Regulations for The Bachelor of Agricultural Science - BAgSci

Official rules and regulations for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science. These regulations are for the 2025 intake to this qualification.

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Qualification Regulations

Part I

These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.

Part II

Admission

1. Admission to the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science requires that the candidate will meet the University admission requirements as specified.

2. In all cases, if English is not the applicant's first language and the admission requirements were not completed at an educational institution where English is the medium of instruction, the applicant shall have achieved an IELTS of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.

Qualification requirements

3. Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science shall follow a flexible programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 360 credits, comprising:

(a) not more than 165 credits at 100 level;

(b) at least 75 credits at 300 level;

and including:

(c) the courses defined by Schedule A for the Qualification;

(d) the remaining courses should normally be from Schedule B;

(e) attending contact workshops, block courses, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.

4. Notwithstanding the requirements of Regulation 3, the programme of study for candidates enrolling in the Equine major shall consist of courses as defined by Schedule C.

5. Candidates who, in the opinion of the Academic Board, have passed with sufficient merit subjects for either a New Zealand University Diploma in Farm Management or a New Zealand Diploma in Horticultural Management or subjects for some other recognised tertiary qualification may be cross-credited with specified or unspecified courses not exceeding a total of 120 credits.

Specialisations

6. The Bachelor of Agricultural Science may be awarded with or without a specialisation.

7. The approved major is Equine, the requirements for which are set out in Schedule C.

8. Notwithstanding Regulation 7, candidates enrolled in the Bachelor of AgriScience prior to 2019 may complete a major in Agriculture or Horticulture in accordance with Transition Provision 13.

Academic requirements

9. Candidates must complete to the satisfaction of the Academic Board two 13-week periods of practical work experience and a total of not less than 26 weeks of approved practical work experience in accordance with the following courses: 119.150 Practicum I and 119.250 Practicum II.

Completion requirements

10. Any timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates will apply.

11. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes; candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Diploma in Science and Technology should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.

Unsatisfactory academic progress

12. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.

Transitional provisions

13. Subject to any Maximum Time to Completion regulations and the Abandonment of Studies provisions specified in the Part I regulations for the degree, candidates enrolled in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science prior to 1 January 2022 who have successfully completed one or more of 117.381, 189.363, 189.365 and/or 283.305 may substitute the course or courses taken for a course or courses of the same value and at the same level from the Compulsory Course Selection schedule. Such candidates who have successfully completed at least 30 credits of elective courses from Schedule B may substitute a course or courses completed from Schedule B for a course or courses in the Compulsory Course Selection schedule, up to a maximum of 45 credits.

14. These transition arrangements expire 31 December 2025.

15. Subject to any Maximum Time to Completion regulations and the Abandonment of Studies provisions specified in the Part I regulations for the degree, candidates enrolled in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science prior to 1 January 2023 who have successfully completed 123103 may substitute this for 117107 or 233105 until 31 December 2026.

Schedule for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Key terms for course planning
Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Schedule A (Choose 330 credits from)

Compulsory courses (Choose 240 credits from)

Choose 240 credits from
Course code: 115113 Economics for Business 15 credits

The course examines the nature of the contemporary economic environment in which businesses operate, and considers how economics can aid in business decision-making.

Restrictions: 115106

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Course code: 117153 Introduction to Animal Production in New Zealand 15 credits

An introduction to animals and animal science in New Zealand, covering a broad range of animal species and incorporating the principles of nutrition, reproduction, lactation, genetics and growth. A brief overview of New Zealand’s livestock production systems and consideration of animal ethics, welfare and biosecurity issues.

Restrictions: 117152 and 117155 and 199101

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Course code: 117201 Livestock Production Science 15 credits

Developing understanding of the important drivers underpinning New Zealand’s livestock and companion animal industries and how these can be altered to achieve the desired outcomes. Knowledge will be gained on the major animal welfare and environmental issues facing New Zealand agriculture and how these might be mitigated against.

Prerequisites: One of 117152, 117153, 117155, 194101, 199101, or 199103

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Course code: 119120 Plants for Agriculture and Horticulture 15 credits

An introduction to the agricultural and horticultural species important to New Zealand's economy. Growth and development of agricultural and horticultural plants; their responses to the environment and management, and implications for production. Identification and biology of agricultural and horticultural plants, including weeds, pests and pathogens important to plant production.

Restrictions: 283101, 284101

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Course code: 119150 Practicum I 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A descriptive report demonstrating satisfactory observational, analytical and reporting skills is required.

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Course code: 119180 Introduction to Agribusiness 15 credits

An introduction to the organisation, structure and governance of New Zealand agribusiness in a global context. Examines the international and domestic macro environment and its impact on New Zealand agribusiness. Explores New Zealand farm systems within an agribusiness context.

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Course code: 119250 Practicum II 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A detailed, investigative report identifying and analysing opportunities, problems, policies and technical and research issues is required.

Prerequisites: 119150

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Course code: 119258 Agricultural Systems 15 credits

An interdisciplinary study of agricultural systems to describe and analyse the relationships between system components. Analysis of the inter-relationships within agricultural systems, including the sub-systems for primary production, processing, marketing and policy, and the relationships of these systems within their environment.

Prerequisites: 119281 Restrictions: 284201

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Course code: 119270 Policy, Regulation and Government in Primary Industry 15 credits

Legal responsibilities and compliance associated with primary production; obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and examples of legislation including resource management, hazardous substances and new organisms, animal welfare, health and safety, food safety, biosecurity and employment. Central and local government, and industry systems. Implications for owners, managers and employees in the rural sector.

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Course code: 119281 Decision Tools for Primary Industries 15 credits

Application of decision tools for farm systems analysis at the tactical level. Analytical frameworks to assist decision-making in finance, human resources, production and marketing.

Prerequisites: 119180 or 117155

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Course code: 119373 Integrative Studies 15 credits

An integrative course designed to emphasise the importance of the broad knowledge base gained in the degree and the value of multidisciplinary teams in addressing the issues and problems of importance to the industries served by the degree. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge to problem-solving, group learning and problem-solving strategies and communication in the context of applied science. Real-world problems will be used.

Prerequisites: 119250

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Course code: 119381 Decision-Making in Primary Industry 15 credits

A practical approach to the management of strategy, finance and tactics in primary industry. An exploration, through in-field case studies and business analysis, of planning under uncertainty.

Prerequisites: 119281

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Course code: 138255 Applied Engineering in Agriculture and Horticulture Systems 15 credits

Engineering principles underpinning the systems used in the growing, harvest and post-harvest treatment of agricultural and horticultural products. Emphasis is placed on deriving the system performance specification following consideration of capacity, product quality and safety, and ecological requirements.

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Course code: 161140 Agri-Statistics 15 credits

An introduction to statistics in an agricultural context, including the presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.

Restrictions: 161100, 161101, 161111, 161120, 161122, 161130, 115101, 195101, 297101

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Course code: 189151 Principles of Soil Science 15 credits

An integrated introductory course in soil science. An exploration of the interaction between soil and the environment, soil formation and morphology, soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their influence on soil management, nutrient cycling, and soil-plant interactions.

Prerequisites: 247111 or 247113

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Course code: 189251 Soil Fertility Management 15 credits

This course examines the influence of soil factors on plant nutrient cycling in agricultural production systems. The composition, properties and uses of fertilisers to improve soil fertility and the associated environmental issues arising from soil water relationships and interactions with plant nutrients. Methods for measuring nutrient levels in soils will also be covered.

Prerequisites: 189151

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Course code: 247111 Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture 15 credits

The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of primary production in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Restrictions: 247177, 141111, 141112, 228111, 228112, 247155, 119155, 246102, 247112, 247113, 247114

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Course code: 283201 Pasture and Crop Agronomy 15 credits

The husbandry of agricultural plants and the management of plant communities at the farm level. Topics include balancing pasture growth and animal demand, pasture assessment, pasture establishment, cash crops, growth and utilisation of forage crops and control of weeds and pests.

Prerequisites: 283101 or 120101 or 119120 Restrictions: 171202

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Compulsory course selections (Choose 15 credits from)

Choose 15 credits from
Course code: 117107 Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare 15 credits

An introduction to common ethical frameworks for animal use with a focus on domestic animal species. Principles of the behaviour and welfare of domestic animal species. Theory of safe and effective animal handling.

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Course code: 199103 Animals and the Environment 15 credits

An introductory biology and natural history course presented within an evolutionary framework that investigates the diversity of animal life, human-animal interactions, nutrient and energy flows, conservation and sustainability. This course places emphasis on wild animals and ecological processes operating within New Zealand and globally.

Restrictions: 199101

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Course code: 233105 Our Dynamic Earth 15 credits

An introductory course exploring the dynamics of Earth and how it changes through time, from the core to the atmosphere, plate tectonics to volcanoes, glaciers to rivers, mountains to oceans, and mass extinctions to the evolution of life. Through exploration of these processes and their interrelationships with environments and society, including natural hazards, climate change, and earth resources, students will develop their practical, problem solving, and communication skills.

Restrictions: 233101 and 145121

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Compulsory course selections (Choose at least 75 credits from)

Choose at least 75 credits from
Course code: 117303 Ruminant Animal Nutrition 15 credits

Advanced principles of animal nutrition as related to ruminant livestock. An in-depth coverage of the processes of feed intake, digestion, absorption and metabolism, and the factors affecting them. The determination of the nutritive value of feedstuffs for ruminant, with particular emphasis on forages. Gain in-depth knowledge of schemes for estimating the ruminant animal requirements for energy, protein and minerals and the principles of ration formulation. Design practical feeding regimes and their implementation.

Prerequisites: 117201 or 117202 or 117254 Restrictions: 117342

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Course code: 117345 Genetics for Livestock Improvement 15 credits

The relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on quantitative traits. Methods of calculating breeding values or indices to exploit genetic variation in quantitative traits. The use of computers to utilise pedigree and performance records. Selection for disease resistance, the use of new reproductive technologies to enhance genetic gain and the potential importance of molecular genetics in livestock improvement. Maternal influences and methods of selecting for maternal components. Crossbreeding and inbreeding as selection tools.

Prerequisites: One of 117201, 117245 or 117254 or 203202

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Course code: 117371 Animal Production 15 credits

The impacts of breeding, nutrition, reproduction and lactation in New Zealand animal production. A modularised course requiring students to select three topics from dairy cattle production, animal, fish & insect protein production, sheep production, pig & poultry production, beef cattle production and the working dog.

Prerequisites: One of 117201, 117202 or 117254

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Course code: 119358 Farm Production Systems 15 credits

An interdisciplinary study of farm systems. Case studies are used to integrate students’ knowledge of the whole farm system, to identify strategic choices and evaluate these choices relative to the current farm system.

Prerequisites: 119381

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Course code: 138301 Precision Agriculture Technologies 15 credits

Knowledge of remote and proximal sensing, and precision livestock techniques to provide information to mitigate environmental impacts under intensive farm production systems. Consideration of issues of resource use, optimization of farm production and environmental performance of primary industries.

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Course code: 189362 Integrated Farm and Environmental Management 15 credits

This course examines farm physical resources, nutrient management and budgeting and contaminant loss processes in the context of Te Mana o te Wai. Students will integrate their knowledge to produce a freshwater Farm Environment Plan which identifies soil, pathogen, nutrient and greenhouse gas loss pathways on multiple land uses and justifies mitigation practices which are appropriate for the farm system and to protect freshwater.

Prerequisites: 189251 or 121213

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Course code: 235312 Case Studies in Māori Agribusiness 15 credits

This course explores Māori agribusiness through a series of case studies in the field with an emphasis on the temporal understanding of Māori agribusiness. Each case study has an emphasis on analysis and decision making and is applied to a range of Māori agribusinesses.

Prerequisites: 119180

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Course code: 283301 Pasture Production and Practice 15 credits

The practical application of pasture production and grazing management principles to grazing systems. An introduction to sward dynamics and the herbage factors influencing both the productivity and utilisation of grazed pastures.

Prerequisites: 283201

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Course code: 283310 Topics in Agronomy 15 credits

This course offers students modules covering different aspects of agronomy from which they need to select two. Modules: Weed control, farm forestry, seed technology and crop production. Each module runs for 6 weeks and includes laboratory or field work.

Prerequisites: 119120

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Schedule B: Elective courses (Choose 30 credits from)

Approved courses selected from the schedules to the following degree programmes: BAgSci, BHortSci, BAgribusiness, BSc, BA, BBus, BAnSci and BInfSc.

Schedule C: Specialisations

Equine (150 credits)

No new enrolments

This qualification is not accepting new enrolments.

Core AgriScience courses

Choose 150 credits from
Course code: 115113 Economics for Business 15 credits

The course examines the nature of the contemporary economic environment in which businesses operate, and considers how economics can aid in business decision-making.

Restrictions: 115106

View full course details
Course code: 119150 Practicum I 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A descriptive report demonstrating satisfactory observational, analytical and reporting skills is required.

View full course details
Course code: 119180 Introduction to Agribusiness 15 credits

An introduction to the organisation, structure and governance of New Zealand agribusiness in a global context. Examines the international and domestic macro environment and its impact on New Zealand agribusiness. Explores New Zealand farm systems within an agribusiness context.

View full course details
Course code: 119250 Practicum II 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A detailed, investigative report identifying and analysing opportunities, problems, policies and technical and research issues is required.

Prerequisites: 119150

View full course details
Course code: 119281 Decision Tools for Primary Industries 15 credits

Application of decision tools for farm systems analysis at the tactical level. Analytical frameworks to assist decision-making in finance, human resources, production and marketing.

Prerequisites: 119180 or 117155

View full course details
Course code: 119373 Integrative Studies 15 credits

An integrative course designed to emphasise the importance of the broad knowledge base gained in the degree and the value of multidisciplinary teams in addressing the issues and problems of importance to the industries served by the degree. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge to problem-solving, group learning and problem-solving strategies and communication in the context of applied science. Real-world problems will be used.

Prerequisites: 119250

View full course details
Course code: 119381 Decision-Making in Primary Industry 15 credits

A practical approach to the management of strategy, finance and tactics in primary industry. An exploration, through in-field case studies and business analysis, of planning under uncertainty.

Prerequisites: 119281

View full course details
Course code: 138255 Applied Engineering in Agriculture and Horticulture Systems 15 credits

Engineering principles underpinning the systems used in the growing, harvest and post-harvest treatment of agricultural and horticultural products. Emphasis is placed on deriving the system performance specification following consideration of capacity, product quality and safety, and ecological requirements.

View full course details
Course code: 161140 Agri-Statistics 15 credits

An introduction to statistics in an agricultural context, including the presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.

Restrictions: 161100, 161101, 161111, 161120, 161122, 161130, 115101, 195101, 297101

View full course details

Equine Major courses

Choose 150 credits from
Course code: 119258 Agricultural Systems 15 credits

An interdisciplinary study of agricultural systems to describe and analyse the relationships between system components. Analysis of the inter-relationships within agricultural systems, including the sub-systems for primary production, processing, marketing and policy, and the relationships of these systems within their environment.

Prerequisites: 119281 Restrictions: 284201

View full course details
Course code: 119358 Farm Production Systems 15 credits

An interdisciplinary study of farm systems. Case studies are used to integrate students’ knowledge of the whole farm system, to identify strategic choices and evaluate these choices relative to the current farm system.

Prerequisites: 119381

View full course details
Course code: 286251 Equine Behaviour, Training and Welfare 15 credits

The course will describe the ethology of the horse. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the theory of learning and how it underpins basic training and training for the different disciplines. It will describe the welfare of horses associated with different equine management systems both in New Zealand and overseas. The legislation which protects horses will be described.

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Course code: 286321 Responses to Training in the Equine Athlete 15 credits

As the equine athlete is trained changes occur in the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. The basic and applied aspects, and the detection of changes, will be discussed, in the context of training regimens for different equine activities.

Prerequisites: One of 117152, 117153, 117155 or 194101

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Elective Courses (60 credits)

Elective courses (Choose 60 credits from)

An approved selection of 100-, 200- and 300-level courses listed in the schedules to the following degree programmes: BAgSci, BAgribusiness, BSc, BA, BBus, BAnSci and BInfSc.

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