New rangeland study options at UQ Gatton Open Day

New options for rangelands study in 2004 will be unveiled at the University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus Open Day on Sunday, August 24.

An expanded offering will see the University launch a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Rangeland Management) degree.

Dr Len Bahnisch, who chaired a working party which developed the new rangeland study program, said the degree was built on established expertise at UQ Gatton.

“The University has offered rangeland elements within its science degrees for a number of years now,” he said. “But with increased demands for skilled graduates, we have given this important field of study a new focus.

“In addition to the emphasis on productive use of rangelands students can also choose from nature conservation topics looking at wildlife and native plant communities.The multiple use of rangelands, for example combining pastoral and eco-tourism, is also explored.”

Dr Bahnisch said property management planning for sustainability was an important new field of study.

“Demand is increasing for professional input into the management of our fragile rangeland environment and the University has responded to this need.”

Dr Bahnisch said UQ Gatton rangelands students could get overseas experience via initiatives such as the University’s international student exchange program.

“It includes a range of possibilities for incorporating study in other parts of the world,” he said.

Mark Alchin, a final-year applied science student in Rangeland Management, has just returned from a three-month industrial placement in the US.

A UQ Faculty scholarship enabled Mark to undertake a research project with the prestigious Texas A&M University.

His study of wildlife ecology focused on methods of counting wild red deer populations.

“Ranchers supplement their pastoral income with game hunting and need the most accurate population estimates possible,” Mark said.

He took part in a number of deer population census methods including aerial surveys, spotlight counting and infrared camera techniques, and presented his findings at a seminar attended by local ranchers and scientists from the Texas region.

“Working overseas was a very positive experience,” said Mark, who is keen to pursue an honours year in 2004.

Media: For more information about rangelands courses, contact Dr Len Bahnish (telephone 0409 897 433). For information about UQ Gatton Open Day, contact Anthony Smith (telephone 0409 265 587).