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Unit of study_
AFNR4001: Professional Development
2026 unit information
This unit of study is designed to allow students to critically reflect on the relationship between the rural enterprise and the environment, considering how they can contribute to the future decisions and management affecting the rural community. Throughout the Professional Development program students participate in a first-year rural field tour (Module 1), conduct at least 40 days of placement (Module 2) across farm, industry, and business sectors (a minimum of 15 days must be completed on farm), and develop a concept note (Module 3) in which they reflect on a rural environment theme or issue of their interest. To complete this unit students will present a portfolio of their theme (Module 4) including critical reflection on the pivotal relationships between the academic degree, rural environment, professional experience, and beliefs and values of the rural community. By developing and presenting the portfolio and engaging in other activities the students will enhance their skills in inquiry, information literacy and communication. In particular, through the autonomous development of case studies reflecting on the contemporary issues in agriculture and completion of professional placements, students will have to consider their understandings of ethical, social and professional issues and further develop personal and intellectual autonomy. Although Modules 1-3 are undertaken throughout the degree, the unit as a whole will be credited toward the fourth year of the degree program. Note: Department permission required for enrolment.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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AGRF4000 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the rural environment and identify the challenges and opportunities faced
- LO2. Take the opportunity to connect with industry while working on your on-farm and off-farm placements
- LO3. Integrate your understanding of current issues, along with your placement experiences, with the theories and concepts you learnt in your major.
- LO4. Propose new ideas that support and guide the future development of the rural environment and associated enterprises
- LO5. Critically reflect on pivotal relationships between your degree, the rural environment and your professional placement with your personal beliefs and values.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.