University of Sydney Handbooks - 2012 Archive

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Bachelor of Land and Water Science

The last intake of students for this degree occurred in 2009. No new students will be permitted to commence this degree.

Units of study

Year 4*

In Year 4 students will complete:
AFNR4101 Research Project A

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Stephen Cattle Session: Semester 1 Classes: No formal classes, approx 18h per week Prerequisites: 144 credit points of level 1000-3000 units of study Assessment: Research proposal, literature review. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Sc Agr.
This unit aims to develop a student's ability to undertake a major research project in an area of specialization. The unit builds on theoretical and applied knowledge gained across most of the units of study undertaken throughout their degree program. This unit is a corequisite with AFNR4102 and each student will work with an academic supervisor in an area of specialization and develop a well defined research project to be executed. The research project is undertaken to advance the students ability to build well-developed research skills, a strong analytical capacity, and the ability to provide high quality research results demonstrating a sound grasp of the research question. Working with an academic supervisor students will develop their ability to define a research project including the producing of testable hypotheses, identifying existing knowledge from reviewing the literature and the design and execution of a research strategy towards solving the research question. Students will build on their previous research and inquiry skills through sourcing a wide range of knowledge to solve the research problem and enhance their intellectual and personal autonomy by means of the development of experimental programs. Students will improve their written and planning skills by composing a research project proposal and the writing of a comprehensive literature review.
LWSC3007 Advanced Hydrology and Modelling

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr. Willem Vervoort Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 hr lectures/ week, 1 hr on-line and 2 hr practical/week Prerequisites: LWSC2002 Assessment: Practical reports (50%), take-home exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Env Sys, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Sc, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study is designed to allow students to examine advanced hydrological modeling and sampling designs focusing on catchment level responses and uncertainty.
This unit builds on the theoretical knowledge gained in LWSC2002 and possibly GEOG2321. Students will learn how to develop their own simulation model of catchment hydrological processes in R and review the possibilities and impossibilities of using simulation models for catchment management. Students will further investigate optimal sampling techniques for water quality data based on understanding the variability in hydrological responses. At the end of this unit, students will be able to build their own catchment model and calibrate this model, articulate advantages and disadvantages of using simulation models for catchment management, justify the choice of a simulation model for a particular catchment management problem, identify issues in relation to uncertainty in water quality and quantity, develop an optimal water quality sampling scheme. The students will gain research and inquiry skills through research based group projects, information literacy and communication skills through on-line discussion postings, laboratory reports and a presentation and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups.
Textbooks
Beven, K.J. Rainfall-Runoff modeling, The Primer, John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, 2001
SOIL3009 Contemporary Field and Lab Soil Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Alex McBratney (coordinator), A/Prof Balwant Singh, A/Prof. Stephen Cattle, Dr Budiman Minasny Session: Semester 1 Classes: (2 lec, 2 prac)/wk, 6-day field excursion Prerequisites: SOIL2003 Assessment: 1 x viva voce exam (40%), pedology written assessments (15%), soil physics written assessments (15%), soil chemistry written assessments (15%), 1 x group presentation (5%), 1 x synthesis paper (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This is a theoretical and empirical unit providing specialised training in three important areas of contemporary soil science, namely pedology, soil chemistry and soil physics. The key concepts of these sub-disciplines will be outlined and strengthened by hands-on training in essential field and laboratory techniques. All of this is synthesized by placing it in the context of soil distribution and use in North-Western New South Wales. The unit is motivated by the teaching team's research in this locale. It builds on students existing soil science knowledge gained in SOIL2003. After completion of the unit, students should be able to articulate the advantages and disadvantages of current field & laboratory techniques for gathering necessary soil information, and simultaneously recognise key concepts and principles that guide contemporary thought in soil science. Students will be able to synthesise soil information from a multiplicity of sources and have an appreciation of the cutting edge areas of soil research. By investigating the contemporary nature of key concepts, students will develop their skills in research and inquiry. Students will develop their communication skills through report writing and oral presentations and will also articulate an openness to new ways of thinking which augments intellectual autonomy. Teamwork and collaborative efforts are encouraged in this unit.
Textbooks
D. Hillel. 2004. Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics. Elsevier Science, San Diego, CA, USA
AFNR4001 Professional Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms LA Henry, Dr D Field Session: Semester 2 Classes: Workshops over four years Prohibitions: AGRF4000 Assessment: 1x blog posting (10%), 1x on-line (multi-media) (30%) and 1x portfolio (60%) Practical field work: 40 days of professional experience, 1 week long excursion Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc Agr.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit of study is designed to allow students to critically reflect on the relationship between the rural enterprise and environment and how they can contribute to the future decisions and management affecting the rural community. It is a core unit of study in 4th year for the BAgrEc, BScAgr, BLWSc, BResEc, BHortSc which requires students to complete 40 days of professional experience with the expectation that students will examine the nature of facts from their degree in this environment. A minimum of 15 days must be completed on-farm/field. The remaining days may be at the student's discretion. The unit will be counted towards 4th year, but professional experience placements will normally be undertaken throughout the degree. In the early stages of the Professional Development program students participate in Faculty excursions that have been developed so they can experience a range of activities, such as research, extension, on-farm and industry both in the rural and urban environment to complement their learning within their individual degree programs. Building on this various workshops have been developed to assist students to identify a rural environment theme or issue of their interest with the specific emphasis being placed on them reflecting on how their new understandings of their theme of interest affects their personal and professional development. To complete this unit students will present a portfolio of their theme including critical reflection on the pivotal relationships between the academic degree, rural environment, professional experience, and beliefs and values if the rural community. Through developing these pivotal relationships, students will be able to use their new understandings to support and guide the future developments in the rural enterprise and environment. By developing and presenting the portfolio and engaging in other online activities the students will enhance their skills in inquiry, information literacy and communication. In particular the autonomous development of case studies reflecting the contemporary issues in agriculture and their professional placements the students will have to consider their understandings of ethical, social and professional issues and further develop the personal and intellectual autonomy.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
AFNR4102 Research Project B

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Stephen Cattle Session: Semester 2 Classes: No formal classes, approx 18h per week Prerequisites: AFNR4101 Assessment: Oral presentation, research paper, poster. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Sc Agr.
This unit is a continuation of the major research project initiated in AFNR4101 and continues to build on theoretical and applied knowledge gained across most of the units of study undertaken throughout their degree program. Working with their academic supervisor in the area of specialization the student will continue to pursue the defined research project towards presenting final results and conclusions. The research results are presented in a format of a research paper as submitted to a research journal. The research paper and corrected literature review is combined and presented together as a thesis. Students will continue to build their research skills, develop strong analytical capacity, demonstrate a sound grasp of the topic, and an ability to interpret results in a broad framework. Working with an academic supervisor students will develop their ability to produce results of high quality, draw reliable conclusions and identify future areas avenues of research. Students will build on their previous research and inquiry skills through sourcing a wide range of knowledge to solve the research problem and enhance their intellectual and personal autonomy by means of the managing the research program. Students will improve their communication skills through oral presentation of their research findings, the production of a poster detailing their research findings and the writing of a research paper.
And one unit of study from Table C.
* A student may apply to the degree coordinator for permission to enrol in up to one (6 cp) elective University of Sydney unit of study in year 3 and up to one (6 cp) University of Sydney unit of study in year 4 which is not listed in Tables B or C. The application must (1) be made prior to enrolment in the unit (2) be submitted with a written academic justification for enrolment by the student and (3) be submitted with written approval of the relevant unit of study coordinator.

Table B

Agricultural Economics
AGEC3101 Agribusiness Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms LA Henry Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x2-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prerequisites: AGEC2103 or AGEC2003 or AGEC1006 Prohibitions: AGEC3103, AGEC3001 Assessment: 1x2hr exam (50%) and 1x50 min mid-semester exam (15%) and 1 assignment (25%) and workshop reports (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B An Vet Bio Sc, B Com, B Ec, B Ec Soc Sc, B Hort Sc, B Int S, B L W Sc, B Sc, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study is designed to introduce decision making problems encountered by firms and agribusiness firms and general methods of solving microeconomic decision making problems. It is unit of study that builds on knowledge gained in junior units of study in particular AGEC1006, AGEC2103 and AGEC2102. Students will review production economics and activity analysis and show how budgeting methods can be used to relate them. They will extend these budgeting techniques to problems of time and risk, using capital and parametric budgeting. Students will also be introduced to linear programming and show how this tool is a practical method of solving decision making problems. Students will learn to consider methods for solving decision making problems where the outcomes are not known with certainty. The students will gain skills through workshop based tasks, an assignment, information literacy and communication skills through the presentation of the workshop reports and discussion throughout the workshop.
AGEC2101 Market and Price Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr. Shyamal Chowdhury Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prerequisites: AGEC1006 or (AGEC1003 and AGEC1004) or AGEC1002 or AGEC1102 or RSEC1031 or AGEC1031 Prohibitions: AGEC2001 Assessment: 1x1hr in-class mid-term exam (20%), 1x3000wd assignment (20%), 1x2hr final exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B An Vet Bio Sc, B Com, B Ec, B Ec Soc Sc, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B Int S, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit focuses on the nature of agricultural and resource commodity markets, market demand relationships, market supply relationships, price determination under alternative market structures, marketing margin relationships, derived demand for inputs, spatially and temporally related markets, market dynamics, price expectations, commodity futures markets and other pertinent topics. Applied examples from the agricultural and resource industries and the overall economy will be used throughout the semester as illustrations of the principles involved.
N.B. Available to 2nd year students in Faculty of Economics and Business.
Advised prerequisite: AGEC2105 or ECMT2110
AGEC3102 Agricultural and Resource Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Alan Randall Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture + 1x1-hr lectures/week, 1x2-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prerequisites: (AGEC2001 or AGEC2101) and (AGEC2003 or AGEC2103) Prohibitions: AGEC3002 Assessment: 1x2.5hr exam (70%) and 3x1 problem sets (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B Com, B Ec, B Ec Soc Sc, B Hort Sc, B Int S, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit covers the theoretical framework for economic analysis of policy interventions (welfare economics and public choice theory). Emphasis is put on building the skills needed to analyze the incidence of economic policy and on the design of policies under asymmetric information. An understanding of the institutional structure of agricultural and resource policy in Australia is promoted through the direct contact with policy makers, public agencies and lobbying groups.
N.B. Available to 3rd year students in the Faculty of Economics and Business
Textbooks
To be advised
Agronomy
AGRO3004 Managing Agro-Ecosystems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Carina Moeller, Prof. Jeff Amthor, Dr Brett Whelan, Dr Lachlan Ingram Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week except week 5, 1x3-hr tutorial/week except week 5 (commencing week 2), 1x3-hr field practical in week 1, 1x full day field practical in week 5. Prerequisites: AFNR1001, AFNR1002, PLNT2003, SOIL2003 and (BIOM2001 or ENVX2001) Assessment: 1x2.5hr exam (50%), 5xshort-answer quizzes (5x4%) and 2000wd field report (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B An Vet Bio Sc, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
The most critical and interesting questions managers of natural resources face deal with the inherent complexity of agricultural systems. Long- and short-term interactions exist between physical (e.g. climate, soil) and biological (crops and other organisms) factors, and the agricultural management, among others. Understanding these interactions and their impacts on production and environmental outcomes in dryland agricultural systems is the overall aim of this unit. AGRO3004 is a core unit for BScAgr students and builds on knowledge and skills gained in the junior units AFNR1001, AFNR1002, AVBS1002, PLNT2003, SOIL2003, and BIOM1003. This unit investigates dryland agro-ecosystems, which can be defined as ecosystems modified for the purpose of producing crops in environments where water limits productivity during part of the year. During the semester, principles of crop and pasture production, integrated pest management, approaches to managing climate variability and precision agriculture are introduced. There will be a focus on understanding effects of climate and weather in dryland systems, especially on understanding crop-water relationships. Attention will be paid to biodiversity and the sustainability of agro-ecosystems. The unit provides an opportunity to develop key graduate attributes for agricultural scientists in information literacy, field experimentation, critical analysis, written expression, and team work.
Textbooks
Pratley J (Ed.) (2003) 'Principles of field crop production (4 edn).' (Oxford University Press: Melbourne, Australia).
Geography/Science
GEOS3018 Rivers: Science, Policy and Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Philip Hirsch, A/Prof Tom Hubble Session: Semester 1 Classes: one 2 hour lecture and one 2 hour tutorial per week, fieldwork Prerequisites: 24 credit points of Intermediate units of study including 6 credit points of Intermediate Geoscience (GEOG or GEOS) units of study Prohibitions: GEOS3918 Assessment: One 2 hour exam, one 1500 word essay, one group project (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Agr Ec, B Env Sys, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Environmental), B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study aims to decipher the multi-faceted nature of river management by examining how rivers function, from both natural science and social science perspectives. The physical condition of rivers is assessed by considering issues such as catchment hydrology, water quality, the structure and role of riparian vegetation and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. This information is then combined to examine the science underpinning river rehabilitation projects and environmental assessment of river basin development. The ability to rehabilitate rivers and their management for social and economic goals is also controlled by a range of social and political factors. Therefore, water resource policies and institutions, both within Australia and globally, are also examined in terms of their influences on fluvial systems.
ENVI3111 Environmental Law and Ethics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Leta Webb Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 2 hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Science or Agriculture units. Prohibitions: ENVI3001, ENVI3003 Assumed knowledge: Intermediate Environmental Science. Assessment: Essays, tutorial papers (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B An Vet Bio Sc, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc (Environmental), B Sc (Marine Science), B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study covers topics in environmental law and ethics. The environmental law component provides an overview of laws in Australia pertaining to environmental matters and looks at a number of environmental issues at the various levels of analysis, policy making, implementation of policy, enforcement, and dispute resolution. It also provides a broad background to the political and economical issues as they relate to the legal issues involved. It also examines international environmental law, particularly examining how these influence and affect our local policies. The ethics component helps students develop thoughtful and informed positions on issues in environmental ethics using arguments derived from traditional ethics as well as environmentally specific theories. Ethical conflicts are often inevitable and difficult to resolve but using the resources of philosophical ethics and regular reference to case studies, students can learn to recognize the values and considerations at stake in such conflicts, acknowledge differing viewpoints and defend their own well considered positions.
ENVI3112 Environmental Assessment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Dee Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 2 hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Science or Agriculture units. Prohibitions: ENVI3002, ENVI3004 Assumed knowledge: Intermediate Environmental Science. Assessment: Essays, tutorial papers, report (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B An Vet Bio Sc, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc (Environmental), B Sc (Marine Science), B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study is composed of two components: environmental impact assessment and risk assessment. The former is generally concerned with issues related to environmental impact assessment and builds toward the process of producing an EIS/EIA. More specifically it seeks to establish a critical understanding of the theory and practice of environmental impact studies/statements (EIS) and environmental impact assessment processes (EIA) from both the positive (scientific) and normative (value) perspectives. Emphasis is placed on gaining skills in writing and producing an assessment report, which contains logically ordered and tightly structured argumentation that can stand rigorous scrutiny by political processes, the judiciary, the public and the media. The risk assessment component considers a more chemical approach to the assessment of risk and issues of safety with respect to chemicals, ecotoxicology and the environment. It draws on current environmental management practice to investigate what constitutes risk and to demonstrate how risk may be managed.
Plant Science
PLNT3003 Systematics and Evolution of Plants

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Murray Henwood Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x3 hr practical/week, 2-day field-trip during semester. Prerequisites: 6 credit points of any Intermediate unit of study from BIOL, PLNT, LWSC, HORT, GEOS, GEOG, ENVI, SOIL. Prohibitions: PLNT3903 Assessment: 1x2 hr take-home exam (45%), oral presentation (5%), nomenclature exercise (15%), research project (35%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Adv), M B, B S, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study introduces students to the practical aspects of Plant Systematics and Evolution. Students will gain a working knowledge of the general techniques and approaches used in Plant Systematics (including an understanding of plant taxonomy, phylogenetics and evolutionary processes). A range of data sources (nucleotide sequences and morphology) will be used to address questions concerning the evolution, classification and historical biogeography of various plant groups. A two-day field trip will provide tuition in plant identification and an opportunity to acquire skills in field-botany . This unit of study is recommended for students with an interest in the areas of: botany, plant science, horticulture, fungal biology (including plant pathology), environmental science, bioinformatics and ecology. It is often combined with units of study offered through the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Textbooks
Jud, WS, Campbell, CS, Kellog, EA, Stevens, PF and Donohuge, MJ. 2002. Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach.
PLNT3001 Plant, Cell and Environment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charles Warren and Dr Brian Jones Session: Semester 2 Classes: Workshops and discussions 2 hr/wk; laboratories: alternate weeks 30 hr total (6 pracs; 5 hr each) Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, Plant Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics or equivalent Prohibitions: PLNT3901 Assessment: One 2hr exam (30%), 2 reports (30%), two essays (30%) one group presentation (10%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Agr Ec, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc (Environmental), B Sc (Marine Science), B Sc (Molecular Biotechnology), B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study of comprises lectures/workshops and practical sessions that will explore how plants and ecosystems function. Classes will examine the central role of plants in the function of terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. global and ecosystem cycles of carbon and nutrients). Plants shape how ecosystems function, and at the same time the environment affects how plants function. Hence, we will also examine the mechanisms plants employ to adapt and acclimate to their (often stressful) environment. Adaptation and acclimation of plants to their environment will be examined at molecular through to whole plant scales. You will need to draw on knowledge from intermediate units of study and explore the published literature to successfully integrate information from areas unfamiliar to yourself. The purpose of this Unit of Study is to develop an understanding of current directions in Plant Science at an advanced level. When you have successfully completed this unit of study, you should be able to: be familiar with modern approaches of physiology, biophysics and molecular biology in the study of plant function; understand how domains of knowledge interact to describe plant function; understand how plants function in stressful environments; carryout a small research project; draft a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Textbooks
Students will be drawing on the current research literature for content.
or
PLNT3901 Plant, Cell and Environment (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charles Warren and Dr Brian Jones Session: Semester 2 Classes: Workshops and discussions 2 hr/wk; laboratories: alternate weeks 30 hr total (6 pracs; 5 hr each) Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, Plant Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics or equivalent with average grade of distinction Prohibitions: PLNT3001 Assessment: One 2hr exam (30%), 2 two essays (30%), one advance student project report (30%), one individual oral presentation (10%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Agr Ec, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc (Environmental), B Sc (Marine Science), B Sc (Molecular Biotechnology), B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit of study of comprises lectures/workshops and practical sessions that will explore how plants and ecosystems function. Classes will examine the central role of plants in the function of terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. global and ecosystem cycles of carbon and nutrients). Plants shape how ecosystems function, and at the same time the environment affects how plants function. Hence, we will also examine the mechanisms plants employ to adapt and acclimate to their (often stressful) environment. Adaptation and acclimation of plants to their environment will be examined at molecular through to whole plant scales. You will need to draw on knowledge from intermediate units of study and explore the published literature to successfully integrate information from areas unfamiliar to yourself. The purpose of this Unit of Study is to develop an understanding of current directions in Plant Science at an advanced level. When you have successfully completed this unit of study, you should be able to: be familiar with modern approaches of physiology, biophysics and molecular biology in the study of plant function; understand how domains of knowledge interact to describe plant function; understand how plants function in stressful environments; carryout a small research project; draft a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Textbooks
Students will be drawing on the current research literature for content.
PLNT3002 Plant Growth and Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jan Marc (Executive Officer), Prof Robyn Overall, Prof David Guest, Dr Brian Jones Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-3 lec per wk, one 4 hr practical (6 weeks only), one 3 hr presentation of research project in week 13 Prerequisites: 12 credit points of intermediate PLNT, BIOL, AGCH or CROP units of study including at least one of PLNT2001, PLNT2901, PLNT2003, PLNT2903, BIOL2016, BIOL2916, BIOL2003, BIOL2903, BIOL2006, BIOL2906, CROP2001, AGCH2002 or equivalent Prohibitions: PLNT3902, BIOL3021, BIOL3931 Assessment: One 2 hr exam (60%), project presentation and report (20%), laboratory quizzes, report and book (20%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit explores the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development from seed to maturity. It covers the process of building the plant body from embryogenesis, development and operation of meristems, polarity, patterning, controls of flowering and fruit development to programmed cell death and senescence. It includes the role of signals such as plant hormones in coordinating plant growth and development and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental signals such as gravity and light. There is a focus on recent plant molecular biology that has been critical in enhancing our current understanding of plant growth and development. The unit uses examples from crop, horticultural and native plants as well as the model plant Arabidopsis. Lectures are augmented by experimental work, including and independent research project. The laboratory work will include plant tissue culture, protoplast production and modern cell biological techniques used to study plant development. This unit of study complements other senior units of study in the Plant Science Major and is essential for those seeking a career in plant molecular biology.
Textbooks
Taiz L, Zeiger E (2006) Plant Physiology 4th ed. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts

Table C

Agricultural Chemistry
AFNR5107 Principles of Biochemical Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rosalind Deaker (Coordinator), Prof Les Copeland, Dr Meredith Wilkes Session: Semester 1 Classes: 22 hrs of lectures and 32 hrs of laboratory during the semester Prohibitions: AGCH4007 Assessment: Assessment may include attendance and participation in lectures, quizzes, reports and problem based learning. Each module will comprise 25% of the final assessment mark and satisfactory progress in all modules is required from the successful completion of this unit. (4x25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Sc Agr, Grad Cert Agr, Grad Dip App Sc (M B T), M Agr, PG Coursework Exchange.
This unit of study is designed to expose students to the principles and practice of a diverse range of analytical methods used in agricultural and environmental science. The unit of study will be presented in four modules including: materials and sampling techniques; separation techniques (chromatographic and electrophoretic); instrumentation and measurement techniques (spectral, enzymic and imaging); and microbiological and molecular biology techniques. Each module will be a combination of lectures and practical classes that will analyse common agricultural or biochemical commodities to illustrate the practical aspects of the theory. Students will also gain skills in data analysis relevant to the respective techniques.
At the completion of these modules, students will be familiar with the operation of a number of laboratory instruments, the theory that underpins their operation, be confident in the analysis of data, and be able to choose the most appropriate sampling strategy and analytical technique to perform high quality research.
Agronomy
AGRO4003 Crop and Pasture Agronomy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Tan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 4x4-h lectures/weeks 1,2,9,10; 2x2h lectures 3,4,7,8, 1x full day field practical in week 11 (subject to weather); Field excursions: week 0 and 6 (subject to weather) Prerequisites: AGRO3004 Assessment: 1x2h exam (45%) and 2x reports on excursions (2x18.5%) and 2000wd field report (18%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit examines agronomy as the discipline that underpins agricultural production. As a case study, the cotton industry is examined in detail to understand the end-user and social demands on agricultural production, the technical issues that challenge the farmer and the diversity of other specialist information from relevant disciplines such as entomology, pathology and soil science that must be integrated into the farming system. Likewise the rice and/or pastoral industries provide a contrasting farming system as another case study. The unit includes a one-week excursion to cotton growing areas in northern NSW and Qld, specialist intensive instruction provided by the Cotton CRC and a series of workshops, tutorials that provides analysis and synthesis of the major farming systems in this industry. Pasture production is also considered in the context of farming systems.
AGRO4004 Sustainable Farming Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Jeff Amthor, Dr Daniel Tan Session: Semester 1 Classes: Negotiated practicals and workshops (63h) Prerequisites: AGRO3004 Assessment: Written report on the field/glasshouse experiment(s) (50%), oral debates/discussions on sustainable systems (25%), essay on sustainable agriculture (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit is designed to provide students with training in the professional skills required to practice agronomy. The unit principally builds on theoretical and applied knowledge gained in second year plant physiology (PLNT2003) and third year agronomy (AGRO3004). In this unit students will integrate their knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, experimental design, and biometry to address applied problems in agronomy, namely the issue of sustainability. Students will develop their ability to establish conclusions towards making recommendations for long term sustainability of crop and pasture systems. By implementing and managing a major field and/or glasshouse experiment(s) students will develop their research and inquiry skills. Team work is strongly encouraged in this unit and the integration and reporting of research findings will facilitate critical thinking and development of written communication skills. After completing this unit, students should be able to confidently design and manage a glasshouse/field experiment, and interpret and communicate their findings, by integrating knowledge from across disciplinary boundaries.
Ecology
PLNT3003 Systematics and Evolution of Plants

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Murray Henwood Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x3 hr practical/week, 2-day field-trip during semester. Prerequisites: 6 credit points of any Intermediate unit of study from BIOL, PLNT, LWSC, HORT, GEOS, GEOG, ENVI, SOIL. Prohibitions: PLNT3903 Assessment: 1x2 hr take-home exam (45%), oral presentation (5%), nomenclature exercise (15%), research project (35%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Adv), M B, B S, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit of study introduces students to the practical aspects of Plant Systematics and Evolution. Students will gain a working knowledge of the general techniques and approaches used in Plant Systematics (including an understanding of plant taxonomy, phylogenetics and evolutionary processes). A range of data sources (nucleotide sequences and morphology) will be used to address questions concerning the evolution, classification and historical biogeography of various plant groups. A two-day field trip will provide tuition in plant identification and an opportunity to acquire skills in field-botany . This unit of study is recommended for students with an interest in the areas of: botany, plant science, horticulture, fungal biology (including plant pathology), environmental science, bioinformatics and ecology. It is often combined with units of study offered through the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Textbooks
Jud, WS, Campbell, CS, Kellog, EA, Stevens, PF and Donohuge, MJ. 2002. Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach.
BIOL3009 Terrestrial Field Ecology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr G Wardle Session: Int August Classes: Note: 1x6 day field trip held in the pre-semester break and 4x4 hr practical classes during weeks 1-4 in Semester 2. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology or (ANSC2004 and (BIOM2001 or ENVX2001). Prohibitions: BIOL3909 Assumed knowledge: BIOL (3006 or 3906). Prior completion of one of these units is very strongly recommended. Assessment: Discussions and quiz (10%), research project proposal and brief presentation (10%), sampling project report (20%), specimen collection (10%), research project report (50%). Mode of delivery: Block Mode Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B An Vet Bio Sc, B Env Sys, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Environmental), B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
Note: One 6 day field trip held in the pre-semester break (22- 27 July 2012), and 4x4 hr practical classes during weeks 1-4 in Semester 2.
This field course provides practical experience in terrestrial ecology suited to a broad range of careers in ecology, environmental consulting and wildlife management. Students learn a broad range of ecological sampling techniques and develop a detailed understanding of the logical requirements necessary for manipulative ecological field experiments. The field work incorporates survey techniques for plants, small mammals and invertebrates and thus provides a good background for ecological consulting work. Students attend a week-long field course and participate in a large-scale research project as well as conducting their own research project. Invited experts contribute to the lectures and discussions on issues relating to the ecology, conservation and management of Australia's terrestrial flora and fauna.
GIS
ENVX4001 GIS, Remote Sensing and Land Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Inakwu Odeh Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/week weeks 1-6, 1x1 project weeks 7-11, 1x1-½ hour presentation scheduled for weeks 12 and 13, 1x3-hr practical weeks 1-6 Assumed knowledge: Recommended units include GEOS2111/GEOS2911 (Natural Hazards: a GIS approach), ENVX3001 (Environmental GIS), SOIL3004 (The Soil Resource), GEOS3014/GEOS3914 (GIS in Coastal Management) Assessment: 1x 20 min presentation (10%), laboratory work reports (30%), Group assignment (10%), 1x 3000w project report (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Consent of the unit coordinator required.
This unit of study is aimed at advanced techniques in Remote Sensing (RS), linked with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as applied to land management problems. The unit consists of three separate but overlapping parts: 1) a short theoretical part which focuses on the concepts of RS; 2) a practical part which aims at developing hands-on skills in using RS and GIS tools, and 3) an application-focused module in which students will learn the skills of how to design a land management project and actualise it using integrated GIS and RS techniques. At the completion of this unit students will have grasp the theories and concepts of GIS and acquired research skills in the application of advanced remote sensing and GIS algorithms to provide evidence-based solutions to natural resource management and environmental problems. Communication skills and critical thinking for solving land resources problems are encouraged through class discussions, group work and tutorial presentations.
Textbooks
van Dijk, A. and Bos, M.G. 2001. GIS and remote sensing techniques in land- and water-management. Kluwer Academic Publisher, Dordrecht.
Resource Economics
RSEC4131 Benefit-Cost Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Michael Harris Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2 lhr ecture/wk commencing week 1 & 1x1 hr tut/wk, commencing week 2. Prerequisites: (ECON2001 or ECOS2001) and (AGEC2103 or AGEC2003) Prohibitions: AGEC4037 Assessment: 1 x oral presentation (5%), 1 x written group-work essay (20%), 1 x 1hr mid-semester exam (25%), 1 x 2hr final examination (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B Com, B Ec, B Ec Soc Sc, B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B Int S, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit provides a detailed treatment of benefit-cost analysis and its use in public sector decision making and project evaluation. The underpinning concepts in welfare economics are analysed in detail, such as economic efficiency, criteria for assessing social welfare improvements, and economic surplus measures. Procedures of undertaking a benefit-cost analysis are presented, and tools of non-market valuation for environmental assets are covered in detail. These techniques include both stated and revealed preference techniques, including contingent valuation, choice modeling, hedonic pricing and travel cost methods.
RSEC4132 Environmental Economics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tihomir Ancev Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week commencing week 1, 1x1-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prerequisites: ECON2001 or ECOS2001 or AGEC2103 or AGEC2003 Prohibitions: ECON3013, AGEC4035 Assumed knowledge: (ECON2001 or ECOS2001), (ECON2002 or ECOS2002), AGEC3001, AGEC2101, AGEC2105 Assessment: 1xreport and presentation from the practical experience in environmental economics (20%), 1x1hr mid-term exam (30%), and 1x2hr final exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Agr Ec, B Com, B Ec, B Ec Soc Sc, B Hort Sc, B Int S, B L W Sc, B Res Ec, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
The unit provides theoretical and empirical background necessary for a resource economist to be able to successfully function when faced with various environmental problems. The unit investigates economic aspects of a range of environmental issues. The studied concepts are exemplified with environmental problems related to agriculture (soil salinity, algal blooms, overgrazing etc.) as well as with environmental problems typical to Australia. The guiding economic themes are: competing uses of the environment / externalities, market failure, the importance of property rights, optimal allocation of pollution abatement, and the processes for making choices relating to non-market goods. Some social issues with environmental impacts are studied through exploration of the problems of population size and distribution, economic growth, and environmental regulation.
Textbooks
Perman, R., Y. Ma, J. McGilvray and M. Common. Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. Pearson, 3rd Ed. 2003
Soil Science
PPAT4005 Soil Biology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof David Guest Session: Semester 1 Classes: (2 tut, 3 hrs prac)/wk Prerequisites: MICR2024 or 6cp intermediate microbiology Assessment: Tutorial papers (30%), project proposal (10%), project report (50%), peer review (10%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit investigates the diversity of organisms living in the soil, their biology, interactions and ecology, and their roles in maintaining and improving soil function. The unit is an elective for BScAgr, BHortSc and BSc students. It builds on the material introduced in MICR2024, PPAT3003 and BIOL3017. Undertaking this unit will develop skills in monitoring soil microbes, designing, conducting and analysing experiments. At the completion of this unit, students will be able to exercise problem-solving skills (developed through practical experiments, projects and tutorial discussions), think critically, and organise knowledge (from consideration of the lecture material and preparation of project reports), and expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations (through observing and reporting on project work). Students will consolidate their teamworking skills, develop self-directed study skills and plan effective work schedules, use statistical analysis in research, keep appropriate records of laboratory research, work safely in a research laboratory and operate a range of scientific equipment. Students will gain research and inquiry skills through group research projects, information literacy and communication skills through assessment tasks and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups.
Textbooks
Sylvia et al. 2005. Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology 2nd ed. Pearson.
SOIL3010 The Soil at Work

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Alex McBratney (coordinator) A/Prof Balwant Singh, A/Prof. Stephen Cattle (facilitators) plus research-only academics Session: Semester 2 Classes: Problem-based unit: each student completes 2 problems; 4 x 3 hr workshops per problem (each student attends 8 workshops in total) Prerequisites: SOIL2003 or SOIL2004 Assessment: For each of two scenarios: Statement of the problem report (2x12.5%) - shared info, but two team reports; How to tackle problem seminar (2x12.5%) - team seminars, before fieldwork, analyses done; Results seminar (2x12.5%) - team seminars; Final report (2x12.5%) - individual work. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: B Env Sys, B Hort Sc, B L W Sc, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc Agr, UG Study Abroad Program.
This is a problem-based applied soil science unit. It is designed to allow students to identify soil-related problems in the real-world and by working in a group and with an end-user to suggest short and long-term solutions to such problems. This is a core unit for students majoring or specializing in soil science and an elective unit for those wishing to gain an understanding of environmental problem-solving. It utilises and reinforces soil-science knowledge gained in SOIL2003 and/or SOIL2004 and problem-solving skills gained during the degree program. This unit will address real-world scenarios which involve soil-related problems such as carbon management, structural decline, acidification, salinisation and contamination. Students will gain some understanding of the concept of sustainability, and will be able to identify the causes of problems by reference to the literature, discussion with landusers and by the design and execution of key experiments and surveys. They will gain a focused knowledge of the key soil drivers to environmental problems and will have some understanding on the constraints surrounding potential solutions. By designing and administering strategies to tackle real-world soil issues students will develop their research and inquiry skills and enhance their intellectual autonomy. By producing reports and seminars that enables understanding by an end-user students will improve the breadth of their communication skills.
Textbooks
I.W.Heathcote 1997. Environmental Problem Solving: A Case Study Approach. McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, USA.