BIO 1401 Grape and Wine Science

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Grape and Wine Science provides a theoretical and practical introduction to Viticulture, Wine Science and Grape Growing courses. This course, therefore, introduces many of the topics which will be developed in more detail in other courses in first, second and third years of the Bachelor of Wine Science Program.

SYNOPSIS:

This course is an introduction to factors that have influenced world-wide viticulture and wine distribution and in particular the evolution of the Australian Wine Industry from European settlement to the present day. Basic winemaking processes and the major wine types are discussed. The subject examines the biology and anatomy of the grapevine, the life cycle and grapevine propagation techniques used in vine improvement and factors limiting grape production. Ampelography (identification and characteristics of grapevine cultivars) and the use of hybrids and rootstocks in viticulture are covered. A field trip to local grapevine nurseries and wineries is designed to increase students' understanding of grapevine propagation, viticultural production and wine processing. The residential school (4 days) is a compulsory component of both the external and internal offerings of this course.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an awareness of the Australian and International Wine Industries including historical and geographical factors;
2. identify phenological stages of the grapevine and identify the vegetative and reproductive structures of a grapevine;
3. describe some of the limiting factors in grape and wine production;
4. state the essential differences and basic production steps of the winemaking process to produce the major wine types;
5. demonstrate knowledge of some basic interrelationships between grape berry composition, viticultural conditions and wine produced.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

The exam will be held during the examination period and the date will become available as the exam period approaches. Please check the exam timetable once available.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. To maximise their chances of satisfying the objectives of the practical component of the course, students should attend and actively participate in the laboratory sessions in the course and maintain a satisfactory record of practical work.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items. Students who do not qualify for a Passing grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be awarded a Supplementary Examination and/or assigned additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the required standard. It is expected that such students will have gained at least 45% of the total marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   Candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the Closed examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the Semester 3 examination period following this course offering.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES