A focus on agriculture in the UniSQ classroom
THIS year, the University of Southern Queensland has unveiled a new school dedicated to the study of agriculture and environmental science.
Two new programs within the school were also launched – the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management and the Bachelor of Environmental Science. A new major in Wildlife Management was also introduced.
Head of School Professor Craig Baillie said the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science provided academic leadership to a full range of awards from undergraduate to higher degree research training including agricultural engineering, agricultural technology and management, agricultural science, environmental science, horticulture, animal science, wildlife management, wine science and food science.
“Our purpose is to mould students that are equipped to be critical, creative thinkers, effective communicators and collaborators, ethical, engaged and employable,” Professor Baillie said.
“To do that, we are building flagship undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs that are highly regarded by industry.”
Best mates Brad Lawrence and Hector Grimshaw moved from Tasmania to the Darling Downs to start ‘exactly’ what they wanted in a university degree.
“The course offered at the University of Southern Queensland looked to be the most comprehensive and broad ag engineering course in the country,” Hector said.
For Brad, who has lived and worked on his family’s dairy farm in Meander near Launceston his whole life, he too plans to give back to the industry that’s underpinned his family story.
“My passion for the agriculture industry is definitely something that has developed over the years and is now to the point where I know that’s where my future lies,” he said.
“I also have an innate love for science and engineering, often wondering why things are the way they are. I am hoping to use this degree to further my understanding of the agriculture industry, not only in dairy but in all other branches of agriculture too.”
Agriculture is a research flagship area at the University of Southern Queensland developing technologies to help farmers on an international scale to the local household gardener.
The University of Southern Queensland is a proud partner of The Chronicle Garden Competition.