Agricultural Science

Go beyond the traditional growing of crops and animal production to take on a diverse and challenging career in Agricultural Science where you will use scientific, technological, management, economic, environmental and social principles to meet the world's need for food and fibres. 

Majors

Animal Science

Animal production is concerned with the science and management of beef and dairy cattle production, poultry, sheep, goats and pig production. In choosing animal science, you will study nutrition and reproduction (of both grazing animals and intensively housed animals), animal health and genetics, animal behaviour, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry and pasture science.

Your practical classes will be conducted in some of the best animal teaching and research amenities in the Southern Hemisphere, located on the UQ Gatton campus.

Animal science graduates can find employment as: advisors and managers of animal production enterprises, and allied industries such as feed milling and stock equipment manufacturers and animal health companies; Extension and animal welfare officers; Research scientists with universities, government departments and CSIRO; Biosecurity officers with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service; International advisors and researchers for international development and aid programs.

Plant Science

When you choose a major in Plant Science you will learn the essential components of crop production systems including plant molecular genetics and breeding, plant pathology, plant physiology and plant soil interactions. The courses are designed for you to develop a broad knowledge of subtropical and tropical agriculture and gain important scientific research skills to allow you to contribute to developing more efficient and less resource-intensive crop production systems.

UQ's Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) offers you a broad range of courses covering topics from economics, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, animal nutrition, land use and the environment, and agricultural development in Asia.

During this four year program you will gain an international experience through a 3 week placement in either Indonesia or Thailand where you will focus on the biophysical, economic and social aspects of small scale tropical production systems.

In the final two years you will undertake an independent research project where you will extend your specialization in either animal or plant science and build a successful career in the agricultural industries in research and development, production and management or service industries such as rural finance.

All international applicants need to meet the minimum entry score for admission into this program.

If you’re currently studying year 12 (or equivalent) in Australia or New Zealand, you need to meet this program’s minimum OP or Rank score.

If you’re currently completing your senior schooling elsewhere, you need to meet this program’s minimum equivalent international entry score.

Prerequisites

Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) English, and Chemistry or Mathematics B

English Proficiency

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. 

International students are eligible to apply for a number of scholarships and prizes. These may be offered by the University, the Australian Government, foreign governments, or private organisations.