About us
Dr Mark Sandeman,
Head of Agricultural Sciences
History
Early years
In June l966, the then Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University, Professor D.M. Myers, wrote to Sir Leslie Martin of the Australian Universities' Commission concerning the establishment of Agricultural Studies at the University. The subsequent appointment of Dr. R.L. (Bob) Reid as Foundation Professor of Agriculture in October l967, formally established the School of Agriculture. The first intake of 22 students commenced their undergraduate studies for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree in March l968.
From the outset, the original belief of Professor Myers, “that the present needs for qualified agriculturalists are mainly for the ‘general practitioner’ rather than the specialist in scientific disciplines allied to agriculture”, has prevailed. Students still receive instruction in a very wide range of subjects. This equips the graduates of the School for a plethora of challenging positions servicing the agricultural, environmental and resource industries both directly and indirectly.
Initially, the staff of the School were located in the Thomas Cherry building of the University. As the number of students and staff increased it was necessary to provide separate accommodation for the School of Agriculture. Staff moved into the current department building early in l972. This building now houses the majority of the teaching and research activities of the Department.
The farm
In 1971, the School of Agriculture set aside 8 ha of land on the La Trobe campus at Bundoora to be used as a farm, unique within an urban University in Australia at the time, which since then has been used as a valuable resource for both research and teaching within the School. An area of 2-3 ha within this farm is used for field cropping and experimental plots, the remainder being available for grazing livestock.
Most of our buildings and development over the years have been funded by public appeals. The animal house appeal raised donations of $94,000 in 1980 of which $4,790 was raised by the Agricultural Student Society. The Plant Pathology glasshouse (opened in 1982) and the William Buckland Soils Laboratory (opened in 1986) were also funded this way. These facilities enable students to study and research different pathogens of crops and plants and to process soils. All these facilities are located on the agriculture reserve, along with three other glasshouses and several plastic greenhouses. We also maintain a Meteorological Station where daily observations are recorded. Data is then sent on to the Bureau of Meteorology.
For many years the farm manager was Stephen Burke a senior technical officer who worked with the University since 1972. From 2001, this position is held by Rob Evans.
Degrees
Since 1997, the number of courses offered by the Department has increased. Newly introduced courses include: the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) (in 1997), now the Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences; the Bachelor of Viticultural Science (in 1999); the Bachelor of Viticultural Science and Wine Production (in 2002 ). From 2008, studies in viticulture and wine production will largely be pursued at postgraduate level.
In 2001, the Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of Business was offered for the first time.
Also in 2001, the new School of Life Sciences was formed, with the Departments of Agricultural Sciences, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology, creating a new focus for teaching and research in the biological sciences.
In 2005, a new Agribusiness stream was introduced into the Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree. This is delivered by Monash University’s Department of Wine, Food and Agribusiness, replacing the economics subjects. This refocussed the course around industry requirements and gives our graduates the skills necessary for employment in this rapidly growing area. The Agribusiness stream is recognised by the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology as a Professional Diploma in Agribusiness.
Now also offered by the department are Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma courses in Wine and Wine Appreciation, a Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Production and from 2006, a Masters degree in Wine and Wine Appreciation.
Since 2007, a new double degree program, Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of International Development has been offered to provide graduates with an understanding in two complementary discipline areas, co-ordinated by staff from the Department of Agricultural Sciences and La Trobe University’s Sociology and Anthropology Program. Also in 2008, a new Master of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness degree by coursework will commence. This is designed to bring the expertise in Agricultural Science at La Trobe University and in Agribusiness at Monash University to an international audience.