Course Overview

The Master’s Degree Programme in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies (LM-69R) aims to educate graduates with a strong scientific and cultural background, an excellent mastery of scientific research methods, and in-depth knowledge of the agricultural environment and agroecosystems, including their main variables.

The programme is designed to equip graduates with the skills required to:

• analyse and manage environmental and socioeconomic factors affecting production processes;
• understand and manage the biological components of agroecosystems, including both beneficial and harmful organisms;
• design and rationally implement production systems, methods and technologies, including non-conventional approaches;
• develop projects assessing the agricultural potential of a given area;
• plan cropping systems and evaluate their performance;
• design facilities and infrastructure required for open-field and protected crop production, as well as for livestock farming;
• plan and manage crop protection strategies for crops and their products;
• develop projects aimed at protecting agricultural and forest agroecosystems, conserving biodiversity and the environment, and promoting sustainable development and the multifunctionality of agriculture.

Graduates must also acquire specialised knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• plant biology, physiology and genetics, as well as the biology of plant pests and pathogens, which are essential for improving crop yield and quality, planning rational crop protection strategies and safeguarding soil resources;
• animal physiology and nutrition, which are essential for improving the yield and quality of meat and dairy products;
• quality control throughout the supply chains of different crop and livestock products, with particular regard to process sustainability and biodiversity conservation;
• planning and management of research and innovation processes, both independently and as part of working teams, taking responsibility for projects and organisational structures.

The curricular requirements for admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies (LM-69R) are automatically met by graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree in class L-25 (Agricultural Sciences and Technologies), or a degree in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies awarded under the previous Italian degree system (class 20), or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad.

These requirements are also met by graduates holding degrees in the following classes: L-2 (Biotechnology), L-13 (Biological Sciences), L-21 (Spatial, Urban, Landscape and Environmental Planning), L-26 (Food Science and Technology), L-27 (Chemical Sciences and Technologies), L-29 (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies), L-32 (Environmental and Natural Sciences), and L-38 (Animal Science and Technologies for Animal Production), as well as the corresponding degree classes under Ministerial Decree No. 509/1999, or applicants holding other qualifications, including qualifications obtained abroad, provided that they have acquired at least 60 university credits (CFU) during their previous university studies in one or more of the following scientific-disciplinary sectors: AGRI (formerly AGR), MATH (formerly MAT), INFO (formerly INF), IINF (formerly ING-INF), ECON (formerly SECS-P), CEAR (formerly ICAR), PHYS (formerly FIS), BIOS (formerly BIO), MVET (formerly VET) and CHEM (formerly CHIM).

Students who have not yet fulfilled the admission requirements—namely, the required degree or equivalent qualification obtained abroad and recognised as suitable, or the 60 CFU in the scientific-disciplinary sectors listed above—may also apply, provided that they meet these requirements by the deadlines established each year in the University call for applications for admission to Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programmes.

Information and enrolment procedures are available at the following link: https://studenti.smartedu.unict.it

Admission is not subject to a fixed enrolment quota (open-access admission). Applicants’ initial level of preparation is assessed through an oral interview conducted by a Committee appointed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A). The interview is based on a syllabus and also assesses applicants’ motivation, ability to summarise information, mastery of the topics covered and communication skills.

At the end of the first year, students can choose one of four curricula:

• Plant Production
• Plant Protection Technologies
• Economics and Planning
• Animal Production

Each curriculum is characterised by a specific set of courses and distinct educational objectives.

FIRST YEAR >

• Integrated Course in Sustainable Agroecosystem
  • Sustainable Management of Cropping Systems
  • Soil Organic Matter Management
• Fruitculture
• Vegetable and Flower Crops
• Agricultural Mechanisation and Labour Organisation
• Integrated Course in Real Estate Valuation and Common Agricultural Policies
  • Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies
  • Real Estate Valuation
• Control Methods for Animal Pests
• Pest and Disease Management
• Irrigation Systems Design

The Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies is awarded upon successful completion of a final examination, which consists of the preparation and defence of an original experimental Master’s thesis. The thesis is developed by the candidate under the supervision of one or more supervisors, at least one of whom must be a university lecturer or professor, who may also belong to another university.

For information on admission to the final examination and the relevant assessment criteria, please refer to the Regulations of the Degree Programme applicable to the academic year in which the student enrolled.