to download FOA brochure (PDF) - the University of Mauritius

BSC (HONS) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY(WITH 6 MONTHS PLACEMENT)and food sector, to become entrepreneurs,to develop and manage agribusiness, to workas research scientists. The placement aimsat equipping the graduating student with theability to(i) develop from dependence toindependence in learningThe changing socio-economic pattern ofMauritius has led to an increasing demandfor agricultural produce of good quality.Agricultural production is now increasinglybeing characterised by the use of moderntechnology. It is the Government policy andvision for the future to adopt a technologybasedapproach to render the localagricultural sector more productive, serviceoriented,sustainable and competitive whilstresponding to the environmental and ethicalstandards demanded by society.The growth linkages in agriculture (upstreamto suppliers of inputs, equipment andservices, and downstream in processing,marketing and consumption) are greaterthan in other sectors. This programmeaims at connecting science with needsand opportunities in agriculture to equipstudents with a broad spectrum of scientific,technical and managerial skills neededto contribute to the future success ofagriculture in Mauritius and elsewhere.Theprogramme aims at training the students insecuring long-term food security to reduceimports and sustain the transformation ofagricultural production systems.The programme offers the opportunity of a6-month work placement with the objectiveof preparing graduating students with theknowledge, skills and abilities, inter alia, tointeract with producers in the agricultural6(ii)think creatively(iii) develop an analytical approach toproblem-solving(iv) promote interpersonal skills (teamworkand communication).By the end of this programme, graduates willhave developed knowledge, abilities and skillsto:• Explain the scientific, economic, environmentaland business principles underpinningagricultural productivity and production;• Identify and evaluate appropriate agriculturaltechniques in the crop and animal sectorsto enhance efficiency of production andsecure long-term food security;• Identify and solve technological problemsencountered in current crop and livestockproduction systems;• Evaluate the wider consequences ofagricultural activities and promote sustainableagricultural practices;• Transfer relevant knowledge, skills andtechnology concepts to the producers and tosupport innovation;• Design, plan and carry out research inthe various fields of agriculture;• Manage agricultural enterprises andidentify new ventures in the agricultural sector;• Use appropriate scientific and statisticalmethods and evaluations for decision making invarious sectors of agriculture;• Demonstrate use of written and oralcommunication skills;• Embark on training programmes atpostgraduate level.