Bachelor of Wine Science

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Wine Science course is designed to develop knowledge and skills in winemaking, wine science, viticulture, wine appraisal and business.

CSU's Bachelor of Wine Science is designed to develop knowledge and skills in winemaking, wine science, viticulture and wine appraisal. Students can complete their studies while working in the wine industry or by interchanging full-time study with distance education.

CSU has contributed to the industry since 1975 by developing courses that offer a unique blend of science, business and practical training for wine industry personnel. With access to an on campus commercial winery, which is at the forefront of viticultural practices and winemaking techniques, and teaching staff who are experienced professionals in the field, our students graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience that give them the edge in the wine industry.

The course aims to:

• provide a balanced foundation of study in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, statistics and physics
• build on the basic science foundation and provide an understanding of the science and technology of wine, encompassing wine production, wine microbiology, wine chemistry and winery engineering
• provide an understanding of grape production, factors affecting grape quality, and methods for producing quality grapes
• develop an understanding of wine quality and style by studying sensory wine appraisal.

What will I learn?

The course comprises pure science, viticulture, and wine production subjects and an elective subject. The pure science subjects give students the scientific background in chemistry, microbiology and plant sciences that underpins the applied wine production and viticulture studies. You may choose your elective subject from the subjects offered across CSU's four Faculties.

Residential school

Some subjects require students to attend residential schools at CSU in Wagga Wagga. Using the University's facilities, these residential schools provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the area of study for an intensive period of two to four days.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.