Horticulture

This study program recognizes the need for short, efficient and flexible learning and it forms an expert - bachelor - who can work in the area of horticulture - viticulture and enology, pomology, gardening and ornamental plant production - but it also provides the possibility of further education at graduate studies in the area of biotechnical sciences, for the needs of public and state institutions and economic entities in Croatia and abroad.

During the first year of the Horticultural studies, students take basic modules of the scientific disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics, botany, genetics, agroeconomics and biotechnical disciplines (pedology, agricultural meliorations, phytomedicine, physiology of plants, microbiology). During the second year, students gain knowledge in horticultural disciplines such as viticulture and enology, pomology, gardening and ornamental plant production. In the third year, students take elective modules which enable them to specialize in one of the horticulture areas. In co-operation with their mentors, students work in teams on projects dealing with the organization of production, status analysis and business decision making. During their last semester, students write their final thesis, which is a professionally written document, dealing with a certain topic in a contemporary and technologically advanced way.

Bachelors of horticulture acquire the following competences:

a) Knowledge and understanding

• Basics of macro- and micro-agroeconomics and marketing.
• Social aspects of agriculture and rural communities.
• Basics of chemical and biochemical processes.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Main characteristics of microorganisms.
• Theoretical and practical principles of agroclimatology and agrometeorology.
• Ecological issues and problems related to growing and cultivating plants.
• Wider aspects of agricultural ameliorations.
• Morphological, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils, soil fertility, and distribution of main soil types in Croatia.
• Main pests of agricultural crops and basic methods of their eradication.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of production technologies and processing in horticulture.
• Important scientific principles in horticulture.

b) Engineering analysis

• Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to identify and solve engineering problems.
• Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in horticultural production and processing.

c) Research

• Ability to search literature, data bases and other sources of information.
• Ability to create and conduct tests, surveys and interviews in horticulture, to present and interpret research results, to formulate conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to use proper laboratory equipment and ability of analyzing laboratory results.

d) Engineering practice

• Ability to combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills in solving problems in the area of horticulture.
• Awareness of engineering practice influence on the society.

e) Complementary skills

• Ability to work efficiently individually and in teams; prepare oral and written presentations of work results.
• Ability to use different methods of communication with colleagues and society in general efficiently.
• Recognize the need and readiness to engage in life-long learning.

Bearers of this qualification are authorized to use the legally protected university degree of Bachelor (baccalaureus) in Engineering of Horticulture and perform professional tasks in the area of qualification. Bachelors of Horticulture will be trained to be managers of agricultural farms in horticultural production, managers in companies for processing and distribution of horticultural products, managers of production in fruit and ornamental plants nurseries. They can also be employed as associates in companies that produce and distribute equipment for horticulture, in companies that designe horticultural facilities, as officials for agriculture in the offices of local government and state institutions for production control, and distribution of horticultural products. Employment is not necessarily limited to the area of horticulture.

Undergraduate study of Horticulture is designed to offer wide knowledge in the area of horticulture suited for continuation of graduate studies. After the completion of the studies, students may continue with their education in the same area (M.Sc. in horticulture, sub-specializations in viticulture and enology, pomology, gardening, ornamental plants) and other graduate studies at the Faculty of Agriculture or similar institutions in Croatia or abroad.