Program’s objectives
The objective of ABF undergraduate program of study is to provide education in Agriculture covering all areas of agricultural activity and processing of agricultural and livestock products. The educational program aims to make graduates capable of working as consultants in the crop or animal science and production and/or food science and technology of agricultural products, depending on the direction they choose, and / or as consultants for rural development. In general, all three directions of studies offered by the program contain common courses aiming primarily at providing education in Agricultural Sciences. The ABF undergraduate program of study, regardless of the direction of studies, aims at the scientific training of graduates in order to solve problems of the agricultural sector in line with modern research achievements. It promotes the respect to the environment and the principles of sustainability in the frame of a knowledge-based bio-economy that aims to ensure the production and processing of high-quality, safe and added value products and the provision of high quality agricultural services. In addition, the graduates of the Department obtain the necessary background to continue their scientific training in postgraduate programs in Cyprus or abroad and, if they wish, to pursue thereafter a research career. Τhe three directions offered in the program of study have as primary objective the broader education and training of students in subjects related to Agricultural Sciences through joint courses. Specifically, each direction has its own goals as shown below:
- Crop Science and Technology
The Crop Science and Technology direction aims to provide students with the background they need in order to provide advice and expertise to companies and/or individuals who are involved with the production of crop products and the provision of plant production services. The structure of the curriculum and more specifically the courses included in this direction, work towards the provision of both theoretical and practical training in all aspects of Crop Production including, Plant Protection, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Vegetable production, Pomology, Floriculture, Plant Propagation and Nursery Production, Greenhouse Technology and Hydroponics and Postharvest Physiology. Graduates of the direction of Crop Science and Technology have the opportunity to work as agronomists, plant protection consultants with the authority to sign recommendations for the use of plant protection products, as well as consultants with the authority to sign farm improvement plans, which are required for grant funding under the Rural Development Program.
- Food Science and Technology
The main goal of the Food Science and Technology direction is to offer graduates a high-level education, enabling them to provide advice and expertise to companies of the food industry. The structure of the curriculum in this direction is designed to provide knowledge in the broader field of Agricultural Sciences so that the graduates perceive the impact of the agricultural production on food safety and quality ensuring the production of high quality, safe and added value products. The program offers expertise among others in Food Chemistry and Analysis, Food Quality and Safety and Food Science and Technology of products derived from Plant or Animals. Graduates of the Agricultural Sciences in the direction of Food Science and Technology can be occupied as consultants, employees, managers or professionals in the food processing sector and offer their expertise to the food industry.
- Animal and Dairy Science
The Animal and Dairy Science direction aims to provide students with the background they need in order to provide advice and expertise to companies involved in animal and dairy production. The structure of the curriculum in this direction includes, in addition to Animal Production courses, the necessary background from the subjects of Crop Science and Technology and Food Science and Technology so that graduates can provide expertise in the production of high quality and safe products of animal origin. The program offers specialized knowledge including subjects such as Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding and Genetics, Zoonoses and Food Crises, Feed Science and Technology, Dairy & Meat Production and Animal Diseases. Graduates successfully completing their studies in Agricultural Sciences in the direction of Animal and Dairy Science are able to work as consultants for livestock and feed companies as well as offer their expertise to companies that produce food products of animal origin. They will also have the authority to implement and sign improvement plans for agricultural enterprises.
Our curriculum provides Science foundation courses (General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics), basic training in Agricultural Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology of Plants and Animals, Systematic Botany, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Soil Science, Ecology and Environmental Management) and specialized scientific training in three directions:
- Crop Science and Technology
- Animal and Dairy Science and Technology
- Food Science and Technology
General and basic education received by all students of the Department, is mainly provided during the first three semesters of study and includes introductory modules in all three directions. The aim is that by the end of the third semester, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the Department's cognitive subjects, so that they can meet their future professional or educational goals. In the final year of studies, students of all directions, along with their modules of specialization, also attend modules in economics and management. At the same time, they complete their training by drafting a thesis in one of their subject areas, under the supervision of the Department;s staff.
In order to obtain a degree in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, and Food Science, the acquisition of 242 European Credit Units (ECTS) within the ECTS system is required.
The requirements for obtaining a degree are summarized as follows:
Α. Common modules (1st to 3rd semester)
- General bases in Natural Sciences: 27 ECTS
- Basic education in Bio-Agricultural Sciences: 62 ECTS
- Foreign language: 8 ECTS
Β. Specialization modules (4th to 8th semester)
- Specialization modules: 96-102 ECTS*
- Economic and management modules: 10 ECTS
- Elective modules: 18-24 ECTS*
- Practice (during Summer, between 3rd and 4th year): 5 ECTS
- Dessertation/Thesis (4th year): 10 ECTS
*There are minor differences among the three directions
