Comprehensive Curriculum Overview
The Agriculture program at Om Sterling Global University Hisar is structured into 8 semesters, with a blend of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory components. Each semester carries a specific credit load designed to balance theoretical learning with practical application.
Semester-wise Course List
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AGRI101 | Introduction to Agriculture | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | BIO101 | Basic Botany and Plant Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | SOIL101 | Soil Science | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAB101 | Basic Laboratory Practices | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 2 | AGRI201 | Crop Production and Management | 3-0-0-3 | AGRI101, BIO101 |
| 2 | PLANT201 | Plant Pathology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| 2 | PEST201 | Integrated Pest Management | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101, PLANT201 |
| 2 | LAB201 | Soil and Water Analysis Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SOIL101 |
| 3 | BIO301 | Biotechnology in Agriculture | 3-0-0-3 | AGRI201, BIO101 |
| 3 | REMOTE301 | Remote Sensing and GIS for Agriculture | 3-0-0-3 | AGRI201, SOIL101 |
| 3 | ECON301 | Agricultural Economics and Policy | 3-0-0-3 | AGRI201 |
| 3 | LAB301 | Agricultural Biotechnology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO301 |
| 4 | AGRI401 | Sustainable Farming Systems | 3-0-0-3 | AGRI201, ECON301 |
| 4 | WATER401 | Sustainable Water Management | 3-0-0-3 | SOIL101, REMOTE301 |
| 4 | ENV401 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3-0-0-3 | AGRI201, SOIL101 |
| 4 | LAB401 | Precision Agriculture Lab | 0-0-3-1 | REMOTE301 |
| 5 | AGRI501 | Advanced Crop Breeding | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301, ECON301 |
| 5 | TECH501 | Agricultural Technology Applications | 3-0-0-3 | REMOTE301, WATER401 |
| 5 | MARKET501 | Agricultural Marketing and Trade | 3-0-0-3 | ECON301 |
| 5 | LAB501 | Post-Harvest Processing Lab | 0-0-3-1 | AGRI401 |
| 6 | AGRI601 | Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture | 3-0-0-3 | ENV401, AGRI401 |
| 6 | INNOVATION601 | Agri-Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 3-0-0-3 | TECH501, MARKET501 |
| 6 | EXTENSION601 | Agricultural Extension and Communication | 3-0-0-3 | AGRI401, ECON301 |
| 6 | LAB601 | Climate Resilience Lab | 0-0-3-1 | AGRI601 |
| 7 | FINAL701 | Final Year Project / Thesis | 0-0-6-6 | All previous semesters |
| 8 | INTERNSHIP801 | Industry Internship | 0-0-0-6 | All previous semesters |
Detailed Departmental Elective Courses
Advanced departmental electives provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in emerging areas of agriculture. These courses are designed to meet the demands of modern agricultural practices and technological advancements.
Biotechnology in Agriculture
This course explores the application of molecular biology techniques in crop improvement, pest control, and disease resistance. Students gain hands-on experience with PCR, gene cloning, and transgenic plant development. The learning objectives include understanding genetic modification processes, evaluating biosafety regulations, and developing ethical frameworks for biotechnology use.
Remote Sensing and GIS for Agriculture
Students learn to utilize satellite imagery, drone technology, and geographic information systems (GIS) for precision farming and land management. The course covers image processing, crop monitoring, and spatial analysis techniques. Practical assignments involve analyzing real-world agricultural datasets and creating decision-support tools for farmers.
Sustainable Farming Systems
This elective emphasizes eco-friendly farming practices that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Topics include organic farming, integrated nutrient management, and biodiversity conservation. Students participate in field experiments to test sustainable practices and assess their effectiveness under varying conditions.
Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture
The course addresses the challenges posed by climate change on agricultural systems. It examines adaptation strategies such as drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation methods, and carbon sequestration techniques. Case studies from different regions provide insights into regional responses to climate variability.
Agricultural Economics and Policy
This course introduces students to economic principles applied in agriculture, including market analysis, policy evaluation, and rural development strategies. Students analyze government subsidies, trade policies, and financial risks associated with farming. The curriculum also covers agricultural finance, investment decisions, and risk mitigation techniques.
Post-Harvest Technology
Focused on reducing post-harvest losses through effective handling, storage, and processing methods. Students learn about packaging innovations, cold chain logistics, and quality control systems. Practical sessions include designing preservation protocols and evaluating storage facilities for different types of produce.
Agroforestry Systems
This elective explores the integration of trees into agricultural landscapes to improve productivity, soil health, and biodiversity. Students study silvopastoral systems, agroforestry design principles, and carbon credit mechanisms. Field visits to demonstration farms provide real-world context for theoretical concepts.
Food Processing and Quality Control
The course covers food safety standards, processing techniques, and quality assurance procedures in the food industry. Students examine packaging innovations, hygiene practices, and regulatory compliance requirements. Laboratory sessions involve conducting sensory evaluations and testing for microbial contamination.
Plant Pathology and Microbiology
This advanced course delves into plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Students learn diagnostic techniques, disease management strategies, and host-pathogen interactions. The course includes lab work on pathogen isolation, identification, and control methods.
Agricultural Extension and Communication
This elective prepares students to disseminate agricultural knowledge effectively to farmers and communities. Topics include communication strategies, extension services, and digital tools for outreach. Students develop materials for farmer training programs and participate in community engagement projects.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
Om Sterling Global University Hisar places significant emphasis on project-based learning to foster innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills among students. The program incorporates both mini-projects and a comprehensive final-year thesis/capstone project.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects are integrated throughout the academic journey, starting from the second year. These projects typically span 6–8 weeks and require students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Projects may focus on experimental design, data analysis, or technology implementation in agriculture.
Each mini-project is assigned a faculty mentor who provides guidance on research methodology, data collection, and reporting standards. Students must submit progress reports and present findings at the end of each project cycle.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year thesis represents a culmination of all learning experiences and allows students to conduct independent research or develop innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. Projects are chosen in consultation with faculty mentors based on student interests, available resources, and alignment with industry needs.
Students work closely with their mentors throughout the project duration, which typically lasts 12–15 weeks. The process includes literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and documentation of results. Final presentations are evaluated by a panel of faculty members and industry experts.
Project Selection and Mentorship
Students select projects based on their academic interests, career goals, and available resources. The selection process involves submitting a proposal outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. Faculty mentors are assigned based on expertise areas and availability.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in guiding students through the research or development phases of their projects. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and progress tracking ensure that students stay on track and receive support when needed.