Graduate Study
Mediterranean Agriculture

Study Programme Coordinator: Prof. Martina Skendrović Babojelić, PhD

Description

The graduate study Mediterranean Agriculture is a joint university program initiative launched in 2021 by the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture in collaboration with the University of Zadar. The program lasts two years and is divided into four semesters, with an average workload of 30 ECTS credits per semester, for a total of 120 ECTS credits.

The program is conducted at two locations: at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture and at the University of Zadar. The first year primarily includes lectures held at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, while the second year takes place at the University of Zadar. In addition to lectures, the second year includes practical field work and laboratory exercises, which are mainly carried out on University Estate Baštica and in cooperation with other agricultural institutions.

The Mediterranean region is an active area for specific research in biotechnical sciences. However, there is currently no specific program in Croatia that comprehensively covers Mediterranean agriculture from the beginning to the end of basic university education. Mediterranean agricultural systems have unique characteristics, and given the increasing importance of agriculture, sustainability, new technologies, primary processing, agrotourism, and rural development, there is a need for specialized education for master’s level professionals in this field.

Objective

The aim of the graduate university program Mediterranean Agriculture is to provide an agricultural sciences education with a focus on Mediterranean agriculture using a modern teaching method. As part of the Mediterranean Agriculture program, students acquire knowledge in various areas of agricultural production (viticulture, enology, fruit growing, vegetable growing, aromatic, medicinal, and ornamental plants, protection of Mediterranean plant species, Mediterranean livestock farming, processing of agricultural products from the Mediterranean region, etc.) and acquire additional skills that are essential for successful and sustainable agricultural production. Through a modern approach, students are taught new technologies and the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge in agriculture and food production, with the aim of raising public awareness oft the value of the Mediterranean region. By integrating fundamental knowledge, technologies, and new scientific knowledge, students are prepared for the labor market and self-employment, both in rural areas and in other regions of the country.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify agroecological and production-economic characteristics, limits, and possibilities of Mediterranean agriculture.
2. Explain the economic and social role of Mediterranean agriculture and the connection between Mediterranean agriculture and rural development.
3. Explain the concepts of agricultural development in the Mediterranean region and the connection between domestic agriculture and global trends.
4. Master practices, techniques, and technologies in the production and processing of agricultural products, evaluate technological solutions, and propose improvements.
5. Coordinate and manage tasks in agricultural production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products in accordance with modern business management standards (good agricultural practice, environmental protection, health protection of plants, animals, and humans).
6. Manage complex production and business systems in the domain of Mediterranean agriculture independently or as part of a team.
7. Apply modern scientific and professional methods in the organization and implementation of production, research, and other business activities, and disseminate the results.
8. Actively participate in the preparation of legal, strategic, and operational documents in the field of Mediterranean agriculture and rural development.
9. Critically evaluating work and business results (agricultural production, processing, project tasks, studies, reports, etc.) and proposing development solutions that meet current agricultural policy requirements.