James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

TROPICAL AGRICULTURE

Coordinated by the School of Tropical Biology, postgraduate courses lead to the qualifications of Graduate Diploma of Science (by coursework), Master of Applied Science (by coursework with a research option), Master of Science (by research), or Doctor of Philosophy (by research). Specific coursework programs are built principally around elective subjects offered by the Schools of Biomedical Sciences and Tropical Biology.

There is a unique opportunity for postgraduate study in three Cooperative Research Centres which are funded by industry and the Australian Government to foster collaboration between universities, research agencies and industry. These particular Cooperative Research Centres focus on sustainable sugar production and on the ecology and management of tropical savannas and tropical rainforests.

Close linkages have also been developed with various State and Federal research agencies focused on improving primary production and enhancing the conservation values of lands in tropical northern Australia including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), various Queensland State Departments (Primary Industries, Natural Resources, Environment), the Queensland Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations (BSES), and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Some students carry out research within the agencies, are jointly supervised by external scientists and gain special insights into the day-to-day operations of the best scientific research institutes in northern Australia.

CORE  
BT5101:03 Tropical Soils
BT5102:03 Tropical Crops (offered in even-numbered years)
BT5103:03 Tropical Pastures
BT5105:03 Tropical Agricultural Field Studies
BT5106:03 Contemporary Issues in Agriculture
RESEARCH
BT5054:24 Independent Project and Thesis
BT5301:03 Literature Review
BT5302:03 Literature Review and Proposal
ELECTIVES
Consult Course Coordinator for elective information.