Accounting 1A introduces students to the fundamentals of accounting and the double entry system of financial recording. Students examine the assumptions underlying the preparation of financial statements for external users and gain the skills necessary to prepare, interpret and analyse financial statements. In doing so students develop their ability to understand, discuss, analyse and write about accounting-related topics. This unit is designed as an introduction to accounting. As such, no prior knowledge of accounting is assumed.

Accounting is about the recording, classification, reporting and interpretation of information to help make economic decisions. Accounting 1A introduces accounting and the double entry system for financial recording. Accounting 1B develops themes and competencies learnt in Accounting 1A. The primary focus of this unit of study is on conceptual and technical issues relating to management accounting and the information required by internal users to make strategic and operational decisions relating to managing a business. A second theme is the financial accounting information businesses are required to produce to assess a firm's financial state and performance. Students examine how commercial and ethical issues affect business decisions and how there are present and future consequences that will affect different groups of interest.

ACCT1003 Financial Accounting Concepts provides an introduction to how publicly available financial information is generated and communicated in order to facilitate economic decision-making. The unit is designed for students who are not majoring in accounting. It utilises a transaction-effect approach to the preparation of financial statements and emphasises the effect of choices in accounting methods on the financial statements and, thus, on decision-making.

This unit is designed to explain how managers use accounting information, with an emphasis on identifying relevant accounting information for decision-making. Topics include: estimating cost functions, relevant costing, cost allocation, budgeting, short and long term decision making and managing within a changing environment.

This unit canvasses the fundamentals of accounting - the language of business. It is directed to providing a broad understanding of the role of accounting in business and society. It seeks to develop an understanding of the economic-cum-financial and social repercussions of accounting, as well as a brief inculcation of the technical skills in manipulating numerical abstractions. It is accounting in an action setting designed to show that there are many uses of accounting data. Uses by numerous types of investors (individuals, institutional shareholders, creditors), employees, the government and others are considered. Starting from an accountability focus, it moves to a decision making focus - both functions are explained through recourse to the double entry equation, augmented by primarily an output (financial statements) perspective, accounting is demonstrated to be related to many decisions. There are many organisational forms that are considered - sole traders, partnerships, corporations, other types of corporate joint ventures and associations – and the unit considers accounting from both the private and public sector perspectives. Accounting is shown to provide necessary information to allow varied interests to make informed decisions. Those decisions can be considered as being both internal and external to the firm. This unit demonstrates how accounting influences the way societal elements interact and government taxes are levied. Some more technical aspects of the elements of accounting are outlined - within the accounting equation, the elements of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are examined - within simple, familiar settings. Differing sectors private (listed entities primarily) and public (non-listed entities) are shown to be equally dependent on accounting. As well as the conventional financial reports - balance sheet, profit and loss, cash flow statements - students are exposed to the more recent statements such environmental and corporate social responsibility reports. Accounting issues are also explored within a governance framework.

Accounting and Financial Management is an introduction to financial reporting, and the gateway unit to further study in accounting and to a major in accounting. This unit builds upon the accounting context, presented in ACCT1005 Accounting, Business and Society, with the aim of developing the technical skills of recording basic business transactions through accounting systems. In addition to this technical focus, specific attention will be given to the way in which the accounting information can be used to undertake financial management and analysis, to give students the ability to produce and interpret financial reports.

This unit allows students to discuss Australian rural production and the Australian environment, their interrelation, the issues agriculture and the environment face for the future and the context in which this takes place. It is a core unit for students in BScAgr and BAnVetBioSc and is the main introductory unit for further studies in the Faculty. For studies in the area of Agriculture and Natural Resources, it is important to be able to identify and describe common domestic animals, crops and weeds, broad acre production systems, key environmental issues and to be able to discuss their significance. Students completing this unit of study will be able to relate the Australian environment to opportunities and limitations for agronomy, animal husbandry and native animal and plant species, partly through problem based learning (PBL) in relation to a topical rural issue. In addition students will practice the identification of economic plant species and explore the ecology of pests and weeds and related integrated management practices. Through the problem based activities, students will learn valuable research skills and how to critically assess sources of information through library and database research. Through the production of reports and essays, students can demonstrate academic writing and recognise the importance of academic honesty.

This unit allows the students to discover how climate influences the biophysical and biotic environment and how this affects rural production, native and domestic animals, crops and pastures, native vegetation and pest populations; it also highlights the importance of physics in solving problems in relation to climate and rural production. It is a core unit for students in BScAgr and BAnVetBioSc, builds on knowledge gained in AFNR1001 and lays the basis for studies in the biophysical area of the Faculty. For studies in the area of Agriculture and Natural Resources, it is important to develop knowledge and quantitative skills in the basic physical principles and the main drivers for climate and climate change in an agricultural context. Students completing this unit of study will be able to reflect on the ecosystem interactions between animals, plants and the biophysical environment. In addition, students will experiment with how changes in climate and spatial climate variability can affect animal and pest populations, vegetation densities and cropping patterns and its relation to management decisions. Using problem based activities, students will learn valuable research skills and to critically assess sources of information through library and database research. Students will demonstrate academic writing by producing reports and essays and recognise the importance of academic honesty.

This unit provides students with a direct contact with the agricultural reality of a developing country through a fieldtrip. Active learning in the field through contacts with farmers, public servants, cooperatives, private firms and NGOs should then motivate a critical reflection on the constraints to agricultural development in these environments.
The fieldtrip will be organized around central themes (for example, technology adoption, sustainable use of resources, access to credit, land use change) that will be introduced in a short series of seminars (held on main campus ahead of the departure and intended to provide a first introduction to some of the questions that are expected to be addressed in the field) and will constitute the focus of group work once back to main campus.
Although there are no formal prerequisites, the unit is directed to students that have completed most of the second year units in their degrees.
N.B. Department permission required for enrolment. Please note that, in practice, this unit will run during Session 6 and all classes and fieldtrip will be scheduled for the weeks prior to the commencement of Semester 1.

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

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.

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.

This unit of study aims to give students an understanding of the properties of food constituents, and the interactions between these constituents during food processing, storage and digestion. The unit will develop an understanding of the relationship between form and functionality of constituents and the concept of fitness-for-purpose (ie, quality) in converting agricultural products into foods. Students will gain an appreciation of the relationship between chemical composition and properties of macroconstituents (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) and microconstituents (vitamins, minerals, flavour and antinutritional chemicals) and their functions in plant and animal based foods. The material presented in lectures and practical classes will enable students to develop research and inquiry skills and an analytical approach in understanding the biochemistry of foods, food processing and storage. On completing this unit, students will be able to describe the chemical and biochemical properties of major food constituents, and demonstrate an understanding of the functionality of these constituents in food processing and nutrition. Students will have gained experience in laboratory techniques used in industry for the analysis of some food products, and information literacy and communication skills from the preparation of practical reports.

This unit aims to give students an understanding of the chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology of analytical and diagnostic methods and manufacturing processes used in the conversion of raw products into foods. Knowledge of food constituents gained in AGCH3025 will be applied to develop an understanding of: the use of enzymes in food processing and diagnostic technologies; processing of cereal, legume and oilseed grains, and livestock products, into foods; doughs and baking technologies; the evaluation of foods and food quality. Emphasis is placed on current issues faced by the food industry (including GM technology, organic production, and food safety) through a series of special guest lectures from people connected with the food industry. On completing this unit, students will have gained an enhanced understanding of food production and manufacturing systems, the processing of raw ingredients into food products, and food analysis and evaluation. Students will have gained experience in laboratory techniques used in industry for the analysis of some food products, and information literacy and communication skills from the preparation of a case study and practical reports.

This field-oriented unit will develop professional expertise in rural ecochemistry, measuring impacts on sustainability and seeking solutions to chemical problems at the catchment scale. AGCH3032 is an elective unit suitable for the BSc, BScAgr, BLWSc, BHortSc, BResEc and BAnVetBioSc degrees, building on intermediate units in chemistry or biochemistry. It will promote knowledge and professional skills related to key chemical processes in ecosystems causing risks to soil and water resources, the quality of agricultural produce and to ecological biodiversity. These will be examined by quantitative risk analysis, targeted monitoring and remediation, seeking innovative solutions (e.g. IPM and genetic modification).
A field trip in the AVCC break and professional report on a chosen topic will investigate relevant case studies at selected centres in eastern Australian doing innovative research on global warming and climate change, soil and water quality and environmental protection. Lectures will provide knowledge in the environmental C, N and S cycles important for sustaining action in ecosystems, the nature of greenhouse gases and mitigation of their production including C sequestration, risks to biota (soil, water, plants, animals) from acidification and innovative means of remediation, environmental risk from pesticides and other pollutants, monitoring and their remediation. In laboratory exercises, students will gain skills in relevant analyses using GC, LC, mass spectrometry and ELISA. The assessment procedures are designed to provide students with skills in definition of research problems and risk assessment, quality in analyses, risk management and remediation, and effective communication of outputs.

Can we effectively harness the potential of plant-growth promoting microorganisms to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and enhance sustainable agricultural crop production? This unit of study is designed to introduce students to important interactions between plants and microorganisms that are fundamental to nutrient cycling, nutrient-use efficiency and sustainability of resources and the environment. Disciplinary areas of study include agricultural chemistry, microbiology, plant physiology and molecular biology and will build on theoretical knowledge gained in MICR2042 and PLNT2001. There is a particular focus on beneficial plant-growth promoting microorganisms that are increasingly exploited as crop inoculants to improve soil health and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. This unit explores current research on beneficial plant-microbe interactions and provides a theoretical framework with which to evaluate their positive contribution to plant cultivation systems and the environment. An intensive three and a half day technical workshop in the week before semester commences will allow students to refresh sampling, plant analysis and general microbiology skills. Material obtained during the workshop will be analysed during semester and results will be related to the relative efficacy of experimental treatments. Mechanisms of plant-growth promotion studied will include biological nitrogen fixation, nutrient (P, S, Fe) mobilization, phytohormone production and biocontrol. The unit intends to highlight the necessarily close connection between science and industry in order to realize the full potential of benefits from inoculation. In this regard, issues relating to inoculant production, quality control and application will be explored. Students will interact with inoculant industry personnel and some opportunities for work experience will be available. The unit will provide students with technical skills of value to the microbial inoculant and related industries as well as developing relevant research skills to enable participation in the rapidly evolving program of research on microbial inoculants.

This unit of study is designed to expose students to the principles and technology associated with modern analytical instrumentation. This unit plays an important role for students undertaking complementary studies in analytical food or environmental chemistry. Students are given the theoretical principles behind the instrumentation and wherever possible given hands-on training in the use of that instrumentation. At the conclusion of this unit, students should be able to develop software analysis protocols for several analytical instruments, carry out analytical procedures, and perform basic fault-finding diagnostics. Students will be able to confidently assert that they have had experience in certain types of analytical procedures and operations using a range of analytical instrumentation.

To give students an overview of the structure, viability and importance of the agricultural sector in the Australian economy. It is a core unit of study in the BScAgr, BHortSc and BAnVetBioSc degrees. It is designed to give an understanding of the basic economic principles and how they relate to Australian agriculture. Students will look at basic economic theory and concepts and then apply these concepts to solve simplified versions of real problems faced by the agriculture and resource sectors. Students will look at the relationship between these concepts and the concepts learnt within their science related courses. Students will be able to analyse economic concepts and apply these concepts to real world scenarios. They will be able to synthesis and comprehend the relationship between the economic and science disciplines. The students will gain skills through workshop based tasks, information literacy and communication skills through the presentation of the workshop reports and discussion throughout the workshop.

An introductory unit of study which serves as a foundation for later units in agricultural economics, and introduces some of the basic economic principles required in the discipline of agricultural and resource economics. Topics covered include the agricultural and resource industries in the Australian and world economies; changing place of agriculture in world economies; place of agriculture in economic development; economic and physical factors determining the location of agricultural and resources industries; the changing structure of the Australian agricultural and resource sectors; the physical and biological environment in which farm firms operate; issues in natural resources.

The unit uses class experiments and discussion of academic papers to build intuition about the behavioral principles underlying the functioning of markets and their importance. Through the discussion of an online problem, these principles are applied to a policy question in the agricultural sector. Several exercises develop the necessary skills in the use of mathematics.

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

This unit of study is designed to provide an introductory understanding of agribusiness marketing in a modern context. The unit will provide students in the Sciences degrees with an understanding of how the economic theory taught in first year in AGEC1006 can be treated in an applied context. For BAgrEc students, it is an intermediate level unit in the Agribusiness major.
Students will study the theory relating to the firm-level marketing mix and marketing strategy. The emphasis will be on the organisation and trends of agribusiness marketing including value-adding and market power in the supply chain, market efficiency and international marketing by agribusiness firms.
The unit content is analytical, and draws on applied microeconomics to demonstrate how marketing decisions are made along the marketing chain. At the end of this unit students will be able to use marketing theory to analyse the steps in the marketing chain and be aware of the forces for change within that chain.
By completing this unit, students should have improved their ability to master key theories, identify and frame problems, organise knowledge, carry out individual and group research, and synthesise information. They should also have improved their information literacy skills, and communication skills through group presentations and individual research.

This unit builds on microeconomic principles studied in first year and applies them to the analysis of firms' decisions. Emphasis is put on the formalization of the firm's problem and in the use of duality. The topics include: production functions (single and multi-output); distance functions and their use in the measurement of productivity; the decomposition of productivity and productivity changes; production under risk; cost and profit functions.
N.B. Available to 2nd year students in the Faculty of Economics and Business

Applied Econometric Modelling is designed to provide students with a sound understanding of the application of applied econometric methods to the agricultural and resource sectors. Topics covered will include: single and multiple regression, forecasting, dummy variables, violations of OLS assumptions, dynamics, binary choice models, and an introduction to cointegration. Emphasis will be placed on developing the ability to estimate and interpret economic relationships. The computing side of the unit involves the use of the statistical package EVIEWS.
This unit of study is designed to develop student understanding and capability in applied regression analysis.
It is a core unit for students in BAgrEc and BResEc, students and a non core unit for BScAgr students.
Students will become familiar with exploring data sets and estimating, interpreting, and assessing regressions that represent economic relationships.
At the end of this unit, students will be able to understand the major concepts and principles of applied regression analysis, estimate simple regressions in EVIEWS and interpret the output, and be able to read, understand, and possibly replicate recent literature in agricultural and resource economics journals that apply econometric methods.
The students will gain research and computing skills.

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.

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

This unit of study deals with constrained optimization problems in which one or more constraints are inequalities. Such problems are explored/solved by "mathematical programming" techniques. The main focus of the unit is on linear programming (LP) problems, i.e. ones in which both the objective and the constraints are linear functions, and its application in agricultural and other planning contexts. Topics include graphical and mathematical representation of LP problems, solution methods, solution information, stability of optimal solutions, primal and dual formulations and parametric programming. After covering the basics of LP, the focus shifts to modelling real world scenarios as optimization problems. Students are streamed: one group deals with specialized LP formulations (e.g. transportation model) and extensions of LP (e.g. integer programming). The other examines dynamic optimization for problems that involve inter-temporal resource allocation. Students develop experience and confidence in the use of spreadsheet-based optimizer routines, and with specialised optimization packages (e.g. LINDO).

This unit deals with the nature of research and inquiry in applied economics. Topics covered will include: alternative philosophical perspectives on inquiry; scientific method; research as an orderly process of enquiry; preparation of research proposals; secondary data sources for agricultural and resource economists; collection of primary data;; and methods of analysis of data. Topics are illustrated with examples of research in theoretical economics and empirical research. Students are expected to read widely. Development of practical research skills, including the ability to critically and statistically synthesise and interpret data will be fostered by the completion of applied computer-based workshop exercises. Information literacy skills and the ability to summarise and synthesise information and use it to inform an argument will be improved through the preparation of a literature review and a research proposal.

Performance of the agricultural and resource marketing systems, marketing margins, transportation, storage, and risk. The structure, conduct and performance of marketing firms, and government and public interest in the food system will also be addressed. Extensive reading will be required.

This unit focuses on the microeconomic analysis of development, with a special emphasis on the importance of market failures in financial markets as origin of persistent poverty. The unit also addresses policy interventions to overcome such failures and the challenges in their evaluation. A special emphasis is put in the discussion of the role of agriculture in development, and the evidence supporting its importance in poverty reduction.

In this unit of study the basic economic principles underlying international trade in agricultural and resource commodities and the policies involved will be presented. Issues related to trade and development will also be considered. The main topics covered will include: trends in agricultural and resources trade; economics and politics of protection, economic integration and impacts on international commodity trade; international trade policy making. An understanding of globalisation, including foreign direct investment, will also be required. Extensive reading will be required.

This unit focuses on applications of economic theory and methods in agribusiness decision making. It provides advanced treatment of the industrial organisation of agribusiness firms. Case studies will be used to examine the economic complexities of global agribusiness systems. Extensive readings make up the central component of the unit.

This unit deals with the specialised areas of agricultural and resource economics of particular interest to approved students. The student will read under the guidance of a member of staff and complete designated learning tasks.

This unit examines the use of mathematical methods and models in planning at both the individual firm level and the sector level. While the principal focus is on formal optimization, simulation and Monte Carlo methods are briefly discussed. Topics include non-linear programming, elements of input-output analysis, computable general equilibrium analysis, dynamic problems and methods (e.g. dynamic programming and optimal control). Sectoral level planning applications considered include transportation and plant location studies; spatial equilibrium; and resource utilization across time. Firm level applications include multi-period planning, queuing problems, inventory analysis, and replacement problems. Extensive use is made of computer-based optimization.

This unit has two related components. One component concerns risk and risk management in agriculture; the other deals with issues of agricultural producer finance. Risk topics include: risk measurement, subjective probability, adjusting beliefs as a result of new information; risk attitudes; decision making under risk; expected utility theory; valuing information; generalizations of expected utility theory; E-V analysis; stochastic dominance; internal measures to cope with risk including diversification and flexibility; insurance, futures, options and other market instruments for managing risk. Finance topics include the implications of capital market imperfections and consequential differences between corporate and small business finance; financial relationships between debt/equity levels and risk, optimal debt levels; cost of capital; short term working capital management; and longer term capital (investment) budgeting. Techniques of valuation of projects in risk-free and risk situations are examined. Financial and risk management practices in Australian agriculture are reviewed.

In this unit of study, students develop their ability to undertake a research project in economics. The unit builds on theoretical and applied knowledge gained throughout the degree. Each student will develop a well defined research project in close collaboration with an academic supervisor. In addition to improving their research skills through the design and report on a single research study, students will improve their communication skills through oral presentation of their work.

This unit of study is taken in conjunction with the companion unit, AGEC4112 Research Project A. See AGEC4112 for details.

This unit of study is taken in conjunction with the companion unit, AGEC4122 Research Exercises B. Students develop skills in economic research by participating in the designing, undertaking and reporting on one or more research exercises undertaken under the guidance of a staff member. Students may work individually and/or in groups on a project that is common to the entire class. Students may be required to work on separate aspects of that project or may be required to examine the same aspect using different approaches. Students will be required to prepare individual and/or group written reports and/or oral presentations concerning data acquisition, analysis and interpretation of results.

This unit of study is taken in conjunction with the companion unit, AGEC4121 Research Exercises A. See AGEC4121 for details.

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.

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.

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.

The aim of this unit is to highlight the inter-relationships between disease, vegetation, soil, and livestock production. Livestock production systems builds on knowledge in the AGRO3004, which deals with pasture and cropping systems and expands this into the management of systems involving animals. The unit will cover such aspects as dealing with prevention and regulatory aspects of the disease process, mechanisms to deal with disease, parasitology, managing the health of sheep, beef and dairy cows (throughout all stages of their life cycles), and reproductive disorders. Appropriate management of pasture systems can reduce the prevalence of many of these issues and will be covered in lectures that will relate livestock production to herbage quantity and quality, grazing management, limits to production and how pasture-livestock systems impact on the environment and the extent to which this can be mitigated. While this unit will be taught on-line through the University of New England, there will be a week-long intensive residential school that requires a compulsory attendance during the second week of September. Because not all aspects of the residential school is relevant to Sydney students, a one-day field trip will be held while students are attending the residential school. Lectures will also be undertaken at the University of Sydney. The assessment for this unit of study will be based around an exam (50%), three assignments (40%) and a seminar (10%). Students completing this unit will be able to evaluate how disease, pastures and livestock management interact to affect livestock production and how management of livestock systems can be a sustainable industry in terms of natural resources. Through group work and independent research on the case studies students will gain valuable research and interpersonal skills. Writing and communication skills are developed through report and exam writing and oral communication through participation in a debate

This Unit of Study builds upon principles discussed in AVBS1002 Concepts of Animal Management. The Unit is broadly divided into four sections, namely: estimating the nutritive characteristics of feeds; defining the nutrient requirements of animals; diet formulation; errors in feeding. The focus is on coming to an understanding of the assessment of nutritional adequacy and the avoidance and solving of nutritional problems, with a particular emphasis on animals used in agricultural production systems and wildlife. The principles discussed in this course will be expanded in the following year, in which species-specific systems will be described. The basis of successful feeding management is an understanding of the following: the composition of feeds; the digestibility and efficiency of utilisation of nutrients by the animal; the nutrient requirements of the animal; interactions between nutrients that influence health and production. And following from this, students will have the ability to formulate diets to meet animal requirements for a variety of purposes and under a variety of constraints; identify deficiencies, excesses and imbalances in diets and so avoid a decline in productive efficiency and/or a decline in health.

This unit of study provides a comprehensive programme on basic and applied aspects of male and female reproductive biology, with particular emphasis on livestock and domestic animals. The fundamental topics include reproductive cycles, sexual differentiation, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, gestation and parturition. An understanding of the applications of advanced reproductive technologies is developed through lectures, tutorials and the assignments. In addition, practical instruction is given on semen collection and processing, manipulation of the reproductive cycle, artificial insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis in sheep and pigs. Classes are held at the Camperdown Campus in Sydney and at the Camden Campus Animal Reproduction Unit and Mayfarm piggery.

Animal Structure and Function A will develop an understanding of the role of the body systems in maintaining homeostasis in an animal's internal environment. In ASFA the structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, central nervous and urinary systems of the body are explored in depth particularly with reference to the maintenance of homeostasis and an animal's perception of, and response to, its environment. The developed understanding of the normal functioning of these systems allows identification of the impact on the animal of abnormal function of these systems. A study of the structure and function of muscle will include its role in movement and as meat in a production setting. The overall goals of the Unit are (i) to enable students to develop a rich understanding of the relationships between body systems and structures (to be continued in ASFB). (ii) to develop generic skills particularly in oral presentation,(iii) to develop an appreciation of the links between structure and function and their relevance to animal disease and production that will be further developed in Veterinary Pathogenesis as well as in advanced, applied studies in Behaviour in third year and in 4th year Animal Production.

In this Unit students will complete the study of the structure and function of organ systems in animals started in ANSC3103. The role of hormones and the immune systems will be investigated in relation to maintenance of internal homeostasis. An introduction to digestion and male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology will form the basis for further applied studies in these areas in third year Units of Study in Animal Nutrition and Animal Reproduction. There will be development of the generic skills of critically reading and writing.

This unit will explore the management of animals in natural and man-made environments. At the end of this unit of study, students will understand: the characteristics of the management systems of the major domestic species used for production in Australia and in a world wide context; the characteristics and principles underpinning sustainable management of native animals in natural and man-made environments; an appreciation of the dependence of living organisms upon their environment; an appreciation of the husbandry practices and innovations that have been adopted by the production industries to retain their competitive advantage; a demonstrated capability in handling and husbandry of the major domestic production animal species, and an appreciation of the application of these skills to non-domestic species; a demonstrated understanding of the importance of high standards of animal welfare practice in the management of animals.

This unit will explore the various aspects of dairy farming and the dairy industry from a scientific point of view. The lectures are a mix of the principles on which sound dairy farming is based and practical examples of how this operates in practice. Focus is placed on integrating knowledge to gain understanding on the system of production as a whole.
At the end of this unit of study, students will demonstrate a solid understanding of: the characteristics of the dairy industry in Australia and in a world wide context; the key components of pasture-based dairy systems; principles and practices of pasture and feeding management; the application of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity (particularly automatic milking).
In addition, students will demonstrate an appreciation of key aspects of reproduction and lactation physiology; the integration of knowledge of genetics and reproduction into the type of herd improvement structure set up in the dairy industry; the application of ruminant physiology knowledge to developing feeding programs for dairy cows; the extension of basic reproductive physiology onto the dairy farm using case studies as examples; the economics of the dairy farm business. Practical classes include milking cows; grazing and feeding management of dairy cows; calf rearing; and several visits to commercial farms ranging from small pasture-based dairy farms to a feed-lot operation milking over 2,000 cows.

This unit of study is composed of two parts, a Poultry Production component and a Pig Production component. The course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the production of eggs and poultry meat and pork. The individual components examine various aspects of the poultry and pig production systems important in maintaining efficiency and profitability. It investigates aspects of breeding, nutrition, housing, growth performance, heath, welfare, reproductive capability, waste management, marketing and current industry issues. This unit will expand on some aspects of previous year 3 units of study in animal structure and function, nutrition and reproduction. There is a broiler growth study which comprises a significant part of the practical work in the Poultry component. There is a strong emphasis on assessment being built into the course work as this is considered to be more relevant to learning in the final year. The poultry unit has a newly commissioned pelleting mill and this will provide a wider range of opportunities for students interested in nutrition and feed processing.

The Unit of Study explores in detail aspects of commercial aquaculture, including global trends in aquaculture development. Other topics include water quality, feeding, management, health and disease, genetics and reproduction, environmental impact and economic constraints to production. The unit of study emphasises methods to improve aquacultural productivity. It builds on basic principles of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and health and disease presented in other units of study in BAnVetBioSc. At the end of this Unit of Study, students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of: the context of aquaculture in global food production; husbandry, management and welfare of aquaculture species; comparative aspects of husbandry in aquaria, domestic, commercial; health and disease relevant to aquaculture; nutrition of aquaculture species; reproduction and genetics of species in aquaculture; water quality and environmental impact of aquaculture; economics and marketing of aquaculture products.

This unit introduces the concepts of sheep (wool and meat) and beef cattle production in the Australian environment within the context of world food and fibre consumption and production. The key products as well as domestic and export markets for these are presented. The course provides an historical perspective of the basis for each of these industries and describes each of the production systems designed to meet the demand for these products.
Production in both the tropical and temperate regions of Australia will be covered and include the key elements of extensive grazing and intensive feedlot systems. Major issues will include breeds and breeding systems, basic nutrition and production practices and animal welfare issues as they affect the quality and quantity of product marketed.
The concepts of first stage processing of both meat and fibre products in abattoirs and top-making plants respectively will be presented. The major factors that influence the quality of product and therefore grading and market demand will be presented.
Lecture material will be supported with appropriate practical classes and a 5 day study tour to the Riverina to evaluate different commercial production systems.

Concepts in Biology is an introduction to the major themes of modern biology. The unit emphasizes how biologists carry out scientific investigations, from the cellular/molecular level to the level of ecosystems. Topics covered in lectures and practicals include: introductory cell biology, with particular emphasis on how cells obtain and use energy; the diversity and biology of microorganisms; an introduction to molecular biology through the role of DNA in protein synthesis, including current developments in DNA technology; genetics or organisms; theories of evolution and phylogenetic analysis, and how they are used to interpret the origins of the diversity of modern organisms; and interactions between organisms in biological communities, with emphasis on Australian ecology.

Living Systems deals with the biology of organisms, from bacteria to large plants and animals, and emphasises the ways in which they can live in a range of habitats. The importance of energy in living systems, and how elements are used and recycled in biological communities, are described. The unit of study includes lectures and laboratory classes on the physiology of nutrition and growth, basic physiological processes of animals and plants, the ways in which organisms control and integrate their activities, and their reproduction. Finally applications of knowledge of genetics and ecology to practical problems in agriculture and conservation are introduced.

This unit of study shares lectures and practical classes with BIOL1002 but also includes more demanding alternative components of Living Systems.

Concepts in Biology (Advanced) builds on the main themes introduced in HSC Biology, with emphasis on current research in biology. Topics covered in lectures and practicals include: cell biology, with particular emphasis on how cells obtain and use energy; the diversity and biology of microorganisms; current developments in molecular biology, including recombinant DNA technology and the human genome project; inheritance, genetics and the origins of diversity of modern organisms; and interactions between organisms in biological communities, with emphasis on Australian ecology. Research-based lectures will expand on the general lecture topics and include current investigations of such diverse topic areas as cancer therapies, metabolic malfunction, anarchy in beehives, evolutionary studies of snake reproductive strategies, plant phylogeny and global environmental change.

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.

The unit is designed to develop understanding of fungal ecology in relation to environmental and rehabilitation biology, biological control of pests and pathogens, and soil microbiology. Emphasis will be placed on the function of fungi, and the benefit provided by fungi in symbiotic interactions with plants, including mycorrhizal fungi and shoot-borne endophytes. Physiological and ecological implications of the interactions will also be considered. Each student will design and implement a research project. Analytical thinking and research-led activity will be encouraged. Using broad scientific approaches, each student will gain the capacity to work cooperatively to find and analyse information from primary sources, develop approaches to test their understanding, and to present their work in a scientifically acceptable manner. Students will develop a deeper understanding of one area of fungal biology through independent study. Part of the learning material will be available on the internet.

A unit of study with lectures, practicals and tutorials on the application of recombinant DNA technology and the genetic manipulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Lectures cover the applications of molecular genetics in biotechnology and consider the impact and implications of genetic engineering. Topics include the cloning and expression of foreign genes in bacteria, yeast, animal and plant cells, novel human and animal therapeutics and vaccines including human gene therapy, new diagnostic techniques for human and veterinary disease, the transformation of animal and plant cells, the genetic engineering of animals and plants, and the environmental release of genetically-modified (transgenic) organisms. Practical work may include nucleic acid isolation and manipulation, gene cloning and PCR amplification, DNA sequencing and computer analysis of gene sequences, immunological detection of proteins, and the genetic transformation and assay of plants.

Qualified students will be encouraged to develop a research project under supervision. The content and nature of the research will be agreed on with the executive officer.

Qualified students will participate in alternative components of BIOL3018 Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

The aim of the unit of study is to provide those students whose chemical background is weak (or non-existent) with a good grounding in fundamental chemical principles together with an overview of the relevance of chemistry. There is no prerequisite or assumed knowledge for entry to this unit of study. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.

CHEM1002 builds on CHEM1001 to provide a sound coverage of inorganic and organic chemistry. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.

Chemistry 1A is built on a satisfactory prior knowledge of the HSC Chemistry course. Chemistry 1A covers chemical theory and physical chemistry. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.

Chemistry 1B is built on a satisfactory prior knowledge of Chemistry 1A and covers inorganic and organic chemistry. Successful completion of Chemistry 1B is an acceptable prerequisite for entry into Intermediate Chemistry units of study. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.

Chemistry 1A (Advanced) is available to students with a very good HSC performance as well as a very good school record in chemistry or science. Students in this category are expected to do Chemistry 1A (Advanced) rather than Chemistry 1A.
The theory and practical work syllabuses for Chemistry 1A and Chemistry 1A (Advanced) are similar, though the level of treatment in the latter unit of study is more advanced, presupposing a very good grounding in the subject at secondary level. Chemistry 1A (Advanced) covers chemical theory and physical chemistry. Lectures: A series of about 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.

Chemistry 1B (Advanced) is built on a satisfactory prior knowledge of Chemistry 1A (Advanced) and covers inorganic and organic chemistry. Successful completion of Chemistry 1B (Advanced) is an acceptable prerequisite for entry into Intermediate Chemistry units of study. Lectures: A series of about 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.

The entire fabric of commerce is woven from a complex legal regime, judicial and statutory, which regulates all commercial activity. Every decision in business, and every transaction and relationship, is made in the context of this legal regime. The aim of Foundations of Business Law is to introduce the students to the legal framework and regulatory systems which underlie all business activity and to expose them to the legal implications of commercial conduct. This unit of study introduces the Australian legal system and key areas of substantive business law including contracts, torts (in particular negligence and privacy), property and securities, white collar crime, intellectual property, competition and consumer law (in particular advertising, product liability and unfair contracts), business structures and operations, misleading and unconscionable conduct and dispute resolution.

This unit provides an introduction to basic statistics and its applications in economics and business disciplines. Topics include: methods for data management; analysis and interpretation of data; probability; the normal distribution; an introduction to sampling theory and hypothesis testing; and the concepts of regression analysis. A key component is the provision of instruction and experience in the use of computers and statistical software as an aid in the analysis of data. Students are expected to use data resources on the World Wide Web, retrieve data and analyse this data using Excel.

This unit broadens the knowledge gained in the unit, ECMT1010 Business and Economic Statistics A by introducing further tools (and their applications) for use in economics, finance, marketing and accounting. This unit features practical applications. Possible topics include: further aspects of hypothesis testing including goodness-of-fit models; regression analysis including a brief introduction to logit models, time series and its applications to economics and finance; input-output analysis; index numbers and mathematics of finance. The material is further complemented by mathematical topics including matrices and partial differentiation. In addition, students are expected to use data resources on the World Wide Web, retrieve data and analyse this data using Excel.

Students undertaking this unit have some background in basic statistics including an introduction to regression analysis. Using this knowledge as a base, an extensive discussion of basic regression theory and some of its extensions is provided. The unit covers how linear regression models can be applied to data to estimate relationships, to forecast, and to test hypotheses that arise in economics and business. Guidelines for using econometric techniques effectively are discussed and students are introduced to the process of model building. It is essential that the discussion of regression modelling be complemented with practice in analysing data. An important task is the computing component using econometric software.

Introductory Microeconomics addresses the economic decisions of individual firms and households and how these interact in markets. It is a compulsory core unit for the Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Commerce and an alternative core unit for the Bachelor of Economic and Social Science. Economic issues are pervasive in contemporary Australian society. Introductory Microeconomics introduces students to the language and analytical framework adopted in Economics for the examination of social phenomena and public policy issues. Whatever one's career intentions, coming to grips with economic ideas is essential for understanding society, business and government. Students are given a comprehensive introduction to these ideas and are prepared for the advanced study of microeconomics in subsequent years.

Introductory Macroeconomics addresses the analysis of the level of employment and economic activity in the economy as a whole. It is a compulsory core unit for the Bachelor of Economics and an alternative core unit for the Bachelor of Economic and Social Sciences. Introductory Macroeconomics examines the main factors that determine the overall levels of production and employment in the economy, including the influence of government policy and international trade. This analysis enables an exploration of money, interest rates and financial markets, and a deeper examination of inflation, unemployment and economic policy.

The aim of Intermediate Microeconomics is the development of theoretical and applied skills in economics. It covers applications and extensions of the theory of consumer choice, firm behaviour and market structure. Emphasis is given to the economics of information and choice under uncertainty; industry structures other than monopoly and perfect competition; markets for factors of production; general equilibrium and economic efficiency; market failure and the role of government. This unit provides a basis for the more specialised options that comprise third year economics.

This unit of study develops models of the goods, money and labour markets, examines issues in macroeconomic policy. Macroeconomic relationships, covering consumption, investment, money and employment, are explored in detail. Macro-dynamic relationships, especially those linking inflation and unemployment, are also considered. Exchange rates and open economy macroeconomics are also addressed. In the last part of the unit, topics include the determinants and theories of economic growth, productivity and technology, the dynamics of the business cycle, counter-cyclical policy and the relationship between micro and macro policy in the context of recent Australian experience.

This unit is comprised of lectures based upon the curriculum for ECOS2001 Intermediate Microeconomics, supported by a seminar for one hour a week. The content of lectures reflect a more analytical and critical treatment of the topics than ECOS2001. The topics, which build on the theory of consumer and firm behaviour and market structure, include game theory, oligopoly, general equilibrium and welfare, externalities and public goods and the economics of information.

This unit is comprised of lectures based upon the curriculum for ECOS2002 Intermediate Macroeconomics, supported by a seminar for one hour a week. The content of lectures reflects a more intensive treatment of the topics than ECOS2002. Topics covered include: models of the goods, money and labour markets; macro-economic relationships such as consumption, investment, demand for money and labour demand and supply; macro-dynamic relationships, especially those linking inflation and unemployment; exchange rates and open economy macroeconomics; theories of economic growth; productivity and technological change; the dynamics of the business cycle; and the relationship between micro- and macro-economic policy.

The objective of this unit is to introduce the big questions relating to the origins and current state of the planet: climate change, environment, landscape formation, and the growth of the human population. During the semester you will be introduced to knowledge, theories and debates about how the world's physical and human systems operate. The first module investigates the system of global environmental change, specifically addressing climate variability and human impacts on the natural environment. The second module presents Earth as an evolving and dynamic planet, investigating how changes take place, the rate at which they occur and how they have the potential to dramatically affect the way we live. Finally, the third module, focuses on human-induced challenges to Earth's future. This part of the unit critically analyses the relationships between people and their environments, with central consideration to debates on global food security, climate change and agriculture.

Ecological sustainability lies at the heart of all discussions about sustainability in general. Unless the earth's natural systems continue to function, economic, social and many other systems will fail. This unit of study provides students with critical knowledge and understanding of the biological, chemical and physical principles that govern the key processes that define ecological sustainability. Beginning with an exploration of the meaning of sustainability and how scientific methodology is applied to its study, students will progressively engage with more complex and challenging content. By the end of the unit, students will have explored all the major elements of ecological sustainability and be able to apply their understanding to articulate critical questions that need to be asked when presented with simplistic approaches or ideas. Practical classes will focus on building skills in a few key areas and developing a greater depth of knowledge in others. Two field trips associated with the practical classes will give the students direct experience of and exposure to the science of ecological sustainability. Students will work in small groups during practical sessions, including field trips, and will be encouraged to participate in tutorial-style discussions.

This unit of study is designed to equip students with the conceptual and modeling tools to understand the nature of complexity in natural and managed systems, together with a realization of the fundamental similarities that exist between systems and across scales and the consequences that these have for the system dynamics.
It is a core unit for students in the Environmental Systems Degree and builds on Units relating to living systems and biometry by providing students with an understanding the importance of systems approaches and the ability to abstract and model complex environmental systems.
The lectures will present the students with a quantitative knowledge of the structure and dynamics of biological systems, from cells to landscape, and the role and limitations of modeling in supporting intuition to understand the link between system structure and dynamics. The practical classes will be designed to let students explore the concept of modeling without the need to learn sophisticated computer programming or complicated mathematics, and will be based on problems related to those covered in the lectures.
At the end of this unit the students will have an understanding of the process of abstraction and synthesis that is involved in systems modeling and how this can guide intuition in novel application domains by combining concepts to understand complex environmental systems. They will be able to evaluate the validity of models and appropriately interpret the predictions they make. They will understand the modeling process, its value and limitations without the need for detailed knowledge of the enabling technologies such as computer programs and mathematics.
The students will gain skills in abstraction and quantification of complex environmental systems through the use of worked examples and through the use of different modeling tools in the lab. They will gain experience of interdisciplinary team working, build research skills and communication skills through formal presentation, and will gain confidence in dealing with complex everyday problems.

This unit is an introduction to insects, the most abundant group of organisms. The course begins with insect external and internal anatomy, feeding modes, life cycles and behaviour. Real world examples are used to demonstrate the ecological roles insects play in natural and agricultural ecosystems (e.g. pollinators, herbivores, predators, parasitoids, disease vectors). This knowledge is then linked to aspects of applied entomology: insecticides, biological control, habitat manipulation, integrated pest management, medical entomology and insect conservation. Practical sessions focus on insect morphology and taxonomy, so that students learn to identify common insect orders and families. Students must make a representative insect collection. This course forms the basis of students' entomological knowledge for BScAgr and BHortSc degrees and lays the foundation for future study in entomology.

The focus of this unit is the development and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) within Australian agriculture. It builds on the knowledge gained in second year entomology (BScAgr and BHortSc) and is a core unit for the entomology specialty (BScAgr). Applied entomology deals with the control of insect pests and the use of beneficial insects. The biology of major pest (herbivores and disease vectors) and beneficial (predators, parasitoids, pollinators) insect groups is covered in depth. Students will compare the advantages and disadvantages of different pest control strategies and evaluate the importance of insect ecology, control methods and socio-economic factors to successful adoption of integrated pest management. Field trips will demonstrate the practical application of IPM concepts presented in lectures. Research, inquiry and information literacy skills will be improved through critical review of current literature and compilation of a case study. Students will practice their communication skills and develop personal and intellectual autonomy through a group project, in-class discussion and a self-directed insect collection.

Knowledge of the evolutionary relationships between insect groups contributes to our understanding of insect biology and correct taxonomic identification of insects is essential for all areas of entomological research, including pest management. This unit builds on the knowledge gained in second year entomology (BScAgr and BHortSc) and is a core unit for the entomology specialty (BScAgr). Key concepts that underpin the study of insect systematics, biogeography and phylogeny are described using examples from the evolutionary development of insects. The role of morphological, genetic and molecular studies in the classification of insects is examined. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of insect taxonomy through individual projects and assess the impact of evolutionary relationships among insect groups on modern agriculture. Research, inquiry and information literacy skills will be improved through a museum project and a self-directed insect collection. Students will practice their communication skills and develop personal and intellectual autonomy through in-class discussion of current literature.

This unit of study investigates the physical and chemical characteristics of our atmosphere, as well as the natural processes that occur within it and how these contribute to the climate we live in. Topics such as atmospheric structure, photochemical processes, and weather will be examined. The effects of ocean circulation are investigated, particularly examining the ocean's importance as a source/sink for atmospheric constituents and as a heat regulator. The impact of glaciation is also examined, including sources, quantity, magnitude of threat, and the potential impact to our climate, are then explored. Finally, the unit examines issues surrounding climate change and the modelling of these changes.

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.

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.

This is a core first year unit for the BEnvSys, BScAgr and BAnVetBioSc degrees. It provides the foundation quantitative skills that are needed in other units in the degrees and for further study in applied statistics. In the first half of the unit the emphasis is on statistics, topics covered include: describing biological data and variability, sampling and estimation, framing biological hypotheses; estimating a single treatment mean via a confidence interval and testing for a particular mean via a z-test or t-test; estimating or testing the difference between two treatment means. In the second half of the unit the focus is on single variable calculus, the topics being differentiation and integration, with an emphasis on linear and non-linear functions that can be used for modelling biological and environmental data. In the practicals the emphasis is on applying theory to analysing real datasets using the spreadsheet package Excel and the statistical package Genstat.

This unit of study is a core 2nd year unit for students in the BEnvSys, BScAgr and BAnVetBioSc degrees. It consists of three parts. In the first part students will investigate how to use an ANOVA to analyse experiments with more than 2 treatment levels, multiple factors and different blocking designs. In the second part an introduction to a branch of mathematics called linear algebra is given with an emphasis on the applications to statistics and modelling. In the final part students will learn to model relationships between response and predictor variables using regression. During the practicals two software packages; Genstat and Excel, will be used to analyse real datasets. At the end of this unit, students will have learnt how to analyse data using ANOVA and regression, the basic methods needed for their future studies and careers. The students will gain research and inquiry skills through completion of weekly computer assignments. Information literacy and communication skills will be developed through weekly computer work.

This unit is designed to impart knowledge and skills in spatial analysis and geographical information science (GISc) for decision-making in an environmental context. The lecture material will present several themes: principles of GISc, geospatial data sources and acquisition methods, processing of geospatial data and spatial statistics. Practical exercises will focus on learning geographical information systems (GIS) and how to apply them to land resource assessment, including digital terrain modelling, land-cover assessment, sub-catchment modelling, ecological applications, and soil quality assessment for decisions regarding sustainable land use and management. A 3 day field excursion during the mid-semester break will involve a day of GPS fieldwork at Arthursleigh University farm and two days in Canberra visiting various government agencies which research and maintain GIS coverages for Australia. By the end of this UoS, students should be able to: differentiate between spatial data and spatial information; source geospatial data from government and private agencies; apply conceptual models of spatial phenomena for practical decision-making in an environmental context; apply critical analysis of situations to apply the concepts of spatial analysis to solving environmental and land resource problems; communicate effectively results of GIS investigations through various means- oral, written and essay formats; and use a major GIS software package such as ArcGIS.

This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the analysis of data they may face in their future careers, in particular data that are not well behaved, they may be non-normal, there may be missing observations or they may be correlated in space and time. In the first part, students will learn how to analyse and design experiments based on the general linear model. In the second part, they will learn about the generalisation of the general linear model to accommodate non-normal data and data that is correlated in time. A major project will focus on the analysis of a dataset from an existing research project. At the end of this unit, students will have learnt a range of advanced statistical methods and be equipped to apply this knowledge to analyse data that they may encounter in their future studies and careers. The students will gain research and inquiry skills through completion of a major project. Information literacy and communication skills will be developed through weekly computer work.

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.

This lecture and practical unit of study provides an introduction to the genetics and breeding of plants and animals. It provides an understanding for parallel and following courses. Lectures cover the basics of gene transmission and interaction, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, population and quantitative genetics, as well as the more applied aspects of plant and animal breeding and biotechnology. Practicals emphasise, with agricultural examples, the procedures of genetic and cytogenetic analysis, and the use of computers in simulation procedures in population genetics, quantitative inheritance and selection programs, and provide exposure to current plant and animal breeding and biotechnology.

Lectures and practical work are devoted to the theory, philosophy and practice of plant breeding. The unit addresses screening techniques, conservation of genetic variability, breeding for disease resistance and integration of molecular technology in applied plant breeding, with examples from both field and horticultural crops. The unit is taught in the context [of] climate change, food security and the evolving global intellectual property environment.

Lectures and laboratory work covering the structure and function of plant genomes and genes, the technology and results of DNA transformation and the analysis of plant traits by molecular techniques including by genetic mapping using molecular and other genetic markers.

Lectures and practical periods dealing with population genetic, quantitative inheritance and animal breeding given by the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

This is a final year elective in the two degrees, BScAgr, and BAnVetBiosci. Approximately a half of the face-to-face contact hours will be given as an intensive, and this section of the unit will be held during the mid-year break before semester 2. Lecture and practical work in cytogenetics, especially of plant and animal species of applied interest in plant agriculture, animal agriculture and other applied interest in animal genetics, such as companion, native and endangered species. The lecture component covers the molecular nature of chromosomes and their transmission, variation in chromosome behaviour, both normal and disease related. In addition, the uses of chromosome engineering to produce variation in plants and animals will also be covered. The practical component covers the technologies used to study chromosomes or both plants and animals, both mitotic and meiotic chromosomes, and molecular techniques such as in situ hybridisation, gene activity and chromosomal protein localisation. On completion, students will be able to apply cytogenetic knowledge and technologies to species of eukaryotes of economic significance, and know how cytogenetic processes have affected the development of these species.

This unit of study provides an introduction to the fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology (the study of surface water as an agent of landscape change) and groundwater hydrology. The fluvial geomorphology section of the unit will describe the movement of water in stream channels and investigate the landscape change associated with that movement. Topics to be covered will include open channel flow hydraulics, sediment transport processes and stream channel morphology. Practical work will focus on the collection and analysis of field data. The quantity and quality of the groundwater resources are closely linked to geology and fluvial geomorphology. The groundwater section of this unit is based around four common groundwater issues: contamination, extraction, dryland salinity and groundwater-surface water interaction. In the practical component, common groundwater computer models such as FLOWTUBE and MODFLOW will be used to further explore these problems.

This is the gateway unit of study for Human Geography, Physical Geography and Geology. Its objective is to introduce the big questions relating to the origins and current state of the planet: climate change, environment, landscape formation, and the growth of the human population. During the semester you will be introduced to knowledge, theories and debates about how the world's physical and human systems operate. The first module investigates the system of global environmental change, specifically addressing climate variability and human impacts on the natural environment. The second module presents Earth as an evolving and dynamic planet, investigating how changes take place, the rate at which they occur and how they have the potential to dramatically affect the way we live. Finally, the third module, focuses on human-induced challenges to Earth's future. This part of the unit critically analyses the relationships between people and their environments, with central consideration to debates on population change and resource use.

This Unit of Study provides an introductory geographical analysis of the ways in which people and physical processes/features are produced, behave and interact. The Unit focuses on the physical and human processes that generate spatial variation and difference, as well as tracing the interactions between these processes. It includes an investigation of Earth's surface features, exploring the distribution of select landforms across Earth and interpreting their evolutionary histories. Several landscapes will be examined, such as those formed by rivers, wind, and glaciers. But physical landscapes evolve under the influence of and affect human operations. Therefore, the Unit of Study will also consider the political, economic, cultural and urban geographies that shape contemporary global society. Each of these themes will be discussed with reference to key examples (such as Hurricane Katrina, the Kashmir Earthquake, the conflict in Darfur, and sea-level rise in the Pacific), in order to consider the ways in which the various processes (both physical and human) interact. The Unit of Study will also include a short field trip to localities surrounding the university to observe processes of spatial change and conflict. The Unit of Study is designed to attract and interest students who wish to pursue geography as a major within their undergraduate degree, but also has relevance to students who wish to consider the way geographers understand the contemporary world.

The aim of this unit of study is to examine the chemical and physical processes involved in mineral formation, the interior of the Earth, surface features, sedimentary environments, volcanoes, and metamorphism. Lectures and laboratory sessions on mountain building processes and the formation of mineral deposits will lead to an understanding of the forces controlling the geology of our planet. Processes such as weathering, erosion and nature of sedimentary environments are related to the origin of the Australian landscape. In addition to laboratory classes there is a one-day excursion to the western Blue Mountains and Lithgow to examine geological objects in their setting.

The shifts in the nature of the Earth's environment over time and the resultant changes in process regimes have had dramatic impacts on the way the Australian physical landscape has evolved. We consider here the effects of these changes on the broad pattern of the landscape, focusing particularly on slopes and soils. We follow this by investigating the environmental changes that have taken place since the end of the last glacial, the time when the continent's climates and environments first took on a recognisably modern form. We deal specifically with the impact of human activity on the Australian biophysical environment, emphasising both pre-European impacts and those changes that have taken place since European contact.

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.

This unit introduces students to debates about the nature and limits of Australian democracy, to the major institutions of Australian politics, and to the distribution of power in Australian society. Major institutions and forces such as parliament, executive government, the federal system, political parties and the media are examined as arenas of power, conflict and consensus. Who rules? How? Which groups are excluded?

This unit provides an introduction to the study of politics through a focus on the key organising principle of political science: power. Different ways in which power is theorised and structured are considered, not with the intention of presenting a universal theory or theories, but rather to find some connections and extensions amongst a wide variety of experiences of political power. In particular this unit considers the way power operates in Australian society in relation to political decision making. The unit draws on case studies in order to combine the study of key political ideas and concepts with practical examples from our daily lives (e.g. diet, transport, drugs, clothing, etc.).

This unit will examine how the contemporary international political order has emerged by focusing upon the interplay of diplomatic and strategic issues in the post-war world. It will begin with an analysis of the Cold War and its origins, tracing the development of Soviet-American rivalry, its manifestations in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, and the different ways in which that rivalry was played out. The collapse of the Soviet Union as both a superpower and a state and the disappearance of the communist bloc will be analysed, before surveying the post-Cold War international scene. Among the issues reviewed in the post-Cold War era will be the question of US hegemony and unilateralism vs. multilateralism, nuclear proliferation, the continuing tension between the first and the third worlds, questions of civilisational conflict, non-state actors and terrorism, democratisation, and regional conflict.

This unit introduces the core content of the field of international relations. The first part of the unit presents the realist, liberal, Marxist and constructivist paradigms of international relations. The second part of the unit discusses the key actors and processes political scientists define in the field, including the state, decision makers, bureaucratic organisations, and classes. The final part of the unit focuses on international security, international political economy, and global problems.

This unit of study covers topics on the production of perennial fruit crops, wine grapes, the sustainable production of vegetables and it also covers the key aspects of the postharvest handling and quality assurance of fresh produce. At the end of this unit students are expected to have a detailed understanding of these areas of horticulture and be able to discuss related literature and the physiological principles underlying the commercial success of these horticultural enterprises. Students will also gain research and enquiry skills through research based practical sessions and assignments.

This unit links a range of horticultural science topics with commercial applications. One element is designed around a "supply chain" framework, applied to multiple "real world" case studies. It will develop skills in data analysis and interpretation, problem identification and problem solving. Students will understand how multiple issues must be integrated in order to provide fresh solutions to technical or commercial challenges and opportunities. A second element exposes students to the research work at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Mt Annan. This illustrates the importance of horticultural science to conservation issues. It also covers opportunities and barriers regarding the commercial use of native flora.

Upon completion of this unit, students will have participated in a major excursion and a series of discussion workshops based on prescribed readings that will broaden their appreciation of current research themes in horticultural science, industry issues, stimulate critical thinking, enhance professional research skills and give an insight into the career opportunities for horticultural scientists. Attendance at seminars, written reports and presentations made during these workshops will improve student skills in critical analysis and communication.

The Digital Age, with its focus on information as a key business resource, has changed the way Business Information Systems (BIS) are viewed in organisations. They are now seen as enablers of innovation where people supported by powerful technology are considered to be their most important component. This is because creativity, innovation and critical thinking cannot be outsourced or easily acquired by competitors.
This unit is designed to develop your understanding of how businesses operate and shows how information systems support all aspects of business operations and management through integration of people, business processes and systems. You will be provided with an introduction to the state-of-the art theories, frameworks and models to assist in understanding the nature and contribution of BIS in a range of organisational contexts including private, public and not for profit as well as virtual communities and social networks. With its emphasis on business rather than IT, this unit is suitable for all business and non business majors and does not require prior IT-related experience. If you want to learn how to use technology to become a more innovative and creative business professional and a global technology-savvy citizen this unit is for you!

This unit introduces students to hydrology and water management in the context of Australian integrated catchment management. It particularly focuses on the water balances, rainfall runoff modeling, analysis and prediction of streamflow and environmental flows, water quality and sustainable practices in water management. Through theoretical work and case studies, the students will engage with problems related water quantity and quality in Australia and the world. The unit builds on knowledge gained in AFNR1001, AFNR1002, and SOIL2001 and establishes the foundation for later units in the hydrology and water area. The unit provides one of the essential building blocks for a career related to water management and hydrology. The unit consists of two parts; the first part will involve a series of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises and case studies. The second part of the unit consists of field excursions to parts of NSW. During the field excursions, students will engage with current water problems and engage in basic hydrometric and water quality data collection. The data will be used later to analyse catchment condition and water supply issues.
After completion of this unit, you should be able to:
Explain the different processes in the hydrological cycle
Measure and interpret hydrometric and basic water quality data
Elucidate the processes involved in generation of streamflow from rainfall.
Distinguish the link between water quantity and water quality and its implications for water management.
Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the unique nature of Australian Hydrology
Master the ability to critically debate problems facing sustainable water resource management policy and practice in Australia using course material, scientific literature, policy and popular media

The unit of study will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the main water quality problems in Australia, related limnological issues and the underlying causes and processes. The unit builds on knowledge gained in LWSC2002, AGCH2003 and GEOG2321. The study program commences with a field trip module to the productive Macquarie and Namoi Valleys, where irrigated agriculture has been developed. Environmental impacts of agricultural enterprises such as irrigation farming and human settlements on water environments will be assessed. Field observations on pH, nutrient level, salt content, pesticide contamination, and microbial content in aquatic environments will be made with samples returned for more detailed laboratory analysis at the University. The unit will also investigate sources and dynamic of pollutants in receiving water, sediment-nutrient interaction and pollution control strategies. The unit will cover aspects of freshwater ecology with particular emphasis on wetlands ecosystem, riparian vegetation, phytoplankton communities and cyanobacteria.

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.

MATH1001 is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering.
This unit of study looks at complex numbers, functions of a single variable, limits and continuity, vector functions and functions of two variables. Differential calculus is extended to functions of two variables. Taylor's theorem as a higher order mean value theorem.

MATH1002 is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering.
This unit of study introduces vectors and vector algebra, linear algebra including solutions of linear systems, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

MATH1003 is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering.This unit of study first develops the idea of the definite integral from Riemann sums, leading to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Various techniques of integration are considered, such as integration by parts.The second part is an introduction to the use of first and second order differential equations to model a variety of scientific phenomena.

MATH1005 is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering.
This unit offers a comprehensive introduction to data analysis, probability, sampling, and inference including t-tests, confidence intervals and chi-squared goodness of fit tests.

MATH1013 is designed for science students who do not intend to undertake higher year mathematics and statistics.
In this unit of study students learn how to construct, interpret and solve simple differential equations and recurrence relations. Specific techniques include separation of variables, partial fractions and first and second order linear equations with constant coefficients. Students are also shown how to iteratively improve approximate numerical solutions to equations.

This unit is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering. It parallels the normal unit MATH1001 but goes more deeply into the subject matter and requires more mathematical sophistication.

This unit is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering. It parallels the normal unit MATH1002 but goes more deeply into the subject matter and requires more mathematical sophistication.

MATH1903 is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering.
This unit of study parallels the normal unit MATH1003 but goes more deeply into the subject matter and requires more mathematical sophisticaton.

This unit is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a Junior level requirement in the Faculty of Engineering. This Advanced level unit of study parallels the normal unit MATH1005 but goes more deeply into the subject matter and requires more mathematical sophistication.

This unit introduces the diversity of microbes found in soil, water, air, plants and animal environments. Through an examination of their physiology and genetics it explores their interactions with plants, animals and each other, and their roles as decomposers and recyclers in the environment. The soil is a rich microbial environment, and the concept of soil health and its relationship to plant growth is discussed. Practical classes introduce techniques and skills in isolating, quantifying and culturing microbes, designing and interpreting experiments to study microbial growth, and in preparing and presenting data.

Microbes are central to biotechnology as chemical factories, as sources of enzymes and as cloning hosts. The lecture and prac courses in MICR3022/3922 aim to teach basic principles and methods in microbiology in the context of applications in biotechnology - including industrial, medical and environmental biotech. A special focus will be on the importance of microbial diversity as a source of enzyme diversity for biotechnology. The course revolves around three themes, summarized as metabolites, enzymes, and communities. Topic areas to be covered in lectures include production of small molecules (alcohols and antibiotics), production of macromolecules (protein expression, recombinant DNA), and management of microbial proteins in plants and animals (principles, methods, risks), and management of microbial communities (gut microbes, wastewater treatment, bioprospecting). Techniques covered in lectures include fermentation, mutation, making and screening clone libraries, directed evolution, heterologous expression, metabolic engineering, environmental metagenomics, microarrays, and high throughput screening. In one practical project students will purify DNA polymerase from recombinant E.coli cells and test the enzyme for its ability to catalyze polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the second practical project students will isolate hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria from soil and assess their ability to produce a useful metabolite (the blue dye indigo).

This unit examines the relationships among marketing organisations and final consumers in terms of production-distribution channels or value chains. It focuses on consumer responses to various marketing decisions (product mixes, price levels, distribution channels, promotions, etc.) made by private and public organisations to create, develop, defend, and sometimes eliminate, product markets. Emphasis is placed on identifying new ways of satisfying the needs and wants, and creating value for consumers. While this unit is heavily based on theory, practical application of the concepts to "real world" situations is also essential. Specific topics of study include: market segmentation strategies; market planning; product decisions; new product development; branding strategies; channels of distribution; promotion and advertising; pricing strategies; and customer database management.

Fundamental to marketing is a requirement to understand who your customers are and what they want. Marketing research is the essential activity of discovering information and presenting it in a useful format to marketing decision makers. This unit introduces the skills and knowledge necessary to allow students to accurately formulate research questions and then discover answers ensuring that these are accurate, reliable and timely. Particular focus is given to different approaches to and aspects of data collection, including: qualitative research; secondary data collection; questionnaire design; sampling; experimental design; validity and basic data analysis.

This unit of study is designed to develop an understanding of the molecular principles that underlie the structure and function of plants and how these principles relate to the use of plants by humans as a source of food and fibre. The unit is a core unit for BScAgr students and an elective for BSc and other degree programs. It recognizes the specialized nature of plant biochemistry and molecular biology and is a platform for students who wish to gain a sound knowledge of plant growth and development.
This unit covers the biochemistry of the main carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid constituents of plants , metabolic pathways that regulate plant growth and development, the mobilization and deposition of storage reserves, storage and expression of genetic information and plant responses to environmental influences. The role of molecular biology in the manipulation of plant growth and development will also be explored.
At the completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the biochemical structure and function of plants and how molecular biology can enhance our use of plants as food and fibres. Students will also be able to demonstrate abilities in the practice of laboratory methods used to analyse plants and the effective communication of experimental findings. Students enrolled in this unit will gain research and enquiry skills through attendance at lectures and participation in laboratory classes and tutorials, information literacy and communication skills through the synthesis of information used to prepare practical reports, social and professional understanding by participation in groupwork and assessments that seek to understand the role of agriculture in the broader community.

This unit provides a broad understanding of the evolution, classification and diversity of terrestrial plants, and the principles of plant ecology in an Australian context. The major types of Australian vegetation are discussed across a range of temporal and spatial scales, and their current distribution related to their environment and origins. Selected contemporary issues in plant conservation from Australian natural and managed systems are explored. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills such as phylogenetic inference, plant identification and the collection and analysis of ecological data. The practical component of the unit of study uses examples taken from the Australian flora (including plants of horticultural significance) and major crop plants. Important elements of this unit are half-day field trips to the Royal National Park, and the construction of student herbaria. The practical sessions and interactions with staff encourage students to develop their own learning style and enhance a strong sense of self-reliance. Critical thinking, effective communication and other vocational and generic skills are emphasized. The content is well suited to students with interests in botany, plant science and ecology, and is often combined with units of study offered through the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. This unit of study also complements a wide range of units of study from: science (e.g. plant science, earth and environmental science, animal science, bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology, genetics and biotechnology); agriculture (e.g. horticulture, land and water science, and natural resources); and broader disciplines (e.g. education, arts, and environmental law).

This unit of study investigates the structure of cells, tissues and organs of flowering plants and relates them to function. Topics include; how photosynthesis, translocation, water transport and nutrition relate to the structures that carry out these processes. Most of the information on plant structure will be provided in self-instructional audio-visual sessions augmented by small group discussions. This is integrated with experiments carried out in the laboratory or on field excursions to investigate the physiological aspects of plant structures. There is a focus on recent advances in plant molecular biology where they have been critical in enhancing our understanding of the form and function of plants. The physiological and anatomical responses of plants to extreme environments such as drought and salinity will also be addressed. Attention will be paid to the anatomy and physiology of crop, horticultural and Australian native plants. This unit of study complements Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian Flora: ecology and conservation and Cell Biology and leads onto senior units of study in plant sciences, including Plant Growth and Development. It is essential for those seeking a career in plant molecular biology.

This unit of study is designed to develop an understanding of the molecular principles that underlie the structure and function of plants and how these principles relate to the use of plants by humans as a source of food and fibre.
This unit is offered at an advanced level and is available to students in BScAgr, BSc and other degree programs. This unit recognizes the specialized nature of plant biochemistry and is of interest to students who wish to gain a more advanced knowledge of plant growth and development.
This unit covers the biochemistry of the main carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid constituents of plants , metabolic pathways that regulate plant growth and development, the mobilization and deposition of storage reserves, storage and expression of genetic information and plant responses to environmental influences. The role of molecular biology in the manipulation of plant growth and development will also be explored.
At the completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the biochemical structure and function of plants and how molecular biology can enhance our use of plants as food and fibres. Students will also be able to demonstrate abilities in the practice of laboratory methods used to analyse plants and the effective communication of experimental findings by completing a short research project.
Students enrolled in this unit will gain research and enquiry skills through attendance at lectures and tutorials and by completing a small research project and information literacy and communication skills through the synthesis of information used to prepare a report on the findings of the research project.

Qualifed students will participate in alternative components of PLNT2002. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year. See prerequisites for Senior units of study in Biology.

The content will be based on PLNT2003 but qualified students will participate in alternative components at a more advanced level. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Qualified students will participate in alternative components of PLNT3002 Plant Growth and Development, representing 30% of the total assessment, as follows: the students will be exempt from one standard laboratory report and the standard independent group project. Instead, the students will conduct an advanced independent individual practical or theoretical research project under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. The program includes a formal presentation of the results of the project in verbal and written reports.

Qualified students will participate in alternative components of PLNT3003 Systematics and Evolution of Plants. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

This unit introduces plant disease and the pathogens that limit agricultural and horticultural production. The unit is core to the BScAgr and BHortSc degrees and is available as an elective to BLWS and BSc students. It builds on the material introduced in MICR2024. The lecture component of the unit discusses the aetiology of plant disease and symptom development; diagnosis of plant disease; the biology, epidemiology and management of fungi and other microbes that cause plant disease; breeding for disease resistance; plant-parasite relationships; and disease resistance in plants. The practical component introduces techniques used in handling and identifying fungi and in studying plant disease, and develops skills in experimental design, execution and interpretation of experimental data. At the completion of this unit, students will be able to exercise problem-solving skills (developed through practical experiments and lecture discussions), think critically, and organise knowledge (from consideration of the lecture material and preparation of practical reports), expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations (through observing and reporting on practical work), use certain computer software for analysing data and reporting on laboratory projects. Students learn to work in a research team, plan effective work schedules (to meet deadlines for submission of assessable work), 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 research based group projects, information literacy and communication skills through assessment tasks and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups.

This unit investigates evolution, systematics, taxonomy and biology of fungi and their role as plant pathogens; plant disease epidemiology and understanding fungal populations; infection processes and plant defence. The unit is an elective for BScAgr, BHortSc and BSc students. It builds on the material introduced in PPAT3003 and BIOL3017. Undertaking this unit will develop skills in isolating and identifying plant pathogenic fungi, diagnosing plant diseases, 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 individual and group research projects, information literacy and communication skills through assessment tasks and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups.

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.

Psychology 1001 is a general introduction to the main topics and methods of psychology, and is the basis for advanced work as well as being of use to those not proceeding with the subject. Psychology 1001 covers the following areas: science and statistics in psychology; behavioural neuroscience; applied psychology; social psychology; personality theory; human development.
This unit is also offered in the Sydney Summer School. For more information consult the website:
http://sydney.edu.au/summer_school/

Psychology 1002 is a further general introduction to the main topics and methods of psychology, and it is the basis for advanced work as well as being of use to those not proceeding with the subject. Psychology 1002 covers the following areas: human mental abilities; learning, motivation and emotion; visual perception; cognitive processes; abnormal psychology.
This unit is also offered in the Sydney Summer School. For more information consult the web site:
http://sydney.edu.au/summer_school/

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to resource and environmental economics, and how particular concepts in economics are used to provide insights into efficient and sustainable natural resource management. Some descriptive content regarding Australia's natural resource assets and industries is included, but the primary focus is analytical. Emphasis is placed on the importance of property rights structures, cost-effective regulations and dynamic considerations in managing natural resource stocks and environmental assets. Some material on economic valuation of environmental assets and benefit-cost analysis is included.

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.

The unit provides theoretical and empirical background on the economics of minerals exploration, extraction and marketing and on the economics of energy generation, distribution and use. The economics of minerals and energy commodity markets will be discussed and analysed. The interactions of mineral extraction and energy generation activities with other natural resources and the environment will be of particular interest (e.g. mine site remediation, land use conflicts). Sustainability and prospects for long term efficient use of these resources, as well as the development and use of alternative technologies will also be discussed. In addition, institutional and policy issues (e.g. regulatory reform), will be analysed. The unit will discuss the main aspects of the markets for minerals and energy, market structure, business environment and price movements. The unit will also provide an introductory discussion on the markets for derivatives (options, futures, forward, swaps) on minerals and energy commodities.

The unit provides theoretical and empirical background on the economics of minerals exploration, extraction and marketing and on the economics of energy generation, distribution and use. The economics of minerals and energy commodity markets will be discussed and analysed. The interactions of mineral extraction and energy generation activities with other natural resources and the environment will be of particular interest (e.g. mine site remediation, land use conflicts). Sustainability and prospects for long term efficient use of these resources, as well as the development and use of alternative technologies will also be discussed. In addition, institutional and policy issues (e.g. regulatory reform), will be analysed. The unit will discuss the main aspects of the markets for minerals and energy, market structure, business environment and price movements. The unit will also provide an introductory discussion on the markets for derivatives (options, futures, forward, swaps) on minerals and energy commodities.
NB: Only available to 4th year students in the FAFNR. Available to 3rd year students in the FEB. Available to students that have completed RSEC1031 or ENVI3013/ GEOS 3513 with permission from the unit coordinator

The unit consists of two complementary parts: water economics and economics of biological resources (fisheries, forestry, other wildlife). The main objective of the water economic component is to investigate the economic aspects of water use and water quality. In particular approaches toward efficient use of the water resource over time, optimal allocation of water among competing uses and achievement of the socially optimal level of water quality will be discussed. The demand for water from various sectors will be analysed in both static and dynamic settings. Issues considered include the selection and construction of water storages, aquifer water extraction and alternative water sources. The issues of waste water disposal and water quality, changing water technologies, and water pollution will be also discussed. There will be particular emphasis on the economic mechanisms for managing the water resources including property rights, water allocation and water markets. The key policy instruments (taxes, quotas, standards) in these areas will be analyzed and discussed. The institutional and policy aspects will also be considered through analysis of water policy reform in Australia and elsewhere. The main objective of the economics of biological resources will be to introduce students to the bio-economic modelling of the resources that experience biological growth. This will be prominently exemplified through various aspects of fishery economics. The unit will also discuss the economics of forestry.

In this unit of study, students develop skills in economic research be designing, undertaking and reporting on a single research study (thesis). Student undertake research on an apporved topic under the supervision of a member of staff and prepare a report of approximately 25,000 words in length.

This unit of study is taken in conjunction with the companion unit, RSEC4142 Resource Economics Project A. See RSEC4142 for details.

This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts within pedology, soil physics and soil chemistry. These concepts are part of the grounding principles that underpin crop and animal production, nutrient and water cycling, and environmental sustainability taught by other units of study in the Faculty. Students will participate in a two-day field excursion in the first week of semester to examine some common soils of the Sydney Basin, they will also learn to describe soil, and measure soil chemical and physical properties in the field. Referring to common soil profiles of the Sydney Basin, students will concentrate on factors affecting soil formation, the rudiments of soil description, and analysis of soil properties that are used in soil classification. Students will also develop knowledge of the physics of water and gas movement, soil strength, soil chemical properties, inorganic and organic components, nutrient cycles and soil acidity in an agricultural context. At the end of this unit students will become familiar with the factors that determine a soil's composition and behaviour, and will have an understanding of the most important soil physical and chemical properties. Students will develop communication skills through essay, report and practical exercises. The final report and laboratory exercise questions are designed to develop team work and collaborative efforts.

This unit will familiarize students with the description and mapping of soil types in the Australian landscape, with common analytical methods for soil and with the various forms of degradation that may alter the quality and function of soil. It is an applied soil science unit which builds on the fundamental soil science concepts learned in the SOIL2003 unit. The first practical component of the unit, a five-day soil survey, will give students experience in soil description and classification in the field, and soil samples collected during this survey will be subsequently analysed for a variety of attributes by the students in laboratory practicals. In the lecture series, topics including soil type distribution, soil quality, soil function, soil fertility and soil degradation will be discussed and linked to practical sessions. By the end of this unit, students will be able to construct maps of soil properties and soil type distribution, describe primary soil functions, soil attributes and types of soil degradation in an agricultural context, and be able to recognize and communicate the ability of a soil profile to sustain plant growth. Students will gain research and inquiry skills by collecting, analyzing and interpreting soil survey data, and will gain communication skills by having to prepare and present a poster.

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.

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.

Viruses are some of the simplest biological machinery known, being completely dependent on hosts for their replication, yet they are also the etiological agents for some of the most important human diseases. New technologies that have revolutionised the discovery of new viruses are also revealing a hitherto unappreciated abundance and diversity in the ecosphere, and a wider role in human health and disease. Developing new gene technologies have enabled the use of viruses as therapeutic agents, in novel vaccine approaches, gene delivery and in the treatment of cancer. This unit of study is designed to introduce students who have a basic understanding of molecular biology to the rapidly evolving field of virology. Viral infection in plant and animal cells and bacteria is covered by an examination of virus structure, genomes, gene expression and replication. Building upon these foundations, this unit progresses to examine host-virus interactions, pathogenesis, cell injury, the immune response and the prevention and control of infection. The structure and replication of sub-viral agents: viroids and prions, and their role in disease are also covered. The practical component provides hands-on experience in current diagnostic and research techniques such as molecular biology, cell culture, serological techniques, immunofluorescence and immunoblot and is designed to enhance the students' practical skills and complement the lecture series. Tutorials cover a range of topical issues and provide a forum for students to develop their communication skills.

This unit draws on concepts from industrial relations and human resource management to examine the interests and strategies of workers, unions, managers, employers and the state. It explores the relationships between these parties as they seek to manage their environments and workplaces and to exercise control over each other. The unit enables students to understand how and why the organisation, regulation and management of work are changing in Australia and globally. As well as providing an introduction to all aspects of the study of the employment relationship, this is the foundation unit for a major in industrial relations and human resource management.