FOOD PRODUCTION IN A CHALLENGING FUTURE

Developing solutions for healthy food production while decreasing environmental impact and increasing animal welfare is the main focus in the Agrobiology programme at Aarhus University. Topics of study are genetics, biotechnology, production systems, and the interaction of agriculture with nature, among others. The programme is broadly science-based with a focus on applicability and problem-solving, and takes an integrative approach to learning about the biology of food production.

A CROSS-SECTORAL APPROACH

The core of this programme is biology, with perspectives on sustainability, environmental impact, animal health and welfare, plant health, and product quality. Students can choose between specialisations including animal nutrition, plant nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant health, and pest management, or combine animal and plant sciences. Because this is a cross-disciplinary education, students can also choose courses from other academic programmes.

Students will learn analytical and problem-solving skills, how to do research, and how to generate new knowledge. In this programme emphasis is placed as much on academic and professional skills as on applied skills.

AN INTERNATIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

International students make up roughly one-third of each class, providing students with international knowledge and perspectives and the possibility to learn about different academic and agricultural environments. Because agriculture industries and environmental impacts are international, it is natural to include different national perspectives in discussions about these topics.

Denmark is an ideal place to study agriculture because of its huge food production industry, extensive agricultural research, and strict environmental regulations. International students gain the chance to learn from leaders in sustainable food production, and Danish students can learn about conditions outside Denmark.

A WORLD RESEARCH LEADER

Aarhus University’s research in agricultural sciences is cutting-edge and puts it in the front rank of agricultural science institutions worldwide. The core areas of research are: climate and natural resources, environment and bioenergy, organic farming, food quality, farm animal production, and plant production.

Sustainability is a fundamental principle. The goal is to seek solutions that contribute to environmentally and economically sustainable development of the agricultural and food industries.

CAREERS

Most students who complete this programme find employment in the private sector as consultants or in R&D. Other career possibilities include feed or supply companies, plant and animal genetics and breeding, plant protection, teaching, and working with authorities to develop or enforce industry regulations.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students must have a bachelor’s degree in life science such as plant, animal, or veterinary science. Preference is given to those with an agriculture background. A basic knowledge of biochemistry, statistics, genetics, evolution, or animal nutrition is also beneficial for this programme.

SELECTION CRITERIA

As the Master’s programme admits only a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not itself guarantee admission to the programme. Student places are allocated on basis of an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assesses applicants according to the following criteria: academic background; overall grade level of bachelor’s degree; grades achieved on relevant courses; and relevant courses (measured in credit units) included in the bachelor’s degree.

Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of agrobiology, chemistry, biochemistry, cytology, zoology, botany, mathematics, statistics, and probability calculus. The programme attracts students who like applied sciences, have an interest in farming and agriculture, and want to make a difference.

IN THE RANKINGS

Agricultural sciences by subject at Aarhus University rank twenty-second in the world in the 2020 US News Best Global Universities ranking, and in the 2019 National Taiwan University ranking are nineteenth in Agricultural Sciences by subject. Agriculture and Forestry at AU is ranked thirty-fifth in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by subject.