Professional Ethics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Developing the ethical principles and rules for the future profession of a graduate Agricultural Expert or graduate Agrotechnician as stated by the Code of Ethics of the respective college, acquiring knowledge of the main regulatory and updating sources useful for the practice of the profession.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and compliance with the general and specific behavioral norms derived from the conduct rules inherent to the professional field of the graduate Agricultural Expert or the graduate Agrotechnician, with a prescriptive and binding nature, both in terms of substance and sanctions. Acquisition of a critical and rigorous mindset, professional responsibility and integrity, and an adequate work methodology.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Programma Insegnamento di Deontologia Professionale ENG
Agrotechnicians Module (2 ECTS - 16 hours)
1. Fundamentals of Professional Deontology (4 hours)
Applied ethics in agrarian professions
Code of ethics of Agrotechnicians and Graduate Agrotechnicians
Principles of responsibility, transparency, and professional integrity
2. Legal Framework and Regulation (4 hours)
Agricultural law and European legislation (CAP, EU regulations)
Environmental and agri-food legislation
Consumer protection and food safety
3. Professional Responsibility and Governance (4 hours)
Civil and criminal liability of the Agrotechnician
Relations with public and private entities
Deontological principles in technical consultancy and agricultural appraisal
4. Ethics, Sustainability, and Innovation (4 hours)
Ethics of sustainability and natural resource management
Technological innovation and ethical implications (digital farming, AI, biotechnology)
Case studies and simulations of professional decision-making
Agricultural Experts Module (2 ECTS - 16 hours)
1. Course Introduction and Professional Profile of the Agricultural Expert.
Presentation of the instructor, the course, and the syllabus. Overview of the professional role of the Agricultural Expert and related competencies. Examples of self-employed professional activities (2 hours).
2. Code of Ethics of the Professional Association. Definition and purpose of the code of ethics. Rationale for mandatory compliance. Prohibited professional conduct (2 hours).
3. Regulatory Law and Professional Bodies. The governing law of the profession and professional competencies. Structure and functioning of the territorial professional association and the National Council. Composition of the Council, elections, assemblies, and related procedures (2 hours).
4. Regulated Professional Activities and Legislative Developments. Continuation of the overview of professional activities regulated by the governing law. Additional competencies arising from subsequent legislative enactments. Examples of professional assignments carried out (2 hours).
5. Formalization of Professional Engagements and Fee Management. Formalization of professional appointments, cost estimates, and professional mandates Issuance of fee notices and invoices. Calculation of out-of-pocket expenses, advances made on behalf of the client, and mandatory integrative and personal contributions (2 hours).
6. Professional Engagement Procedures and Legal Obligations (2 hours). Formalization of professional assignments: procedures and legal obligations for preparing cost estimates. Drafting of professional mandates. Management of the assignment and acceptance of professional engagements (2 hours).
7. Practical Example of a Professional Assignment. Theoretical and practical aspects of conducting an appraisal of a rural property. Preparation and drafting of the valuation report (2 hours).
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
The teaching methods include:
a) Face-to-face lectures, also supported by multimedia tools
b) Analysis of practical case studies and guided discussion
c) Practical exercises
d) Thematic seminars with experts in the agrarian sector
Class attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Printed and digital handouts distributed during lectures.
Lecture notes and professional regulations made available on the website www.peritiagrari.it.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For both modules, the examination consists of a written test at the end of the course composed of:
· 15 multiple-choice questions
· 5 open-ended questions covering the course topics
Assessment criteria: knowledge of the regulatory framework, critical thinking skills, practical application, clarity of exposition, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
The final test results exclusively in a pass/fail judgment for eligibility for registration with the Professional Association. Eligibility is achieved with a minimum score of 18 points (1 point for each correct multiple-choice answer and 3 points for each correct open-ended answer), and the candidate must reach the passing threshold in both tests.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
Agrotechnicians Module (2 ECTS - 16 hours)
1. Fundamentals of Professional Deontology (4 hours)
Applied ethics in agrarian professions
Code of ethics of Agrotechnicians and Graduate Agrotechnicians
Principles of responsibility, transparency, and professional integrity
2. Legal Framework and Regulation (4 hours)
Agricultural law and European legislation (CAP, EU regulations)
Environmental and agri-food legislation
Consumer protection and food safety
3. Professional Responsibility and Governance (4 hours)
Civil and criminal liability of the Agrotechnician
Relations with public and private entities
Deontological principles in technical consultancy and agricultural appraisal
4. Ethics, Sustainability, and Innovation (4 hours)
Ethics of sustainability and natural resource management
Technological innovation and ethical implications (digital farming, AI, biotechnology)
Case studies and simulations of professional decision-making
Agricultural Experts Module (2 ECTS - 16 hours)
1. Course Introduction and Professional Profile of the Agricultural Expert.
Presentation of the instructor, the course, and the syllabus. Overview of the professional role of the Agricultural Expert and related competencies. Examples of self-employed professional activities (2 hours).
2. Code of Ethics of the Professional Association. Definition and purpose of the code of ethics. Rationale for mandatory compliance. Prohibited professional conduct (2 hours).
3. Regulatory Law and Professional Bodies. The governing law of the profession and professional competencies. Structure and functioning of the territorial professional association and the National Council. Composition of the Council, elections, assemblies, and related procedures (2 hours).
4. Regulated Professional Activities and Legislative Developments. Continuation of the overview of professional activities regulated by the governing law. Additional competencies arising from subsequent legislative enactments. Examples of professional assignments carried out (2 hours).
5. Formalization of Professional Engagements and Fee Management. Formalization of professional appointments, cost estimates, and professional mandates Issuance of fee notices and invoices. Calculation of out-of-pocket expenses, advances made on behalf of the client, and mandatory integrative and personal contributions (2 hours).
6. Professional Engagement Procedures and Legal Obligations (2 hours). Formalization of professional assignments: procedures and legal obligations for preparing cost estimates. Drafting of professional mandates. Management of the assignment and acceptance of professional engagements (2 hours).
7. Practical Example of a Professional Assignment. Theoretical and practical aspects of conducting an appraisal of a rural property. Preparation and drafting of the valuation report (2 hours).
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
The teaching methods include:
a) Face-to-face lectures, also supported by multimedia tools
b) Analysis of practical case studies and guided discussion
c) Practical exercises
d) Thematic seminars with experts in the agrarian sector
Class attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Printed and digital handouts distributed during lectures.
Lecture notes and professional regulations made available on the website www.peritiagrari.it.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For both modules, the examination consists of a written test at the end of the course composed of:
· 15 multiple-choice questions
· 5 open-ended questions covering the course topics
Assessment criteria: knowledge of the regulatory framework, critical thinking skills, practical application, clarity of exposition, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
The final test results exclusively in a pass/fail judgment for eligibility for registration with the Professional Association. Eligibility is achieved with a minimum score of 18 points (1 point for each correct multiple-choice answer and 3 points for each correct open-ended answer), and the candidate must reach the passing threshold in both tests.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
Prerequisites for admission
Nessuno
Teaching methods
The teaching methods include:
a) Face-to-face lectures, also supported by multimedia tools
b) Analysis of practical case studies and guided discussion
c) Practical exercises
d) Thematic seminars with experts in the agrarian sector
Class attendance is strongly recommended.
a) Face-to-face lectures, also supported by multimedia tools
b) Analysis of practical case studies and guided discussion
c) Practical exercises
d) Thematic seminars with experts in the agrarian sector
Class attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Printed and digital handouts distributed during lectures.
Lecture notes and professional regulations made available on the website www.peritiagrari.it.
Lecture notes and professional regulations made available on the website www.peritiagrari.it.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For both modules, the examination consists of a written test at the end of the course composed of:
· 15 multiple-choice questions
· 5 open-ended questions covering the course topics
Assessment criteria: knowledge of the regulatory framework, critical thinking skills, practical application, clarity of exposition, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
The final test results exclusively in a pass/fail judgment for eligibility for registration with the Professional Association. Eligibility is achieved with a minimum score of 18 points (1 point for each correct multiple-choice answer and 3 points for each correct open-ended answer), and the candidate must reach the passing threshold in both tests.
· 15 multiple-choice questions
· 5 open-ended questions covering the course topics
Assessment criteria: knowledge of the regulatory framework, critical thinking skills, practical application, clarity of exposition, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
The final test results exclusively in a pass/fail judgment for eligibility for registration with the Professional Association. Eligibility is achieved with a minimum score of 18 points (1 point for each correct multiple-choice answer and 3 points for each correct open-ended answer), and the candidate must reach the passing threshold in both tests.
- University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Ambrosini Giuseppe Andrea, Arpano Angelo Vincenzo
Professor(s)