Bachelor of Wine Science (BWSC) - BWinSci

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Toowoomba campus: 906101; Distance education: 906105

Contact us

Initial enquiries should be directed to:

• telephone +61 7 4631 5316

• email studysci@usq.edu.au.

Currently enrolled students should contact the Program Coordinator, Dr John Dearnaley, telephone +61 7 4631 2804.

Program focus

This program is offered jointly through the University of Southern Queensland and Charles Sturt University, and is designed to develop knowledge and skills in winemaking, wine science, viticulture and wine appraisal. Students can complete their studies while working in the wine industry, or by interchanging full-time study with distance education. The program commences with an overview of biology, chemistry, physics, statistics and general grape and wine science. Second year studies include analytical chemistry, biology (biochemistry, plant physiology, and microbiology) with an emphasis on wine science studies (sensory science, viticulture science, wine production and food and beverage engineering). In the third year there is a greater focus on wine engineering, wine chemistry, wine microbiology, wine sensory assessment and vine physiology. A unique feature of this joint program is the inclusion of courses in climatology and environmental studies. Students enrol in a winery experience course which is fulfilled by working at local wineries.

Career opportunities

Graduates are employed as winemakers in Australia and overseas. They may be employed in winery operation, production management, quality control, research and development in the wine, brewing and food processing industries.

Program aims

The Bachelor of Wine Science program is offered jointly through the University of Southern Queensland and Charles Sturt University and aims to develop knowledge and skills in wine making, wine science, viticulture and wine appraisal. Graduates will have a knowledge base and skills that will fit them for a career in wineries, production management, quality control, research and development in the wine, brewing and food processing industries. Its aim is to provide graduates with an excellent technical understanding of wine making through provision of a relevant and coherent body of wine production and wine science knowledge, a science base that allows the underlying principles and concepts to be understood, and industry-relevant skills.

Program objectives

Upon completion graduates from the Bachelor of Wine Science program will have the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

• a firm science foundation that provides the principles and concepts required to understand grape and wine production

• an understanding of the wine production process, for all major wine types, including how wine production is influenced by demands of cost, quality and throughput

• awareness of how scientific principles in the fields of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, microbiology and physics influence technical aspects of wine production

• factors that have shaped the Australian wine industry and its current direction of development

• an understanding at a biochemical and physiological level of how viticultural management influences grape quality.

Skills

• an ability to inter-relate scientific concepts and principles to production processes so that production problems are quickly identified and new production situations and demands are successfully handled

• the practical skills to manage a winery and operate its equipment

• sensory evaluation skills that permit identification of winemaking problems, rapid detection of faults, and reliable assessment of wine quality and characteristics

• an ability to understand, and communicate effectively with, technical vineyard staff.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for a place in this program, applicant will have at least a Sound Achievement over four semesters in Queensland Senior (Year 12) English and Mathematics B or the equivalent of these qualifications.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for undergraduate programs may be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The same procedure applies whether you plan to study on-campus or by distance education.

If you completed Year 12 at a Queensland secondary school (or equivalent), you will be assessed for entry on the basis of your Overall Position (OP) or equivalent score. Year 12 students from other states or territories are considered for entry on the basis of their UAI, ENTER or TER. Other applicants will be based on their overall Rank. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Student contribution amount

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Government pays some money directly to the University, but students are also required to make a contribution. This contribution is called the ‘student contribution’. For more information about student contribution amounts, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ fees.

Tuition fee

Domestic fee-paying places are funded entirely through the tuition/direct fees paid by the student. Tuition/direct fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. For more information about Tuition Fees, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ Fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

To satisfy the requirements of the program, candidates must complete 24 units of study, plus one compulsory zero unit industry experience course. The enrolment pattern for full-time students and part-time students undertaking two units per semester are given below.

The first year of the Bachelor of Wine Science provides an overview of biology, chemistry, physics, statistics and general grape and wine science. Second year studies include analytical chemistry, biology (biochemistry, plant physiology, and microbiology) with an emphasis on wine science studies (sensory science, viticulture science, wine production and food and beverage engineering). In the third year there is a greater focus on wine engineering, wine chemistry, wine microbiology, wine sensory assessment and vine physiology. A unique feature of this joint program is the inclusion of courses in climatology and environmental studies.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 8 years to complete this program.

Practical experience

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 24 units of study, including satisfactory completion of BIO3402 Wine Industry Experience, which requires exposure to practical winery work and can be expected to require at least two full vintages, or their equivalent (typically 12 weeks in total), at an approved commercial winery. Students should consult with their Program Coordinator prior to enrolling in BIO3402.

IT requirements

All students studying this program are required to have access to the Internet and to have a computer capable of running the latest versions of Internet web browsers such as Netscape Communicator or Internet Explorer. To achieve this level of capacity, the recommended minimum standards for Windows and Macintosh systems are outlined at: http://www.usq.edu.au/ict/students/standards/default.htm

Residential schools

Residential schools of three to four days duration are compulsory for those external courses listed in the Recommended Enrolment Patterns below. Residential Schools may be held in Toowoomba or Wagga Wagga depending on the University responsible for the course. Some residential schools for CSU courses will be held in Stanthorpe, Queensland, at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT).

Exemptions

Candidates must complete at least eight units of courses offered by USQ whilst enrolled in this program so at most five units of exemptions may be granted.

Course transfers

Transfer or credit for completed USQ or CSU courses/subjects from incomplete programs/degrees to the Bachelor of Wine Science program will be allowed in accordance with USQ regulations provided the courses in questions are compatible with the requirements for the Bachelor of Wine Science.

In this section:

• Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time
• Recommended enrolment pattern - part-time

Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time

Recommended enrolment pattern - part-time