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Bachelor in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture

Explore academic programs at the PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment, beginning with Agriculture under the School of Natural Resources.

Bachelor in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture offers a four-year degree program leading to the Bachelor in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture (BSTA), with five strands designed to support sustainable food systems, research, and agricultural development in Papua New Guinea.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture Education

The Agriculture program combines theory, practical fieldwork, laboratory learning, farm management, and industry engagement to prepare graduates for modern tropical agriculture challenges.

Entry Requirements

Degree Programs and Majors

The Bachelor in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture has five strands.

Strand 1

Agriculture Business

Focuses on agribusiness, finance, marketing, and agriculture investments.

Strand 2

Agriculture Production

Covers crop production, horticulture, ecology, and sustainable land use.

Strand 3

Agriculture Protection

Includes pest and disease management, plant pathology, weed science, and entomology.

Strand 4

Agriculture Science

Develops skills in crop science, genetics, biotechnology, and plant-soil interaction.

Strand 5

Agriculture Technology

Explores mechanization, applied rural technology, greenhouse farming, and modelling.

Why Study Sustainable Tropical Agriculture?

This program is designed to address the complex realities of tropical agriculture.

Interdisciplinary Approach

  • Integrates biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, environmental science, and social science.
  • Equips students to develop sustainable agricultural practices tailored to tropical climates.

Hands-On Learning

  • Fieldwork, laboratory practice, farm management, and technology use.
  • Strong practical experience to deepen understanding of agricultural systems.

Contribute to Food Security

  • Supports environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible agriculture.
  • Builds capacity in nutrition, resilience, and sustainable regional growth.

Industry Connections

  • Links with industry partners for networking and internships.
  • Access to current research and agriculture sector opportunities.

Course Structure

Selected course outline from Year 1 to Year 4.

  • Semester 1: STA 111 Fundamentals of Agriculture
  • Semester 1: STA 112 Applied Biology
  • Semester 1: STA 113 Applied Chemistry
  • Semester 1: STA 114 Communication Skills
  • Semester 1: SIT 114 Introduction to ICT
  • Semester 2: SLP 121 Natural Resources Conservation and Utilisation
  • Semester 2: STA 121 Applied Physics
  • Semester 2: STA 122 Applied Mathematics
  • Semester 2: STA 123 On Farm Practice
  • Semester 2: STA 124 Introduction to Business
  • Semester 1: STA 212 Annual Crop Production
  • Semester 1: STA 212.2 Principles of Soil Sciences
  • Semester 1: STA 212.3 Principles of Plant Sciences
  • Semester 1: STA 212.4 Introduction to Statistics
  • Semester 1: SLP 213 Introduction to Animal Science
  • Semester 1: STA 213 Research Method
  • Semester 1: STA 213.1 Introduction to Agribusiness Management
  • Semester 1: STA 213.4 Crop Botany
  • Semester 1: STA 214.3 Fundamental of Plant Protection
  • Semester 1: SFS411 Agroforestry Systems
  • Semester 1: STA 311.1 Agribusiness Economics
  • Semester 1: STA 311.2 Annual Crop Production
  • Semester 1: STA 311.3 Applied Entomology
  • Semester 1: STA 311.4 Crops Genetic and Breeding
  • Semester 1: STA 311.5 Applied Rural Technology
  • Semester 1: STA 312.1 Farm Business Project 1
  • Semester 1: STA 312.2 Crop Nutrition & Agronomy
  • Semester 1: STA 312.5 Greenhouse Farming
  • Semester 1: STA 313.1 Extension Method
  • Semester 2: Industry Training
  • Semester 1: RE 211 GIS & GPS
  • Semester 1: STA 411.5 Food Processing Technology 1
  • Semester 1: STA 412.1 Horticulture
  • Semester 1: STA 412.5 Soil and Water Management
  • Semester 1: STA 413.1 Entrepreneurship
  • Semester 1: STA 414.1 Resource Management
  • Semester 1: STA 417 Special Project 1
  • Semester 2: STA 411.4 Biotechnology
  • Semester 2: STA 421.1 Supply Chain Management
  • Semester 2: STA 423.1 Agriculture Marketing

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the academic entry standards for the program.

  • Grade 12 Higher School Certificate or equivalent.
  • Grade B or better in Language and Literature.
  • Maths A or Maths B.
  • Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in agriculture, science, and development.

Careers

Professional Pathways

Graduates may become Sustainable Practice Consultants, Conservation Scientists, Agricultural and Food Scientists, Nutritionists, Plant Breeders, and Biosecurity Officers.

Industry

Employment Sectors

Opportunities exist with organizations such as NARI, NAQIA, Trukai Industries, PNG Cocoa Board, Hargy Oil Palm, and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.

Future

Leadership & Enterprise

Graduates are also equipped to become employers, entrepreneurs, managers, teachers, researchers, and extension officers.

Department Contact

For admissions and program enquiries, contact the Department of Agriculture, School of Natural Resources.

Mailing Address

Department of Agriculture
School of Natural Resources
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment
Private Mail Bag, Kokopo
East New Britain Province

Phone & Email

Main Switchboard: 987 1200
Admissions: studentadmin@unre.ac.pg
General Enquiries: publicrelations@unre.ac.pg

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Become part of UNRE’s mission to promote the sustainable use of Papua New Guinea’s natural resources.

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