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Bachelor of Applied Science (Plants)
- Duration: 3 years full-time (or equivalent part-time)
- Location: Gatton campus, Lockyer Valley
- Delivery mode: This program is generally available both internally and externally
- Entry requirements: Standard Qld Year 12 plus English
- QTAC code: 780 169
- 2007 entry score: OP 17, Rank 63
- Honours: Available as an extra year of study
What is Plant Production?
Plant Production deals with the development of sustainable agricultural systems to improve crop productivity and lifestyle (in the case of lifestyle horticulture). Plant Production seeks to create conditions for enhanced food security and general economic development, while conserving the natural environment.
Plant Production incorporates the study of both Agronomy and Horticulture. Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science that deals crops and soils. Agronomists work with a wide variety of crops, usually consulting to farmers to help improve the growth and quality of the crops which they are growing, agronomists also look at soil management and best-practice use of pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and other crop treatments.
Horticulture involves five areas of study. These areas are floriculture (includes production and marketing of floral crops), landscape horticulture (includes production, marketing and maintenance of landscape plants), horticulture (includes
production and marketing of vegetables), pomology (includes production and marketing of fruits), and postharvest physiology (involves maintaining quality and preventing spoilage of horticultural crops).
Careers in Plant Production
Plant Science is a technological and fast moving career option. Due to significant skill shortages in these areas at the moment UQ graduates are in high demand across the agricultural and horticultural industries. Career opportunities include agronomy positions in Government and industry, Crop Nutritionist, Crop Modeller, Plant Scientist, Crop Physiologist, Plant Breeder, Plant Pathologist and Entomologist.
Horticultural positions include Fruit and Vegetable Production, Nursery Plant Production, Turf Production and Maintenance, Floriculture, Landscaping and Sports Ground Construction and Maintenance, Plant Protection, Extension and Consultancy Services, Business Management, Banking, Finance and Insurance, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing, Teaching (on completion of a Graduate Diploma in Education).
Program outline
Australia is one of the world’s biggest exporters of cotton and grain, with markets in more than 40 countries around the world. Pastures and forage crops are also major contributors to the success of the country’s livestock industries.
As major industries cotton and grain are also major employers. This extended major is designed for students seeking a career in these industries, whether you want to work in production, marketing or with service businesses.
You will learn about the development and application of technology to manage irrigated and dry land broadacre crops, mixed farms and the extensive rangelands occupying the majority of the Australian continent. You will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a career in farm management, plant protection, research and development or production.
You will also study the development of new technologies needed to manage the growing, post-harvest management and marketing of horticultural crops. Graduates possess the knowledge to improve the environmental aspects of areas in which we live through the use and management of horticultural plants and landscaping.
Program highlights
The opportunity to specialise in crop based industries, Industrial Placement (12 weeks full time interaction with industry/ government in the third year).
Dual program opportunities
Dual programs enable you to study two complete programs at the same time, significantly reducing the time it would take to complete two programs one after the other. Dual programs available for the Bachelor of Applied Science include:
- Bachelor of Agribusiness/Applied Science – Gatton.
Students wishing to enter teaching should complete their Bachelor program, then enrol in a Graduate Diploma of Education (1 year full-time).
Professional memberships
- Depending on the major completed, graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science may be eligible for membership of:
- The Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology
- The Australian Rangeland Society
- The Australian Society for Horticultural Science, and
- The Australian Institute of Horticulture.
Further information: