Agriculture - Sustainable Agriculture, AAS
Introduction to history principles and practices of sustainable agriculture as applied to local and global agriculture. An evaluation of sustainability of conventional agricultural practices will also be made from the environmental economic and social perspectives ("planet profit people"). Case studies and other tools will be used to relate principles of sustainable agriculture to basic farming practices. (Spring)
Additional course fee(s) required.
This course is a study of physical and chemical soil deterioration and loss water conservation and principles for protection and maintenance of these resources. Topics include plant/water relationships water conservation methods basic terrace engineering principles sediment loss and land use plans.
Structure growth and development of horticulture plants from a practical and scientific approach. Environmental effects basic principles of propagation greenhouse and outdoor production nutrition pruning chemical control of growth pest control and landscaping. (Fall Spring Summer)
This laboratory-based course accompanies AGRI 1315. Laboratory activities will reinforce the fundamental principles and practices in the development production and management of horticulture crops including growth and development climate plant requirements pest management and production methods. (Fall Spring Summer)
Additional course fee(s) required.
A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer. (Fall spring summer)
Additional course fee(s) required.
Intensive study of and practice in professional settings. Focus on the types of documents necessary to make decisions and take action on the job such as proposals reports instructions policies and procedures email messages letters and descriptions of products and services. Practice individual and collaborative processes involved in the creation of ethical and efficient documents.
Instruction in small farming techniques with emphasis on horticulture science including comprehensive and profitable guidelines. Topics include herbs fruits nut and vegetable crops. (Spring)
Additional course fee(s) required.
Course provides students with a working knowledge of small farm business development. Students will develop a written business plan which will become a vehicle through which management marketing accounting and cash flow staffing and legal issues will be considered and discussed. Resource needs will be identified and possible sources of funding including grants and loans will also be considered. (Fall)
This course identifies surface water sources; describes water reservoir management and intake structures; differentiates the types of wells well hydraulics and well development; lists the physical and chemical characteristics of ground water; and explains well location considerations.
Major agricultural disease and pest agents will be studied focusing on the biology of the pests to include life cycle structure and typical hosts. Management and control utilizing least toxic methods will be emphasized the foundation of which is healthy soils. (Fall)
Additional course fee(s) required.
Introduction to the basic principles of preserving processing and modifying agricultural outputs with an emphasis on dairy and horticultural commodities. Includes small-scale cheese and yogurt production winemaking water bath and pressure canning bread-making dehydration and freezing lactic acid fermentation and other techniques. (Fall)
Additional course fee(s) required.
Choose one course from the following:
- ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation 3 credit hours.
- DRAM 1310 - Theater Appreciation 3 credit hours.
- DRAM 2361 - History of the Theater I 3 credit hours.
- MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation 3 credit hours.
Explain the history and importance of agriculture. Identify the various industries of agriculture. Assess careers in agriculture and related educational requirements. Apply verbal and written communication skills in agricultural contexts.
Scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection reproduction nutrition management and marketing of livestock. (Fall Spring)
Laboratory activities will reinforce scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection reproduction nutrition management and marketing of livestock. (Fall Spring)
Additional course fee(s) required.
Career-related activities encountered in the student’s area of specialization offered through an individualized agreement among the college employer and student. Under the supervision of the college and the employer the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Includes a lecture component. (Fall spring summer)
Sophomore standing and approval of the agriculture faculty.
Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context with emphasis on audience analysis speaker delivery ethics of communication cultural diversity and speech organizational techniques to develop students' speaking abilities.
Eligibility to enroll in INRW 0302
Introduces and develops foundational skills in applying essential and emerging business productivity information technology tools. The focus of this course is on business productivity software applications including word processing spreadsheets databases presentation graphics data analytics and business-oriented utilization of the internet.
Knowledge of keyboard.
Additional course fee(s) required.
Choose one course from the following:
Choose one course from the following:
ANTH 2351 - Cultural Anthropology 3 credit hours.
COMM 1307 - Introduction to Mass Communications 3 credit hours.
ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics 3 credit hours.
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics 3 credit hours.
GEOG 1301 - Physical Geography 3 credit hours.
GEOG 1303 - World Regional Geography 3 credit hours.
PSYC 2301 - Introduction to Psychology 3 credit hours.
PSYC 2314 - Lifespan Growth and Development 3 credit hours.
SOCI 1301 - Introductory Sociology 3 credit hours.
SOCI 1306 - Social Problems 3 credit hours.
Principles and practices in the development production and management of field crops including growth and development climate plant requirements pest management and production methods. (Fall Spring)
Laboratory activities will reinforce the fundamental principles and practices in the development production and management of field crops including growth and development climate plant requirements pest management and production methods. Agriculture majors are required to enroll in AGRI 1307. (Fall Spring)
Additional course fee(s) required.
Study of the role and application of feed nutrients and additives. Topics include comparative aspects of digestion absorption and metabolism of nutrients emphasis on identification of nutrient requirements and formulation of dietary feeding regimens. (Spring)
Additional course fee(s) required.
Total Program Hours
60
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to enter a three-tract option: 1) direct employment with careers requiring a sustainable emphasis; 2) farm entrepreneurship; or 3) transfer to a university for completion of Bachelor of Applied Science in Agriculture. Students should consult a faculty advisor or an academic advisor early in their program of study.. Only college-level courses apply toward the completion of this curriculum and the graduation requirements for the AAS in sustainable agriculture.
Agriculture students are required to meet with an Ag advisor during their first semester of classes to establish their best pathway.