Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology (BVitOenol)
Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology (BVitOenol)
Program Code
BVITO
Program Faculty
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Academic Year
2025
These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).
Overview
This program incorporates courses in both viticulture and oenology and qualifies graduates to work as either a viticulturalist, oenologist (winemaker) or in related professions (e.g. hospitality and tourism, and the food and beverage industry). Viticulture is the study of grape vines and their cultivation and includes site selection, vineyard establishment, management of pests and diseases and the informed application of irrigation and fertiliser to optimise vineyard yield and grape quality. The viticulturalist typically works closely with the winemaker to achieve the desired winemaking outcome. The winemaker utilises their training in the science of winemaking (oenology), to process grapes for the production of white, red, still and sparkling and fortified wines. The viticulturalist / winemaker often contributes to in-house research, sales and promotion of the finished product.
Throughout this program, there is an emphasis on the key technical methods and sensory (wine tasting) skills required for a career in viticulture and oenology. The first year level teaches both basic sciences and foundations of wine science at the North Terrace campus and the National Wine Centre. In second, third and fourth year levels the emphasis is on the scientific and technological aspects of winemaking and viticulture, with courses taught in the winery at the Waite campus. In fourth year students complete an industry experience placement in either viticulture and / or oenology to enhance personal and career objectives.
The Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology is an AQF Level 7 program with a standard full-time duration of 4 years.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Understanding the wine industry by: 1.1 explaining the role and relevance of viticulture and oenology and its related sciences, and agribusiness in society 1.2 understanding the major biophysical, economic, social and policy drivers that underpin practice in the wine industry and how they contribute to practice change 1.3 understanding how information is adopted in the wine industry and the context within which producers, processors and consumers make decisions.
- Demonstrating knowledge of viticultural and oenological sciences, and experience in both winemaking and grapevine production, including the most relevant technologies in international wine sectors.
- Critically analyse and address problems in viticultural and oenological sciences by: 3.1 identifying contemporary issues in the wine industry 3.2 gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of relevant sources and disciplines 3.3 selecting and applying appropriate and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an independent investigation 3.4 collecting, accurately recording, analysing, interpreting and reporting data.
- Be effective communicators by: 4.1 understanding methods of effective two-way written and verbal communication with different audiences 4.2 communicating with a range of audiences in a wine industry context using a variety of modes.
- Be accountable for their own learning and professional work by: 5.1 being independent and self-directed learners 5.2 working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context 5.3 demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to the wine industry 5.4 personally practising ethical conduct.
Conditions
Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Executive Dean or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.
Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program.
Academic Program Rules for Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology
There shall be a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 96 units, comprising
- Core courses to the value of 84 units
- Elective courses to the value of 12 units
- Level I courses not exceeding 30 units
- Work based learning / extra mural studies
Core Courses
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Core Courses
To satisfy the requirements for Core Courses students must complete courses to the value of 84 units.
Level I
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells 3 BIOLOGY 1202 Biology I: Organisms 3 OENOLOGY 1018NW Foundations of Wine Science I 3 SOIL&WAT 1000WT Soils and Landscapes I 3 STATS 1000 Statistical Practice I 3 and
Courses to the value of 6 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value CHEM 1100 Chemistry IA 3 CHEM 1200 Chemistry IB 3 or
Courses to the value of 6 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value CHEM 1611 Foundations of Chemistry IA (Ag & Vit) 3 CHEM 1621 Foundations of Chemistry IB (Ag & Vit) 3 and
Courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value PHYSICS 1008 Physical Aspects of Nature I 3 PHYSICS 1101 Physics for the Life and Earth Sciences IA 3 Level II
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value AGRIC 2500WT Agricultural Biochemistry II 3 AGRIC 2510WT Agricultural Genetics II 3 OENOLOGY 2501WT Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology II 3 OENOLOGY 2502WT Sensory Studies II 3 OENOLOGY 2503WT Introductory Winemaking II 3 PLANT SC 2510WT Foundations in Plant Science II 3 SOIL&WAT 2500WT Soil and Water Resources II 3 VITICULT 2500WT Viticultural Science II 3 Level III
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value OENOLOGY 3003WT Wine Packaging and Quality Management III 3 OENOLOGY 3007WT Stabilisation and Clarification III 3 OENOLOGY 3037WT Distillation, Fortified & Sparkling Winemaking III 3 OENOLOGY 3047WT Winemaking at Vintage III 3 OENOLOGY 3530WT Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology III 3 PLANT SC 3510WT Plant Health III 3 VITICULT 3021WT Viticultural Science III 3 VITICULT 3044WT Viticultural Methods and Procedures III 3 Level IV
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value OENOLOGY 3016WT Cellar and Winery Waste Management III 3 OENOLOGY 3046WT Fermentation Technology III 3 OENOLOGY 3500WT Industry Experience (Viticulture & Oenology) III 3 OENOLOGY 3520WT Advances in Wine Science III 3 -
Work Based Learning / Extra Mural Studies
To satisfy the requirements for Work Based Learning / Extra Mural Studies students must adhere to the following:
Students must complete industry experience to the value of 10 weeks full-time (approximately 375 hours) in either viticulture and / or oenology as part of OENOLOGY 3500WT Industry Experience (Viticulture & Oenology) III.
Electives
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Elective Courses
To satisfy the requirements for Elective Courses students must complete courses to the value of 12 units.
Courses to the value of up to 12 units may be taken from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value AGRIBUS 3017WT Business Management for Applied Sciences III 3 AGRIC 3530WT Horticultural Production and Quality III 3 ENTREP 3900 eChallenge 3 FOOD SC 3550WT Brewing Technology & Beer Production III 3 FREN 3215OL French for Grape Growers and Wine Makers 3 MARKETNG 1001 Introduction to Marketing 3 MARKETNG 2001 Digital Media in Business 3 MARKETNG 2501 Consumer Behaviour 3 PLANT SC 3505WT Soil and Plant Nutrition III 3 PLANT SC 3515WT Plant Biotechnology III 3 PLANT SC 3530WT Food Production in a Future Climate III 3 SCIENCE 3200 Communicating Science III 3 SCIENCE 3500 Science International Study Tour 3 SCIENCE 3510 Science International Study Tour B 3 SCIENCE 3520 Science Experience III 3 SOIL&WAT 3016WT Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling III 3 SOIL&WAT 3017WT Soil & Water: Management & Conservation III 3 SPATIAL 3020WT GIS for Agriculture & Natural Resource III 3 VITICULT 3500WT Grape and Wine Industry Practice, Policy and Communication III 3 or
Courses to the value of up to 6 units may be taken from the following:
Other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.