaries.

Animal Production

AGRO4005 Livestock Production Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Luciano A. Gonzalez Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 3hr lecture followed by 1 x 3hr practical per week at Camden Campus Prerequisites: 6cp from BIOL1XXX Assumed knowledge: Junior plant and animal biology (or equivalent), junior chemistry biology, intermediate crop and animal production, nutrition and physiology (or equivalent). Assessment: Mid-term exam (15%), final exam (30%), practical reports (10%), case study assignment (40%), seminar presentation (5%). Practical field work: Farm consultancy case study, computer lab and field Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines livestock production following a whole system approach by integrating animals, vegetation, environment (soil, water, air and climate) and management, and analysing the interactions between them. The unit builds on principles delivered in core (AGEN1001, AGEN1004 and AGEN2006) and elective (ANSC3101, AVBS4012) units of study for those students interested in pursuing a career in Animal Science. The focus of this unit is on farm business planning and consulting for beef cattle and sheep. Particularities and commonalities of these livestock systems will be presented.
The pasture/grassland section examines the relationship between livestock production, forage quality and quantity in both native and sown pastures, impact of weeds, and grazing management. Interactions between climate, forage and animal production are also addressed. The animal component of this unit integrates concepts in grazing ecology, nutrition, reproduction, animal behaviour and welfare, and economics to develop skills in managing the production process for improved productivity, production efficiency and environmental stewardship. A special characteristic of this unit is the strong focus on simulation models, decision support systems, and new technologies. Computer-based and field classes will provide direct experience in business management of livestock production systems and skills in record keeping and data handling. Students completing this unit will acquire skills to examine and manage livestock enterprises following a whole-system approach required in roles as consultants, advisors or managers of sustainable livestock enterprises.
AGRO4006 New and Emerging Tech in Animal Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Luciano Gonzalez Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 3hr lecture followed by 1 x 3hr practical per week at Camden Campus (practicals include demonstraton and hands-on with remote sensing, recording and ICT technologies) Prerequisites: 6cp from BIOL1XXX Assessment: 1x mid-semester exam (15%), 1x 2 hr final exam (30%), Assignments (40%), Practical reports (computer labs and field classes, 15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of new and emerging livestock technologies in Australia and overseas. Examples of these technologies include (1) next-generation infrared and laser scanning to determine physiological status and whole body composition, (2) diet formulation to enhance the nutritional and eating quality of livestock food products, (3) new vaccines and other therapeutics to regulate fertility, growth and behaviour whilst enhancing welfare and wellbeing, (4) microRNA technology to influence cellular, endocrine and physiological processes, (5) new genomics and laboratory-based reproductive technologies for advanced livestock breeding, (6) technologies to monitor and control animal behaviour, (7) unmanned ground and aerial vehicles to monitor livestock and the environment, (8) sensors and advanced image-capture technology to record the attributes of soil, air and the feedbase, (9) data-fusion science to integrate, analyse and interpret collected data, and (10) modelling of livestock systems. Students will gain research and inquiry skills through research based group projects, information literacy and communication skills through on-line discussion postings, laboratory reports and presentations, and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups. At successful completion of the unit students will have a sound knowledge of new and emerging technologies that will shape the livestock industries in Australia and overseas. This will provide valuable grounding for students preparing for postgraduate study and other learning and career paths.
Textbooks
No prescribed text but referral to references listed from library

Entomology

ENTO4004 Insect Taxonomy and Systematics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tanya Latty Session: Semester 1 Classes: (1 x 2hr lecture, 1 x 3hr practical or field trip)/week, commencing week 1. Prerequisites: ENTO2001 or BIOL2021 or BIOL2921 Assessment: Insect collection (60%), Research Plan (20%), class participation (5%), presentation (15%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Knowledge of the evolutionary relationships between insect groups contributes to our understanding of insect biology and correct taxonomic identification of insects is essential for all areas of entomological research, including pest management. This unit builds on the knowledge gained in second year entomology (BScAgr and BHortSc) and is a core unit for the entomology specialisation (BScAgr). Key concepts that underpin the study of insect systematics, biogeography and phylogeny are described using examples from the evolutionary development of insects. The role of morphological, genetic and molecular studies in the classification of insects is examined. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of insect taxonomy through individual projects. Students will have the opportunity to become `experts¿ on a self-selected insect order.Students will practice their communication skills and develop personal and intellectual autonomy through in-class discussions and presentations Students will see insect taxonomy in actino through field trips to museums, laboratories and hospitals.
Textbooks
Recommended: Llewellyn, R. (Ed.) 2002. The Good Bug Book. 2nd edition, Australasian Biological Control, Richmond, NSW. 110 pp.
ENTO4003 Integrated Pest Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tanya Latty Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture, 1x3hr practical/week, commencing week 1. Prerequisites: ENTO2001 or BIOL2021 or BIOL2921 Assessment: 1x2hr exam (30%), 1 x case study (30%), 2 x Consultancy reports (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The focus of this unit is the development and adoption of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) within Australian (and global) agriculture. It builds on the knowledge gained in second year entomology (BScAgr) and is a core unit for the entomology specialtisation (BScAgr). Applied entomology deals with the sustainable control of insect pests using a variety of techniques such as biological control and habitat manipulation. Students will compare the advantages and disadvantages of different pest control strategies and evaluate the importance of insect ecology, control methods and socio-economic factors to successful adoption of integrated pest management. Field trips will demonstrate the practical application of IPM concepts presented in lectures. Research, inquiry and information literacy skills will be improved through critical review of current literature and compilation of a case study. Students will practice their communication skills and develop personal and intellectual autonomy through a group project and in-class discussion.
Textbooks
Recommended: Llewellyn, R. (Ed.) 2002. The Good Bug Book. 2nd edition, Australasian Biological Control, Richmond, NSW. 110 pp.

Environmetrics

Select two of the following units:
BIOM4003 Matrix Algebra and Linear Models

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop (Coordinator), A/Prof Peter Thomson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3 hr workshop/wk, 3x1 day workshops (exam period) Prerequisites: ENVX3002 Assessment: 2 × Data Analysis Projects (50% each) Mode of delivery: Block mode
In order to obtain a deeper understanding of statistics it is necessary to learn more about matrices as used to develop and explain statistical and mathematical concepts. Matrices are not just used in statistics: they find use in mathematical models in biology (e.g. age structured population growth models), engineering (e.g. structural perturbation analysis), and economic models (e.g. decision analysis). There are three aims to this unit. Firstly, we will revise matrices learnt in earlier units and then introduce new concepts such as special matrices (symmetric, orthogonal, idempotent), rank, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, as well as some matrix and vector calculus. The second aim is to apply these techniques to the formulation of linear models and linear mixed models which have been introduced in earlier units. The underlying theory will be developed along with more advanced applications. The third aim is to provide an introduction to key application areas for the future; (i) the analysis of big datasets, ones with many predictor variables, and (ii) the analysis of spatial data. Furthermore, the students will be introduced to R, an open source statistical software package.
Textbooks
Textbooks: None. Many reference books such as:
BIOM4004 Advanced Statistical Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x1 hr lecture/wk, 1x1 hr tutorial/wk, 1x1 hr computer practical/wk Prerequisites: BIOM4003 Assessment: 1 × Final Exam (50%), 3 Assignments (10% each), Data Analysis Project (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit consists of 3 components; multivariate statistics, sample designs and generalized linear models. In the first part principal component analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) will be covered. In the second part basic sample designs such as simple random, stratified random, ratio estimation and cluster sampling will be covered. Finally generalized linear models will be introduced with more theoretical detail than is taught in earlier units. Research skills will developed by project work involving the analysis of a real world dataset from a relevant discipline.
BIOM4005 Biometrical Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3x1 hr lecture/wk, 1x1 hr tutorial/wk, 1x1 hr computer practical/wk Prerequisites: ENVX3002 Assessment: 1 × Final Exam (50%), 3 Assignments (10% each), Data Analysis Project (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to essential statistical and mathematical theory that should be at the fingertips of practising statisticians. Topics include a comprehensive review of statistical distributions and their properties; including the binomial, Poisson, geometric, normal and exponential distributions. In addition techniques such as method of moments and maximum likelihood estimation will be introduced for fitting the distributions to the data will be explored. Research skills will developed by project work involving the analysis of a real world dataset.
Textbooks
Many reference books exist in various Libraries.
ENVX4001 GIS, Remote Sensing and Land Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Inakwu Odeh Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week weeks 1-6, 1x1 project weeks 7-11, 1x half hour presentation scheduled for weeks 12 and 13, 1x3-hr practical/week weeks 1-6. Prerequisites: ENVX3001 or GEOS2111 or GEOS2911 Assessment: 1x half hour presentation (5%) weeks 12 and 13, Practical work reports (50%) weekly weeks 1-6, 1x2500w project report (45%) due by week 13. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is aimed at advanced techniques in Remote Sensing (RS), linked with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as applied to land management problems. We will review the basic principles of GIS and then focus on advanced RS principles and techniques used for land resource assessment and management. This will be followed by practical training in RS techniques, augmented by land management project development and implementation based on integration of GIS and RS tools. The unit thus consists of three separate but overlapping parts: 1) a short theoretical part which focuses on the concepts of RS; 2) a practical part which aims at developing hands-on skills in using RS tools, and 3) an application-focused module in which students will learn the skills of how to design a land management project and actualize it using integrated GIS and RS techniques.
Textbooks
Reference Textbook: Jesen J. R. 2006. Remote sensing of the environment: an earth resource perspective. 2nd ed. Pearson Prentice Hall Upper Saddle, New Jersey.

Food Science

AGEN3004 Food Processing and Value Adding

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Kim-Yen Phan-Thien (Coordinator), Dr John Kavanagh, Dr Brian Jones, Dr Thomas Roberts, Prof Les Copeland Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x 1 hr lecture, 1 x 3 hr practical per week Prerequisites: 36cp Junior/Intermediate units including 12cp from (CHEM1XX1, CHEM1XX2, AGEN1006) Assumed knowledge: 6cp from (BIOL1XXX, MBLG1XXX) and 6cp from CHEM1XXX Assessment: Lab book (5% + 15%); 1 x Viva voce (10%); 1 x Industry or Product Report (30%); 1 x 2hr Final Exam (40%) Practical field work: 6 x excursions/practical sessions over 4 weeks (weeks 1 - 4) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
From the grinding of grains to the drying of meats, humans have been processing their food since the dawn of civilisation. Over the decades, many traditional processing methods have become industrialised, while new processing technologies have emerged, quietly revolutionising our food systems, diets and cultures. In this unit, students will study the biochemical transformations that take place during food processing operations and the key engineering principles underlying industrial food manufacture. Lectures and practical classes will cover applications in diverse food categories to link the theoretical content to an industrial context. After completion of this unit, students will be able to: (1) recognise common food processing operations of importance to food industry; (2) explain the underlying biochemical and physicochemical changes that occur during processing and relate these to end-product qualities; (3) demonstrate current techniques for measuring key biochemical and physicochemical transformations, monitoring processes, and evaluating end-product qualities; (4) appreciate fundamental engineering principles relevant to industrial food processing; and (5) apply an understanding of processing principles to design a processing solution that adds value to a basic food or beverage. The unit will include lectures, laboratory sessions, group work and visits to food processing facilities.
Textbooks
No prescribed textbooks
HORT4005 Research and Practice in Horticulture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Brian Jones (Coordinator), Dr Kim-Yen Phan-Thein Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2h tut/wk; one 1-week excursion Prerequisites: HORT3005 Assessment: Industry reports (2x20%); Field trip industry report (10%); 2 x Practical reports (2x10%); End of semester exam 30%. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This Unit of Study provides students with a scientific grounding in the sustainable production of safe and nutritious fruit, vegetables and mushrooms. The unit encompasses the fundamentals of production system options, resource management and marketing practices. Case studies will be used to exemplify important developments in horticultural production, supply and marketing chains. Students will examine multiple real world examples of horticulture to develop skills in systematic problem-solving in production and marketing. Combining relevant industry knowledge, critical analytical skills, and a systems perspective will enable students to make valid, scientifically-informed decisions in horticulture and beyond. The unit is comprised of: lectures/workshops, practicals in production and post-harvest horticulture, and site visits to producers, research sites and industry bodies. The program includes a week-long field trip to major horticultural production regions to view operations and Q&A with owner/operators.

Forest Science

ENSY3002 Fire in Australian Ecosystems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tina Bell Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures, 1x3hr practical/wk Prerequisites: AGEN2005 or BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 Assessment: 1x 2h exam (40%), 1x 2000-2500w essay (20%), 3x practical reports (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is intended to describe fundamental scientific knowledge relating to fire behaviour and ecological and social effects of bushfire in Australian ecosystems. The student will gain a greater understanding of how fire has shaped the landscape and the people. It is an elective unit that builds on basic knowledge gained in junior-level biology and chemistry and intermediate-level plant biology and soil science subjects. Firstly, fire behaviour including the elements of weather, fuel and landscape will be explained and examined in relation to predictive modelling and climate change. Secondly, the fire response of flora, fauna, fungi and microorganisms will be described at a range of different scales and analysed against a background of current land management practices in Australia. Social aspects of bushfire will be discussed and analysed according to contemporary policies and practices. At the end of this unit, students will be able to apply fire behaviour and ecological principles for planning purposes and to integrate scientific information from a range of sources to assess fire impacts on the environment and human communities. The students will gain research, literacy and communication skills through field-based data collection, essay and report writing and oral presentations.
Textbooks
A reading list will be provided consisting of selected book chapters, journal articles and other publications
ENSY3003 Forest Ecosystem Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Andrew Merchant Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lectures/week, 1 tut/fortnight, 1 field excursion (2 days) in week 6 of semester Prerequisites: AGEN2001 or BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 or GEOS2121 Assessment: One 2hr exam (50%), one 2000w essay (40%), one oral presentation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Prerequisites: Students require a basic understanding of plant biology. Understanding principles of plant taxonomy and ecology will also be an advantage.
This unit of study enables students to understand the management and conservation of trees and forests in a changing climate. It is an elective unit for students enrolled in advanced topics for the Bachelor of Environmental Systems course program. Beginning with an introduction to the unique chemical, physical and ecological characteristics of trees, this unit then focuses on policy development and management prescriptions driven by fundamental processes of ecosystem function. At the end of this unit students will be able to articulate critical evaluations of scientific and policy based documents in relation to research and management of trees in the Australian landscape. Students will be given the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of Australian forest management by participating in a 2 day field excursion (in week 6 of semester) combined with industry, government, research and conservation groups. At the end of this unit, students will be able to articulate strengths, weaknesses and improvements to the management of Australian forests for the purposes of production, conservation and climate change adaptation. Students will gain an intricate knowledge of tree function and be able to relate this understanding to the management of trees and forests in a changing environment. Students will develop skills to enable effective communication with industry, conservation and governmental groups.

Horticulture

HORT3005 Production Horticulture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Robyn McConchie Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lec; 1x3hr prac/workshop/wk Prerequisites: (AGEN2001 and AGEN2005) or BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 or AGEN2002 Assessment: 1x 3 hr exam (55%), three assignments (45%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study covers topics on the production of high quality food from perennial fruit crops, wine grapes, vegetables. It also covers the key aspects of the postharvest handling and quality assurance of fresh produce. At the end of this unit students are expected to have a detailed understanding of these areas of horticultural food production and be able to discuss related literature and the physiological principles underlying the commercial success of these horticultural enterprises. Students will also gain research and enquiry skills through research based practical sessions and assignments.
Textbooks
Recommended reading:
HORT4005 Research and Practice in Horticulture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Brian Jones (Coordinator), Dr Kim-Yen Phan-Thein Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2h tut/wk; one 1-week excursion Prerequisites: HORT3005 Assessment: Industry reports (2x20%); Field trip industry report (10%); 2 x Practical reports (2x10%); End of semester exam 30%. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This Unit of Study provides students with a scientific grounding in the sustainable production of safe and nutritious fruit, vegetables and mushrooms. The unit encompasses the fundamentals of production system options, resource management and marketing practices. Case studies will be used to exemplify important developments in horticultural production, supply and marketing chains. Students will examine multiple real world examples of horticulture to develop skills in systematic problem-solving in production and marketing. Combining relevant industry knowledge, critical analytical skills, and a systems perspective will enable students to make valid, scientifically-informed decisions in horticulture and beyond. The unit is comprised of: lectures/workshops, practicals in production and post-harvest horticulture, and site visits to producers, research sites and industry bodies. The program includes a week-long field trip to major horticultural production regions to view operations and Q&A with owner/operators.

Hydrology

LWSC3007 Advanced Hydrology and Modelling

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Willem Vervoort (Coordinator), A/Prof Thomas Bishop, Dr Floris Van Ogtrop Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 hr lectures/wk, 3 hr practical/wk Prerequisites: LWSC2002 Assessment: 4 x Practical assessments and reports (50%), take-home exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to allow students to examine advanced hydrological modeling focusing on catchment level responses and uncertainty. Students will learn how to develop their own simulation model of catchment hydrological processes in R and using SWAT and review the possibilities and impossibilities of using simulation models for catchment management. Students will further investigate landuse change impacts and climate change impacts the variability in hydrological responses. At the end of this unit, students will be able to calibrate and evaluate a catchment model, articulate advantages and disadvantages of using simulation models for catchment management, justify the choice of a simulation model for a particular catchment management problem, identify issues in relation to uncertainty in water quality and quantity The students will gain research and inquiry skills through research based assignments, information literacy and communication skills through laboratory reports and a presentation and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups.
Textbooks
Textbooks (Recommended reading)
ENVX3001 Environmental GIS

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Inakwu Odeh Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three-day field trip, (2 lec & 2 prac/wk). Prerequisites: 6cp from (ENVI1003, AGEN1002) or 6cp from GEOS1XXX or 6cp from BIOL1XXX Assessment: One 15 min presentation (10%), 3500w prac report (35%), 1500w report on trip excursion (15%), 2 hr exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed to impart knowledge and skills in spatial analysis and geographical information science (GISc) for decision-making in an environmental context. The lecture material will present several themes: principles of GISc, geospatial data sources and acquisition methods, processing of geospatial data and spatial statistics. Practical exercises will focus on learning geographical information systems (GIS) and how to apply them to land resource assessment, including digital terrain modelling, land-cover assessment, sub-catchment modelling, ecological applications, and soil quality assessment for decisions regarding sustainable land use and management. A 3 day field excursion during the mid-semester break will involve a day of GPS fieldwork at Arthursleigh University farm and two days in Canberra visiting various government agencies which research and maintain GIS coverages for Australia. By the end of this UoS, students should be able to: differentiate between spatial data and spatial information; source geospatial data from government and private agencies; apply conceptual models of spatial phenomena for practical decision-making in an environmental context; apply critical analysis of situations to apply the concepts of spatial analysis to solving environmental and land resource problems; communicate effectively results of GIS investigations through various means- oral, written and essay formats; and use a major GIS software package such as ArcGIS.
Textbooks
Burrough, P.A. and McDonnell, R.A. 1998. Principles of Geographic Information Systems. Oxford University Press: Oxford.

Soil Science

SOIL3009 Contemporary Field and Lab Soil Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Alex McBratney (Coordinator), Prof Balwant Singh, A/Prof. Stephen Cattle, A/Prof Budiman Minasny, Dr Damien Field Session: Semester 1 Classes: (2 lec, 2 prac or 1 lec, 3 prac )/wk, 6-day field excursion north-western NSW commencing 15 days prior to beginning of Semester 1 Prerequisites: SOIL2003 Assessment: 1 x viva voce exam (40%), soil physics written assessments (20%), soil chemistry written assessments (20%), soil judging (12%), pedology written assessments (8%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a theoretical and empirical unit providing specialised training in three important areas of contemporary soil science, namely pedology, soil chemistry and soil physics. The key concepts of these sub-disciplines will be outlined and strengthened by hands-on training in essential field and laboratory techniques. All of this is synthesized by placing it in the context of soil distribution and use in North-Western New South Wales. The unit is motivated by the teaching team's research in this locale. It builds on students, existing soil science knowledge gained in SOIL2003. After completion of the unit, students should be able to articulate the advantages and disadvantages of current field and laboratory techniques for gathering necessary soil information, and simultaneously recognise key concepts and principles that guide contemporary thought in soil science. Students will be able to synthesise soil information from a multiplicity of sources and have an appreciation of the cutting edge areas of soil management and research. By investigating the contemporary nature of key concepts, students will develop their skills in research and inquiry. Students will develop their communication skills through report writing and will also articulate an openness to new ways of thinking which augments intellectual autonomy. Teamwork and collaborative efforts are encouraged in this unit.
Textbooks
Textbooks: D. Hillel. 2004. Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics. Elsevier Science, San Diego, CA, USA, R. Schaetzl and S. Anderson 2005. Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, USA, D.L. Sparks 2003 Environmental Soil Chemistry (2nd edn). Academic Press, San Diego, CA, USA
SOIL3010 The Soil at Work

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Alex McBratney (coordinator), Prof Balwant Singh, A/Prof. Stephen Cattle, Dr Damien Field, Prof David Guest, A/Prof Michael Kertesz Session: Semester 2 Classes: Problem-based unit: each student completes 1 problem as part of a team, involving multiple team meetings; 4 x 4 hr soil biology workshops Prerequisites: SOIL2003 or SOIL2004 Assessment: Introduction to the problem group presentation (10%); Status of the problem group report (10%); How to tackle the problem seminar (20%) - team seminars, before fieldwork, analyses done; Results seminar (20%) - team seminars; Final group report (25%); Activities diary for group (15%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a problem-based applied soil science unit addressing the physical, chemical and biological components of soil function. It is designed to allow students to identify soil-related problems in the real-world and by working in a group and with an end-user, to suggest short and long-term solutions to problems such as fertility, resilience, carbon management, structural decline, acidification, salinisation and contamination. The soil biology workshops will allow student groups to incorporate relevant measurements of soil biota in their experiments. Students will gain some understanding of the concept of sustainability, and will be able to identify the causes of problems by reference to the literature, discussion with landusers and by the design and execution of key experiments and surveys. Students will gain a focused knowledge of the key soil drivers to environmental problems and will have some understanding on the constraints surrounding potential solutions. By designing and administering strategies to tackle real-world soil issues, students will develop their research and inquiry skills and enhance their intellectual autonomy. By producing reports and seminars that enables understanding by an end-user, students will improve the breadth of their communication skills. This is a core unit for students majoring or specialising in soil science and an elective unit for those wishing to gain an understanding of environmental problem-solving. It utilises and reinforces soil-science knowledge gained in SOIL2003 and SOIL2004, as well as generic problem-solving skills gained during the degree program.
Textbooks
Reference book: I.W.Heathcote 1997. Environmental Problem Solving: A Case Study Approach. McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, USA.

Table F - Other Year 4 electives

AVBS4009 Aquaculture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Joy Becker Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lectures 2hrs/wk, tutorials 1hr/wk, practicals 3hrs/wk Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 OR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3 Assessment: written and/or oral assignments (50%), exam 2.5 hrs (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The Unit of Study explores in detail aspects of commercial aquaculture, including global trends in aquaculture development. Other topics include water quality, feeding, management, health and disease, genetics and reproduction, environmental impact and economic constraints to production. The unit of study emphasises methods to improve aquacultural productivity. It builds on basic principles of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and health and disease presented in other units of study in BAnVetBioSc. At the end of this Unit of Study, students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of: the context of aquaculture in global food production; husbandry, management and welfare of aquaculture species; comparative aspects of husbandry in aquaria, domestic, commercial; health and disease relevant to aquaculture; nutrition of aquaculture species; reproduction and genetics of species in aquaculture; water quality and environmental impact of aquaculture; economics and marketing of aquaculture products.
AVBS4012 Extensive Animal Industries

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Russell Bush Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3hrs/wk, practicals 3hrs/wk Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 OR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3 Assessment: case study (10%), practical report (15%), meat grading (15%), excursion report (20%) and written exam (40%) Practical field work: 5 day study tour to the Riverina Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces the concepts of sheep (wool and meat) and beef cattle production in the Australian environment within the context of world food and fibre consumption and production. The key products as well as domestic and export markets for these are presented. The course provides an historical perspective of the basis for each of these industries and describes each of the production systems designed to meet the demand for these products.
Production in both the tropical and temperate regions of Australia will be covered and include the key elements of extensive grazing and intensive feedlot systems. Major issues will include breeds and breeding systems, basic nutrition and production practices and animal welfare issues as they affect the quality and quantity of product marketed.
The concepts of first stage processing of both meat and fibre products in abattoirs and top-making plants respectively will be presented. The major factors that influence the quality of product and therefore grading and market demand will be presented.
Lecture material will be supported with appropriate practical classes and a 5 day study tour to the Riverina to evaluate different commercial production systems. Students will also have an opportunity to compete in the annual Inter Collegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) competition as a member of the University of Sydney team. This competition involves teams from numerous universities throughout Australia as well as Japan and the USA.
VIRO3001 Virology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tim Newsome Session: Semester 1 Classes: 26 x 1-hour lectures, 7 x 4-hour practical classes, 1 x 2-hour tutorial Prerequisites: [6cp from (BIOL1XXX, MBLGXXXX) and 6cp from (MICR2XXX, BCHM2XXX, BIOL2XXX, IMMU2XXX, PCOL2XXX, PHSI2XXX, GENE2XXX)] OR [BMED2401 and BMED2404 and 6cp from BMED240X] OR [GENE2002 and MICR2024] Prohibitions: VIRO3901 Assumed knowledge: Intermediate Microbiology Assessment: Pre-class assessment for practical classes: (5 x 1%), continuous assessment for practical classes: (3 x 2%), project assessment for practical classes: (7%), presentation on virology-themed research literature: (7%), theory of practical exam: (15%) (30 minutes), theory exam (60%) (120 minutes). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students are very strongly advised to complete VIRO3001 or VIRO3901 before enrolling in VIRO3002 or VIRO3902.
Viruses are some of the simplest biological machinery known yet they are also the etiological agents for some of the most important human diseases. New technologies that have revolutionised the discovery of viruses are also revealing a hitherto unappreciated abundance and diversity in the ecosphere, and a wider role in human health and disease. Developing new gene technologies have enabled the use of viruses as therapeutic agents, in novel vaccine approaches, gene delivery and in the treatment of cancer. This unit of study is designed to introduce students who have a basic understanding of molecular biology to the rapidly evolving field of virology. Viral infection in plant and animal cells and bacteria is covered by an examination of virus structure, genomes, gene expression and replication. Building upon these foundations, this unit progresses to examine host-virus interactions, pathogenesis, cell injury, the immune response and the prevention and control of infection and outbreaks. The structure and replication of sub-viral agents: viroids and prions, and their role in disease are also covered. The practical component provides hands-on experience in current diagnostic and research techniques such as molecular biology, cell culture, serological techniques, immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses and is designed to enhance the students' practical skills and complement the lecture series. In these practical sessions experience will be gained handling live, potentially pathogenic microbes. Tutorials cover a range of topical issues and provide a forum for students to develop their communication and critical thinking skills. The unit will be taught by the Discipline of Microbiology within the School of Molecular Bioscience with the involvement of the Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology within the Sydney Medical School.
Textbooks
Knipe and Howley. Fields Virology. 6th edition 2013. Available freely as an electronic resource from the University of Sydney library.
AGEN3008 Indigenous Land and Food Knowledge

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter Ampt (Coordinator), A/Prof Tina Bell Session: Semester 2 Classes: Application process; Pre-trip orientation - 1 day; Field trip ¿ 10 days + travel time = 70 hours; Post-trip Workshop - 1 day. (Student financial contribution $2000-$2500) Assessment: Assessment during field trip: Field trip activities recorded in booklet (20%); Journal - personal/reflective (20%); participation peer and self-assessment (10%); Assessment post-field trip: 1 x 3000w Feasibility study, funding application and essay due week 7 Semester 2 (50%); Out of class prescribed student workload: Application process - Kinship module 1 hr, written application 2 hrs. Prepare report - 5 hrs/week for 7 weeks Mode of delivery: Field experience
Note: Students must attend pre-trip briefing session (1 day in S1 exam period); field trip (approximately 2 weeks in mid-year break) and post-trip workshop (1 day in S2).
This unit of study aims to promote understanding of Indigenous knowledge of land and food both past and present, and develop skills in identifying and developing opportunities for Indigenous engagement in land management and food production. It is an elective unit of study for undergraduate degree students in Science, Business and Arts; and for Honours and Masters degree students in Science and Arts.
This unit of study will explore the importance of the Indigenous estate (the 20-25% of Australia which is under some form of Indigenous land tenure) and will examine Indigenous knowledge to engage with contemporary realities of land management and food production for the sustainability of communities living on country. Emphasis will be on identifying opportunities for economic activities based on land and food management for the communities visited on the field trip.
Students will describe traditional land and food knowledge and understand the complex situation around living on country and the long term trends that are impacting on Indigenous communities. They will participate in activities with community members to identify opportunities for the development of enterprises based on land and food knowledge, then design and develop a plan for an activity that could contribute to the sustainability of the community.
Students will develop cultural competency through engagement with indigenous communities and recognition of the influence of their personal and cultural background through self-reflection. They will develop social research skills in collection and interpretation of qualitative data and the ability to describe a complex social/cultural ecological system and design interventions to improve problem situations. It will also provide students with skills and ideas for future research projects that will engage Indigenous communities and improve partnerships and dialogue.
Textbooks
No prescribed textbook but recommended reading includes: Gammage B (2011) The Biggest Estate on Earth: How Aborigines made Australia, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, Sydney, Australia; Svieby K, Skuthorpe T (2006) Treading Lightly: The Hidden Wisdom of the World's Oldest People, Allen and Unwin, Crows nest, Sydney, Australia; Bird Rose D (2000) Dingo Makes us Human: Life and Land in an Australian Aboriginal Culture, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK
AGEN5001 Agricultural and Environmental Extension

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter Ampt Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 lec/wk (2hr), 1 tut/wk (2 hr), 1 field (3 day) Assessment: 1500w essay (20%), Tutorial/workshop participation (30%), 3000w problem based learning project (30%), Field trip report (20%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will develop knowledge, skills and understanding for engaging effectively with the people whose decisions shape innovation in agricultural production and environmental management. The role of extension in agricultural and environmental management is a crucial aspect of sustainability, as extension agents provide the main conduit between scientists, economists and policymakers and the people who live and work in the landscape.
It develops key graduate competencies in communication and soft systems for careers including consulting, agribusiness, agricultural extension, environmental management, policy, participatory research and natural resource management. It covers integrative aspects of extension theory and practice, social learning, sustainable agriculture, knowledge domains, participatory action research, human geography, soft systems thinking and adaptive natural resource management. It is relevant to students pursuing agricultural and environmental streams and majors at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Students will learn to: describe and discuss the theoretical and practical underpinnings of extension; describe and analyse factors influencing the behaviours, attitudes and beliefs of natural resource managers; discuss and design effective extension programs/projects; conduct, analyse and evaluate simple surveys, focus groups and semi-structured interviews; critically evaluate the integration of conservation and production in the landscape; facilitate sustainable change.
Textbooks
Recommended reading, Jennings, J., Packham R. and Woodside, D.(eds) (2001) Shaping Change APEN; Hay, I (2012) Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences, Oxford
ANSC3107 Animal Genetics 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Claire Wade Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hrs of classes per week where there are no on-line modules, 2hrs/wk practicals. Up to eight weeks of semester will be conducted as on-line learning modules. Students requiring extra assistance are encouraged to make an appointment with Prof Wade. Prerequisites: GENE2001 or GENE2002 or MBLG2072 or MBLG2972 Assessment: Practicals with associated reports and on-line quizzes (25%), Mid Semester on-line examination (25%), Final Examination (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Animal Genetics ANSC3107 is an exciting course that explores the technologies used by geneticists in practical situations involving domestic animals. We will expand on concepts learned in GENE2001 to learn more about genome sequencing, variant discovery, phylogenomics, bioinformatics, epigenetics, association mapping, gene therapy and forensic genetics.
Textbooks
There is no prescribed text for this subject. Books that may be useful:
AREC3003 Econ of Minerals and Energy Industries

This unit of study is not available in 2017

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/fortnight Prerequisites: AREC2003 or RSEC2031 or ECOS2001 or ECOS2901 Assessment: 1x50min Mid-semester test (35%), 1x2hr Final Exam (50%), 3x500wd Tutorial Reports (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit builds on previously acquired economics training and develops advanced understanding of the economics of minerals exploration, extraction and marketing and the economics of energy generation, distribution and use. The implications of mineral extraction and energy generation activities for natural resources and the environment are explored. The unit will foster in-depth knowledge of the markets for minerals and energy, their industry structure and business environment, including the role of markets for derivatives on minerals and energy commodities.
AVBS4002 Dairy Production and Technology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: UoS Coordinator: Professor Sergio (Yani) Garcia; Participating Lecturers: A/Prof. Kendra Kerrisk, Dr Cameron Clark, Dr Nicolas Lyons, Dr Luke Ingenhoff, Dr Jennie Mohler, Juan Molfino, Dr Mark Hazelton Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lectures up to 3 hrs/wk, practicals 3 hrs/wk Assumed knowledge: Enrolled students are expected to have some understanding of key components of the dairy production system, including basic knowledge of animal physiology and nutrition. Assessment: Assignment (report or lit review) (30%), Pracs assessments, (30%), 1 hr exam (40%) Practical field work: At least 2 half day field trips and 1 or 2 full day trips/excursions including commercial farms and a milk processing plant Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will explore the various aspects of dairy farming and the dairy industry from a scientific point of view. The lectures are a mix of the principles on which sound dairy farming is based and practical examples of how this operates in practice. Focus is placed on integrating knowledge to gain understanding on the system of production as a whole. At the end of this unit of study, students will demonstrate a solid understanding of: the characteristics of the dairy industry in Australia and in a world wide context; the key components of pasture-based dairy systems; principles and practices of pasture and feeding management; the application of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity (particularly automatic milking). In addition, students will demonstrate an appreciation of key aspects of reproduction and lactation physiology; the integration of knowledge of genetics and reproduction into the type of herd improvement structure set up in the dairy industry; the application of ruminant physiology knowledge to developing feeding programs for dairy cows; the extension of basic reproductive physiology onto the dairy farm using case studies as examples; the economics of the dairy farm business. Practical classes include milking cows; grazing and feeding management of dairy cows; calf rearing; and visits to commercial farms ranging from small pasture-based dairy farms to a feed-lot operation milking over 2,000 cows.
Textbooks
Students are advised to consult lecturers for recommended text, scientific and professional articles, technotes for advisors and industry-generated information for farmers
AVBS4008 Intensive Animal Industries

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs/wk Prerequisites: (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3) OR (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3) Assessment: Written exam (50%) (Poultry and Pigs 50:50), in course evaluations and case study - Pigs (25%), Broiler growth study report and in course evaluations - Poultry (25%) Practical field work: Visits to an intensive pig/poultry farm, feed mill and poultry production and processing units when biosecurity restrictions allow Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is composed of two parts, a Poultry Production component and a Pig Production component. The course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the production of eggs and poultry meat and pork. The individual components examine various aspects of the poultry and pig production systems important in maintaining efficiency and profitability. It investigates aspects of breeding, nutrition, housing, growth performance, heath, welfare, reproductive capability, waste management, marketing and current industry issues. This unit will expand on some aspects of previous year 3 units of study in animal structure and function, nutrition and reproduction. There is a broiler growth study which comprises a significant part of the practical work in the Poultry component. There is a strong emphasis on assessment being built into the course work as this is considered to be more relevant to learning in the final year.
Textbooks
There is no single text that adequately covers the Australian pig industry and for this reason no formal text is required. There are many sites (industry, academic institutions and government departments) on the Web which provide excellent information. Links to these will be provided. Where appropriate, relevant reference material will be identified for specific areas of the course. Often poultry specific text books are obsolete very quickly, it would be important to use trade information. The library subscribes to breeder management guides and general poultry production journals as well as specific poultry scientific journals.