Agriculture

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Agriculture?

There are no prerequisites for the course, but it is assumed that students have an interest in the production and marketing of plant and animal products.

Why study Agriculture?

A study of Agriculture will promote an understanding of how the production of plant and animal products is linked to the processing and marketing of food and fibre products. Agricultural products contribute significantly to Australia’s export income. A study is made of the total marketing chain, from the farm and the research laboratory, to the processing plant and retail outlet.

Students develop an awareness of the application of technology to the production, processing and marketing of products. Valuable vocational and life skills are learned through the study of Agriculture: skills of research, evaluation and communication. Opportunities are provided to engage in debate regarding welfare, ethical and legal issues relating to plant and animal research.

Course description:

The Year 11 course incorporates the study of the interactions between the components of agricultural production, marketing and management, while giving consideration to the issue of sustainability of the farming system. This is an ‘on-farm’ course, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

The HSC course builds upon the Year 11 course. It places a greater emphasis on farm management to maximize productivity and environmental sustainability. The farm as a fundamental production unit provides a basis for analysing and addressing social, environmental and economic issues as they relate to sustainability. Because farmers need to respond to changing climatic and economic conditions, the HSC electives focus on innovations including new computer, satellite, robotic and biological technologies, as well as issues and challenges facing Australian agriculture.

Main topics covered:

Year 11 Course

• Overview of Australian Agriculture

• The Farm Case Study

• Plant Production

• Animal Production

HSC Course Core Topics

• Plant/Animal Production

• Farm Product Study

• Elective – Choose one of the following electives to study: o Agri-food, Fibre and Fuel Technologies o Climate Challenge o Farming for the 21st Century

Particular course requirements:

Practical experiences should occupy a minimum of 30 per cent of both Year 11 and HSC course time.

Is there any practical work?

Yes. Practical work, including excursions, contributes towards 30 per cent of the course work.

HSC examination structure:

One three-hour Theory Paper

How is Agriculture relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

The study of Agriculture is useful for life science and environment-based courses as well as veterinary science, farm management, equine studies, animal husbandry and horticulture.

Experimental and research skills acquired during the course will also prove beneficial to the study of any science course at tertiary level. Students are provided with a wide range of practical skills and an awareness of technologies associated with agriculture. The processes of marketing studied in Agriculture will provide a foundation for any commerce-related course.