FOR Gympie State High School 2013 Year 12 graduate Shelby Schroder, acceptance into the University of Queensland's Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) will see her go beyond traditional crop growing and animal production to take on a diverse and challenging career in agricultural science.

Shelby will use scientific, technological, management, economic, environmental and social principles to meet a global need for food and fibres.

UQ's Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) offers students a broad range of courses covering topics from economics, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, animal nutrition, land use and the environment, and agricultural development in Asia.

During her four-year program, Shelby will gain an international experience through a five-week placement with Chiang Mai University in Thailand where she will focus on the biophysical, economic and social aspects of small scale tropical production systems.

In the final two years, Shelby will undertake an independent research project where she will extend her specialisation in either animal or plant science to build a career in the agricultural industries in research and development, production, management or service industries such as rural finance.

While a student at Gympie State High School, Shelby was a keen participant in the school's Cattle Show Team and became extremely competent in handling and judging cattle.

A sound study regime enabled Shelby to successfully complete her Year 12 studies while managing a busy schedule of co-curricular school activities in addition to assisting on her family's dairy farm.