Study Guide

Descriptions

This curriculum is for open UAS students. The curriculum includes first year studies and Basic Studies Common To All In SEAMK (Open UAS Path Studies, Degree Programme in Agriculture and Rural Enterprises). There is also some personal study planning in the open university's path studies.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME AND COMPETENCIES

An agronomist is a modern primary production professional. The agrology studies at SeAMK focus on the entire food production chain, its origins, processing, and the consumer's perspective. During studies it is possible to concentrate on primary production or to augment studies, for example, with business or food processing and biotechnology.

At the beginning of their studies, students study professional modules such as plant production, domestic animal production, agrotechnological subjects, agricultural economics, and business economics. The professional studies are supported by studies in communication, natural sciences, and languages.

In the early summer, after the second year of study, there is Summer Camp - this is a growing season study course, where students apply the theoretical knowledge gained during the winter. In the summer, students also have traditionally made a study trip to Central Europe, which gives them a glimpse of farming cultures in other countries.

During their third of fourth year of study, students specialize, based on their own choices, either in agricultural business economics or production processes (plant or domestic animal production, agricultural technology). You can expand your competencies further in food processing by studying biotechnology or food engineering. If you wish, you can also deepen your competencies with studies in business economics or engineering.

The practical training includes a farm trainee-ship period or a specialization trainee-ship period in Finland or abroad. The final project/thesis is implemented at the final stage of the studies. In agricultural industry studies, the subject choice for the final thesis is free, but it is worthwhile keeping in mind the possibility of utilizing the final project for career planning and employment.

The studies include contact teaching, self-study, practical training, and a final thesis. The contact teaching combines theory and diverse practical studies. Studying in the programme is flexible, and students can concentrate on courses they find the most interesting. The production and reproduction cycles of farm animals as well as seasons and periods of growth and harvest in the fields set the pace for studying in the degree programme. Modern facilities for farm animals, laboratory work and teaching allow students to engage in hands-on and problem-based, reflective learning.

At the beginning of the studies, every student prepares a personal curriculum assisted by a study counselor or tutor. The student's studies proceed in accordance with their personal curriculum and goals.


PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY PROFILE
An agronomist works as an advisor in domestic animal or plant production, as an expert in administration, education and research, and as a developer of rural areas. Also trade and industry as well as the insurance sector employ agronomists. Developing farms require diverse competencies and a great many agronomists have their own business. There are diverse work assignments available for agronomists and they find employment easily.

PEDAGOGICAL ACTION MODELS

In Agrology studies; the learner is an active information gatherer, processor, producer, and implementer. Learning is carried out alone or with others using a network. The lessons to be learned are related to the learner's own experience, work and environment. Learning is a process in which everyone sets their own learning goals and also self-assesses their own learning. The role of the teacher is to be the supervisor of the learning process. The learning process is designed with the help of a personal study plan that defines the courses that the student chooses.

Professional studies consist of themes that use different pedagogical methods to study. The lesson to be learned can be approached as problem-based or as a phenomenon where the learner builds his / her own learning process utilizing his / her knowledge, skills and experience. For example, in the production environment and welfare of domestic animals. During the course, the student choses a specific animal and builds-up knowledge about that animal’s legislation and environment and their impact on the animal’s welfare. Team learning and collaborative projects with working life develop not only project management skills and expertise in the field, but also communication, networking and interpersonal skills. Business partners’ or students' own companies provide examples and concrete learning tasks.

Learning by doing is included in a number of study courses, especially in work practice and Summer Camps with functional learning. Work-related skills can be included in the degree through the recognition of skills.

At the beginning of his / her studies, the student makes a personal study plan, in which he / she maps out his / her previous skills and learning goals with the HOPS supervisor or study counselor. During the studies, the curriculum will be examined from the perspective of the career plan and possibly taking into account the skills acquired in the field during the studies. During your studies your own professional identity develops. During studies, the student analyzes his / her own development, for example, through a learning diary. The development of professional identity is supported by annual development discussions with the HOPS instructor, under the guidance of the work practice and thesis. A graduating agrologist is a learning, developing expert.

Assessing takes place at the beginning, during and after studying, assessment is carried out using self-assessment, peer review, working life and by the teacher. For example, you can show your expertise by analyzing a soil sample, identifying plants, writing a learning diary, or developing a business development plan for your business.

Throughout their Agrology studies the core themes are:
• Information retrieval and career planning
• entrepreneurship and internationality
• Network and communication skills
• sustainable development and circular economy
• digitalisation and its uses