Agri-food Systems and Rural Development (ASRD)
Agri-food Systems and Rural Development (ASRD) is two-year M.Sc. programme taught in English. The programme is based on the interdisciplinary approach in order to deepen theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to actual issues of rural development in Third world countries. The aim of this programme is to prepare graduates to work in the field of international development with a specific focus on sustainable development practices in tropical rural regions. The programme consists of the courses addressing various technological, economic and social aspects of rural development in developing countries. The students study courses related to the application of appropriate alternative energy technologies with a special emphasis on residual biomass utilization. Their education is extended with courses focused on environmental engineering, techno-economic development and project management. The students are also led to understand social specifications of developing environment; hence, courses dealing with humanities (sociology, demography, communication and extension) are involved in the programme. Faculty provides many opportunities to gain hands-on experience and practical skills through its projects around the world. Students are highly encouraged to develop their master's thesis in conjunction with one of these development projects or with a local institution.
Output knowledge and skills of graduates:knowledge in the field of environmental engineering
- knowledge in the field of agricultural engineering (agriculture, with a focus on mechanization plantation crops)
- specialist consultants or researchers developing projects in the tropics and subtropics
- knowledge in the field of mechanical and physical properties of agricultural materials
- knowledge of machines and technologies for food processing
- knowledge in the field of "remote sensing" (GIS, GPS, RST ...)
- knowledge in technologies for soil and water conservation
- knowledge in the field of waste handling
- knowledge in the field of alternative energies (focus on biomass)
- knowledge in the field of economic analysis of agricultural and environmental technologies
- knowledge in the field of agricultural technology
Master's degree has the standard period of study - two academic years (four semesters).
The final state examination consists of a thesis defense and exam of the three topics (two compulsory and one optional).
Study is taught in English. Also thesis and final state exams are performed in English.
Study plans ASRD
