Statement of Generic Graduate Attributes

The University states that our graduates’ attitude towards scholarship, global citizenship and lifelong learning will set them apart from other graduates. Further, these broad attributes can be understood as a combination of five overlapping clusters of skills and abilities. These skills and abilities are shown below.

1. Research and Inquiry. Graduates of the University will be able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry.

• Recognise and master appropriate theories, concepts and principles from a range of disciplines
• Collect and integrate several lines of evidence and apply them in a balanced way in an argument
• Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test an hypothesis or proposition
• Critically analyse information, synthesising and summarising the outcomes
• Be able to clearly identify problems
• Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems
• Demonstrate awareness of the provisional nature of the facts and principles associated with a field of study
• Appreciate the issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording and analysis of data
• Demonstrate ability to assess data quality
• Understand and manage the nature of risk and uncertainty in decision making
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages
• Solve numerical problems using computer-based and non-computer based techniques.

2. Information Literacy. Graduates of the University will be able to use information effectively in a range of contexts.

• Collect and record electronic or non-electronic information or data in the library, laboratory or field and summarise it using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques
• Appreciate and analyse financial and other management information, both current and historical, and use it in decision making
• Appreciate the difficulties of having incomplete information on which to base decisions
• Identify, evaluate and respond to a variety of information sources (eg electronic, textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
• Identify, evaluate and respond to a variety of data types (eg scientific, non-scientific, primary and secondary)
• Demonstrate competence in the use of computer-based information handling and data processing tools
• Appreciate the economic, legal, social, ethical and cultural issues in the gathering and use of information.

3. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy. Graduates of the University will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges.

• To be intellectually curious
• To be open to new ideas, methods and ways of thinking
• Identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities
• Devise strategies to achieve goals
• Assume responsibility for one’s actions
• Reflect on and evaluate own performance as an individual and as a team member, and identify areas for future improvement
• Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development
• Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
• Develop the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisational skills)
• Develop independent thinking.

4. Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding. Graduates of the University will hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role as responsible members of local, national, international and professional communities.

• Recognise the complementary roles of leadership and management in an organisation
• Recognise and respect the views, opinions and contributions of other team members
• Recognise moral and ethical issues related to the subject
• Appreciate the need for professional codes of conduct where applicable
• Display the potential for competence, behaviour and attitudes required in a professional working life including initiative, leadership, team skills, and professional responsibility
• Devise, plan and undertake investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigation on the environment and stakeholders
• Understand the role of agriculture, food and natural resources within the Australian society and economy, as well as being aware of the opportunities for international contributions and collaboration
• Display the capacity to be informed, responsible and critically discriminating participants in academic, social, cultural and moral issues, in the community of scholars, in the workforce and as citizens of both Australia and the world.

5. Communication. Graduates of the University will recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, interacting with others, and furthering their own learning.

• Communicate accurately, clearly, concisely, confidently and appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
• Contribute constructively to group discussions
• Listen to, appreciate and evaluate the views of others
• Use the internet critically and exhaustively as a means of communication and a source of information
• Use computer packages to create effective ways to communicate information.