Department of Agricultural Sciences
Lead the way in pasture, crop and animal production sciences.
Farming is the backbone of Aotearoa New Zealand, and this department is committed to ensuring a bright future for the industry. Teaching and research uses a hands-on, applied focus to explore the science that underpins New Zealand’s land-based industries, whether in crop, pasture or livestock production, environmental sustainability, or innovation in agriculture.
Key themes for the department
- Dryland pasture species
- Animal nutrition
- Pasture agronomy
- Crop agronomy and modelling
- Nitrogen leaching and nitrogen cycling
- Environmental and social sustainability in farming systems
- Animal production science
- Animal genetics and breeding
- Neurophysiology
- Parasitology.
Study programmes
We attract nationally and internationally renowned researchers who teach courses that contribute to a range of academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, the Bachelor of Agriculture, the Bachelor of Science - Animal Science Major, the Bachelor of Science – Plant and Horticultural Sciences major, the Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) and the Diplomas in Agriculture and Farm Management. The department also supervises a number of postgraduate programmes, including Master's degrees and PhDs.
We have a fantastic reputation in the agricultural sector and graduates from all levels are highly sought after by employers.
Research centres
- Dryland pastures
- Centre of Excellence: Designing future productive landscapes
- Living laboratory
- Gene marker laboratory.
Contact
Dr Sandy Slow - Head of Department
Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences