VIT211 Viticultural Science (8)

This subject examines the growing of grapevines with respect to the scientific principles underlying plant growth and performance. The subject sets the foundation for later viticulture subjects dealing with the practicalities of vineyard management and performance. The subject focuses largely on wine grapes, there is an emphasis on why grapevines are grown the way they are and the impact this has on wine production. Topics covered include the structure and function of the grapevine, the process of flowering and fruiting, and environmental, cultural and biological factors that affect grape production and wine style.

This subject commences in session 1 and concludes in session 2. Students must enrol in both sessions 1 and 2.  It is not possible to commence this subject in session 2.
Distance Education students are required to attend a compulsory residential school as a requirement for this subject.

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: VIT211. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Two sessions

School

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

PSC102 or PSC103 or (AGR156 and HRT110) or BIO126 or BIO127 or (BIO100 and VIT101) or (BIO107 and VIT107)

Incompatible Subjects

VIT201

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to describe the origins of viticulture and the taxonomy of the vine
  • Be able to describe grapevine growth and physiological basis of vine growth and fruit production
  • Be able to describe the composition of grape berries in relation to abiotic and biotic environmental factors and viticultural practices
  • Be able to describe the interrelationships between grape berry composition, viticultural conditions and wine produced
  • Be able to describe the basis of vineyard management with respect to irrigation, nutrient availability and pest and disease management

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The grape vine and history of global grape production
  • Grapevine structure and function
  • Grapevine growth
  • Flowering, fruiting and ripening
  • Berry composition
  • Viticulture and wine style and quality
  • An introduction to water, soil and the vine
  • Climate and the vine
  • Grapevine pests and diseases

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

The three day residential school will give students experience in the practical and theoretical aspects with respect to the scientific principles underlying plant growth and performance.  The students will gain practical knowledge from attendance at lectures, tutorials and lab practicals. Students will also benefit from presentations by visiting vitculturists and researchers.

Special Resources

Students are required to attend the compulsory residential school which will involve travel expenses and a time commitment. 
Students will also be required to purchase a lab coat and safety goggles which are compulsory for lab based practicals.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back