Undergraduate Study
Horticulture
Study Programme Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Ana-Marija Jagatić Korenika, PhD
Description
This study programme recognises the need for short, efficient and flexible learning, forming an expert - Bachelor - who can work in the areas of horticulture, viticulture and oenology, pomology, gardening, and ornamental plant production, while also providing the possibility of further education in 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 Horticultural studies, students take basic modules of scientific disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics, botany, genetics, agro-economics, and biotechnical disciplines (pedology, agricultural ameliorations, phytomedicine, plant physiology, microbiology). During the second year, students gain knowledge in horticultural disciplines such as viticulture and oenology, pomology, gardening, and ornamental plant production. In the third year, students take elective modules enabling them to specialise in one of the horticulture areas. In cooperation with their mentors, students work in teams on projects dealing with the organisation 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 specific topic in a contemporary and technologically advanced way.
Objective
The objective of the study programme is to provide students with competencies that allow them to combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills for jobs in the field of viticulture and enology, pomology, vegetable growing, and ornamental plant production. Along with wider knowledge in production and processing technology in the field of horticulture, students will be able to continue education at the graduate study Horticulture (majors in viticulture and enology, pomology, vegetable growing, and ornamental plant production) as well as at other graduate study programmes at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture or related faculties at home or abroad.
The objective of the study is to educate experts qualified for employment as farm managers in horticultural production, companies for processing and distribution of horticultural products as well as nursery managers. Furthermore, they can be employed as associates at companies for the production and distribution of horticultural equipment, work in landscape design studios or be agricultural officers in local government bodies and state institutions, etc.
Learning outcomes
- Define and describe horticultural plants and production practice/breeding characteristics
- Critically judge the role of horticulture within the agriculture and overall national economy
- Recognise and select specific technologies of production and processing in horticulture
- Select and apply basic methods and concepts of planning and management in the horticultural organisation
- Distinguish the specifics of plant production/cultivation in both open areas and greenhouses and explain their benefits
- Assess the status and development trends of modern horticultural technology
- Distinguish and propose solutions for the main production and organisation problems of horticultural production in Croatia and the world
- Assess the performance of participants in the process of horticultural training
- Discuss with clients, the engineering community, and society, orally and in writing, using professional terminology and using a foreign language
- Participate in teamwork and business decision-making in enterprises, local and state government bodies, and research institutions in the field of horticulture
- Independently organise and manage a business in the field of horticultural production on a farm or agricultural enterprise
- Lead professional projects from individual segments of horticultural production
Bachelors of horticulture acquire the following competencies
Knowledge and understanding
- Basics of macro- and micro-agro-economics 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 agro-climatology and agro-meteorology.
- 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.
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.
Research
- Ability to search literature, databases, and other sources of information.
- Ability to create and conduct tests, surveys, and interviews in horticulture, to present and interpret research results, and to formulate conclusions and recommendations.
- Ability to use proper laboratory equipment and ability to analyse laboratory results.
Engineering practice
- Ability to combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills in solving problems in the area of horticulture.
- Awareness of engineering practice's influence on society.
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.
- Recognise the need and readiness to engage in lifelong learning.
Bearers of this qualification are authorised 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, and 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 design horticultural facilities, and 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 the continuation of graduate studies. After completion of the studies, students may continue with their education in the same area (M.Sc. in horticulture, sub-specialisations in viticulture and enology, pomology, gardening, ornamental plants) and other graduate studies at the Faculty of Agriculture or similar institutions in Croatia or abroad.