Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems at Charles Sturt University

Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems BEcolAgricSys

The Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems explores the connection between social, ecological and business skills and knowledge to produce graduates well suited to a wide range of roles.

About the course

CSU’s Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems is built on four foundational principles:

Ecological 'thinking'
Ecological 'ethics'
Ecological 'literacy'
Ecological 'practice'

The course explores the connection between social, ecological and business skills and knowledge to produce graduates well suited to a wide range of roles, principally in:

the management of agricultural enterprises, e.g. biological farming
mainstream enterprises that are moving towards an agro-ecological focus
the overlap between agriculture and land resource management, e.g. Landcare
government agencies involved with agriculture and natural resource management

The particular emphasis of the course is threefold:

the application of ecological knowledge and skills (i.e. ecological thinking) to the management of farming, grazing and related agricultural systems
the development of a high level of managerial capability incorporating communication, interpersonal skills and integrated project management, as well as holistic approaches to situation improvement
the acquisition of an ecological ethic based on the principles of environmental stewardship.

There is also a strong focus on developing a student’s ecological literacy through:

placing emphasis on ecological philosophy
emphasising holistic thinking as an overarching process that embraces reductionist thinking
enhancement of their imagination and empathy skills
exploring their sense of place in evolutionary and geographical terms

In addition, the student will be supported to develop:

an understanding of the principles of ecology including social ecology
an ethic of land stewardship with consideration of the environmental impact of production activities
knowledge and skills in agricultural management consistent with the ecological foundation of agriculture
environmentally responsible practices to minimise the impact of agriculture
effective facilitation, project management and inquiry skills to assist in managing change.

Where it will take you

The growth in demand for organic foods and fibres has resulted in a range of employment opportunities including advisory services, research, marketing and catchment management services. Other possible career paths include positions as specialist consultants, roles within government advisory bodies and departments, and community organisations such as Landcare.

Agricultural and environmental experts have already indicated their excitement about the prospects for graduates from this program.

Credit

Students may be granted credit for previous study at certificate level or higher. More information about specific details of credit may be obtained by contacting the relevant Course Coordinator. Phone info.csu on 1800 334 733 for the appropriate contact details.

Graduation requirements

To graduate with the award Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems, students must satisfactorily complete the equivalent of 24 standard subjects including:

a core equivalent to 14 standard subjects (112 points)
10 elective subjects selected to satisfy a major (eight subjects) or a minor (six to seven subjects).

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