Organic Agriculture

The idea to launch this kind of study program at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, was born based on the changes occurring in agriculture during the past 20 years, and the fact that the curricula at similar universities in Europe changed during this period. The undergraduate study of Organic Agriculture provides multidisciplinary knowledge in the area of biotechnical sciences. It is a completely new study that has never been taught at Universities in Croatia.

During the first two years, students learn in modules where they acquire the basic knowledge on agricultural sciences. These modules are mandatory. In order to expand their knowledge, during their third year of studies, students can choose elective modules from the list suggested by the study program. They can also choose modules from other undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Agriculture and other institutions within the University of Zagreb.

By its structure, the study of Organic Agriculture is a three year program, and it uses the ECTS credit system. During the last year of studies, a large number of elective modules (15 modules) are offered, and students can select 6 modules carrying 36 ECTS credits. Also, students have the right to select 24 ECTS credits (4 modules) from other study programs at the Faculty of Agriculture. In addition to this, there is the possibility of taking one semester outside of the home institution (in Croatia, or abroad). Efficiency and attractiveness of the study are based on students’ active participation (daily homework, exercises, seminars,...), and the reduced number of hours of direct teaching (lectures). During the semester, continuous monitoring of student progress is conducted (written exams and other forms of student participation), and the final exam is organized during the last week of lectures.

By completing the three year studies, university Bachelors of Organic Agriculture acquire the following competences:

• Depending on the selection of elective modules, bachelors can be educated for independent work on their own family farms,
• Depending on the selection of elective modules, they can be trained to manage the production on agricultural farms,
• The students acquire sufficient knowledge to continue with their graduate studies at the Faculty of Agriculture, or other institutions dealing with similar sciences,
• They can work at state and local government offices in the area of agriculture and in the rural sector,
• They can become associates in the research institutions dealing with the area of agriculture and environmental protection,
• They can become associates in public institutions managing protected areas,
• They can become associates in the business of trade and marketing of agricultural products and equipment,
• They acquire basic knowledge about the position, role and importance of agriculture in the future development

Bearers of this qualification are authorized to use the legally protected university degree of the Bachelor (baccalaureus) in Engineering of Organic Agriculture and perform professional tasks in the area of qualification. The studies are based on the knowledge in the areas of agronomy, ecology and environmental protection. In this way, students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to solve complex tasks in these areas in various branches of industry and entrepreneurship. Employment is not necessarily limited to the area of agriculture, ecology and environmental protection.

The study of Organic Agriculture is primarily designed as preparatory course for continuation of the studies. After the completion of the undergraduate studies of Organic agriculture, students may continue their graduate studies of Organic Agriculture with Agrotourism. Depending on the selection of elective modules during the third year of the studies, they can enrol into other graduate studies at the Faculty of Agriculture and other similar institutions in Croatian, and abroad.