LITHUANIAN UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE
LITHUANIAN UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE
AGRONOMY
MASTER DEGREE PROGRAMME
IN THE STUDY FIELD OF AGRICULTURE, 2011
SELF-EVALUATION REPORT
LUA Rector .................... Prof. Hab. Dr. Antanas Maziliauskas
(signed)
Self-evaluation team leader ................... Prof. Hab. Dr. Rimantas Velička
(signed)
Akademija, April, 2011
Background information
|Title of study programme |Agronomy |
|National code |621D72001 (62406B101) |
|Type of study programme |University studies |
|Study cycle |second |
|Study form (length in years) |Full-time (2), part-time continuing (3) |
|Volume of study programme in credits |80 |
|Awarded qualification |Master in agronomy |
|Programme registration date and Order No |31-08-2009, No 1-73 |
Additional information on study programme
|Beginning of study programme |01 09 1993 |
|Language of study programme |Lithuanian |
|Specific features of study |- |
|programme | |
|Higher education institutions |University of Hohenheim (Germany); University of Copenhagen (Denmark); Swedish University of |
|implementing study programme |Agricultural Sciences (Sweden); Tokyo University of Agriculture (Japan); Latvian University of |
|(parties) |Agriculture (Latvia); University of Edinburg (UK); Warwick University (UK); Norwegian University of|
| |Life Sciences (Norway); Wageningen University (The Netherlands) etc. |
Self-evaluation team
|No |Academic title (research |Position |Telephone |E-mail |
| |degree), full name | |(office and mobile) | |
|1. |Prof. Dr. Habil. Rimantas |Professor, Department of Soil |8 37 75 22 17 |Rimantas.Velicka@lzuu.lt |
| |Velička |Management, Faculty of Agronomy, AF|+370 68 78 60 19 | |
|2. |Prof. Dr. Habil. Zenonas |Professor, Department of Biology |8 37 75 22 65 |Dabkevicius@lzi.lt |
| |Dabkevičius |and Plant Protection, AF |8-347-37057 | |
| | | |+370 68 63 76 31 | |
|3. |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Steponas |Associate Professor, Department of |8 37 75 26 79 |Steponas.Raudonius@lzuu.lt |
| |Raudonius |Soil Management, AF |+370 68 60 14 51 | |
|4. |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darija |Head of Department of Soil |8 37 75 22 29 |Darija.Jodaugiene@lzuu.lt |
| |Jodaugienė |Management, AF |+370 61 40 11 40 | |
|5. |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aurimas |Vice Dean for Studies, AF |8 37 75 22 66 |Aurimas.Krasauskas@lzuu.lt |
| |Krasauskas | |+370 68 56 27 97 | |
|6. |Dr. Rimantas Dapkus |General Director, UAB Dotnuvos |+370 69 87 39 50 |info@dotnuvosprojektai.lt |
| | |Projektai | | |
|7. |Ina Liorančaitė |Student, Year 1 of the second study|+370 65 24 00 04 |Renata1435@one.lt |
| | |cycle | | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|1. INTRODUCTION |4 |
|2. PROGRAMME ANALYSIS |6 |
|2.1. Aims of the Study Programme and Learning Outcomes |6 |
|2.2. Programme Structure |10 |
| |2.2.1. Study Plan |10 |
| |2.2.2. Content of Studies |14 |
|2.3. Academic Staff |15 |
| |2.3.1. Evaluation of the Academic Staff Composition, Changes, and Work Volumes |15 |
| |2.3.2. Staff Experience and Work Compliance with the Study Programme |17 |
|2.4. Facilities and Learning Resources |20 |
| |2.4.1. Facilities |20 |
| |2.4.2. Learning Resources |21 |
| |2.4.3. Update of Facilities and Learning Resources |22 |
|2.5. Study Process and its Evaluation |23 |
| |2.5.1. Student Admission and Study Process |23 |
| |2.5.2. Forms of Student Support |25 |
| |2.5.3. Assessment of Student Achievement |27 |
| |2.5.4. Graduate Employment Monitoring |29 |
|2.6. Programme Management |29 |
| |2.6.1. Programme Administration |29 |
| |2.6.2. Internal Study Quality Assurance |30 |
|3. ANNEXES | |
|3.1. Descriptions of Study Subjects | |
|3.2. Academic Staff List | |
|3.3. Curriculum Vitae of the Academic Staff | |
|3.4. List of Final Thesis | |
|3.5. Summary of the Previous Evaluation Report | |
|3.6. Study Plans | |
1. INTRODUCTION
1. Structure of the higher education institution implementing the study programme. The study programme is implemented by Lithuanian University of Agriculture (LUA), hereinafter referred to as University. The University offers research-based studies of all stages in the fields of biomedicine, technology and social sciences, including 10 study fields directly related to the sustainable use of natural resources in the agrarian environment, rural development and administration, land, water and forest resources. University has five faculties: the faculties of Agronomy, Economics and Management, Forestry and Ecology, Agricultural Engineering, Water and Land Management, and three academic and study institutes: the institutes of Environment, Fundamental Science Studies, and Rural Culture; as well as the Experimental Station, Training Farm, Agricultural Science and Technology Park and Career Centre.
2. Besides the first cycle studies the University offers master’s degree and doctoral studies. With a view to developing scientific research and improving quality of studies the University is working in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, Lithuanian Chamber of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LRCAF), other scientific institutions and business companies, Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service, Lithuanian Society for Agronomy, as well as with more than 50 foreign partners (higher education institutions, their departments, studies, research and business companies), takes part in various EU programmes: ERASMUS, NOVA-BOVA cooperation network between Nordic and Baltic universities of agriculture, Leonardo Da Vinci, the EU Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7), the programmes supported by the international foundations and governments of foreign countries, and other international research projects. For implementation of the European Union ERASMUS Programme the University has developed the links with partners from more than 50 European universities.
3. The Faculty of Agronomy is a structural unit of the University for the implementation of the master‘s degree studies in the programme of Agronomy. The Faculty has five departments: Crop Science and Animal Husbandry, Biology and Plant Protection, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Horticulture, and Soil Management. The Faculty of Agronomy has three special laboratories for studies: the laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, Quality of Plant Products, and Agronomic and Zootechnical Research of Food Stuffs. The majority of subjects are taught by the teachers of the Faculty of Agronomy who also provide advice to students on the final thesis. Some study subjects are taught by teachers of other faculties.
4. Programme aims are pursued by using the facilities of the Laboratory of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (Institute of Agriculture and Institute of Horticulture), chemistry laboratory of the Institute of Fundamental Science Studies, and inter-faculty units: Experimental Station (for execution of research work by students seeking master‘s degree), International Deparment (for integration of students into the European and global science and studies process).
5. Composition of the self-evaluation team and responsibilities. A subgroup of 5 members was instituted for conducting the self-evaluation of the second study cycle of Agronomy. The activities of the subgroup were coordinated by a member of the self-evaluation subgroup Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darija Jodaugienė (Table 1).
6. The self-evaluation report was produced in January through April 2011. The work volume and responsibilities of each team member are specified in the Self-evaluation schedule (Table 2).
A commission formed under the ordinance of the Dean (24-09-2010) for the purpose of conducting the self-evaluation introduced itself at the meeting of the academic and scientific staff of the Faculty of Agronomy. The Self-evaluation Report was considered at the meeting of the Agronomy Faculty Council on 30-03-2011.
Table 1. List of self-evaluation report subgroup members
|No |Academic title (research |Position |Telephone (office and |E-mail |
| |degree), full name | |mobile) | |
|1. |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darija |Head of Department of Soil |8 37 75 22 29 |Darija.Jodaugiene@lzuu.lt |
| |Jodaugienė |Management, AF |+370 614 01140 | |
|2. |Prof. Dr. Habil. Rimantas |Professor, Faculty of Agronomy, AF |8 37 75 22 17 |Rimantas.Velicka@lzuu.lt |
| |Velička | |+370 687 86019 | |
|3. |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona |Assoc. Prof., Department of Crop |8 37 75 23 14 |Ilona.Vaguseviciene@lzuu.lt |
| |Vagusevičienė |Science and Animal Husbandry, AF |+370 612 87371 | |
|4. |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aušra |Assoc. Prof., Department of Soil |8 37 75 22 11 |Ausra.Marcinkeviciene@lzuu.lt |
| |Marcinkevičienė |Management, AF |+370 615 33187 | |
|5. |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonata |Assoc. Prof., Department of Biology|8 37 75 22 65 |Sonata.Kazlauskaite@lzuu.lt |
| |Kazlauskaitė |and Plant Protection, AF |+370 614 05805 | |
Table 2. Self-evaluation schedule
|No |Planned activity |Responsible person |Deadline/period |
|1. |Introduction |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darija Jodaugienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr.|11-2010/04-2011 |
| | |Aušra Marcinkevičienė | |
|2. |Programme aims and study outcomes |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona Vagusevičienė, Assoc. Prof. |11-2010/04-2011 |
| | |Dr. Darija Jodaugienė, Dr. Rimantas Dapkus, student | |
| | |Ina Liorančaitė | |
|3. |Programme structure |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona Vagusevičienė, Assoc. Prof. |11-2010/04-2011 |
| | |Dr. Aurimas Krasauskas | |
|4. |Staff |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darija Jodaugienė, Prof. Hab. Dr. |11-2010/04-2011 |
| | |Zenonas Dabkevičius | |
|5. |Facilities and learning resources |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonata Kazlauskaitė |11-2010/04-2011 |
|6. |Study process and its evaluation |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aurimas Krasauskas, Assoc. Prof. |11-2010/04-2011 |
| | |Dr. Aušra Marcinkevičienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Steponas| |
| | |Raudonius | |
|7. |Programme management |Prof. Hab. Dr. Rimantas Velička, Assoc. Prof. Dr. |12-2010 |
| | |Sonata Kazlauskaitė | |
|Self-evaluation annexes: |
|Annex 1. Descriptions of study subjects |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aušra Marcinkevičienė, Assoc. Prof.|12-2010/01-2011 |
| |Dr. Darija Jodaugienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona | |
| |Vagusevičienė | |
|Annex 2. Academic staff list |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darija Jodaugienė |02-2011 |
|Annex 3. Curriculum Vitae of the academic staff |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aurimas Krasauskas |12-2010/01-2011 |
|Annex 4. List of Final Thesis (2 years) |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aurimas Krasauskas |02-2011 |
|Annex 5. Summary of the previous evaluation report |Prof. Hab. Dr. Rimantas Velička |02-2011 |
|Annex 6. Study Plans |Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona Vagusevičienė, Assoc. Prof. |11-2010/04-2011 |
| |Dr. Aurimas Krasauskas | |
7. Preparation of the self-evaluation was organised in stages in all self-evaluation groups. After each stage joint group meetings were organised to discuss the outcomes and other relevant issues. The data necessary for the self-evaluation was obtained from the reports of the University and its units, the ongoing sociological research, the executed studies and analyses, and the University‘s Statute (according to the elaborated data collection schemes and the Consolidated Report on Self-Evaluation of the University) (2010).
The external evaluation and self-evaluation of the second study cycle programme of Agronomy were performed in 2001. The Summary of conclusions of the external evaluation is presented in Annex 3.5.
2. PROGRAMME ANALYSIS
2.1. Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes
8. Uniqueness and rationale of the need for the programme and demand for the programme among applicants. Bachelors in Agronomy usually continue studies in the master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy, but there are also graduates of other fields. Pursuant to the established procedure they shall complete the bridging courses. The Programme is quite popular among the applicants: the number of applicants for the above programme of studies exceeded the number of those admitted to studies by 2.00-2.77 times (the data of 2009/2010). The total number of applicants and students admitted to master‘s degree studies in the programme of Agronomy is provided in Table 10 (Par 70). In 2006 through 2010 the admission of students to master‘s degree studies in the programme of Agronomy varied. The largest number of students was admitted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 when the programme had specialisations. From 2009 the volumes of admission to the study programme reduced, since, upon registration of new master’s degree study programmes (Agroecosystems - 621C18003, Agrobiotechnology – 621J70002) the programme was implemented without specialisations; besides, the number of state funded students has also decreased.
9. The master‘s degree programme of Agronomy is authentic and unique among the programmes of other Lithuanian universities, since this is the only University preparing specialists in the field of agricultural sciences, i.e. the specialists of agronomy capable of analysing the impact of global changes on agricultural production, creatively applying the acquired fundamental knowledge and recent scientific recommendations, the contemporary leaders capable of strategic thinking, the citizens of the new information technology era able to solve theoretical and practical problems of agriculture independently.
10. Graduates of the master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy successfully continue research work and pursue doctoral studies at the LUA, the Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry and other scientific institutions of the country, and are involved in the pedagogical work of universities and colleges. Besides, the graduates successfully continue their professional career in the offices of the Agricultural Advisory Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Payment Agency, and other municipal divisions in the field of agriculture etc.
11. Demand for the specialists in the labour market. Currently the demand for qualified specialists in the field of agriculture has increased, i.e. the demand for specialists capable of integrating in the modern and competitive development of agriculture, managing production processes in the constantly changing business environment, creatively adapting global achievements in Lithuania and evaluating dynamics of the market. The data on graduates‘ placement in 2006/2010 is provided in Table 17 (Par 99).
12. Relevance of the programme aims, compliance of the aims with the type and the cycle of studies and qualification level. In 2006 through 2010 the master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy consisted of four specialisations. The aim of the study programme was realised via two partial and programme specialisation objectives. Since 2009 the programme has been implemented without specialisations, therefore it was necessary to update the aims of the study programme. The partial aims of the programme complied with and specified the main aim of the study programme. The first and the second partial aims were directed toward the accomplishment of tasks of the theoretical and applied studies. Theoretical and applied studies were aimed at gaining special and most recent knowledge in the field of agronomy, and professional knowledge. Scientific research and original thinking of graduates are based on the above knowledge. The third partial objective is aimed at upgrading the abilities and competences relevant for the scientific research.
13. In 2010, the aim of the study programme was amended pursuant to the Description of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework (Resolution No 535 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 4 May, 2010), the Dublin Descriptors and main provisions of the Bergen Communiqué.
14. The aim of the master‘s degree studies in the programme of Agronomy is to prepare high qualification masters in agronomy equipped with fundamental knowledge of agrobiology, capable to solve research and production problems independently, plan and execute scientific research and make research-based innovative decisions, execute research, managerial and counselling activities in the fields of agriculture and seek self-improvement. The objective of this programme complies with the requirements laid down for the second study cycle and with the description of the 7th national level qualifications.
15. Comprehensibility and attainability of the learning outcomes and correlation of learning outcomes of the programme with those of the subject level. The outcomes of the study programme are accomplished via the study aim and are achieved via study subjects (see Table 3). Pursuant to the survey of master‘s degree students, graduates and employers, the accomplishment of the study outcomes of the programme requires more extensive knowledge and skills in consulting, sustainable agroecosystems and agrocenosis development. In view of this from 1 September 2011 it is envisaged to include new study subjects in the study programme (Methodology of Extension, Agroecosystem Sustainability, Simulation of Agrocenosis Productivity). The content of some subjects was partially amended and more practical works foreseen within the scope of the subject. For upgrading the knowledge and abilities it is foreseen to supplement the list of elective subjects by new subjects providing for a more extensive accomplishment of outcomes of the study programme (Annex 3.6.). The content of all subjects is in compliance with programme outcomes (see subject descriptions presented in Annex 3.1.). Subject descriptions are revised and updated on a regular basis.
16. The level of complexity of learning outcomes complies with the requirements for the 7th level qualifications laid down in the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework. The outcomes of the programme demonstrate that graduates who successfully completed the studies are ready for an independent research work and/or studies of the doctoral studies, and/or work of a professional agronomist requiring the ability to solve agricultural research and production problems, make research-based innovative decisions, and accomplish scientific, managerial and consulting work in the fields of agriculture (Table 3).
17. Information about the study programme and qualifications is provided in the AIKOS () database, publications „Priėmimas į Lietuvos aukštąsias mokyklas“ („Admission to Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions“), „Studijos Lietuvos žemės ūkio universitete“ („Studies in the Lithuanian University of Agriculture“) and on the University‘s website ().
18. Pursuant to recent scientific achievements and changes in the labour market the master‘s degree programme of Agronomy is revised on a regular basis (Par 2.6.2. Internal Assurance of Study Quality). The Committee of Study Programmes in the field of Agronomy was established with a view to improving the study programme. The Committee includes representatives of various departments, the Dean‘s Office, social partners and the Students‘ Council of the Faculty. The purpose of this Committee is to ensure continuous improvement of the study programme and quality of its implementation. Since 2010 Study Programme Committees have been set for each study programme.
19. Fields of professional activities which specialists are trained for and their links with learning outcomes. The master‘s degree in agronomy is necessary in order to accomplish research or managerial work in the field of agricultural sciences, as well as counselling or managerial work in scientific and education institutions, state governing institutions setting the strategy and tactics for the development of agriculture and food economy, extension services, and in the agro business. Graduates of the master‘s degree programme will be able to execute analytical research of plant productivity elements and factors affecting the quality of production, make research-based innovative solutions, identify professional and research problems and problem solution strategies, and implement the outcomes of the research in practice (integrate the knowledge of agrobiology in the development of a modern and highly competitive agriculture, create and develop the systems for plant nutrition and protection measures for the diverse agricultural systems by taking into account the requirements for production quality and the strategy for reduction of the environmental pollution in agriculture, and provide consulting in the field of agriculture).
20. The position of the programme among other study programmes. Today the programmes of the second study cycle in Agronomy (621D72001) and Horticulture (621D72002) are accomplished in the field of agricultural sciences in the LUA (Resolution No 1749 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 23 December 2009). The LUA is the only university education institution in Lithuania accomplishing master‘s degree studies in Agronomy. A master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy is directed toward the research work and master‘s degree studies aimed at upgrading research abilities, and prepares students for professional research work. Having acquired relevant competences the graduates of master‘s studies can apply the accumulated scientific knowledge and abilities throughout their careers, pursue employment opportunities in research and studies institutions, seek doctor‘s degree, apply the knowledge in international, national organisations and other structures.
21. The studies of Horticulture are focused on the development of special knowledge and research work abilities providing an opportunity to prepare for a more extensive research and develop original professional thinking aimed at perceiving the causal relationships which determine the diversity of technological-biological processes of horticultural plants, and giving broader theoretical knowledge which sets prerequisites for doctoral studies.
22. The second study cycle of Agronomy is implemented in specialized European and world universities of agriculture, biology and life sciences. There are many universities of the agricultural profile in the world, and quite many classical universities (e.g. the University of Copenhagen) have faculties of the field of agriculture and accomplish agronomic studies. Master’s programmes of agronomy studies have various equivalents in foreign universities, e.g. Agriculture; Agricultural Sciences; Field Crops; Plant Biology; Plant Sciences; Plant Science, Production and Environment; Plants and Environment; Sustainable Crop Production: Agronomy for the 21st Century etc. The analysis of the structure of several randomly selected master’s degree study programmes revealed many commonalities with the master’s programme of Agronomy. Relevant programmes include the following study subjects: Agricultural Plants Growing Technologies, Plant Physiology, Biochemistry and Pathology, Entomology and Biology, Cytogenesis, Plant Growing Regulators, Weed Science, Effective Management of Natural Resources, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Selection, Research Design etc. The majority of these subjects are similar to those of the master’s studies in the field of agricultural sciences implemented in the Faculty of Agronomy of the LUA. In implementing the master’s study programmes in the field of agronomy foreign universities focus on the protection of the agrarian environment, environment and general ecology, application of biological and ecological knowledge in agricultural practice; agricultural technologies and production by applying eco-friendly measures; they analyze not only the recent technologies but also their potential threats to environment (e.g. the threat of the spread of genetically modified organisms in nature); search for the interface between biology, policy and social sciences; and highlight an interdisciplinary approach. For the conveyance of this knowledge a sustainable approach has been introduced nearly in each curriculum of a study subject, although there are also specific subjects such as Ecology, Crop ecology, Microbial ecology, Principles of environment and agriculture etc. Each foreign master’s degree programme is authentic and unique (the same as a master’s study programme in the LUA), there are no identical programmes. Master’s study programme in the field of Agronomy implemented at the LUA is unique among other national and foreign study programmes.
Table 3. Aims of the study programme and learning outcomes
|Main aim of the programme |Types of the |Study outcomes |Subjects |
| |programme outcomes | | |
|To prepare highly qualified |Knowledge and |To review contemporary research methods; to explain the principles for selecting these methods|Methodology of Extension, Experimental Design and Analysis, Research Work |
|masters in agronomy equipped |understanding |and possibilities of their application; to know theoretical aspects of the counselling | |
|with basic agrobiology | |methodology. | |
|knowledge, capable of solving | | | |
|scientific-production problems | | | |
|in the sphere of agriculture, | | | |
|able to plan and execute | | | |
|research and make innovative | | | |
|decisions based on research | | | |
|results, carrying out research | | | |
|work, management and consulting| | | |
|tools in agriculture and | | | |
|seeking self-improvement. | | | |
| | |To define agrobiological potential (properties) of plants; to explain biotic and abiotic |Plant and Environmental Chemistry, Plant Agrobiological Potential, |
| | |factors affecting plant productivity and possibilities for optimising production quality in |Assessment of Soil Cover, Plant Parasitology, Analysis of Fertilisation |
| | |different stages of ontogenesis. |Systems, Plant Pathology, Expansion of Plant Genetic Diversity by |
| | | |Biotechnology Methods, Intensive Fruit Growing, Alternative Crop Science. |
| | |To understand functional elements of agroecosystems and arable farming and measures of their |Agroecosystem Sustainability, Simulation of Agrocenosis Productivity, |
| | |management based on scientific principles. |Organic Agriculture, Welfare of Animals |
| |Abilities |To identify professional and research problems and problem-solving strategies; to plan and |Methodology of Extension, Experimental Design and Analysis, Research Work |
| | |execute research; to analyse and interpret the obtained results and apply them in practice; to| |
| | |provide counselling on agricultural issues. | |
| | |To carry out an analytical study on plant productivity elements and production quality; to |Plant and Environmental Chemistry, Plant Agrobiological Potential, |
| | |assess crop condition at different growth and development stages; to identify problems and |Assessment of Soil Cover, Plant Parasitology, Analysis of Fertilisation |
| | |determine the most effective problem-solving methods. |Systems, Plant Pathology, Expansion of Plant Genetic Diversity by |
| | | |Biotechnology Methods, Intensive Fruit Growing, Alternative Crop Science |
| | |To apply the acquired knowledge for the development of a modern and competitive agricultural |Agroecosystem Sustainability, Simulation of Agrocenosis Productivity, |
| | |sector by taking into account quality requirements for plant products and pollution reduction |Organic Agriculture, Welfare of Animals |
| | |strategies in agriculture; to develop sustainable agroecosystems by forecasting potential crop| |
| | |productivity scenarios. | |
|General abilities |To analyze and organize scientific and technical information relevant for a professional activity; to organise and plan own work and apply the acquired knowledge in |
| |practice. |
| |To work independently and creatively and take responsibility for own work; to be able to adapt to new situations; to express thoughts clearly and address research and |
| |production problems. |
|General skills |Professional communication skills (ability to work in a team; expression of reasoned thoughts; presentation of own ideas, participation in debates, public speaking etc.).|
| |IT usage and information management skills. |
|Values |Continuous improvement of professional competences, personal responsibility for work and promotion of environmentally friendly farming traditions. |
2.2. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
2.2.1. Study Plan
23. Compliance of the study volume with the requirements of legal acts. Legal acts regulating the studies lay down the requirements for the volume of theoretical subjects, final thesis, examinations, and the volume of students‘ independent and classroom work. In 2006 through 2010 the master‘s study programme complied with the requirements of the description of general requirements for master‘s study programmes (Description of General Requirements for Master‘s Study Programmes approved by the Order No ISAK-1551 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 22 July, 2005).
24. Master‘s programme consists of 2 years or four terms of studies. In 2006 the study programme of Agronomy had 4 specialisations supervised by separate departments. Specialisation Plant Growing and Breeding was supervised by the Department of Crop Science and Animal Husbandry; Plant Protection, Soil Science and Agrochemistry – by the Departments of Plant Protection and Soil Science and Plant Nutrition; Quality and Safety of Plant Raw Materials – Department of Horticulture, (this specialisation has limited state funded places and is not offered every year); Integrated and Organic Agriculture – by the Department of Soil Management.
25. Master‘s study programme of Agronomy has been updated on a regular basis. The internal self-analysis and the update took place in 2006. The plan of the study programme of 2006 is presented in Annex 3.6. From 2009-2010 specialisations cancelled because of the registered new master’s study programme Agroecosystems funded under the project of the EU Structural Funds (instead of the specialization Integrated and Organic Agriculture) which was attributed to the field of biology and the branch of ecology. The programme Agrobiotechnology (the field of biotechnology, the plant biotechnology branch) was prepared and registered; the study programme Quality and Safety of Plant Raw Materials is under preparation and in 2011 it has been submitted for registration.
26. The volume of the master‘s study programme in 2010-2011 is 80 national credits. Each term has 20 credits. It complies with the requirements of the description of general requirements for master‘s study programmes (Description of General Requirements for Master‘s Study Programmes, approved by the Order No V-826 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 3 June 2010). The structure of the master‘s studies in the programme of Agronomy is provided in Table 4. In 2010 minor amendments to the programme were made (preparation and defence of the final thesis were separated from the research work and its volume increased up to 20 credits). A more detailed update of the programme is envisaged as of 1 September 2011 during the transition period to ECTS credits (see Annex 3.6.).
27. In the period of 2010-2011 Obligatory subjects of theoretical studies comprise 18 national credits or 22.4 % of the programme‘s volume. All these are programme profile deepening subjects and their content is based on the subjects of study fundamentals of the first cycle in Agronomy. Obligatory programme profile deepening applied subjects amount to 8 credits or 10 percent of the programme volume. Obligatory programme profile broadening applied subjects – 6 credits or 7.5% of the programme volume. Theoretical and applied studies include obligatory study subjects and free elective subjects. Optional programme profile deepening subjects amount to 16 credits or 20% of the programme volume. Master‘s studies in agronomy shall be completed by defending the final thesis. In view of this, the research work is envisaged in the plan of the study programme which is performed by students during the first, second and third terms. In total there are 12 credits (15% of the programme volume). 20 credits are given for the preparation of a final thesis (25% of the programme volume). The structure of the programme complies with the requirements of the description (Description of General Requirements for Master’s Study Programmes, approved by the Order No V-826 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 3 June, 2010), pursuant to which at least 50% of the master‘s programme shall consist of study subjects of a higher problematic or innovative scientific level in comparison to fundamental subjects of a corresponding cognitive field of the first study cycle, and at least 25% of the study programme volume shall be given to the final thesis of the studies.
|Table 4. Second Cycle |
|Agronomy Study Programme |
|Full-Time Study Plan, 2009-2010 |
|Code |
|1.1. Obligatory theoretical subjects |
|1.1.1. Obligatory programme profile deepening theoretical subjects |
|AFŽEM56 |
|AFDAM04 |
|2.1. Obligatory applied subjects |
|2.1.1. Obligatory programme profile deepening applied subjects |
|AFDAM02 |
|AICHM01 |
|AFAGM24 |
|AFMTM01 |
|1st term |2nd term |
|Subject Code |Title of the subject |Credits |Subject Code |Title of the subject |Credits |
|FMCHM01 |Chemical Analysis of Soil and Plants |3 |AFDAM21 |Soil Research and Cartography |4 |
|AFAGM63 |Information Technologies in Agronomy |3 |AFDAM25 |Analysis of Fertilization Systems |4 |
|AFŽEM56 |Research Design and Analysis |3 |AFAAM44 |Plant Pathology |4 |
|AFAGM57 |Agricultural Plant Biology |3 |AFAGM59 |Agrobiological Potential of Plant |4 |
|AFAAM45 |Invertebrate Zoology |4 | | | |
|AFMTM01 |Research Work |4 |AFMTM02 |Research Work |4 |
|Total |20 |Total |20 |
|Second year |
|3rd term |4th term |
|Subject Code |Title of the Subject |Credits |Subject Code |Title of the subject |Credits |
| |Optional subjects of the programme* |16 | | | |
|AFMTM03 |Research Work |4 |AFBDM01 |Final Thesis |20 |
|Total |20 |Total |20 |
|* Optional subjects of the programme: |
|Soil Degradation and Protection, 4 credits |
|Soil Biology, 4 credits |
|Soils of the World and Their Classification, 4 credits |
|Purposive Plant Breeding and Seed Production, 4 credits |
|Growth Regulators, 3 credits |
|Systems of Plant Protection, 4 credits |
|GMO and the Environment, 3 credits |
2.2.2. Content of the Studies
33. Compliance of the study content with general requirements for the study programmes. The content of the master‘s study programme of Agronomy is based on the subjects of the first study circle which are of a qualitatively higher level in comparison to fundamental subjects of a corresponding cognitive field of the first study circle. This corresponds to the requirements of the description of general requirements for master‘s study programmes (Description of General Requirements for Master‘s Study Programmes, approved by the Order No V-826 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 3 June 2010).
34. Study themes of the taught subjects are coordinated with the learning outcomes and are sufficiently broad to achieve the results. The topics of studies of specific subjects are presented in their descriptions (see Annex 3.1.). Comprehensiveness and compatibility of the taught subjects with the outcomes of the subject studies are evaluated by the description reviewers and the Committee of the Study Programme. Subject descriptions are updated regularly, and this allows to adapt the delivered subjects to pressing issues.
35. Forms and methods used in classes. The volume of subjects within the master‘s study programme shall consist of at least 3 credits. Pursuant to the description of forms of sequential studies (Description of Forms of Sequential Studies of the University, approved in the Rector‘s Office Meeting, 29 March, 2005, Minutes No 10) classroom lectures consist of the lectures or lectures and laboratory or practical work. Case analysis and investigation of practical problems are integrated into lectures. In order to prepare for discussions students are given individual and team tasks. Students present these tasks in the classroom. Their presentations are considered and evaluated not only by teachers but also by all students. Thus, all students have a possibility to contribute to the discussions. All the above develops self-sufficiency and communication skills and creates prerequisites for the achievement of learning outcomes.
36. Methods of active teaching/studying used during the studies: case analysis and the analysis of practical examples, team work, independent work presentations and discussions in the classroom, oral presentations and discussions etc. Subject descriptions include the evaluation and the procedure for the evaluation of study achievements. Four weeks of examination sessions in the winter and summer terms are set for evaluation the knowledge of study subjects. An examination session is held according to the schedule approved by the Dean of the Faculty after coordinating it with teachers and the representatives of students‘ academic groups.
37. The procedure for the evaluation of the final thesis. The research work carried out during the study years is consolidated in the final thesis of master‘s studies. The requirements for a final thesis (Regulations of the Sequential Master Study Programmes in the Study Field of Agronomy) are provided in the website (). The completed final thesis is reviewed by a thesis reviewer appointed by the head of department. A student shall present the thesis for the master‘s degree at the department’s meeting. After positive conclusion of the department, the thesis is referred to an opponent of another department nominated by the Faculty‘s Studies Committee. The defence of the final thesis shall take place in the Final Theses and Exam Panel approved by the Rector. In 2006 through 2009 the Panel consisted of 3 professors and 2 associate professors, in 2010 of 4 professors and 1 associate professor. In 2006 through 2009 the Chair of the Panel was Associate Professor Dr. Česlovas Bobinas, Director of the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture; in 2010 Prof. Hab. Dr. Zenonas Dabkevičius, Director of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. The Panel shall evaluate the quality of a final thesis, the research abilities and the knowledge of a graduate. During the evaluation of the final thesis members of the panel shall take into account the opinion of the supervisor, the evaluation of the Department and the opponent, and the opinion of the Panel (after having acquainted with the final thesis and the quality of student’s presentation).
38. Pursuant to the University Senate‘s Decree, during the master‘s degree studies students shall execute research work and prepare and publish a scientific article based on the outcomes of the performed work. Students writing the master‘s final thesis present their work in the conference „Young Scientist“; their scientific articles are published in the publication „Students‘Research Papers“. Until the year 2006 these works were published, and as of 2006 recorded in the CD and placed in the LUA website. The total number of students‘ scientific articles includes: in 2006 – 29, in 2007 – 39, in 2008 - 33, in 2009 – 20, and in 2010 – 16 articles. The final master‘s thesis is placed in the e-thesis and dissertation information system: .
2.3. Academic Staff
2.3.1. Evaluation of the Composition, Changes and Workloads of the Academic Staff
39. The key criterion for recruitment of the academic staff is the compliance with qualification requirements (Ordinance of the LUA Senate on the Procedure of Recruitment of Teachers and Researchers at Lithuanian University of Agriculture and Description of Qualification Requirements. March 31, 2010 m. Minutes No 493), i.e. the experience in academic work, scientific, educational, and professional interests and activities. The academic staff engaged in the second study cycle programme of Agronomy conforms to the general requirements for master’s study programmes (Order No V-826 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania On the Approval of the Description of General Requirements for Master Study Programmes, 3 June, 2010), stipulating that at least 80% of the teachers of all study subjects are required to have an academic degree including at least 60% of the teachers of the study field subjects, whose research directions conform to the subjects they teach. The subjects of the main study field and study module subjects are taught by the professors, associate professors and lecturers of the fields of biomedicine and physical sciences. The programme of Agronomy is taught by teachers of all departments of the Faculty of Agronomy and the Department of Chemistry of the Institute of Fundamental Sciences and Studies.
40. In 2010–2011 academic year the programme has been delivered by 7 professors, from them 5 Hab. Dr., 16 associate professors and 2 lecturers. The programme of Agronomy subjects are taught by two and more teachers and this leads to a more comprehensive delivery of the issues covered by the study subject, a greater focus on student consultations, and more diverse teaching methods. The taught subjects are presented in Annex 3.2. The position-based analysis of changes in the numbers of the academic staff over 5 academic years presented in the Table 6. Self-Evaluation shows that the number of teachers of all positions has decreased, but this was related to the changes in the master‘s study programme. In 2006-2009 the study programme of Agronomy was implemented with specialisations, as of 2009 without specialisations (Pars 24-25). This resulted in the decrease of the number of teachers and students admitted to the study programme (Par 70).
Table 6. Changes in the numbers of the academic staff in the programme of Agronomy in 2006-2011
|Teachers |Numbers of the academic staff in the programme of Agronomy by academic years |
| |2006-2007 |2007-2008 |2008-2009 |2009-2010 |2010-2011 |
|Professors |11 |9 |10 |9 |7 |
|Associate professors |21 |26 |25 |20 |16 |
|Lecturers |5 |3 |5 |2 |2 |
|Assistants |1 |1 |0 |0 |0 |
41. The academic staff structure by age groups in 2010/2011 academic year shows that average age of professors is 59.1 years, associate professors – 50.2 years, lecturers – 37.0 years (Table 7). It must be noted that 3 out of 7 professors are over 65 years of age, but several associate professors of the Faculty comply with the qualification requirements to occupy a higher position.
Table 7. Academic staff structure by age groups, 2010-2011
|Position |Total |Including staff by age groups |Average age, |
| | | |years |
| | |Under 25 |
|2006-2007 |4 |The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (KVL) (Denmark); Warsaw Agricultural University (SGGW)|
| | |(Poland); Bydgosz University of Technology and Agriculture (Poland); Hohenheim University (Germany) |
|2007-2008 |5 |University of Pisa (Italy); Latvia University of Agriculture; Bydgoszcz University of Technology and |
| | |Agriculture (Poland); Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain); University of León (Spain) |
|2008-2009 |4 |Ege University (Turkey); Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland); Catholic University of Leuven |
| | |(Belgium); Hohenheim University (Germany) |
|2009-2010 |6 |Warsaw Agricultural University (SGGW) (Poland); Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) (Spain); |
| | |Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland); Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland); Warsaw |
| | |University of Life Sciences (Poland); Akdeniz University (Turkey) |
|2010-2011 |2 |Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium); Akdeniz University Antalya (Turkey) |
Table 9. Number of teachers who went for the academic work in the universities of other countries
|Academic year |Number of outgoing |Institution (country) |
| |staff | |
|2006-2007 |2 |Czech University of Life sciences Prague (Czech Republic); University of Copenhagen (Denmark); |
| | |University of Helsinki (Finland) |
|2007-2008 |3 |Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) (Spain); Czech University of Life sciences Prague (Czech |
| | |Republic); Latvia University of Agriculture; Port Regional Centre of the Portugal Catholic University |
| | |(Portugal); Kiel University (Germany) |
|2008-2009 |2 |University of Environment and Biological Sciences of Estonia (Estonia) |
| | |Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) (Spain); Akdeniz University Antalya (Turkey); Heraklion High |
| | |Technological School (Greece) |
|2009-2010 |4 |Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) (Spain); Warsaw Agricultural University (SGGW) (Poland); |
| | |Czech University of Life sciences Prague (Czech Republic); Ege University (Turkey); Leida University |
| | |(Spain); Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) |
|2010-2011 |1 |Warsaw Agricultural University (SGGW) (Poland); Leida University (Spain) |
49. The data on teachers‘ participation in scientific conferences, on-the-job training and workshops. In 2006 through 2010 teachers of the programme took part in 51 international conferences abroad and 8 international conferences in Lithuania; 6 long-term and 25 short-term on-the-job trainings abroad, 3 long-term, and 4 short-term on-the-job trainings in Lithuania; 28 training courses and workshops abroad and 86 training courses and workshops in Lithuania.
50. Teaching staff of the studies of the Agronomy programme participated in the activity of various public organisations and international institutions: Lithuanian Society of Agronomy (10 teachers), Lithuanian Soil Science Society under the Division of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (Lithuanian Academy of Sciences) (6 teachers), Lithuanian Herbologists’ Society (5 teachers), Lithuanian Etnomological Society (3 teachers), Lithuanian Phytopathological Society (2 teachers), Lithuanian Society of Plant Physiologists (2 teachers), Lithuanian Scientific Society (2 teachers), Lithuanian Society of Metaloecologists (1 teacher), Lithuanian Society of Geneticians and Selectionists (1 teacher), Lithuanian Chemists’ Society (1 teacher), Lithuanian Association of the History Science, (1 teacher), Lithuanian Ploughing Association (1 teacher), Nordic Association of Agricultural Scientists (NJF) (3 teachers), International Union of Soil Sciences (2 teachers), European Union of Soil Sciences (1 teacher), European Weed Research Society (EWRS) (2 teachers), IWSS International Weed Science Society (1 teacher) JWSS Japanese Weed Science Society (1 teacher), World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWS) (1 teacher), European Association for Research on Plant Breeding (EUCARPIA) (1 teacher), International Soil Tillage Research Organisation (ISTRO) (1 teacher), ISPI International Society for Pest Information (1 teacher). 2 teachers are members of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. 1 teacher is included in the Council of the European Network of Organic Agriculture University Teachers, 1 teacher in the Agriculture & Ecology Committee of FERTILIZERS EUROPE and in the Forecasts Committee of FERTILIZERS EUROPE. 1 teacher is a scientific expert of the CORDIS international programme, 5 teachers are members of the editorial boards of 7 Lithuanian scientific journals and 4 teachers members of the editorial boards of 7 international scientific journals.
51. Ways for upgrading teachers‘ qualification (pedagogical, research and practical). During the period under analysis teachers took part in the following qualification upgrading courses: long-term and short-term on-the-job trainings in Lithuania and abroad, courses and workshops in Lithuania and abroad, international conferences in Lithuania and abroad, and scientific-practical conferences. They participated in various scientific and studies projects, the international scientific programmes and Field Days, and visited different farms. The most common forms for the development of professional knowledge are short-term on-the-job trainings abroad, workshops and courses in Lithuania and abroad.
52. Data on teacher qualification upgrade. During the period under analysis all programme teachers were involved in various measures providing for the development of professional competences, namely: 6 international scientific programmes, 59 international conferences, 115 scientific and studies projects and themes, 38 on-the-job trainings, 114 courses and workshops. Professional development themes (courses on agricultural and environmental issues, pedagogical courses; courses for the development of quality of the studies, modern scientific communication and information retrieval courses; courses for visualisation of educational information in the field of agriculture; courses on the development of the scientific competence and continuous education for the production of new and ecological food raw materials; courses on the statistical analysis of the research data) are directly related to the taught subjects and scientific interests, thus, they are instrumental for the implementation of the study programme aims.
2.4. Facilities and Learning Resources
2.4.1. Facilities
53. Facilities used for programme needs. Facilities and learning resources are instrumental for the studies. Adequate and comfortable facilities adapted for work with the optimal number of workstations and used for programme purposes improve the University’s standing and has positive impact on the quality of work of teachers and students. The studies of the master’s study programme of Agronomy take place in the facilities of the Faculty of Agronomy in the central building of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture, and in Building 3 (Department of Chemistry, Fundamental Science Study Institute). Six different size premises (classrooms, lecture rooms and laboratories with the total floor space of 293.28 m2) are used for the implementation of the programme in the Faculty of Agronomy. The total number of seats for students in all classrooms is 145. All classrooms are renovated, including window replacement and installation of relevant multimedia and access to the Internet. Facilities are adequate and suitable for the use.
54. Students of the 2nd cycle of the study programme of Agronomy work in one laboratory of the Department of Chemistry of the Fundamental Science Study Institute where they conduct practicals on Plant and Soil Chemical Analysis. The total floor space of the laboratory is 83.1 m2, it is in good shape and has 30 workstations. On 25 January 2011 the University signed the agreement with JSC „Molesta“ regarding the procurement of the reconstruction works in Building 3. Reconstruction works will include the renovation of facilities of the Department of Chemistry used for the implementation of the second cycle study programme of Agronomy.
55. Equipment used for programme implementation. The equipment and appliances available in the departments of the Faculty are used for the conduct of the study programme and preparation of the research works, namely: drying and plant growing chambers (for studies of subjects „Special Plant Breeding“, „Agricultural Plant Biology“, Plant Agrobiological Potential); carbonate scale detector, HH2 soil humidity measurer with sensor, maps „Soil Atlas of Europe“ (European Commision, 2005), „Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region“ (European Commision, 2010 m.), and „Soil Research and Cartography“. The plant protection subjects‘ studies use a biological light microscope Motic with micro-object inspection and photo equipment, a stereo microscope Nicon, an autoclave, a termostate, a sterilizer, and a laminar.
56. The Laboratory Agronomic and Zootechnical Research of Food Stuffs uses: a microprocessor pH-meter pH 537, a microprocessor pH-meter pH 320/SET-1, a hot-plate magnetic-stirrer device MR 3001, a spectrophotometer DU-40, analytical balances Sartorius, a flame photometer CORNING, a grinder, a forage digestibility analyser, drying chambers, distillation unit VAPODEST-30, Kjeldahl mineralisation unit, shaker KS, water baths, a magnetic stirrer, a water distiller, a titrator Fortuna-Optifix, a Soxslet apparatus, and a desktop centrifuge. The Experimental Station of the University offers the students a possibility to use the NIR spectrophotometer, the soil and plant sample drying chamber, the initial sample preparation equipment, the mechanical system of taking soil samples for testing system, the crop and soil analysis system, electronic sensors and data loggers for plant and soil research in crops, an electronic penetrometer with accessories, plant root in situ test equipment, a microscope set for assessing the soil seed bank and plant seed material, a seed calculator for bioassays of plants and weeds, equipment for plant biometric studies, laboratory refrigerators, freezers, heavy duty drying chamber. The Institutes of Agriculture and Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry allow for the use of modern equipment: gas and liquid chromatographs, light and scanning microscopes, phytotrons, micro-culture facilities, laminars, autoclaves, thermocyclers, water thermostats, electrophoresis baths, gel documentation equipment, small-size harvesting machines, precision sprayers, microscope NIKON Eclipse 80i with a DS-Fi1-U2 digital camera and NIS-Elements D software, climate chambers for Friocell fungal colonies, climate chamber Binder KBWF 720 for greenhouse trials against an artificial infection background, test fields and greenhouses, sprouting facilities, sprouting boxes, greenhouse microclimate records, substrate moisture meters, Hege Seed Treater, entomological traps, Internet-based iMETOS®sm forecasting system (Pessl Instruments. Austria) with integrated garden pest and plant disease forecasting models, etc.
57. A computer classroom with 26 workstations in the central building of the University is used for the master‘s study programme of Agronomy. The computer class has a permanent internet access. The Internet access is also available in the rooms of the student residence. The University offers wireless internet connection, which enables the students to use their own hardware for information search and out-of-class work. Special software is used for study purposes in the computer classroom: SYSTAT 10, SELEKCIJA, SigmaPlot 8.0, and SigmaStat. This software is necessary for the studies of „Experimental Design and Analysis“ and for the evaluation of the statistical data relevant for final thesis. Computer software „Grow How“ and „Fertilisation“ is used during the study process, as well as the software for the assessment of soil surface, and digital soil maps.
58. The analysis of the equipment used during the master‘s study programme showed that the supply with relevant equipment and appliances is adequate.
59. Facilities used for the performance of practicals and the research works within the scope of the programme. Master’s degree students perform research work and practicals in the laboratories of Faculty‘s departments, the Laboratory for Food Raw Materials, Agronomic and Zootechnical Research, the LUA Experimental Station, Pomology Garden, Institutes of Agriculture, Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LRCAF), and other scientific institutions, business companies and farms.
2.4.2. Learning Resources
60. Learning resources necessary for programme execution. Students of the master‘s study programme of Agronomy have access to services of libraries and reading rooms of the central University building and Building 3 (two libraries, the library for teachers and the research staff, the Internet library and bibliography reading room) offering 237 workstations.
Students can order books via the Internet through the e-catalogue (). Publications of about 31000 titles have been registered in the e-catalogue of the library. The database of scientific publications encompasses nearly 25180 scientific publications of the LUA staff. Students can search for relevant publications through keywords, titles or other features. LUA teachers and students have free access to the database from any workstation. Lithuanian Virtual Library (LVL) () provides information from various resources: the aggregated directories of the Lithuanian and foreign libraries and various Lithuanian and foreign databases). This website provides not only the bibliographic information but also full-text electronic documents.
61. The funds of the Library contain 515671 copies of 157217 titles of various publications; the educational literature accounts for 22%). The library offers other publications: books, periodicals, dailies, regulatory enactments, dissertations, and reports on scientific research works, diploma papers, master theses, and information on electronic storage devices. Students can use educational literature at home or lend it for the entire study term or for a shorter period. If the number of publications is not sufficient, students can read them at reading rooms or lend them for one night, day or several days.
62. The PCs in the catalogue rooms (Room 206 in the Central Building and 202a in Building 3) offer access to the electronic catalogue. The PCs in the reading rooms can be used for surfing the Internet, sending and receiving e-mails, saving information on electronic storage devices, and using MS Office applications. Teachers and students can use the databases of scientific publications. Today the library offers access to 30 open-access databases (AGRICOLA, AGRIS, KT) and 23 subscription databases () (Science Direct, Springer LINK, Wiley-Blackwell, Taylor&Francis etc.) subscribing about 20 000 scientific publications: Crop Protection, Soil&Tillage, Agriculture Systems, Actae Agriculturae Scandinavica B – Plant Soil Sciences, Archives of Agronomy and Soil Sciences, Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, Critical Reviews in Plant sciences, Ecology of Food & Nutrition etc. Students and teachers have access to Lithuanian Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (, Lithuanian Virtual Library ((), and Lithuanian databases (). In addition, students can have direct access to the collections of scientific works, journals, and conference materials published by the University (). If necessary, interlibrary loan is available. This service is free for university students and staff because the LUA library is a member of the agricultural library network AGLINET.
63. Students have access to textbooks of the University library fund and other methodological publications. Relevant learning resources sources and the number of copies available in the library are presented in the subject descriptions (Annex 3.1). 82 different textbooks and other learning resources of the library are recommended for the master‘s study programme of Agronomy. About half of them were published about 10 years ago, 23 in 2005 through 2010. Besides, the library offers older publications, e.g. The Manual For The Study of Insects (1967) by A. Lešinskas and S. Pileckis, or the Manual for the Identification of Plant Insect Pests by Damages by A. Lešinskas and S. Pileckis S. (1968), but these books retained their value since insects and their damage haven’t changed.
64. Several publications are recommended for studies of each subject. Libraries cannot always provide a sufficient number of relevant learning resources, especially the latest foreign publications. In view of this, students are encouraged to work in teams, review separate parts of relevant literature and afterwards exchange the obtained information. Today teachers of various subjects can place educational literature in the Internet where it is accessible to all students. The website aimed at developing distant learning studies and the University‘s e-storage device, i.e. the institutional database () providing access to both approved and non-approved textbooks and lecture summaries (syllabus) etc. serve the above purpose. The LUA library offers 11 educational publications (methodological recommendations) published in 1999-2009. Although the library cannot fully satisfy the demand for certain publications students can get inexpensive copies in the University‘s Publishing Centre.
65. The evaluation of diversity of the library’s methodological publications recommended for subject studies and the assessment of the access to e-publications revealed that methodological literature for studies is suitable and accessible.
2.4.3. Renewal of Facilities and Learning Resources
66. Renewal of facilities and learning resources. New challenges and changes in the labour market require continuous improvement of quality of the studies. Various project funds will be used for a renewal of the current basic equipment. New equipment in the amount of LTL 531.5 thousand will be purchased from the funds of the Project „Renewal of Basic Equipment and Information Infrastructure for the Improvement of Quality of Studies“ implemented by the University, including: GPS Receiver, soil particle size analyser, stereomicroscope XIC-38, laminar, climate camera, autoclave, license for software „Statistica“ etc. A total of LTL 167.4 thousand for furniture renewal and LTL 209.7 for the repair of facilities is foreseen from the Project funds. A total of LTL 755.5 thousand from the funds of the project “Nemuno slėnis” (“Nemunas Valley”) is envisaged for the procurement of new hardware and software. The equipment of the Experimental Station was also renewed from the funds of the above projects (LTL 1.2 million). New equipment will replace the old elements and will improve the efficiency of the facilities used for the master’s study programme of Agronomy and student’s research work. Students will also have a possibility to use the equipment of Agrobiology (for LTL 5.5 million) and Microbiology (LTL 2.4 million) laboratories in the Joint Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Research which will launch its activities by the end of this year.
67. Every year the library funds are expanded with new publications: in 2010 the University purchased about 7000 copies of new publications, including new foreign textbooks. Teachers have also been updating their methodological resources. They are provided with a possibility to issue e-publications and make use of the University’s electronic storage device ().
2.5. Study Process and Its Evaluation
2.5.1. Student Admission and Study Process
68. Admission requirements. Persons having completed basic university studies in the field of agronomy or basic university studies in other fields are admitted to the first study cycle of the master‘s study programme in Agronomy if the total scope of the agronomy subjects of the completed study programme is at least 20 credits. The credits of the missing subjects are acquired through bridging studies (The Rules for the Admission of Unclassified Students to Partial Studies in the LUA (). Pursuant to the Faculty Dean‘s Ordinance, bridging studies can be attended upon the admission to the master‘s programme under an individual studies programme.
69. In 2006 through 2008 the applicants to master‘s degree studies in the programme of Agronomy had to chose between the following specialisations: Plant Growing and Selection, Plant Protection, Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Integrated and Ecological Agriculture (until the year 2007), Quality and Protection of Plant Raw Materials. From 2009 specialisations were converted into separate programmes, therefore a separate admission was launched to the programme of Agronomy. The competitive grade (Gc) of the entrants was the sum of the weighting factor of the assessment of study subjects in the diploma supplement of basic university studies, and the assessment of the final examination or a final thesis (in case of both (final exam and evaluation of the final thesis), their arithmetic average is applied), multiplied by weighting factors. The information about the study programme and suggested qualifications is available in the AIKOS database (). Extensive information about the study programme is provided in the publications „Admission to Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions“, „Studies in the Lithuanian University of Agriculture“, and in special leaflets and in the University‘s website “for entrants“ ().
70. In 2006 through 2010 the number of applicants exceeded the number of the enrolled students from 1.10 to 2.77 times (Table 10).
Table 10. Number of applicants and admitted students in 2006-2010
|Year |Form of studies |Entrants |Applicants |Competition |
|2006 |full-time |39 |60 |1.54 |
|2007 |full-time |39 |43 |1.10 |
|2008 |full-time |33 |54 |1.64 |
|2009 |full-time |13 |36 |2.77 |
|2010 |full-time |23 |46 |2.00 |
71. The analysis of the breakdown of the competitive grades of entrants in 2006 through 2010 shows a slight increase in the competitive grades of those who were admitted to the state-funded places. The highest grade of students admitted to state-funded places was 9.76, the lowest 6.23; whereas the highest grade to unbudgeted places was 7.85, the lowest 5.16 (Table 11).
72. Changes in students‘ numbers. During the analysed period, the ratio of students, who were admitted to the programme and successfully completed the programme ranged from 57.6 to 100 (Table 12). Rather significant differences between the numbers of the admitted students and graduates have been determined by two factors related to master students’ occupation at work: elimination from the list of students and the academic leave.
Table 11. Breakdown of competitive grades of the entrants in state-funded and unbudgeted places
|Year |Competitive grades, state-funded places |Competitive grades, unbudgeted places |
| |highest |lowest |average |higher |lower |average |
|2007 |8.98 |6.60 |7.55 |7.48 |5.91 |6.62 |
|2008 |9.18 |6.23 |7.63 |6.19 |5.16 |5.42 |
|2009 |9.61 |7.70 |8.09 |7.85 |6.26 |7.25 |
|2010 |9.19 |7.53 |8.15 |7.24 |6.89 |7.00 |
Table 12. Ratio of students who were admitted to the programme and who successfully completed the programme
|Year of admission |Year of completion |No of admitted students |No of students who |Ratio |
| | | |successfully completed the |% |
| | | |programme | |
|2004* |2006 |43 |29 |67.4 |
|2005 |2007 |39 |39 |100 |
|2006 |2008 |39 |37 |94.9 |
|2007 |2009 |39 |24 |61.5 |
|2008 |2010 |33 |19 |57.6 |
* Students who were admitted in 2004 and completed the programme in 2006
73. Changes in the number of students are presented in Table 13.
Table 13. Changes in the number of students during the studies
|Academic year |First year |Second year |Total |
|2006/2007 |55 |51 |106 |
|2007/2008 |49 |44 |93 |
|2008/2009 |36 |28 |64 |
|2009/2010 |19 |21 |40 |
|2010/2011 |23 |13 |36 |
74. Evaluation of students‘ scientific and other activities. Pursuant to the Ordinance of the LUA Senate, every master student shall perform research work and prepare and publish a scientific article (according to the research findings). During the studies master students take active part in the scientific research and projects implemented by relevant departments. Students shall report on the research work in the departments and open meeting. This activity develops their self-sufficiency skills, the ability to present research findings in public and participate in discussions. Assisted by the supervisors some master students write and publicize articles in the scientific journals "Žemdirbystė“ („Agriculture"), "Vagos" and in the periodicals "Mano ūkis" („My Farm“) and "Žemės ūkis" („Agriculture“). Every year students writing master‘s final thesis take part and deliver presentations in the conference „Jaunasis mokslininkas“ (“The Young Scientist”); their scientific articles are published in the publication „Students‘ Scientific Works“. Before 2006 these publications were published and as of 2006 recorded in the CD and placed in the LUA website (since 2011 in the University’s electronic storage devices (). During the period under analysis master students published 26 articles in 2006, 39 in 2007, 33 in 2008, 20 in 2009, and 16 articles in 2010.
75. In 2006 through 2009 three students of the master‘s study programme of Agronomy were awarded the premiums of the Lithuanian Academy of Science, 3 students were awarded the memorial Petras Vasinauskas scholarship and 1 student the memorial Kazys Brunza scholarship. Master students take part in the artistic life of the University, however due to their high occupancy this number is smaller than that of the first cycle students.
76. Student mobility. Master‘s degree students take part in NOVA-BOVA courses (in 2007 six master students of the programme of Agronomy participated at the courses „Plant Production in Ecological Agriculture“ at the University of Agriculture of Latvia in Jelgava; in 2008 three master students of the Agronomy programme participated in the courses „Soil-Water Interface“ in Tartu, the University of Natural Sciences of Estonia. Under ERASMUS Programme students take part in the international students exchange programme and have a possibility to attend partial studies (from 3 to 12 months) at foreign universities. Student mobility objectives: to upgrade students’ knowledge and abilities; to broaden student expertise and outlook; to introduce study opportunities at other foreign universities and to teach progressive research and studies methods. Master students are encouraged to study in other universities, however due to subjective (the majority of students are employed and do not want to loose their workplace (13 (72.2%) out of 18 master students are employed)) and objective (usually the best bachelor students enter master‘s degree studies and the majority of them have already used ERASMUS opportunities) reasons they cannot go to study to foreign universities.
77. In 2006 through 2010, 16 master students arrived for studies at the Agronomy Faculty from the universities of other countries: Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (Austria), Ceska Zemedelska Univerzita v Praze (Czech Republic), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), Universita degli Studi di Bari, Universita degli studi di Foggia (Italy), Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Universidad de Leon (Spain), Universitat Hohenheim (Germany).
2.5.2. Forms of Student Support
78. Academic Support. Every year the Lithuanian University of Agriculture prepares the methodological publication „Study Programmes“ (lately in the e-form). It includes the general procedure of the University studies, the forms of studies, the implemented study programme and its curriculums and the current study arrangements. Information on the Faculty study programmes and study subject descriptions are placed on the page For students of the University website. Students can get acquainted with the documents related to the process of studies and scholarships, the study subject database provides the descriptions of all study programme subjects including a concise information about the aims of the subject and learning outcomes, the content and the evaluation system as well as the references to relevant sources of literature and teachers of different subjects.
79. The LUA International Department helps students during the process of their integration into the international study process. Under the initiative of the department the LUA has entered into 67 bilateral ERASMUS exchange agreements with European universities. On the website of LUA ERASMUS studies () students can find information on study opportunities at EU universities, the short-listing procedures, study assessment procedures, students‘ practice, impressions, and other relevant information.
80. Most important information for students is placed in the Faculty‘s website () and on the notice board close to the Dean‘s Office. The notice board contains information on studies, their proceedings (study schedules, exam sessions, deadlines for submission of the final thesis and dates of their defence), internships, Rector and Dean‘s ordinances. More detailed information on studies is provided in the Dean’s Office. The websites of various University units (faculties, departments) contain information about the teachers‘ consulting time. Students can arrange counselling with teachers by e-mail. E-mail addresses of all University staff members are provided in the LUA website „Advanced Search“.
81. From time to time students are invited to “Career Days“. The centre was established at the LUA in 2005 with the purpose to help the LUA students to prepare for their career, to develop a positive approach towards career among the academic community in the context of lifelong learning, to help the graduates of the University develop their career opportunities, and to mediate between the employers and the students in job search and career issues. Students are provided with the assistance of a vocational counsellor on career planning, placement (writing CV or motivation letter) and information search issues. Vocational counsellor of the Career Centre provides individual counselling to students. Besides, students can pursue their studies under an individual study programme ().
82. Social support. The Career Centre offers the students psychological assistance to help them deal with personal problems in the process of choosing the career or making decisions and career planning in the process of skill development. Students apply directly to the psychologist of the Career Centre Dovilė Tamulynaitė concerning the time of individual counselling. Students having psychological and health problems can apply to the Pilėnai Health Centre in University campus.
83. The LUA Centre of Physical Training and Sports creates favourable atmosphere for students to participate in various sports activities, promotes healthy lifestyle and offers the students possibilities for physical training. They can use the sports hall, special aerobics and weightlifting facilities and other sports grounds. The LUA is recognised as a Health Promoting University (HPU) aimed at developing the trust and partnership among the University community members and highlighting the main value – harmonious relationship and development of modern University campus facilities and attractive environment.
84. A particular focus is placed on developing the moral and spiritual values of the students. The Spiritual Centre (Chapel), which was opened in 2001 is dedicated to cultivating Christian, human, and national values of the University community. The students have all possibilities to participate in cultural activities. The University has a folk dance group Sėja, folk music group Ūkininkas, theatre Jovaras, and choir Daina.
85. Scholarships for academic achievements are granted on a competitive basis to the best performing students according to all study outcomes achieved when due during the previous term exam session. The arrangements for scholarships are governed by the Regulations of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture on Student Scholarships for Academic Achievements (approved at the meeting of the LUA Senate on February 3, 2010, Minutes No 491). The competitive order is based on the results of the weighted average. Based on the last session results, the competitive order additionally includes students, who studied in the framework of international exchange programmes, where the exam session is postponed under the ordinance of the Faculty Dean, and students returning from study leave without previous academic term arrears. The minimum scholarship for academic achievements is 1.0 basic welfare allowance (BWA), the maximum is 4.0 BWA.
86. The following scholarships are awarded from the University‘s Allowance and Premium Fund: allowances to students who, pursuant to the Law on State Social Insurance, are not entitled to pregnancy allowance during the pregnancy and child birth period. They are paid monthly 0.75 MSL pregnancy allowance pursuant to a certificate issued by the medical establishment for 70 calendar days before childbirth upon the entitlement of the pregnancy leave; allowances to students who suffered the loss while representing the University in the international scientific conferences, workshops and other international students‘ events; at students‘ request, and upon the recommendation of the deans of faculties.
87. Memorial scholarships honour students for outstanding and significant academic achievements in studies, research, and social activities. One-time scholarships are paid pursuant to the established procedure to students who reached outstanding public, sports and arts achievements. Students experiencing financial difficulties are entitled to social scholarships. The University offers various preferences to the above students, entitles one-time benefits and social allowances. The University provides support to orphans and disabled students and makes it possible to pay the tuition fee in instalments. Besides, all University students have the opportunity to obtain the loan to cover tuition fees and living expenses ().
88. All students of the programme are provided with a possibility to live in the renovated and good quality LUA hostels located in the territory of the University with free Internet access.
2.5.3. Assessment of Student Achievement
89. Assessment of studies. Assessment criteria include the assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical and other individual work (papers, preparation of individual or team works, preparation for workshops and performance of practical tasks). The assessment criteria are related to relevant abilities, knowledge and skills stipulated in the learning outcomes. The criteria for the assessment of all study achievements are indicated in the subject descriptions. Teachers shall inform students on the above criteria prior to starting the delivery of a subject.
90. The assessment of student achievements is carried out in a ten-point grading scale (regulated by the Order No ISAK-2194 of the minister of education and science of 2008 „On the Approval of the System for the Assessment of Study Outcomes“) and is based on the achievement assessment criteria specified in the Assessment Procedure and directly related to the study outcomes. „The Description of the Subject Exam Taking and Re-sitting Procedures in Full-time Studies“ came into force in 2009 ().
91. Students’ knowledge and abilities during the term is evaluated by assessing the results of various tests, individual and practical works. During the session the students whose individual works have been assessed positively shall take the exam. The exam is taken in writing. A teacher shall do final evaluation of a subject studies through a cumulative assessment of knowledge (pursuant to the consolidated report of the interim knowledge checks and the evaluation of individual works and exam).
The evaluation point consists of the theoretical part (50-80% for examination and/or test, 20-50% for practical and individual work. Weighting factors for the evaluation of separate works and knowledge checks are provided in subject descriptions (Annex 3.1). Students‘ individual works and exam papers are kept at the department for a period of one calendar year.
92. A teacher shall inform students on the examination results not later than 3 days after the exam. Students shall be informed on the exam and individual work mistakes. Students‘ appeals concerning exam procedures shall be considered pursuant to the University‘s administration and students dispute resolution procedure. Halfway into the term, the interim evaluation of students‘ knowledge is performed by using the 0-1-2 point scale. Non-achieving students who did not attend lectures usually earn a 0. They receive 1 point if the outcomes of the interim report (the test, practicals, etc.) are considered weak, satisfactory and moderate, and 2 points in case of good, very good and excellent evaluations (). The evaluation results determine the immediate measures for the improvement of the study process and the increase of students‘ responsibility for learning outcomes. These measures help to ensure that students take into account the feedback in continuing their studies, and directly contribute to improving students’ achievements.
93. Assessment of Final Thesis. Master‘s degree studies are implemented pursuant to the Regulations of the Sequential Master‘s Degree Programmes in the Field of Agronomy approved in the Council of Agronomy Faculty in 2004 (). Pursuant to the LUA Senate’s Ordinance, every master student shall carry out the research and prepare and publish a scientific article based on the work outcomes (Par 38). The defence of final thesis taking shall take place in the Final Thesis and Exam Panel approved by the LUA Rector. The Panel for the assessment of master‘s final thesis shall consist of 5 members; the head of another institution shall be appointed the chair of the panel (in 2006 through 2009 the Chair of the Panel was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Česlovas Bobinas, Director of the Institute of Horticulture; in 2010 - Prof. Hab. Dr. Zenonas Dabkevičius, Director of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LRCAF).
94. Peer-evaluations are commonly used in evaluating the final thesis. During the evaluation of the final thesis members of the panel shall take into account the opinion of a reviewer and opponent, the conclusion of the Department, the opinion of a supervisor and the Panel (after having acquainted with the final thesis and the quality of its presentation). The breakdown of points (in percent) for the assessment of the final thesis of master’s degree in the programme of Agronomy is provided in Table 14. The list of the final theses of graduates of the two recent years (indicating the name of a student and supervisor, and the assessment point) is presented in the annex (Annex 3.4.).
Table 14. Breakdown of the assessment of final thesis in master‘s study programme of Agronomy, 2006-2010
|Year |10 (excellent) |9 (very good) |8 (good) |7 (sufficient) |6-5 (satisfactory and |
| | | | | |poor) |
|2007 |8 |59 |18 |13 |2 |
|2008 |14 |51 |32 |- |3 |
|2009 |12 |38 |46 |4 |- |
|2010 |16 |26 |47 |11 |- |
95. Data on the progress of studies. During the period under analysis the weighting average of students‘ exam points varied from 7.98 to 8.86 (Table 15). In 2010/2011 academic year the number of eliminated students has decreased several times compared to other academic years.
Table 15. Data on the progress of studies
|Academic year |Weighted mean of exam grades |No of students failing an exam |No of expelled students |
|2006/2007 |8,861 |- |10 |
|2007/2008 |8,746 |2 (2.2%) |16 |
|2008/2009 |7,982 |3 (5.2%) |20 |
|2009/2010 |8,408 |6 (12.3%) |22 |
|2010/2011 |8,459 |5 (10.4%) |2 |
96. During the recent five years (2006-2010), 72 master students were expelled from the list of the master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy: from them 87.5% first year and 12.5% second year students (Table16). 31 master students terminated studies of their own accord: from them 96.8% first year and 3.20% second year students. 29 master students were expelled for unsatisfactory standard of work: from them 96.6% first year and 3.40% second year students. 9 master students didn’t return from the academic leave: from them 44.4% first year and 55.6% second year students. Two 2nd year master students were withdrawn from the list of students because of the failure to accomplish the final thesis, one 2nd year master student died. In 2006 through 2010 the average annual number of the expelled students was more than 14. Most common grounds for expulsion included: inability to coordinate work with the studies, difficult financial situation, health/family problems, long-term employment contract in a foreign country, continuation of studies in another higher education institution etc.
Table 16. Data on students who haven‘t completed the studies, 2006-2010
|Year |Of students’ own |Poor learning |Haven’t returned|Due to death |Failed to defend |Total | |
| |application |results |from academic | |final thesis | | |
| | | |leave | | | | |
|2007 |24 |61.5 |16 |3 |11 |4 |4 |
|2008 |21 |56.8 |13 |6 |11 |4 |4 |
|2009 |18 |75.0 |11 |5 |10 |3 |3 |
|2010 |18 |94.7 |17 |1 |12 |1 |5 |
2.6. Programme Management
2.6.1. Programme Administration
100. Master‘s study programme of Agronomy is implemented in the Faculty of Agronomy of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture. The Faculty Council is a decision-making body, the executive bodies are Faculty Dean and Dean Office and administration. The Faculty Administration comprises the Dean, the Vice-Dean for Studies, the Vice-Dean for Research and Development, the Study Administrator, and assistant to the Dean. The Faculty Administration is responsible for organising the studies, quality of the studies, and for the administration of the students' work and their achievements. Works are distributed among the staff and specified in their job descriptions. The Administration is also responsible for receiving the documents of persons invited to study at the University, student enrolment, scheduling training sessions, consultations, and exams, collection and analysis of data on interim study outcomes, documentation of student‘s mobility, keeping the records of study outcomes and documenting the completion of studies.
101. The Committee of the Study Programme of Agronomy approved by the Council of Agronomy Faculty supervises and coordinates the development of the master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy. The Committee consists of: teachers who also perform the research in the field of agronomy (one of them is professor), students’ representatives and social stakeholders. Usually graduates of the faculty are invited as representative of social stakeholders. The current composition of the study programme committee: Chair – Assoc.Prof.Dr. Darija Jodaugienė, Head of the Department of Soil Management; members: Vice Dean, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Aurimas Krasauskas Department of Biology and Plant Protection; Prof. Hab. Dr. Zenonas Dabkevičius Department of Biology and Plant Protection, Director of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Sonata Kazlauskaitė, Head of the Department Biology and Plant Protection; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vytautas Liakas, Department of Plant Science and Animal Husbandry; Dr. Virgilijus Paltanavičius, Head of Plant Growing Unit of SC „Agrowill Group“; Toma Bilytė, representative of the students‘ council of the Faculty of Agronomy (Minutes No 4(34) of the Council Agronomy Faculty meeting on 10 June 2010).
102. The work of the Committee is based on a collegial decision-making procedure. Chair of the Committee organises the activity of its members. Functions and responsibilities of the Committee members: 5 members work together or in groups, analyse programme implementation results and prepare programme development projects etc. The project is submitted for the evaluation to other members of the Committee. Afterwards the projects are considered and amended; they are approved by a majority vote of the Committee. The Committee cooperates with the members of the academic community, the Council of Agronomy Faculty and Studies‘ Commission. The Committee organises the review of the learning outcomes, the list of subjects relevant for the implementation of outcomes, the descriptions of subjects. Faculty‘s Council considers proposals of the Committee. Council of the Faculty considers implementation of the programme and approves the documents regulating the organisation of studies in the Faculty.
103. Programme management and decision-making and implementation mechanisms are regulated by the procedural documents which are prepared according to the Statute of the University. All the activities related to the development and implementation of the programme are coordinated by the Dean.
2.6.2. Internal Study Quality Assurance
104. The procedure for the administration of study programmes and the internal study quality assurance is defined in the University‘s Statute and in the Concept for the Internal Study Quality Assurance prepared in 2008. This concept is based on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model (en/PdfResources/EFQM20200920-20201020V120(Lite).pdf), Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area approved in Bergen (bologna-bergen2005.no/Docs/00-Main_doc/050221_ENQA_report.pdf) as well as on main criteria defining the terms of studies and main outcome criteria. Today the Lithuanian University of Agriculture is implementing the Project of the integrated, science, studies and business centre “Nemunas Valley” (NO VP2-1.1-ŠMM-04-V-01-013) “Development of agrobiotechnology, forestry, biomass, energy, water and biosystem engineering R&D centres, higher education studies and related infrastructure and reorganisation of science and studies institutions“. Certain amount of the project‘s funds has been allocated for the improvement of quality of studies in the master‘s study programme of Agronomy.
105. Every year the Council of the Faculty considers the results of the final thesis defence (together with chairs of the commissions who present reports on work topics, quality and practical application). After the exchange of remarks recommendations concerning a more efficient work procedure are developed. Teachers of the Faculty‘s departments take part in the development of the study programme. They initiate the introduction of new subjects, changes to their scope and the scope and sequence of studies etc. Proposals are analysed in the Committee of the Study Programme of Agronomy and in the Council of the Faculty.
106. Responsibilities of the executors of the master‘s degree study programmes is laid down in various documents. Pursuant to the University‘s Statute, the University develops new and updates former study programmes by taking into account the recent research trends, public and economy needs, expectations of employers and students, and assures the quality of studies. Study programmes are prepared, revised and updated pursuant to general and specific requirements for study programmes. The University implements the quality assurance system based on the Provisions for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area and the Strategy for the Improvement of Operational Quality approved by the Senate (lzuu.lt/pradzia/lt/7510). The University defines operational methods and measures providing for the assurance of quality in higher education.
107. Responsibility of programme executors is defined in the provisions of the Faculty, the minutes of the Programme Committee Meetings, the Dean‘s ordinances and in the minutes of meetings of the academic community. According to the Faculty’s regulations the Faculty shall organise and pursue sequential first and second cycle university studies pursuant to programmes attributed to the Faculty, and ensure the quality of studies. The Faculty shall also prepare the new and develop the current study programmes (according to recent research trends, long-term labour market changes and the available resources), initiate, develop and implement R&D projects, and projects for the improvement of studies/human resources, methodological provision and students‘ training ground, life-long learning and other projects. Administration of the Faculty shall inform students, teachers, scientific workers and other workers of the faculty on most important events in the University/Faculty, and major changes in the study process of the University/Faculty.
108. According to the Faculty’s regulations the Faculty shall have the right to pursue (according to the approved methodologies) sociological surveys of workers and students of the Faculty, which are relevant for the improvement of the Faculty‘s work and the enhancement of motivation. The Faculty Dean‘s Administration has been established for fulfilling the functions attributed to the Faculty. Accordingly, the Administration shall ensure the interface between different departments and other units, and the involvement of teachers and students into the process of improvement of quality of the studies. Pursuant to the Faculty‘s regulations, the Council of the Faculty shall elect teachers and scientific workers of the Faculty from the candidates identified by the certifying commission, consider and approve the committees for study programmes (fields) and their regulations, the system of cumulative assessment of learning outcomes, the regulations for master‘s final thesis, the reports of final thesis evaluation commissions, the annual reports of faculty‘s departments and other structural units, and annual operational plans. The Faculty’s Council also considers new study programmes, amendments to the current study programmes, elimination of old study programmes, and submits the material for approval to the University‘s Senate. Pursuant to the Faculty’s regulations, implementation of the research and study quality assurance system in the Faculty shall be organised by the Faculty Dean.
109. Teachers have the opportunity to express their opinion on quality of the study programme, suggest actions for its improvement via relevant surveys, and submit their remarks and proposals to the Committee. Meetings with target teacher groups are organised on a regular basis.
110. The representative of the employer, whose operations are related to the field of agricultural sciences, is responsible for the assessment of the compliance of the study programme to the changing needs of employers and adjustments of the special skills of the students included into the programme. The student representative looks at the changes in the student expectations and their integration into the study programme and takes part in the overall assessment of the study subjects.
111. The assurance of quality of the studies is one of the main strategic tasks of the Faculty. The quality of studies is assured by:
• The Committee of the Study Programme of Agronomy aimed for a sustainable development of the study programme and quality of its realisation;
• Study Panel of the Faculty Council considers proposals of the study programme Committee;
• The Methodological Commission approves main methodological publications and appoints relevant peer-reviewers. The final decision is made by the Methodological Commission of the University;
• The Faculty Council considers projects for programme improvement submitted by the Study Panel, and makes relevant decisions;
• Issues on programme development are considered in the Senate’s Study Panel, and the final decision is made by the Senate;
• The study process is organised and supervised by the administration and other units of the Faculty of Agronomy (within their competence). All teachers and scientific staff of the Faculty‘s and other departments related to studies are included into the implementation of studies. The Vice-Rector for studies and Studies Division shall be responsible for the coordination of the study process.
112. The process of administration of the study programmes and the assurance of internal quality are defined in the University‘s Statute () and in the LUA Concept for the Internal Study Quality Assurance developed in 2008.
Documents regulating the internal study quality assurance are presented in the University‘s website ().
113. The University has following databases necessary for the analysis and evaluation of the study programmes: 1) Students Admission Database (computer database operating since 1999 and containing statistical data by study programmes on the number of applicants, entrance competitions, geography of entrants etc.; 2) Student Mobility Database (computer database operating since 1999 and containing the statistical data by study programmes on study forms, repetition of the course, termination of studies, including the expulsion from the University, the academic leave; 3) Study Results (computer database operating since 1999 and containing the personal data on all students by study programmes, i.e. the study outcomes and consolidated reports on students’ advancement; 4) Sociological Surveys (computer database operating since 2007 where the consolidated data of social stakeholders (students, teachers, graduates, employers) is processed by study programmes; 5) Graduate Employment Monitoring (computer database operating since 2007 and containing the data (including the telephone surveys) on the employment of graduates 6 moths after completing the studies; 6) Master‘s Final Thesis and Dissertations (ETD) operating since 2004; 7) Graduate Contacts (computer database operating since 2007); 8) consolidated reports on employers, graduates, students and teachers (Consolidated Phone Survey Reports, Questionnaire on the qualification of specialists of agronomy ()).
114. Members of the Faculty Student Council take part in the meetings of the Dean Office, Faculty Council and Study Panel of Faculty Council. The Faculty Student Council has the opportunity to express the opinion of students concerning the quality of studies and other issues related to the study process. During the meetings the staff of the Dean‘s Office and students of the Faculty consider the issues related to quality of the studies. Once per year teachers of the Faculty and students have a joint discussion on quality of the studies. Teachers of the Faculty take part in the extended sittings of the Faculty Council or academic community aimed at discussing study problems. Teachers can express their opinion on the evaluation of quality of the studies and on the improvement of the activities.
115. The LUA Career Centre organises annual Career Days at the University. This event brings together all stakeholders: the teachers, administration, students, and employers. Heads of future workplaces of specialists in agronomy take part in the education process, they communicate with teachers and coordinate study programmes. 15 cooperation agreements have already been signed with various scientific, studies and business institutions (the Institutes of Horticulture, Agriculture and Forestry of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, the Institute of Biotechnology, the Faculty of Business and Technologies of the Marijampole College, the Raguva Secondary School, PE „Terra animalis“, SC „Agrowill group“, JSC Agrokoncernas, JSC Arvi &r Ko, JSC „Dinatra“, JSC „Litagros prekyba“, JSC „Agrochema“, JSC „Kemira GrowHow“, JSC „Dotnuvos projektai“.
116. Programme subjects are taught and final theses are supervised by Prof. Hab. Dr. Zenonas Dabkevičius, Director of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LRCAF), Prof. Hab. Dr. P.Duchovskis, the Head of the Plant Physiology Laboratory of the Horticulture Institute under LRCAF, and Prof. Hab. Dr. G.Šidlauskas, the Head of the Marketing Division of JSC Achema.
117. Information on the objectives, methods, procedures and results of the programme quality assessment is discussed during the meetings of the Departments, Faculty Council, academic community, and open discussions with the students. Traditionally, such discussions are held every March just before the interim assessment of the study programmes. The information of social stakeholders’ survey results is placed in the University‘s website and is considered in the University‘s press.
118. The Career Centre collects and publishes information on the labour market needs. The University developed a system of sociological surveys which includes both the employers and the graduates. Annual Career Days bring together all stakeholders: teachers, administration, students and employers.
119. Views of teachers, students, graduates and employers on the programme. The teachers, students, graduates and employers could express their views on the master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy in the questionnaires. Pursuant to the survey results, master students of the programme of Agronomy mostly lack the applied and theoretical professional knowledge, whereas the knowledge in the field information technologies, English language, ecological technologies and agricultural plants is sufficient. According to students their self-sufficiency, creativity and team work skills are adequate, but they still have problems in consolidating the research data and in participating in discussions. Teachers are of the opinion that fair studies can be assured by creatively applying the interim checks during the term, but there is no need to tighten the knowledge check procedure. More than half of teachers indicated the lack of modern laboratory tools in pursuing the master‘s study programmes and the lack of practical work for master students. 95% of teachers said that students’ attendance records are positive. They suggested to attract more social stakeholders to the programme development process, to take into account knowledge needs, to apply a more flexible alternative selection method, to apply the international dimension in the programme, to give more attention to practical works, to enhance the research work and interpretation of the obtained results, to organize scientific expeditions, and promote students’ mobility, internships in other studies and scientific institutions.
120. Pursuant to the survey data, more than 80% of master students have chosen the studies of Agronomy in order to deepen their knowledge and acquire a master‘s degree in Agronomy. The majority of master students indicated that they’ve signed the employment contracts during the studies and that their job was related to the study programme. The respondents were happy about the acquired theoretical knowledge but lacked practical knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge in practice. The absolute majority of master students said that study subjects have been delivered consistently. 70-90% of respondents indicated the lack of practical experience, but they were sure that they will be able to find a job according to the acquired profession. Besides, more study trips to other scientific institutions/industrial organisations implementing progressive scientific ideas should be organised during the studies.
121. Pursuant to the results of the survey two thirds of master students found jobs during the studies, about one fifth signed employment contracts straight after the studies and the remaining students one year after the graduation. The job of 84.2% of the graduates is related to the completed study programme. Half of respondents indicated that they found jobs in the public sector, the others in the private sector. The majority of master students indicated that the lack of professional practical knowledge was related to too narrow scope of the study subjects, and admitted that their efforts in pursuing individual work were insufficient. According to them all study subjects were relevant for their working activity.
122. 80.0% of the surveyed companies and associations indicated that they have employed specialists of the field of agricultural sciences. More than half of employers said that they need or will need (in the coming 5 years) specialists (masters) of the field of agricultural sciences of the highest qualification, and added that the level of specialists of the field of agricultural sciences is appropriate in the LUA (only 15% of respondents hesitated to answer). Some respondents said that specialists of the field of agricultural sciences still lack economy planning and project management knowledge (they suggested to include relevant subjects in the programme) and skills for applying the special knowledge in practice. But the majority of employers positively evaluated the graduates’ ability to consolidate and evaluate the production and scientific research data, team work and self-sufficiency skills.
123. The analysis of the master‘s study programme of Agronomy included the information presented in the annual reports of the Faculty and departments, reports of the Chair of the Final Thesis and Exam Evaluation Panel, Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the teachers, consolidated reports of the master‘s final thesis, subject descriptions, the questionnaires of students, graduates and employers, and documents of the International Division (data on student and teacher exchange) etc.
124. Major changes triggered by the results of the last external evaluation. Pursuant to the conclusions of the external evaluation (Annex 3.5) the scope of individual work has been increased for students of master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy; more attention was given to individual work with teachers and supervisors. Subject descriptions included the latest sources of literature, mostly the publications of foreign countries. In their final theses students refer to new learning resources but are required to use more foreign publications. The survey of the second study cycle students on placement and quality of studies is executed on a regular basis.
125. The teachers upgrade their qualification skills, take part in the preparation of national and international projects. Students of the second study cycle are also involved in the scientific activity. Master‘s degree students have a possibility to pursue the research work in other scientific institutions and use their potential and facilities.
126. Lectures are delivered and research work is supervised by teachers having relevant scientific degree. Quite a big number of teachers of the master‘s study programme of Agronomy know at least two foreign languages and use information technologies. The facilities used for the master‘s degree study programme of Agronomy are renovated and equipped with the modern multimedia. Currently the equipment is being renewed under the project for the improvement of infrastructure of the studies amounting to LTL 2.86 million. Library work conditions are improved regularly. A more detailed information is provided in the paragraphs dealing with facilities (Pars 66-67).
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