The Department of Sustainable Agriculture (TSA), in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) and relevant institutional services, has aligned the Quality Policy of its Undergraduate Program of Studies (UPS) with that of the University of Patras.
The vision and primary objectives of the Department are twofold: first, to provide students with a comprehensive and high-level education in agricultural science and technology; and second, to prepare them for diverse career opportunities focused on solving agricultural challenges through effective and sustainable management of the agricultural environment and natural resources. Recognizing the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of agricultural sciences, the UPS aims to provide both in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This approach ensures that students not only master advanced concepts but also acquire the skills needed to apply them in real-world scenarios, emphasizing sustainability.
The program focuses on agricultural science and technology, particularly in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, crop and soil management, and the integration of advanced technologies in agricultural practices. To achieve these goals, the UPS includes:
a) Core Principles: Covering the fundamental sciences underlying agricultural studies, including soil sustainability, biodiversity conservation, high-quality food production, and the evolution of agriculture as an industry.
b) Specialized Disciplines: Addressing key areas such as sustainable production, circular economy, food systems, natural resource management, climate change adaptation, disaster resilience, smart agriculture, and the application of digital technologies.
c) Practical Application: Facilitating hands-on experience through a mandatory thesis, internships, and various laboratory exercises. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge and practical expertise needed to identify appropriate methodologies, tools, and strategies to analyze and solve complex agricultural problems effectively and sustainably. The Department’s Quality Assurance Policy is dedicated to ensuring and continuously enhancing the quality of the UPS.
This commitment includes: Supporting the academic identity and strategic direction of the curriculum, Promoting the program’s purpose and objectives, Achieving strategic goals, Defining the means and methods for their implementation, and Employing comprehensive quality assurance procedures to foster continuous improvement.
To implement this policy, the Department is dedicated to maintaining quality processes that demonstrate:
a) The suitability of the curriculum’s structure and organization,
b) The achievement of learning outcomes and qualifications in line with the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education,
c) The enhancement of teaching quality and effectiveness,
d) The qualifications and expertise of the teaching staff,
e) The promotion of high-quality research within the academic community,
f) The integration of research into the teaching process,
g) The relevance and demand for graduates’ qualifications in the job market,
h) The quality of support services, including administrative support, library resources, and student welfare, and
i) The conduct of annual reviews and internal audits of the quality assurance system, as well as collaboration between the Internal Evaluation Team (OMEA) of the Department and the MODIP of the University of Patras.