CV85 - Bachelor of Agriculture

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Agriculture will equip you with the agriculture knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills required to play important professional roles in improving productivity and sustainability of modern agriculture. The course has an applied focus that will provide you with industry relevant training on a firm scientific basis. A suite of eight core units will provide the strong foundation you will use to acquire understanding of increasingly complex concepts in the context of industry relevant problems. A series of eight discipline units starting in year 2 will help you build your systemic thinking and you will learn about emerging agricultural innovations and current technological advances, culminating in a capstone unit where you reinforce and apply the principles and thinking skills acquired throughout the course to address challenging case studies. Through the professional placement or research project, you will apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained in your degree to an authentic professional work or research environment.

Eight extension units offer great choices to creatively combine your agriculture core knowledge with other disciplines to give you an additional edge as a professional. You will profit from the University's research excellence in agriculture and its focus on regional and industry engagement through the opportunities to learn from leading industry experts, interact with top researchers, hear from experienced practitioners and engagement activities such as summer research projects, conferences attendance, or international activities. The Bachelor of Agriculture course prepares you for the rigours of the real world and ensures you have the skills to make a difference in the context of the emerging opportunities that a highly technical agricultural industry provides.

Career Information

This course offers career opportunities for students wanting to be leaders in Agricultural production or Agricultural businesses. Industry placements ensure that graduates are able to apply theory to practice by involving them in real world situations.

Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 144
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BAg
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2024
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $36,120
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $7,051
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $30,777
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,600
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $5,164
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,280
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $33,120
Indicative Year - 2022
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,280
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $5,496
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $33,120

Admission Codes

Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 2 - 2025

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2025

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2024

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2024

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2023

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2023

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2022

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2022

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2021

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2021

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2020

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2020

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2019

Bundaberg
Emerald
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2018

Bundaberg
Distance
Emerald
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2017

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2017

Bundaberg
Distance
Emerald
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2016

Please note that mid year entry is for part time study only
Bundaberg
Emerald
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2016

Bundaberg
Emerald
Rockhampton
Show All

International Availability

Term 2 - 2025

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2025

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2024

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2024

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2023

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2023

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2022

Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2022

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2021

Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2021

Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2020

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2020

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2019

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2018

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2017

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2017

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2016

Please note that mid year entry is for part time study only
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2016

Rockhampton
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 66.00 | ATAR 66.00
Entry Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

If you are an international student, visit our international student information for more details.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge

Biology and Mathematical Methods

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards CM29 - Undergraduate Certificate in General Science
Exit Awards CM13 - Diploma of Agricultural Studies CM29 - Undergraduate Certificate in General Science
Accreditation
  • : Core

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School Students studying via distance and mixed-mode will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for some units.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

BIOL12050 - This unit provides students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment. Students will undertake either a) an industry placement, or b) a short research project for 120 hours. They will report on their experience in an appropriate format, identifying the nature of the work and activities undertaken. They will also reflect on how the knowledge gained and the skills developed during placement relate to their course of study and their future career.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 66
2023 106
2022 102
2021 82
2020 80
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Complying with the University Ethics Committees directions when undertaking research.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to adhere to ethics policies and reflecting on ethical dilemmas and issues concerning to practice as well as taking responsibility for ensuring ethical and professional behaviour including when dealing with animals.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Interacting positively and effectively with other students, while attending all activities related to the course including field work.
  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, to constructive feedback and to direction from academics and other staff.
  • Coping effectively with your own emotions, responses and behaviour, when dealing with challenging situations.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Understanding and adhering to professional policy around Occupational Health and Safety including appropriate use of social media.
  • Knowing, understanding and complying with safety requirements which are necessary pre-requisites during field and laboratory work, especially when dealing with chemicals, animals and plants, in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Verbally communicating your knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Present scientific work to various audiences.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of peers and others and responding appropriately.
  • Having access to a computer and having some computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading and responding to emails, and completing relevant tasks and assessments for the course.
  • Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to correct grammar and punctuation.
  • Constructing fluent summarised written text from complex and detailed information.
  • Constructing legible reports in a timely manner to meet professional standards and clearly communicating the intended message.
  • Having access to a computer for your studies.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific courses.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Performing your duties within set time-frames.
  • Summarising, paraphrasing and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic and professional settings.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting scientific information.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying basic mathematics knowledge and skills when reading scientific information and equipment.
  • Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record accurate measurements during field and laboratory work.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of settings and situations.
  • Interpreting graphical information when reading scientific publications.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Focussing on and recognising objects that are either near or far.
  • Observing and detecting subtle differences and changes in colours, including interpreting aerial photographs and analysing biological and geological samples.
  • Safely operating electronic equipment.
  • Looking through optical equipment such as microscopes.
  • Observing and detecting subtle differences and changes in the physical environment, such as flora, fauna, water, atmosphere, soils geology and the built environment.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
  • Having sufficient auditory ability to consistently and accurately monitor, assess and manage electronic instruments.
Relational Skills
  • Examples are:
  • Building rapport and engaging with other students in order to collaborate with them in group work activities.
  • Creating good working relationships with the supervisor and other staff during work placement. 
  • Respecting and showing empathy to different opinions during discussions and other forms of engagements. 
Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Critically reflecting on published literature and methodologies related to the course.
  • Undertaking a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis related to agricultural practices. 


Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Actively participating in laboratory and field activities.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course, including transporting and operating field and laboratory equipment.
  • Maintaining balance while safely transferring delicate equipment.
  • Moving with ease around equipment items while performing various tasks.
  • Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
  • Physically manipulating material, systems and processes, including mixing concrete, sieving soil, and collecting and transporting samples of flora, fauna, water, gas, soil and rocks.
  • Manipulating delicate, breakable equipment with ease and care.
  • Handling test tubes, Petri dishes and other breakable equipment with care.
  • Handling animals both in field and laboratory situations.
  • Handling potentially harmful chemicals.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Collaborating positively with fellow students during group activities.
  • Building rapport with fellow students and other stakeholders in order to positively engage them during your study, for instance during difficult situations.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Accessing learning materials via the university's online Moodle platform.
  • Email communication with staff and fellow students.
  • Using basic computer programs e.g. Word for word processing and Excel for data analysis.



Compulsory Requirements
COVID-19 Vaccination Advice

Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.    

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Discuss the theoretical principles and concepts of agriculture.
  • 2. Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of emerging innovations in the context of contemporary agricultural systems.
  • 3. Use research principles to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise information to solve complex agricultural problems.
  • 4. Demonstrate appropriate teamwork and people skills to achieve business outcomes.
  • 5. Communicate complex agricultural knowledge and ideas, clearly and coherently.
  • 6. Behave ethically, demonstrating initiative and judgement in the agricultural industry.
  • 7. Reflect on performance and take responsibility for further learning and professional development.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Agribusiness in Depth Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Animal and Plant Biology in Depth Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Entrepreneurship Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Food Chemistry and Nutrition Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Liberal Studies Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Sustainable Landscapes Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 2 minors
Number of units: 16 Total credit points: 96

The Bachelor of Agriculture Course has 16 compulsory units. One of the compulsory units, BIOL12050 Professional Placement or Project, provides students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment.

In addition to the 16 compulsory units, students can choose:

(i) one of the following eight unit minors:

  • Agribusiness in Depth – Minor, 8 Units, 48 Credits
  • Animal and Plant Biology in Depth – Minor, 8 Units, 48 Credits

(ii) or two of the following four unit minors: 

  • Sustainable Landscapes – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
  • Entrepreneurship – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
  • Food Chemistry and Nutrition – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits


Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
AGRI11008 Introduction to Agricultural Systems
BIOL11102 Life Science Laboratory
SCIE11023 Scientific Research Fundamentals
AGRI11001 Soil and Irrigation Management
AGRI11002 Plant Science and Crop Production
AGRI11003 Livestock Production
AGRI11007 Plant and Livestock Breeding Strategies
AGRI12013 Driving Productivity in Food Production Systems
AGRI12001 Animal Health and Welfare
AGRI12005 Specialised Food Industries
AGRI12002 Weeds, Pests and Plant Diseases
BIOL12050 Professional Placement or Project
AGRI13001 Social Licence to Operate
AGRI13010 Agricultural Extension
AGRI13008 Agriculture Technology Transformation: The Future of Food and Fibre
AGRI13009 Sustainable Agricultural Development: Local and Global
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 2 minors

Agribusiness in Depth Minor

Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

The Agribusiness in Depth minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Agriculture. All prerequisites for the Agribusiness in Depth minor can be met within the eight units of the minor.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ECON11026 Principles of Economics
LAWS11030 Foundations of Business Law
MRKT11029 Marketing Fundamentals
FINC19011 Business Finance
FINC19012 Investment Analysis and Risk Management
MGMT19105 Quality Management
MGMT13151 Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Start-ups
MGMT19128 Strategy and Change
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 2 minors

Animal and Plant Biology in Depth Minor

Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

The Animal and Plant Biology in Depth minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Agriculture. All prerequisites for the Animal and Plant Biology in Depth minor can be met within the eight units of the minor.

Note - participation in compulsory residential schools is required in this minor.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ENVR11014 Environmental Monitoring
BIOL12107 Genomes, Genetics & Evolution
BIOL12112 Animal and Plant Physiology
BOTN19001 Australian Botany
MBIO19013 Environmental Microbiology
ZOOL19002 Australian Vertebrate Fauna
BOTN13002 Plants and the Environment
ZOOL13015 Environmental Physiology of Animals
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 2 minors

Entrepreneurship Minor

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

The Entrepreneurship minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Agriculture. All prerequisites for the Entrepreneurship minor can be met within the four units of the minor.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MGMT11109 Introduction to Business
MRKT11029 Marketing Fundamentals
MGMT13151 Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Start-ups
MRKT13014 New Product Development and Branding
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 2 minors

Food Chemistry and Nutrition Minor

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

The Food Chemistry and Nutrition minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Agriculture. All prerequisites for the Food Chemistry and Nutrition minor can be met within the four units of the minor.

Note - participation in compulsory residential schools is required in this minor.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter
CHEM12077 Food Science & Analysis
NUTR12001 Human Nutrition
NUTR13001 Public Health Nutrition
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 2 minors

Liberal Studies Minor

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

This minor has been designed to support credit, articulation agreements and transition arrangements. Students cannot opt-in to complete the Liberal Studies minor. Please contact Course Advice for further information.

Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 2 minors

Sustainable Landscapes Minor

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

The Sustainable Landscapes minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Agriculture. 

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ENVR11011 Modern Environmental Issues
GEOG19021 Geographic Information Systems
GEOG12020 Australian Weather and Climate
GEOG13013 Sustainable Regions and Cities
More Details