In the context of studies, we are guarantors of the Bachelor’s programme of study Agricultural Machinery and Technology and the follow-up Master’s programme Agricultural Machinery and Technology.

We can divide the Bachelor’s programme Agricultural Machinery and Technology into several areas of education:

• The first of them consists in general fundamentals of machinery and technology, mathematics and physics. Since our Department is technically oriented, it is necessary for students to acquire knowledge in these areas as well, but it is not the only field of knowledge around which the studies revolve,
• Another area focuses on transportation and handling technology. This area examines the servicing of agricultural equipment and a general overview of machinery - its availability, parameters, use, etc.
• And an area directed at business activities, with an emphasis on marketing, management and business and service governance.

As a matter of course, students can customize their studies to their areas of interests thanks to the wide range of electives offered by all Departments and other Faculties.

The Master’s programme Agricultural Machinery and Technology does not dwell only on the knowledge of specific functions and concepts, but, and mainly so, on their application. From the general knowledge of various themes, the studies have moved closer to electrical engineering - computer simulation and modelling with a focus on prediction of modelled situations and components, sensors, automation, dynamic systems, CAD software tools - development, creation of new systems and the ability to create individual components, and modification of agricultural equipment. The objective is to bring the Master’s studies closer to creative activities and development. Accordingly, this area of study is oriented more academically.

A great emphasis is put on advanced language preparation of our students, who are encouraged to add classes of other languages to their English lessons or develop their language skills during internships abroad.

Areas and questions that a prospective student should ask and answer with a “yes”:

• Is my attitude to technology positive?
• I would like to broaden my knowledge and insight in mathematics and physics.
• Do I wish to become a part of a dynamically developing technical field and have a say in the development of new technologies?
• Am I aware that agricultural machinery is not only about machines, such as tractors or combine harvesters, but it is about complex systems using modern technology?

Since agricultural technology is expensive and rapidly becomes obsolete, the focus of practical training is on students’ participation in agricultural establishments and vendors, where they encounter the technology. In the framework of studies, operational and professional practical trainings are mandatory. Even though the curriculum is more academic, an emphasis is laid also on students’ practical skills. Our aim is to provide students with thorough preparation for their practical training to ensure that they benefit from it as much as possible in their careers.

Although most of our graduates find employment in agriculture, this is not the only segment where they can work. Generally, jobs await them in the following areas:

• Sales and servicing of agricultural technology and agricultural machines,
• Procurement of corporate technical fleet,
• Development personnel in companies and universities,
• Specialized professions in the state administration area that is linked to integrated pollution prevention and control,
• Environmental Departments,
• Building Offices.

Our research activities are directed towards the development of intelligent systems - mainly for livestock farming, development of the best available technologies (BAT) for animal production and materials engineering.

The development of intelligent systems considered, we examine stable technology and breeding of dairy and beef cattle. By way of example, we work on the development of intelligent camera systems used to map the behaviour and health of animals in stables, with the ability to predict future trends using neural networks and artificial intelligence, or the use of robotic arms to facilitate the process of milking cows, which would ease the work in the context of human resources and reduce costs compared to more complex technical systems. The area of the best available technologies (BAT) is oriented at systems developed for pig and chicken breeding. Our work relies on requirements of the European Union, which introduced the concept of integrated pollution prevention and control, based on the prevention of environmental pollution. Materials engineering studies the modifications of surface properties of material using plasma or using plasma to activate seeds and create biological protection, replacing conventional chemical pickling.

We strive to involve our students actively in research and, moreover, support their activities by way of benefits in a form of scholarships.

In the area of international cooperation, our students are encouraged to participate in the programmes Erasmus, CEEPUS or Unigo, which interconnected us with universities in Brazil, bringing with it options of mutual scholarship stays. Just as students leave us for stays abroad, people come to us. Our objective is to make sure that academic personnel who arrive at our Department enrich our students with special lectures. Another bonus of foreign projects is the option of educational activities in Taiwan, China or Poland.