1. Sustainable International Agriculture - a new MSc programme with emphasis in cooperation and research
Dr. Ronald F. Kühne
SIA-Consultant to the Vice-Dean of Study Affairs, Agricultural Faculty, GAUG
Affiliation:
GAUG, Department for Crop Sciences - Division of Tropical Agronomy, Grisebachstr. 6, DE Göttingen
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2. Contents SIA Scope Profile of the supporting faculties
Integration of research
Aims
Career options
Study programme specialisations
Structure and study plan example
Scope for cooperation
Admission requirements and how to apply
Summary
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3. Scope
SIA is a joint study programme of the agricultural faculties of the University of Göttingen and the University of Kassel – Witzenhausen
The programme aims to meet global challenges
in food supply and degradation of agro- environments
by proposing knowledge based options for the intensification of production systems
while saving and enhancing the productive potential of natural resources for future generations.
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4. SIA

5. Agricultural Faculty Göttingen - Facts
One of the largest research-oriented agricultural faculties in Germany.
30 professors teach
Three experimental farms
Göttingen is a friendly middle-sized city in the centre of Germany and very famous for its university.
Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is internationally renowned for its great research tradition and its remarkable spectrum of disciplines.
In 2007 it was recognized as one of the top nine universities in Germany for its strategy for the future.
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6. Research focus in Göttingen
In system-oriented interdisciplinary projects the faculty members study sustainable agricultural land use options in temperate, tropical and subtropical regions. Particular emphasis is laid on:
The application of molecular biology and biotechnology in livestock and crop sciences.
The biodiversity management in European agrarian landscapes.
Resources protection and food security in rural areas of the Tropics and Subtropics.
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7. Organic Agricultural Sciences in Witzenhausen/ University of Kassel
20 Professors dedicated to the scientific study of organic agriculture under temperate and tropical conditions.
300 ha organic research and demonstration farm and large greenhouse facilities offer possibilities to address globally important research questions of organic agriculture.
Witzenhausen, a charming city with inhabitants S of Göttingen.
About 100 years tradition in international agriculture as well as 25 years expertise in organic agriculture make the campus very unique.
Founding member of “International Centre for Development and Decent Work”(ICDD)”.
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8. Research focus faculty Organic Agricultural Sciences in Witzenhausen
In interdisciplinary research projects, the members of the faculty examine mixed farming systems and production chains in organic agriculture world-wide. Thereby the maintenance and improvement of soil fertility, prevention of diseases, and the optimization of food quality both in livestock and crop production are in the focus of research activities.
Particular emphasis is laid on:
The optimization of the resource use efficiency in agricultural production in the European and international context, with special focus on organic agriculture.
The improvement of rural value chains within given economic and socio-cultural conditions.
Nutritional ecology and - culture in combination with agricultural systems.
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9. Integration of research in SIA
Resource protection and food security in rural areas of the tropics and subtropics are fully integrated.
Focal points of the faculty in Göttingen (molecular biology and biotechnology as well as biodiversity management) are offered in individual modules of the 3 specialization options.
MSc thesis research aims to practical studies in graduate schools and research programmes of the two faculties, in Germany, Europe and worldwide.
SIA students can count on reliable introduction to the principles of scientific work.
This promotes an intensive involvement in the practical aspects of scientific work, and of questions concerning labour organization and the solution of administrative problems.
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10. Aims SIA Programme: Students:
shall contribute to the sustainable production of agricultural commodities and food security at specific locations and in an international context.
Students:
Understand the ecological interactions of natural and agrarian systems in a global context,
Acquire up-to-date knowledge in natural and socio-economic sciences,
Obtain social and methodical skills,
Apply the acquired knowledge and skills in an international context concerning (organic) agriculture,
In order to participate in the world-wide development of resource- efficient agricultural production.
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11. Three possibilities for specialization (profiles)
International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics
International Organic Agriculture
Tropical Agriculture
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12. Three possibilities for specialization (profiles)
Each of the specialisations consists of a set of core modules and a large array of electives.
Thus, students can combine knowledge from the three specializations according to their specific needs.
Courses are held at two different locations (Witzenhausen
and Göttingen) separated by a 20 minute train ride.
Since each matriculated student is provided with a semester ticket that entitles him/her to free regional rail travel, all students are able to attend courses at both locations.
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13. International Organic Agriculture
focuses on organic agriculture under different natural, economic and socio-cultural conditions.
Crop management based on nutrient cycling and multifunctional cropping systems, ethical welfare- oriented animal husbandry and social sciences.
Research methods in organic agricultural sciences encompassing from the natural sciences to socioeconomic issues and intercultural communication.
Interdisciplinary and project oriented teaching
Main study place: Witzenhausen.
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14. Tropical Agriculture SIA
aims to provide knowledge on sustainable cultivation and post harvest processing of tropical and subtropical crops, soil fertility management with a focus on recycling of organic materials, plant breeding and plant protection.
Animal husbandry courses focus on nutrition, reproduction physiology, epidemiology and wildlife management.
Modules in soil sciences, socioeconomics, lab and field-based research methods and modeling complete the specialisation.
Equal share at Göttingen and Witzenhausen.
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15. The Master’s degree offers excellent career prospects.
Career Perspectives
The Master’s degree offers excellent career prospects.
International and national governmental and non- governmental institutions seek for experts
who can face local and global agricultural challenges for sustainable agriculture, food markets, agribusiness, agro-ecology and food quality.
Graduates are also qualified for further postgraduate studies, esp. Ph.D. programmes.
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16. SIA programme characteristics
Master of Science; 4 semesters, joint degree from the Universities of Göttingen and Kassel
Internationality is a key concept of the programme
All courses are taught in English
Lectures, seminars, practices, E-Learning, project modules
Day-trips and up to 2-week study tours
International cooperation exists already with:
Talca (Chile; Göttingen)
Prague (Czech Republic; Witzenhausen) (export of modules)
Maribor (Slovenia; Witzenhausen, double-degree on the way)
and ...visits to partner universities worldwide in the context of international study tours.
soon with you?
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17. General structure based on modules
Compulsory modules (3; 3*6 ECTS = 18)
Mandatory modules (5 out of a list, min. 1 = methods; 6*6 ECTS = 36 ECTS
Elective modules (6 out of a list; 6*6 ECTS = 36 ECTS)
Thesis (1 Semester research, writing, defence; 30 ECTS
Total: 120 ECTS
1 Module = 6 ECTS = 60 hours workload
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18. Study plans SIA - Tropical Agriculture

19. SIA

20. Proof of passed modules (at least 78 credits)
Master thesis
Proof of passed modules (at least 78 credits)
Proposal for thesis topic
Selection of first and second supervisor
Time frame for thesis writing is 22 weeks.
Must usually be written in English.
Colloquium to the master thesis:
introductory presentation (about 30 minutes) and a discussion (about 30 minutes)
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21. Admission: B.Sc. Degree SIA
Required is a BSc degree ( Sarjana/Strata Satu) of at least six semesters better eight in agricultural sciences or a related study field with
a good grade point average of at least 2.5 (German grade system, equivalent to a B-)
i.e. in the Indon. system: at least 3/4, minpass=2 that is equivalent to 2.5 (German System)
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22. Admission: Proof of proficiency in English language
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English at least with the grade ”B”
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least with the grade “C”
International English language Test System (IELTS) with at least 6 points
At least 550 points in a paper based TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language)
At least 213 points in a computer based TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language)
At least 80 points in the new internet based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
UNIcert level III
C1-certificate of CEF (Common European Framework).
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23. Summary - Facts and figures
Master of Science (MSc) as a joint degree of University of Göttingen and University of Kassel
Study places: Göttingen and Witzenhausen
Duration of study: 4 semesters
Beginning of studies: winter term (1st of October) of each year
Credits: 120 ECTS
Tuition and administration fees app. 470 € per semester
Entrance requirements: Bachelor degree (at least 6-8 semesters) in agriculture or a related subject
Deadline for application: July 15, EU-citizens; and February 15, non-EU-citizens
Information and online application form:
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24. Terima kasih, Dankeschön, Thank you very much
For your kind attention
Questions are welcome!
Dr. Ronald F. Kühne
SIA-Consultant to the Vice-Dean of Study Affairs, Agricultural Faculty, GAUG
Affiliation:
GAUG, Department for Crop Sciences - Division of Tropical Agronomy, Grisebachstr. 6, DE Göttingen
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