Biotechnology of Plants

Profession

The need to develop a systematic approach to the cultivation of domesticated plants has appeared since mankind learned to cultivate the plants. Therefore, the profession of an agronomist originated in ancient times. Agronomic rules appeared for the first time in ancient Greece, ancient Rome and Egypt several millennia ago. Greek and Roman scientists such as Aristotle, Cato the Elder, Varro, Columella, Pliny the Elder began to develop agronomy as a science.
Cultivation of wild plant species grown in nature, as well as crop forecasting and control, is the merit of agronomists.
Today, the acute problem of the population is nutrition. With the growth of population and industrialization, humanity faces food problem and reducing agricultural lands. So, the profession of an agronomist is becoming more and more popular, since only an agronomist can choose the right cultivation technology for a particular crop, as well as prevent crops from diseases and pests. The future of our planet directly depends on agronomy, because the irrational use of lands leads to hunger and extinction of mankind.

Educational Process

Agronomy program focuses on problems of rational use of agricultural lands, soil formation mechanisms and modern farming systems. Students receive knowledge and practical skills in the use of advanced technologies in crop production, agriculture, and agrotechnical work.
During the four years of training, students study a wide range of courses. Among the specialized disciplines are “Botany”, “Physiology and biochemistry of plants”, “Soil science with the basics of geology”, “Land management”, “Agrochemistry”, “Crop production”, “Breeding and seed production”, “Fruit growing”, “Plant protection”, etc. Students can also study one or more foreign languages. After mastering the program, students will learn to solve standard tasks of professional activity, use advanced technologies in practice, apply modern methods of scientific research in agronomy, and communicate in a foreign language in professional, scientific and everyday spheres.

Practice

Students of the direction “Agronomy” have the opportunity to practice in various research organizations, firms, branches of foreign companies dealing with the problems of modern biotechnology. Thanks to agreements with foreign organizations and institutions, students can take internships abroad.

Career

Specialists of this profession are in demand at various enterprises: in large state research and production associations, small and medium-sized businesses, implementation and consulting structures, including foreign companies.
Further professional activity may be related to:
— state administrative structures;
— agro-industrial complexes and agricultural firms;
— representative offices of foreign agricultural companies;
— services for assessing quality of plant production;
— pesticide and agrochemical companies;
— research and production associations;
— research institutes;
— quarantine services;
— insurance companies.