About | School of Agricultural Science

About the School of Agricultural Science

The School of Agricultural Science at Murdoch University is home to Western Australia's most comprehensive agricultural science capability spanning animal health, veterinary science, livestock, crops and pastures, soils and water, and biosecurity. This breadth enables us to address complex agricultural challenges through a whole-of-system approach that integrates crops, livestock, natural resources, technology and industry outcomes.

Working closely with industry, government and community partners, we develop practical solutions that improve productivity, strengthen biosecurity, support sustainability and build resilience to climate, market and supply-chain challenges. Our research strengths span livestock production and health, meat science, crop and pasture systems, soil and water management, biosecurity, biotechnology and digital agriculture.

Innovation

Murdoch University is Western Australia's only university with the capability to integrate agricultural science, veterinary science and biosecurity within a single education and research ecosystem. Combined with expertise in crops, soils, environmental science and farming systems, this provides a unique platform for addressing complex challenges that affect entire agricultural enterprises rather than individual commodities or disciplines.

The School is particularly recognised for expertise in mixed farming systems and the interactions between livestock, crops, pastures, soils, water, biosecurity and farm profitability. This integrated capability enables us to develop practical solutions that strengthen productivity, sustainability and resilience across food and fibre supply chains.

Western Australia's diverse production environments provide an internationally significant test bed for research in dryland agriculture, mixed crop-livestock systems, climate adaptation, biosecurity and export-focused agriculture. Through national and international collaborations, we generate knowledge and innovations that benefit Western Australian industries while contributing to food and fibre production systems globally.

Education

Our undergraduate and postgraduate programs combine scientific knowledge with practical experience, preparing graduates for careers across agriculture, animal health, agribusiness, biosecurity and related industries. Students learn from leading researchers and industry professionals who bring current industry challenges, emerging technologies and research advances directly into the classroom.

Hands-on learning is central to the Murdoch experience. Through access to our on-campus farm, veterinary hospital, research institutes, laboratories and extensive industry partnerships, students gain practical skills and real-world experience alongside their studies. Industry placements, field activities and research opportunities help students build professional networks and develop the capabilities needed to contribute to the future of agriculture.

The close integration of teaching, research and industry engagement ensures our curriculum remains relevant, innovative and aligned with workforce needs. Students benefit from learning in an environment where research is actively addressing the challenges facing modern agriculture, from sustainable production and biosecurity to animal health, food security and environmental stewardship. This strong research–teaching nexus equips graduates with the knowledge, practical skills and professional networks needed to make an immediate contribution to their profession.

Our people

Meet our world-leading team at the School of Agricultural Sciences