Students having a coffee.





RA20SP Degree Programme in Agriculture and Rural Industries

This curriculum is a translation of the curriculum of the Finnish degree program.

Curriculum responsibility: Petri Kainulainen

Basis of Education

The Finnish countryside and rural entrepreneurship are constantly changing and evolving. Producing high-quality and safe food and raw materials is a fundamental task for agriculture, which is living with change. Important factors are animal welfare, care for the environment and the safety of the food chain, complementary rural industries and also a vibrant and prosperous countryside as a whole.

The degree in Agrology (Bachelor of Natural Resources) prepares you to work as a natural resources professional, creating the conditions for responsible food production and rural entrepreneurship. An agrologist can develop rural areas and food production as an expert in, for example, guidance, agricultural trade, administration, development projects or training. The training also provides excellent skills for entrepreneurship.

The degree program in Agriculture and Rural Industries leads to a university of applied sciences degree in the field of natural resources, the degree title is Agrologist (Bachelor of Natural Resources). The scope of the studies is 240 credits and the duration is 4 years. The skills produced by the degree correspond to the level of higher education defined jointly in the European Union, which enables the movement of labor and experts.

Competence Standards

The goal of natural resource education is that you manage the food production chain from field to table, know food safety and know how to produce natural resource services responsibly and sustainably. During your studies, you will develop a strong professional identity, as well as the desire and skills to work for the benefit of the Finnish countryside and food production.

As an agrologist graduating from Savonia, you will be a networked and internationally minded professional and you will understand the changes taking place in rural industries. You are thoroughly familiar with the biological processes of farming and their interaction with the environment, as well as the diverse business activities in rural areas. Taking care of animal welfare is of paramount importance to you, and you also know how to utilize appropriate production equipment and technologies in your work. In addition to your entrepreneurial skills, you have good communication and interaction skills.

The agrologist education is of European and Finnish level 6.

Structure of Studies

Bachelor studies in Natural Resources degree are worth 240 ECTS credits. According to the curriculum, one year of full-time study equals to 60 credits, which is equivalent to 1,600 hours of student work. The student's work consists of e.g. contact hours, distance learning, independent and group learning, and internships. The education is based on high-quality face-to-face teaching, but we are flexible about the use of electronic tools to enable learning.

During your studies, you solve work-based tasks together with experts in the field. During the internships you increase your skills and networks in partner companies and organizations. You create your future as an active student together with your fellow students and working life. Savonia staff will help you build your career path.

Development of Expertise

Annual themes and contents of agrological studies

Year 1: Basics of agriculture and learning skills
You will gain the learning and information acquisition skills you need to study and strengthen your skills in information technology as well as language, communication and interaction skills. You will become acquainted with the basics of agriculture both in theory and in practice. You will get an idea of ​​the professional operating environment in the field.

Year 2: Rural livelihoods - Finland as part of Europe
You will use your knowledge and skills to solve even the most demanding professional problems. Your self-assessment skills will evolve. Your knowledge of rural industries, e.g. on farm entrepreneurship and on-farm biological and technological processes deepens and your professional vision and interest expands internationally. You will find your subject of professional interest.

Year 3: Entrepreneurship, working life and networks
Develop in critical professional thinking and self-direction. You will have the skills and tools to plan and manage a farm entity or other business and to operate in a networked manner. You will deepen your skills in the specific area of ​​your choice.

Year 4: Become a rural expert
You will take over the professional specialty of your choice and get an overview of the rural operating environment. You will strengthen your networking and advocacy skills. You will learn to use and apply research and development methods and to produce new information e.g. in your thesis.


In Savonia's curricula, the study units form broader study units. In this way, they are not detached but support the overall development of the student and the development of expertise. At the same time, it is possible to combine teaching and work-based research and development.

The agrologist curriculum is designed to
- the degree produces the skills required in working life
- the training ensures the development of the student's expertise.

Student
- draws up a personal study plan to support his / her studies, in which previously acquired competencies are identified
- is responsible for the progress of his studies,
- studies at least 5 credits in a foreign language course (other than language studies).

Savonia teachers and other staff members guide and support you in defining and achieving personal goals.

Methods and implementation

In Savonia, the pedagogical starting point is the Open Innovation Space (OIS 2.0) model. It combines high-quality education with research and development activities close to working life. Work-related education emphasizes students' motivation and commitment to studies. The development of students' expertise is promoted in various learning environments, by enabling diverse, time- and place-based year-round study and by making extensive use of the study of work. Comprehensive student guidance and the identification and recognition of prior learning are part of the students' personal study plan.

The working life orientation of Savonia's education is realized through the diverse networking of teachers and students. Networks also ensure the continuous development of substance expertise. The staff creates learning situations and supports student learning. The study office, library and information services, international services and other support services help with studying. The training follows the principles of accessibility and sustainable development.

The implementation of the training is based on high-quality contact teaching, which focuses on guiding learning, doing learning, discussions and networking. Digital tools are used flexibly in education, which also creates opportunities for students to study independently of place and time. You can also take part in contact teaching from home.

Teachers and instructors help the student to develop a personal study plan, which supports the progress of studies and in which previously acquired skills can be utilized. The student is himself an active actor and learner and is responsible for the progress of his / her studies. Savonia's staff supports the student both in setting goals and achieving them.

Internationalization can be started during studies, as it is possible to complete some of the studies in agrology in international student exchanges in several European countries, and in addition e.g. in North America. Internationalization is also promoted by exchange students from different countries, international projects, international staff and visiting foreign teachers and experts. Cultural skills can also be studied by acting as a tutor or family of friends to international exchange students, or by working in immigrant communities in the area. The student can complete the 60 ECTS international path, for example, by choosing studies to be carried out in cooperation with international partners and by completing internships abroad 30 ECTS + 20 ECTS. The degree of Natural Resources includes 5 - 15 ECTS credits, which are fully or partially implemented in English.

Cooperation with working life is an integral part of studies at Savonia. During their studies, the student gets to make plans and work with real companies. Students prepare e.g. financial plans, liquidity calculations and budgeting. You can also make plans for your own company.

The training partners are rural companies and rural research, development and advisory organizations. During the studies, various studies and analyzes are made for companies and projects according to customer needs. During the studies, events in the field are also organized and a magazine is made.

The natural resources sector is part of Savonia's Food Industries focus area, which carries out research and development work related to the sector both in Finland and internationally. By participating in various projects and projects, the student gets into the activities of the focus area.


Course Table

Code Name 1 S 1 K 2 S 2 K 3 S 3 K 4 S 4 K
 
Basic Studies
Basic Studies
4 RAP01 Studying Natural Resources 5              
4 RAP021 Introduction to Agricultural Production 5              
4 RAC01 Communication and Computing Skills 5              
4 RAP04 Agrotechnology 5              
4 RAP05 Biological Sciences for Bachelors of Rural Industries 5              
4 RAP061 Plants, Animals and Environment in Agriculture   5            
4 RAP07 Farm Entrepreneurship   5            
4 RAC02 English for Working Life   5            
 
Professional Studies
Mandatory Professional Studies
4 RAA01 Farm Work Load and Machinery Planning     5          
4 RAA02 Farm Enterprise Economics     5          
4 RAA03 Conditions and Procedures of Plant Production and Breeding     5          
4 RAA04 Agriculture in Global Context   5            
4 RAA05 Animal Welfare     5          
4 RAA06 Animal Feeding Planning, Monitoring and Implementation       5        
4 RAA07 Entrepreneurship and Business       5        
4 RAA08 Profitability Factors and Development Possibilities in the Farm         5      
4 RAA09 European Agricultural Policy       5        
4 RAA10 Field Workshops in Plant and Animal Production       5        
4 RAC03 Swedish for Working Life         5      
4 RAA12 Accounting         5      
4 RAA13 Organisational Communication         5      
4 RAA14 Energy Efficient Farm Building Construction           5    
4 RAA15 Animal Breeding         5      
4 RAA16 Planning and Monitoring Plant Production           5    
4 RAA17 Efficient Dairy and Beef Production           5    
4 RAA18 Farm Succession and Development           5    
4 RAA19 Research Methodology       5        
Alternative Professional Studies: Entrepreneur
4 RAY01 Alternatives of Crop Production           5    
4 RAY02 Alternatives in Domestic Animal Production             5  
4 RAY03 Technology and Information Systems             5  
4 RAY04 Liquidity and Budgeting               5
4 RAY05 Farm Management               5
Alternative Professional Studies: Expert
4 RAK01 From Idea to Project           5    
4 RAK061 Tools for Customer Work             5  
4 RAK03 Developing Rural Enterprise             5  
4 RAK08 Knowledge Management               5
4 RAK052 Expert Skills               5
Optional Professional Studies: Equine Studies
4 RAE10 Healthcare and Feeding of Horse 5              
4 RAE11 Horse Breeding           5    
4 RAE12 Equine Sport       5        
4 RAE13 Equine Industry   5            
 
Elective Studies
Optional Studies
 
Final Thesis
Thesis
4 SAVONT1 Thesis         15      
   5 RAONT10 Thesis Planning         5      
   5 RAONT20 Thesis Implementation             5  
   5 RAONT30 Thesis Finalisation               5
   5 RAONT40 Maturity Test               0
4 SAVONT2 Thesis         15      
   5 RAONT50 Thesis Project 1         5      
   5 RAONT60 Thesis Project 2             5  
   5 RAONT70 Finalising the Thesis Projects               5
   5 RAONT80 Maturity Test               0
 
Internship
Practice
Agriculture in Practice
4 RAH011 Placement on Farm/Spring and Summer on Farm   15            
4 RAH02 Placement on Farm / Fall on farm / Year's Results     15          
Specialised Placement
4 RAH03 An Operator in Work Life           10    
4 RAH04 Roles of the Expert             10  

Course Descriptions

4 RAP01 Studying Natural Resources

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Valtanen Katja


4 RAP021 Introduction to Agricultural Production

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Hyttinen Henna


4 RAC01 Communication and Computing Skills

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Raatikainen Kukka-Maaria


4 RAP04 Agrotechnology

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kahelin Miika


4 RAP05 Biological Sciences for Bachelors of Rural Industries

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Ruuska Salla


4 RAP061 Plants, Animals and Environment in Agriculture

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Ruuska Salla


4 RAP07 Farm Entrepreneurship

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Viitala Hannu


4 RAC02 English for Working Life

Credits
5 ects
Objectives
The student can communicate fluently both orally and literally in English on the required level. He/she masters the basic vocabulary concerning natural resources and agriculture. The student is able to work in multicultural contexts of rural industries and is aware of the cultural influence on communication.
Content
Basic agricultural vocabulary, presenting skills, presenting own working environment, learning about the literature and material of natural resources, cross-cultural communication.
Requirements
Course attendance, exam and completed assignments. Alternatively the course or a part of it can be completed by working in an international project or similar. Virtual implementation without any contact: Completed assignments and the final exam.
Course material
Provided in Moodle
Prerequisites
Passed preliminary test.
Contact
Kumpulainen Marjatta


4 RAA01 Farm Work Load and Machinery Planning

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kahelin Miika


4 RAA02 Farm Enterprise Economics

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Viitala Hannu


4 RAA03 Conditions and Procedures of Plant Production and Breeding

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Hyttinen Henna


4 RAA04 Agriculture in Global Context

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Hoxha-Jahja Ardita


4 RAA05 Animal Welfare

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Wahlroos Heli


4 RAA06 Animal Feeding Planning, Monitoring and Implementation

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Korhonen Arja


4 RAA07 Entrepreneurship and Business

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Mönkkönen Seppo


4 RAA08 Profitability Factors and Development Possibilities in the Farm

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Viitala Hannu


4 RAA09 European Agricultural Policy

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Partanen Kati


4 RAA10 Field Workshops in Plant and Animal Production

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Hyttinen Henna


4 RAC03 Swedish for Working Life

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kumpulainen Marjatta


4 RAA12 Accounting

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Mönkkönen Seppo


4 RAA13 Organisational Communication

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


4 RAA14 Energy Efficient Farm Building Construction

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kahelin Miika


4 RAA15 Animal Breeding

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kämäräinen Hilkka


4 RAA16 Planning and Monitoring Plant Production

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Hyttinen Henna


4 RAA17 Efficient Dairy and Beef Production

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Ruuska Salla


4 RAA18 Farm Succession and Development

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Viitala Hannu


4 RAA19 Research Methodology

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Wahlroos Heli


4 RAY01 Alternatives of Crop Production

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Hyttinen Henna


4 RAY02 Alternatives in Domestic Animal Production

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kämäräinen Hilkka


4 RAY03 Technology and Information Systems

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kahelin Miika


4 RAY04 Liquidity and Budgeting

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Viitala Hannu


4 RAY05 Farm Management

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kahelin Miika


4 RAK01 From Idea to Project

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Mönkkönen Seppo


4 RAK061 Tools for Customer Work

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Mönkkönen Seppo


4 RAK03 Developing Rural Enterprise

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Mönkkönen Seppo


4 RAK08 Knowledge Management

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Kahelin Miika


4 RAK052 Expert Skills

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Wahlroos Heli


4 RAE10 Healthcare and Feeding of Horse

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Pylkkänen Katriina


4 RAE11 Horse Breeding

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Pylkkänen Katriina


4 RAE12 Equine Sport

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Pylkkänen Katriina


4 RAE13 Equine Industry

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Pylkkänen Katriina


4 SAVONT1 Thesis

Credits
15 ects
Objectives
Student can - choose a topic for thesis that is suitable for his or her field and his or her professional development and justify the choice from different perspectives - plan and implement a working life oriented research and development work based on the needs of the user/client - apply scientific and evidence-based information in the thesis process and in the development of his or her expertise - appropriately use research and development methods or artistic methods that are suitable for his or her professional field and for the topic of the thesis - prepare a clearly defined, logical and professionally appropriate report on his or her thesis - evaluate the essential contents, results or output of his or her thesis and justify their significance from the perspectives of his or her field, the client’s/user’s need and his or her professional development - evaluate his or her thesis process, its reliability and ethicality as well as his or her professional growth and learning during the work - cooperate in a flexible manner with players involved in the thesis process and demonstrate his or her expertise - take the maturity test on his or her thesis.
Content
SAVONT1 Thesis 15 ECTS ONT10: Planning the thesis (5 ECTS) - orientation to thesis and its preparation - choice and definition of topic - preparation of thesis plan and compilation of background material ONT20 Implementation of thesis process (5 ECTS) - preparation of thesis - results/output of thesis ONT30 Finalising the thesis (5 ECTS) - reporting and publication of thesis ONT40 Maturity test
Requirements
The thesis is always working life oriented. It may take the form of a a) development work planned and implemented by a student or a group of students to meet the user's or client's needs. Development may focus on a product, service, process, working method, learning material or instruction, digital material, supervised activity etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output and the need for further development in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. b) research-based thesis, in which a student or a group of student approaches a practical problem or item to be developed with appropriate research methods. The student shall prepare a report describing the planning, implementation and results of the thesis and interpreting the results. c) production, in which a student of a group of students demonstrates competence as an expert or as an artist by planning and implementing an event, a seminar, an artistic performance etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. d) compiled thesis, in which parts planned as a thesis (e.g. projects) are implemented and reported. In the written synthesis, article or other publication, which is part of the thesis, the student shall present the essential results/output in a form that is suitable for the professional field in question. The student shall choose either SAVONT1 or SAVONT2 as the form of completion.
Course material
The student shall acquire the material required for the thesis him or herself. Savonia’s thesis reporting instructions
Prerequisites
Method studies in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme
Other considerations
The student may adapt the Thesis course to a schedule that is appropriate to his or her work.
Contact
Wahlroos Heli


5 RAONT10 Thesis Planning

Credits
5 ects
Contact


5 RAONT20 Thesis Implementation

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


5 RAONT30 Thesis Finalisation

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


5 RAONT40 Maturity Test

Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


4 SAVONT2 Thesis

Credits
15 ects
Objectives
Student can - choose a topic for thesis that is innovative for his or her field and his or her professional development and justify the choice from different perspectives - plan and implement a working life oriented research and development work based on the needs of the user/client - apply scientific and evidence-based information in the thesis process and in the development of his or her expertise - appropriately use research and development methods or artistic methods that are suitable for his or her professional field and for the topic of the thesis - prepare a clearly defined, logical and professionally appropriate report on his or her thesis - evaluate the essential contents, results or output of his or her thesis and justify their significance from the perspectives of his or her field, the client’s/user’s need and his or her professional development - evaluate his or her thesis process, its reliability and ethicality as well as his or her professional growth and learning during the work - cooperate in a flexible manner with players involved in the thesis process and demonstrate his or her expertise - take the maturity test on his or her thesis.
Content
SAVONT2 Thesis 15 ECTS: ONT50 Thesis, project 1 (5 ECTS), ONT60 Thesis, project 2 (5 ECTS), ONT70 Synthesis and publication of thesis projects (5 ECTS), ONT80 Maturity test
Requirements
The thesis is always working life oriented. It may take the form of a a) development work planned and implemented by a student or a group of students to meet the user's or client's needs. Development may focus on a product, service, process, working method, learning material or instruction, digital material, supervised activity etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output and the need for further development in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. b) research-based thesis, in which a student or a group of student approaches a practical problem or item to be developed with appropriate research methods. The student shall prepare a report describing the planning, implementation and results of the thesis and interpreting the results. c) production, in which a student of a group of students demonstrates competence as an expert or as an artist by planning and implementing an event, a seminar, an artistic performance etc. The student shall present the plan, its implementation and its evaluated output in a report whose form is suitable for the professional field in question. d) compiled thesis, in which parts planned as a thesis (e.g. projects) are implemented and reported. In the written synthesis, article or other publication, which is part of the thesis, the student shall present the essential results/output in a form that is suitable for the professional field in question. The student shall choose either SAVONT1 or SAVONT2 as the form of completion.
Course material
The student shall acquire the material required for the thesis him or herself. Savonia’s thesis reporting
Prerequisites
Method studies in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme.
Other considerations
The student may adapt the Thesis course to a schedule that is appropriate to his or her work.
Contact
Wahlroos Heli


5 RAONT50 Thesis Project 1

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


5 RAONT60 Thesis Project 2

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


5 RAONT70 Finalising the Thesis Projects

Credits
5 ects
Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


5 RAONT80 Maturity Test

Contact
Suhonen Pirjo


4 RAH011 Placement on Farm/Spring and Summer on Farm

Credits
15 ects
Contact
Kämäräinen Hilkka


4 RAH02 Placement on Farm / Fall on farm / Year's Results

Credits
15 ects
Contact
Kämäräinen Hilkka


4 RAH03 An Operator in Work Life

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Mönkkönen Seppo


4 RAH04 Roles of the Expert

Credits
10 ects
Contact
Mönkkönen Seppo


 

We reserve the right to make changes to the curriculum due to the need to update the content being studied.