Science, Technology and Engineering

School of Life Sciences

Department of Environmental Management & Ecology

New course pathways for 2012 courses at Albury-Wodonga campus

First year of the Bachelor of Agricultural Science and the Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) to be offered at Albury-Wodonga in 2012

Media release May 2011

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering at La Trobe University is focused on creating tertiary study options for students in the regions.

The Faculty has extended opportunities for prospective students planning to commence their studies in 2012 by establishing formal first-year pathways at the Albury-Wodonga campus for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science and the Bachelor of Science (Wildlife & Conservation Biology) degrees.

First year would be completed at the Albury-Wodonga campus and the following years at the main Melbourne campus.

“I am so excited to be able to offer students formal entry pathways to these excellent programs via the Albury-Wodonga campus. The opportunity to begin their studies at this campus may help regional students and their families manage the financial and emotional aspects of transition to university,” said Susan Lawler, Head, Department of Environmental Management and Ecology.

The Wildlife and Conservation Biology degree is a specialist course which will lead to a career in conservation of flora and fauna.  Graduates become researchers, environmental consultants or work for government departments at all levels.

Wildlife and conservation biology is becoming increasingly important, as it helps to limit the effects of environmental degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity, through conserving and restoring ecosystems and through undertaking the science that underpins the management of native plants and animals.

This multidisciplinary course focuses on zoology, botany, genetics, microbiology, statistics, earth science, law and public policy. The combination of skills it provides is extremely valuable for work in maintaining biodiversity and managing the environment.

The degree in Agricultural Science is one of the broadest agricultural science degrees available and focuses on sustainable land, plant and animal management.

It has developed unique problem-solving approaches for students in their final years and provides students with a hands-on blend of science skills, agricultural production systems, and business outcomes.

The sustainable management of natural resources and agricultural production systems are critical activities requiring skilled graduates with a broad knowledge in science and business. This pathway will provide prospective students from the regions with an opportunity to graduate as a professional agricultural scientist.

La Trobe Agricultural Science graduates have embarked on a diverse range of interesting and relevant careers in Australia's $35 billion food and fibre industry, in the agricultural and environmental sciences, or in the associated service industries.

There is a huge need for professional agricultural science graduates today. Estimates of five jobs for every graduate clearly indicate the shortage and the need. In addition, there are major problems ahead for agriculture - due to climate change and food insecurity. So enthusiastic graduates with a broad knowledge base and problem-solving skills, will be required to address and solve these problems, stated Associate Professor Peter Sale, Course Coordinator of Agricultural Science at La Trobe University.

Greg Toomey, Senior Agronomist, Landmark, affirms the growing demand for highly skilled agricultural positions and the qualified graduates to fill them.

It is an understatement to say that there is an abundance of jobs in the regions for graduates. Graduate opportunities extend well beyond traditional agriculture, and include technological investigation and consultancy in agriculture; conservation, environmental protection and resource management, applied research, agribusiness, agronomy, and the development and application of biotechnology in agriculture and related industries. An underlying assumption is the ready supply of suitably qualified Agricultural scientists.

AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, recently established at the Melbourne campus will be one of Australia 's premier research facilities. La Trobe students will have access to the 'AgriBio option' on completion of their undergraduate studies.

From 2012, honours and postgraduate students will have the opportunity to train in a first-rate facility, one of the best biosciences facilities in the world, and collaborate with world-leading scientists. Key features of the postgraduate programs include industry placements, case-study teaching, and international experience.

The research undertaken at AgriBio will contribute significantly to the protection of agriculture from disease threats, improve primary industries' competitiveness and sustainability, and focus efforts on addressing current challenges, including climate change and drought. It also develops the scientific and economic understanding that underpins primary production, resource management and agribusiness.

For more information about these pathway options at Albury-Wodonga campus please contact Mrs Rachel Gorman on (02) 6024 9885 or email r.gorman@latrobe.edu.au