The academic content and curriculum of the Associate Degree Program in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the cultivation, processing and commercial use of medicinal and aromatic plants. The program usually has a two-year education period and includes the following main courses and topics:
Plant Science and Morphology: This course focuses on the general structure, developmental processes and morphological characteristics of plants. Students learn to recognize various parts of plants and understand the functions of these parts.
Plant Physiology and Ecology: Life cycles of plants, photosynthesis, respiration and other physiological processes are the main topics of this course. The interactions of plants with environmental factors and their ecological adaptations are also examined.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Cultivation: This course covers the techniques required for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, soil preparation, sowing, planting, irrigation, fertilization and disease and pest control methods.
Plant Product Processing and Storage Techniques: Students learn the processing, quality control, packaging and storage of harvested plant products. This is important for increasing the commercial value of plant products.
Chemical Properties of Aromatic Plants: Essential oils and other chemical compounds contained in aromatic plants are the focus of this course. Students learn about the extraction, analysis and uses of these compounds.
Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants: In this course, the effects of medicinal plants on health, pharmacological properties of active constituents and their use in traditional and modern medicine are discussed.
Plant Protection and Pest Control: Students learn the identification of diseases and pests affecting crops, methods of controlling them and strategies to protect plant health.
Marketing and Entrepreneurship: This course focuses on marketing, trading and business management skills of medicinal and aromatic plants. Students are given the knowledge to start and maintain a business in this field.
The program also enables students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge with practical applications through laboratory and field studies. Internship and practicum opportunities also allow students to gain real work experience in the industry. This curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector.