Program Descriptions

Establishment

The Department of Plant Protection at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayıs University, was founded in 1984, admitted its first students in the 1992–1993 academic year, and graduated its first cohort in 1996. The department consists of two divisions: Entomology and Phytopathology. Entomology includes subfields such as Nematology, Acarology, and General Entomology; while Phytopathology covers subfields including Mycology, Herbology, Virology, and Bacteriology. The department currently has 11 faculty members and 5 research assistants. The aim of the Plant Protection Undergraduate Program is to educate agricultural engineers who have knowledge about the identification, biology, and damage symptoms of pests such as insects, nematodes, mites, and pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, as well as weeds. The program focuses on training students who can apply environmentally sensitive and appropriate pest management methods and who are also equipped with the knowledge and skills required for urban pest control.

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma and be placed in the program according to the results of the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS). International students may also be admitted based on their performance in the Ondokuz Mayıs University International Student Entrance Exam (OMÜ-YÖS), within the defined quota. Students admitted to the program are required to enroll or renew their enrollment during the period specified in the academic calendar at the beginning of each semester or academic year.

Recognition of Prior Learning (formal, informal, non-formal)

Students from institutions recognized by the Council of Higher Education may be accepted. Graduates of Vocational Schools who are successful in the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS) may continue their education to obtain a bachelor's degree. Courses previously completed by such students are evaluated by the relevant adjustment committee, and exemptions are granted accordingly. Students who achieve a sufficient score in the foreign language exemption exam may be exempt from foreign language courses in the curriculum.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

According to the Ondokuz Mayıs University Education, Training and Examination Regulations, students are required to complete at least 240 ECTS credits, including internships, except for the 5(i) courses, and must be successful in these courses to graduate.

Program Profile

The Plant Protection Undergraduate Program consists of 8 semesters (4 years). The program provides fundamental knowledge about the identification, diagnosis, biology, and management of pests (insects, mites, nematodes, etc.), plant disease agents (viruses, fungi, bacteria, etc.), and weeds that cause problems in cultivated plants.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Plant Protection Undergraduate Program may be employed in both public and private institutions. Employment opportunities include the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Provincial and District Directorates of Agriculture, Plant Protection and Quarantine Directorates, Research Institutes), Departments of Plant Protection in Faculties of Agriculture, and national or international agricultural enterprises (especially those involved in pesticides, seeds, agricultural spraying, and environmental health services).

Examinations, Assessment and Evaluation

Each semester includes one midterm exam, one final exam, and one resit exam. In addition, students must complete internships at institutions employing Plant Protection graduates or in private companies. Details of the internship requirements are provided in the course information and application forms. Examination evaluations are conducted in accordance with the OMÜ Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations.

Transition to Higher Degree Programs

Graduates who obtain the title of Agricultural Engineer after completing the Plant Protection Undergraduate Program may apply to master's degree programs in the Department of Plant Protection or other departments of Faculties of Agriculture, provided they meet the graduate admission requirements of the relevant universities (ALES score, undergraduate GPA, foreign language proficiency, etc.). They may also apply for the Ministry of National Education's YLSY Overseas Graduate Education Scholarship.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understands the legislation related to Plant Protection and applies basic science and engineering principles to the field.
2. Possesses scientific, cultural, and ethical values, and acts in accordance with these values in professional practice.
3. Distinguishes major abiotic and biotic plant diseases based on their symptoms and proposes solutions.
4. Understands the concepts, principles, and phenomena related to Plant Protection and its associated scientific disciplines.
5. Collects and analyzes data related to problems in the field of Plant Protection.
6. Has up-to-date knowledge of natural resource conservation, good agricultural practices, and ecological agriculture.
7. Plans and conducts individual and interdisciplinary studies.
8. Recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and continually improves professional knowledge and skills through effective use of information technologies.
9. Communicates field-related knowledge and ideas to relevant institutions and individuals using effective oral and written presentation techniques.
10. Follows universal knowledge in the field and communicates effectively with professionals.
11. Identifies plant diseases, pests, weeds, and urban pests; understands their biology and damage patterns; and applies the most appropriate plant protection and pest control methods.