What you can expect in the program Agricultural Sciences

Agricultural sciences focus on agriculture and food production and thus on a field that is highly relevant to global society. Agricultural sciences are a systems science, incorporating knowledge and methods from a variety of disciplines. Natural and engineering sciences as well as economics are particularly relevant. In addition, there are also elements of geosciences, biology, mechanical engineering, and veterinary medicine. The findings and models are incorporated into the analysis and evaluation of agricultural production methods. At the same time, agricultural scientists are developing solutions to improve production and make it fit for the future.

As broad as the topics are, that’s how diverse the requirements are that the agricultural sector must meet today, both at the regional and global level. Agricultural sciences deal, among other things, with the economic, environmentally sound, and sustainable production of high-quality food. Aspects such as global food security and the preservation of biodiversity play just as much a role as consumer protection, "digital farming," questions of ethics and profitability, as well as the area of conflict between animal health, animal welfare, and animal protection, and much more.

You deal with the following questions, among others: How can a pig farm be cost-efficient and ensure a high level of animal welfare at the same time? How does crop fertilization affect nitrate levels in vegetables? Which breeding methods can be used to cultivate more rare potato varieties again? How can farms be set up economically in such a way that they contribute to social security in rural areas?

You will also acquire skills and knowledge of scientific methods from the various disciplines during your studies in agricultural sciences, so that you can work on these and many other issues.

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

The first three semesters form the basic studies and provide you with an overview of the framework, effects, and the complex system of agricultural production methods. Here you will learn the necessary scientific and economic principles of agriculture and get an introduction to core agricultural subjects: Agricultural engineering; soil, crop, and livestock sciences; and agricultural policy.

In this phase of your studies, you will receive a broad basis of scientific methodological competence. At the same time, however, practical aspects are not neglected: In addition to lectures, you will learn about the challenges of agricultural production during exercises, internships, field tours, barn visits, and excursions.

Starting with the 4th semester, you can decide where your further journey will take you. From here on, there are a variety of options for individually shaping your studies. With the elective and optional modules, you can sharpen your professional profile according to your interests and inclinations, either by choosing one of the predefined profile options or by compiling your studies uniquely and individually from over 50 modules.

You can choose from the following profiles:

• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Systems of the Tropics
• Agricultural engineering
• Digital Agriculture
• Soil Sciences
• Energetic and Material Use of Biomass
• Horticulture
• Communication and Consulting
• Crop Sciences
• Ecology of Agricultural Landscapes
• Animal Sciences
• Organic Farming
• Weather and Climate
  
  

In addition, you can set an individual focus in the 4th semester and choose one of the following options:

1. Focus on research: You want to pursue a scientific research path? Then take the module "Research Project" and prepare yourself for a Master's program. For this, you will work on a specific research project at one of the faculty's institutes. Tasks include project organization as well as planning, executing, and evaluating experiments. You will also write reports and publications.
2. Focus on practice: If working in agricultural practice or agricultural administration is your goal, you can prepare for these tasks with the module "Qualified company internship." In an accredited agricultural training company, you will enter everyday working life in the agricultural sector. In addition, elective modules with excursions and exercises on production-related topics are available to round out your profile.
3. Individual module combination: Do you have a very individual profile in mind? Then choose your focus according to your own ideas. Over 50 modules give you a lot of freedom. At this point you could also integrate a semester abroad. If you need assistance in choosing what to do, just ask the faculty’s advisors for support.

Practical relevance plays a significant role in the Bachelor’s program in Agricultural Sciences. In addition to the module-specific practical components, an 8-week professional internship is included. This internship takes place during the lecture-free period on a farm or upstream or downstream area and must be completed by all students. An exception is granted to those who have chosen the focus on practical orientation and have taken the module "Qualified company internship." If you have already gained equivalent practical experience prior to your studies, this can be recognized and the duration of your studies can be shortened. If, for example, you have completed an apprenticeship in the agricultural sector, half a year of this will be credited to you in the module "Qualified company internship" and your studies will be shortened by one semester.

In general, the following applies: The more practical experience you gain, the better. That's why we make it easy for you to integrate additional voluntary internships at home and abroad into your studies. For this, you have the option of up to two semesters of leave during the course of your studies.

In the 6th semester you will write your Bachelor’s thesis. At this point, you deal scientifically with a concrete agricultural science problem and apply the skills acquired during your studies.

You want to know more?

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

• Curriculum (PDF, 2.8 MB)

• Curriculum when starting studies in the summer semester (PDF, 306 kB)
• Flyer (PDF, 1 MB)
• Module descriptions
• Info about the professional internship

You find agricultural sciences interesting, but you are not sure if the program fits you? Here you can find out everything about the formal entry requirements and which interests and personality traits you should bring with you. The following formal criteria are required: (I) University entrance qualification, (II) Study orientation test.

The Agricultural Sciences program should also fit your interests and personality. For this you can use the information above. To get a better understanding of the degree program, the graphic shows you what school subjects are in the courses.

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, and curiosity so you can think outside the box
• Good science background in chemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics: If you feel that you need to catch up somewhere, we offer you the opportunity to improve your knowledge and prepare for your studies, for example, by means of pre-courses.
• Technical understanding for the engineering portion of the course (agricultural engineering)
• The desire to help shape the future in a socially relevant field
  
  

• The research and teaching of agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim regularly receives outstanding results in national as well as international rankings.
• With 700 hectares, we have the largest experimental area of any German university, which ensures the best conditions for practical and research orientation.
• Diverse focus and individual profile specializations: With a large selection of subjects and flexible combination options, you can put together your professional profile according to your strengths, interests, and future plans.
• Full flexibility: We offer you the opportunity to fast-track your studies, your can take broad approach, or you can follow your own individual path with additional practical semesters and semesters abroad.
• Maximum focus on practical aspects: Compulsory internships, exercises, excursions, field tours, stable visits, and more ensure that your theoretical knowledge has a practical relevance.
• Strong research orientation for those who want to make a career in science: Award-winning offerings such as Humboldt reloaded and the possibility of a research focus in the degree program ensure that you can get into science from the very beginning.
• You learn from leading experts in the agricultural sciences and can participate in exciting research projects with direct relevance for the future.
• 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.