Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The focus of this unit is on grazing systems that produce healthy animals and high quality products using the principles of clean, green and ethical animal production. Topics include the efficiency of feed utilisation, matching feed supply to animal needs to improve reproductive efficiency, benefits of plant diversity and how grazing behaviour and learned responses of animals can be used to manage diversity. There is a focus on the ability of grazing systems to be profitable but also contribute to healthy landscapes through the use of novel plants to improve water use, nutrient flows and soil erosion, and animal health through the provision of shade, shelter, control of gastrointestinal nematodes and reduced methane production for livestock. The unit consists of three blocks of two-day sessions (including a field trip to the UWA Future Farm at Pingelly). This unit is essential for all students interested in a career in agricultural science, meeting the challenge of developing profitable production systems and managing risk in the face of increased climate variability. It is also relevant for students with an interest in natural resource management.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand how soils, water, animals, plants and livestock interact in a grazing system; (2) know how grazing systems can be managed to improve livestock production in an environmentally sustainable way; (3) gain experience with identifying components of a grazing system in the field; (4) write a consultancy report; (5) present an oral presentation to the class; and (6) demonstrate critical thinking at a farming systems scale.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) field trip attendance; (2) consultancy report; and (3) oral presentation on report. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Philip Vercoe
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or HON-AGSCI Agricultural Science
Contact hours
total workload: 150 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.