A rationale of degree review and curriculum design:
The Bachelor of Land & Water Science

A formal review process of a degree program should aim to enhance degree rationalization and integration and provide a cohesive, balanced and focused study program that is conducive to effective student learning. A learning-outcomes model (LOM) was developed and applied to a recent review and curriculum design of the Bachelor of Land and Water Science (BLWSc), Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, the University of Sydney. The development of the LOM involved collating and analysing data and information obtained from a range of sources including internal stakeholders and competitors. The application of the LOM to the BLWSc case study demonstrated that a rational basis can be employed to identify strengths and weaknesses of the degree program, undertake an integrated assessment of all relevant variables and provide a powerful tool to enhance the quality of teaching and student learning. The value of this model is the emphasis it places on achieving greater transparency for both teacher and learner and as a tool for both planning teaching and achieving effective learning. It is believed that the LOM can be adapted to conduct comprehensive, effective and efficient review and curriculum design of other undergraduate and graduate courses and enhance their learning outcomes.

The principles of the LOM and main findings from the case study are presented and discussed in the full paper.