What you can expect in the Agricultural Biology degree program

Agricultural Biology deals with the biological, chemical, and physical principles of agricultural systems. This includes plants, animals, and soils. It looks at modern agricultural production in national and global agricultural systems. And because everything is connected to everything else, other areas are also touched on: Climate protection, sustainability, resources, and the environment, to name but a few.

The content of the Bachelor's degree programs in Agricultural Biology is interdisciplinary. In the core subjects of biology, you will learn the basics of natural sciences. In the agricultural sector, students gain an understanding of agricultural systems and agricultural products. Modern agricultural biology is therefore not concerned with traditional methods, but is researching agricultural and production systems of the future. For example, solutions are being developed to optimize and further develop our food security and food safety while always having an eye on sustainability and social acceptance.

You deal with the following questions, among others:

• What happens at the cellular and molecular level when plants and animals adapt to changing environmental conditions?
• How can we sustainably change and optimize agricultural production systems for the future in the context of the climate crisis and resource scarcity?
• How can we produce food efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way?
• How do we preserve biodiversity with conventional plant use?
• How can animal health and welfare be improved?

We are convinced that only the knowledge of facts, the understanding of how processes and systems work, and the ability to work scientifically and interpret data correctly can lead to the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

• In comparison: All degree programs of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences

In the 1st to 3rd semester you will acquire basic knowledge in agricultural biology, nutrition, livestock and crop science, soil science, botany, and zoology. You will learn how to work scientifically through practical exercises. This includes learning about analytical measurement procedures and agrochemical methods. You will also deepen your scientific knowledge in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

From the 4th semester onwards, you have the opportunity to design your studies individually. You can specialize and choose a profile that matches your interests and fits perfectly with your career aspirations. You don't want to commit yourself yet? Then study without a profile and choose the modules freely according to your preferences. This way you can study what you enjoy the most. A semester abroad can also be easily integrated into your studies at this point.

You can choose from the following profiles:

• Agricultural Systems in the Tropics and Subtropics
• Analytics in Plant Sciences
• Soil Sciences 
• Evolution and Ecology
• Communication and Consulting
• Landscape Ecology
• Molecular Animal Sciences
• Productive Livestock Biology
• Crop Sciences
• Weather and Climate

The course also includes participation in group work in an agricultural biology project that is linked to a research project. Here you can put your teamwork skills to the test and apply your knowledge in practice. A question that you work on together with your teammates could be, for example, “What are the consequences of glyphosate for the environment?” An eight-week professional internship during the lecture-free period must also be completed. It offers you the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience and get a first insight into a possible future career. You can also go abroad for this.

Finally, you will complete your Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Biology with a written Bachelor’s thesis and an oral presentation. Here you can work more intensively on a scientific topic and apply the skills you have acquired.

You want to know more?

Detailed information about the course and structure of the degree program can be found here to download:

• Curriculum (PDF, 2.3 MB)
• Flyer
• Module descriptions
• Information about the professional internship
  

Are you interested in Agricultural Biology, but you’re not sure whether the program is right for you? Here you can find out all about the formal admission requirements and what interests and personality traits you should bring with you. The following formal criteria are required: (I) University entrance qualification, (II) Study orientation test

You should also ask yourself whether the Agricultural Biology degree program suits your areas of interest and you as a person. Perhaps you have already volunteered for organizations that are committed to environmental protection, species conservation, and climate protection? Even then, this program may be the right one for you to convince people in discussions with scientifically sound specialist knowledge and to counter fake news. In this way, you can also make a significant contribution to raising awareness of food security and sustainable agricultural production in our society.

To get a better understanding of the program, the graphic shows you which school subjects are included in this degree program. Here is a brief overview of the most important interests and skills you should bring with you:

• Interest in agricultural topics, nature, and the environment as well as curiosity and the ability to think outside the box
• Good foundation in natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
• Good English skills so that you can read and understand English-language literature
• Independence: At the university you are your own boss and no one checks if you have registered for all exams. From now on it's up to you!
• Self-discipline: Did you understand the material in the last lecture? At the University, no one makes sure you’ve understood everything. This is a great freedom and at the same time you should know that you are responsible for motivating yourself from now on. Here’s a little tip: Find friendly fellow students and motivate each other! 

And there's something else you should know: If you're worried that you might not have the level of knowledge you need in one subject or another, don't worry! We offer you various support options in which you can bring your knowledge of the subject matter up to the required level. For example in our preliminary courses.

The Bachelor’s degree program in Agricultural Biology is only available at the University of Hohenheim, but there are other degree programs with similar content. You can find out why Agricultural Biology at the University of Hohenheim is a good choice here.

• Research and teaching in the field of agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim regularly receives outstanding results in national and international rankings.

• With 700 hectares, we have the largest experimental areas of any German university, which ensures the best conditions for practical and research orientation.

• The combination of biology and agricultural sciences offers unique course content that goes beyond traditional biology and gives you exciting insights into two different subject areas.

• Diverse focus and individualized profiles: With a wide range of subjects and flexible combination options, you can put together a professional profile according to your strengths, interests, and future plans.

• You will learn from leading experts in the agricultural and natural sciences and can participate in exciting and future-oriented research projects.
• We have an excellent network and maintain close contacts with the industrial sector, research institutions, and agricultural businesses. This offers numerous opportunities to gain practical experience, e.g. by working on research projects, practicing at experimental stations, or participating in field trips.
• We assist you with our extensive advising services. Whether you have questions about your studies or need support in other life situations.
• Full flexibility: You can fast-track through your studies with us, as well as broaden your horizons and follow your own individual path with additional practical semesters and semesters abroad.