BP – Department of Field Crops

Bologna Process

نظام مسار بولونيا

Department of Field Crops

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops at the University of Mosul is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program comprising 240 ECTS credits, aligned with the Bologna Process. The program delivers 56 modules with approximately 6000 total student workload hours. It provides students with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences and specialized field crop sciences, followed by advanced study in crop production, plant physiology, seed production and certification, plant breeding, crop nutrition, weed management, crop storage, irrigation, and sustainable and smart agriculture. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with laboratory experiments, field training, agricultural projects, research activities, and project-based learning to develop technical competence and professional skills. Graduates acquire the analytical, practical, communication, and problem-solving abilities required to plan, manage, evaluate, and improve sustainable field crop production systems. The program also prepares graduates for professional agricultural practice, lifelong learning, and postgraduate studies while promoting ethical responsibility, teamwork, innovation, food security, environmental stewardship, and service to society.

The Field Crops Program aims to:

  1. Provide students with a comprehensive agricultural education that establishes a strong foundation in basic sciences, agricultural sciences, and the principles of field crop production while fostering scientific reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  2. Prepare graduates for successful professional careers and postgraduate studies by developing their knowledge and ability to plan, produce, manage, and evaluate strategic field crops in accordance with recognized agricultural standards, sustainability principles, and professional ethics.
  3. Develop students’ technical and practical competencies through laboratory experiments, field training, crop production activities, undergraduate research, and the effective use of statistical, digital, GIS, remote-sensing, and smart-agriculture tools.
  4. Enhance graduates’ communication, leadership, teamwork, and agricultural project-management skills, enabling them to work effectively with farmers, research institutions, governmental agencies, private companies, and multidisciplinary agricultural teams.
  5. Promote research, innovation, sustainability, environmental responsibility, food security, efficient resource use, and lifelong learning while preparing competent agricultural engineers capable of meeting labor-market needs and contributing to sustainable community development.

Upon successful completion of the program requirements, graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Field Crops by the University of Mosul.

The program is classified at Level 6 of the Iraqi National Qualifications Framework (INQF), or its equivalent, in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR).

Admission to the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops program is governed by the regulations and admission policies of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and the University of Mosul. Applicants must meet the approved admission criteria for the College of Agriculture and Forestry and the relevant scientific admission pathway.

To be awarded the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops, students must successfully satisfy all graduation requirements, including:

▪  Successful completion of all 240 ECTS credits, including all compulsory and elective courses specified in the curriculum.

▪  Achievement of the minimum graduation requirements in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and the University of Mosul.

▪  Successful completion of all required laboratory work, field training, agricultural projects, seminars, and other practical components of the program, where applicable.

▪  Compliance with all academic regulations governing assessment, progression, academic integrity, and graduation as approved by MOHESR and the University of Mosul.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and transfer of academic credits are considered only in cases of student transfer or course equivalency, in accordance with the regulations and instructions of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and the University of Mosul.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops program, graduates are expected to achieve the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) or Graduate Outcomes (GOs), which describe the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required upon graduation:

GO1: Applies adequate theoretical knowledge in the fields of mathematics, languages, basic and humanities sciences, and agricultural engineering.

GO2: Operates within the core domain of field crops—such as cereal, legume, industrial, forage pasture, and energy crops; possesses knowledge of problems and solutions in plant physiology, agronomy, biotechnology studies, sustainable agriculture, breeding, variety development for these plants, and integrated pest management (IPM).

GO3: Utilizes expertise in field crops and agricultural engineering, seed production, field crop challenges, high-quality seed preservation, product storage, professional standards management, and the capacity for discipline-specific teamwork to solve problems.

GO4: Conducts field studies related to field crops and designs agricultural experiments with the capability to interpret research findings.

GO5: Identifies the production input requirements for field crops—including irrigation, fertilization, disease and pest detection, mechanization, post-harvest storage, etc.—accesses information, and keeps abreast of developments in science, technology, and sustainability.

GO6: Identifies the root causes of environmental, biological, technical, production, and economic issues that may adversely affect achieving the required yield and quality levels in field crop cultivation, and effectively formulates plant-, research-, and IT-based solutions.

GO7: Maintains up-to-date knowledge in the field of field crops, research, evaluation, report writing, consulting, and expert services; prepares and delivers effective design and production reports and presentations based on clear and understandable instructions.

GO8: Applies acquired expertise in managing agricultural, environmental, and genetic resources in field crops and pest management, with the ability to work effectively both individually and within multidisciplinary teams.

GO9: Adheres to ethical principles in the fields of field crops and agricultural engineering, demonstrating professional and ethical responsibility as well as awareness of engineering applications.

GO10: Participates in analyzing agricultural problems to arrive at innovative and sustainable solutions based on scientific evidence.

GO11: Is aware of the legal consequences of engineering solutions, possesses knowledge regarding the impacts of agricultural engineering practices on health and the environment at local and global levels, and understands contemporary issues reflected in the field of engineering.

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops program is aligned with the Iraqi National Qualifications Framework (INQF) at Level 6. The following table illustrates how the program’s Graduate Outcomes correspond to the key learning domains defined by the INQF, ensuring that graduates acquire the knowledge, skills, competencies, and professional values required for effective agricultural practice and lifelong learning:

Learning Domain Program Learning Outcomes / Graduate Outcomes (GOs)
Knowledge and
understanding
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of field crop sciences, crop ecology, plant physiology, seed science, crop production, and crop improvement to identify and analyze agricultural production problems and sustainable solutions. (GO1, GO2, GO3)
Skills Apply agricultural methods to conduct field and laboratory experiments, statistical analysis, seed testing, crop evaluation, and the effective use of modern digital and smart-agriculture technologies. (GO5, GO7, GO9)
Application Apply scientific knowledge and technical skills to design, implement, manage, and evaluate field crop production, breeding, irrigation, fertilization, and weed-management programs while considering sustainability, food security, environmental factors, and quality standards. (GO3, GO4, GO5, GO6, GO7)
Values Demonstrate effective communication, teamwork, ethical and professional responsibility, leadership, commitment to lifelong learning, environmental stewardship, and responsible service to the agricultural community. (GO8, GO10, GO11)

The Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are achieved through the integrated delivery of the Field Crops curriculum. The following matrix presents the alignment between selected core courses and the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), demonstrating how each course contributes to the development of the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies expected of graduates.

Core Course GO1 GO2 GO3 GO4 GO5 GO6 GO7 GO8 GO9 GO10 GO11
Plant Physiology
Field Crops Seed Production
Industrial Oil Crops
Cereals and Legume Crops
Seed Control Certification
Field Crops Production Technology
Sustainable Weeds Management
Modern Irrigation Techniques
Genetic Engineering
Field Crops Storage Techniques
Plant Nutrition
Field Crops and Climate Change
Plant Breeding Technique
Smart Agricultural Techniques
Agricultural Engineering Project 2

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops are qualified to pursue professional careers in a wide range of public and private sectors, including:

▪  Ministry of Agriculture departments and governmental agricultural institutions.

▪  Seed production, processing, inspection, certification, and marketing companies.

▪  Agricultural research centers, experimental stations, and crop-improvement programs.

▪  Fertilizer, plant nutrition, irrigation, and agricultural-input companies.

▪  Agricultural extension, consultancy, and technology-transfer organizations.

▪  Commercial farms and strategic field-crop production projects.

▪  Seed testing and agricultural product quality laboratories.

▪  National and international organizations working in agricultural development and food security.

▪  Digital agriculture, GIS, remote sensing, and smart-farming companies.

▪  Universities, research centers, and higher education institutions following completion of postgraduate studies.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops may pursue postgraduate studies and professional development opportunities in the following areas:

▪  Postgraduate Studies

o  Master’s degree in Field Crops.

o  Master’s degree in Crop Production, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Seed Science and Technology, Crop Physiology, or Weed Science.

o  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Field Crops or any of its related specializations.

▪  Professional Development

o  Professional training in precision and smart agriculture, GIS, remote sensing, and crop modeling.

o  Training in agricultural statistics and data analysis using specialized software.

o  Professional development in seed testing and certification, agricultural project management, sustainable production systems, and agricultural extension.

The Field Crops Program adopts the examination, assessment, and grading regulations approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and the University of Mosul. Student performance is assessed through a variety of continuous and summative assessment methods, including:

▪  Continuous assessment (quizzes, assignments, and classroom activities).

▪  Midterm examinations.

▪  Final examinations.

▪  Laboratory reports, practical examinations, and field assessments.

▪  Crop production, research, and applied coursework projects.

▪  Practical and summer training, where applicable.

▪  Oral presentations and seminars.

▪  Graduation project assessment.

▪  Compliance with academic integrity regulations and institutional policies regarding academic misconduct, cheating, and plagiarism.

To be eligible for the award of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops, students must successfully fulfill all graduation requirements in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and the University of Mosul, including:

▪  Successful completion of all 240 ECTS credits and all compulsory and elective courses specified in the curriculum.

▪  Achievement of the minimum graduation requirements, including the required cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), in accordance with the applicable regulations.

▪  Successful completion of the graduation project and all required laboratory, field, practical, seminar, and training components.

▪  Fulfillment of all academic and administrative requirements for the award of the bachelor’s degree.

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program delivered in accordance with the Bologna Process and comprising 240 ECTS credits. The program adopts a student-centered learning approach that integrates theoretical lectures, laboratory experiments, field applications, crop-production activities, practical training, project-based learning, and modern agricultural technologies. Students are trained to use statistical software, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, smart-agriculture tools, digital data systems, and appropriate applications of artificial intelligence for crop monitoring, resource management, and decision support. These learning activities are further supported by seminars, scientific workshops, field visits, and practical training to enhance students’ technical competence, digital skills, and readiness for professional agricultural practice.

Program Coordinator of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops

The Program Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Field Crops program. The role includes overseeing the implementation of the curriculum, monitoring the achievement of the Graduate Outcomes, coordinating academic activities among faculty members and students, supervising laboratory and field training activities, and ensuring alignment with the University of Mosul’s quality assurance policies, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) regulations, and program accreditation requirements.

The Program Coordinator also supports curriculum review and enhancement to ensure that the program remains responsive to advances in field crop sciences, sustainable agriculture, climate-smart production, digital and smart agriculture, labor-market needs, food-security priorities, and emerging agricultural technologies.