Research programs
The Department is home to leading research groups in these program areas: Animal Nutrition, Microbiology, Parasitology, Pasture Nutrition, Obesity, Soil Science, Technology Transfer and Viticultural Science and Soil Science. The department currently has more than 25 postgraduate students completing full-time or part-time research.
Facilities
Besides the normal laboratory facilities for biological, chemical and physical analyses, the department has specialised laboratory equipment, including an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, flow injection analyser, blood gas analysers, ICP analyser, carbon-nitrogen-sulphur auto-analyser, ultracentrifuge and FPLC equipment. The department prides itself on its computing facilities, with up-to-date software, a variety of statistical packages and access to e-mail, Internet and university computing facilities.
The department also has on-site facilities for intensive and extensive investigations of soil, plants and animals, including animal houses, outdoor animal facilities, glasshouses, controlled environment cabinets and a field research station with an orchard, vineyard, cropping and pasture trials on the main university camps. The proximity of the department’s laboratories to the field research station allows frequent monitoring and detailed data collection.
What can I study?
The department offers Master of Agricultural Sciences and PhD programs by research, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science, consisting of both coursework and research.
What do I need for entry?
| Program | Entry requirement |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science | Bachelor of Science (or equivalent three year degree) from an accredited University |
| Master of Agricultural Science | Bachelor of Agricultural Science (or equivalent four year degree) from an accredited University |
| PhD | Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences with Honours (or equivalent degree) or a Master of Science or Master of Agricultural Science from an accredited University |
To gain entry into any of the above courses, you must seek advice from the individual program supervisor (refer to program pages).
Email enquiries to Postgraduate Coordinator: C.Tang@latrobe.edu.au or by post to:
Postgraduate Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Sciences
La Trobe University
Bundoora Victoria 3086
Australia
Other research groups within the Department
Plant Biotechnology Centre, Agriculture Victoria (Prof. German Spangenberg). This group aims to improve the productivity and quality of crops and pastures, using molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques. Together with researchers from a number of departments, they are part of the Centre for Sustainable Plant Production.
Textile Research Unit (Dr. Bob Steadman, Mr. Leo Holt). The aims of this group include improving cotton fibre quality and controlling weather damage to wool during growth.
Soil Conservation of Alpine Vegetation (Mr. Warwick Papst, Department of Natural Resources and Environment). This group finds solutions for soil and plant regeneration in eroded high altitude areas and conducts training courses.
Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology (Mr. Warwick Papst, Department of Natural Resources and Environment).
Honorary research programmes (Dr Uren, Dr Price)