Undergraduate Catalog

Agriculture

Director: Dr. Andrew J. Baker
Office: Knoblauch Hall 145
Telephone: (309) 298-1080
Fax: (309) 298-2280
Email: AJ-Baker@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/ag

Program Offerings and Locations

  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture: Macomb
  • Minor in Agricultural Economics: Macomb
  • Minor in Agricultural Technology Management: Macomb
  • Minor in Agriculture: Macomb
  • Minor in Agronomy: Macomb
  • Minor in Animal Science: Macomb
  • Minor in Cannabis Cultivation: Macomb
  • Minor in Community Forestry: Macomb
  • Minor in Horticulture: Macomb
  • Minor in Natural Resources Conservation: Macomb
  • Minor in Plant Breeding: Macomb
  • Minor in Precision Agriculture: Macomb

Learning Outcomes

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

Faculty

Andrango, Atherton, Bacon, Baker, Blome, Franken, Gruver, Henning, Hoge, Phippen, Trennepohl.

GradTrac

GradTrac is available to Agriculture majors with an option in Agricultural Business or Agricultural Science. See more information about GradTrac.

Honors Curriculum

Academically qualified students in this School are encouraged to complete an honors curriculum in University Honors, Honors in the Major, or General Honors. All Honors students must complete the one-hour honors colloquium (G H 299). General Honors includes General Honors coursework. Honors in the Major includes honors work in the major. University Honors combines Honors in the Major and General Honors. View more information about honors curricula or visit the Centennial Honors College website at wiu.edu/Honors .

Integrated Baccalaureate and Master’s Degree Program

An integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree program is available for the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture: Master of Business Administration. An integrated degree program provides the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years.  Please refer to the Graduate Studies catalog for details about the integrated program.

School Information

Students majoring in Agriculture are provided with a broad education including the physical, biological, and social sciences as well as technical agriculture. Graduates generally enter four diverse areas: (1) business and industry, (2) agricultural production, (3) research, teaching, and graduate studies, and (4) government work.

Learning how to feed the world is the central theme of the three major program options and the pre-professional programs that Agriculture students may choose to study. Students may choose to study Agricultural Business, Agricultural Education, or Agricultural Science. Agricultural minors are available in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Technology Management, Agronomy, Animal Science, Cannabis Cultivation, Horticulture, Natural Resources Conservation, Plant Breeding, and Precision Agriculture. Pre-professional programs in Forestry and Veterinary Medicine are also available. The pre-professional programs are designed to prepare students for professional study at other universities at the graduate level.

Career opportunities are available in the following occupational clusters:

  • Agricultural Business
  • Agricultural Education
  • Agricultural Finance/Management
  • Agricultural Marketing
  • Agricultural Technology Management
  • Agronomy
  • Animal Science
  • Cannabis Cultivation
  • Farm Operations
  • Horticulture/Landscape Management
  • Natural Resources Conservation
  • Precision Agriculture
  • Urban Forestry

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science—Agriculture

All students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture must complete I, II, and III.A, III.B, or III.C below, and the Multicultural Perspectives requirement for the major#. Students majoring in Agriculture may choose one of three options—Agricultural Business, Agricultural Science, or Agriculture—Teacher Education. Within each option, a student may choose an area of technical competency or specialization. The minimum semester hour requirement for the baccalaureate degree is 120 s.h. A maximum of 6 s.h. of unstructured classes (AGRI 200, 301, 400, 481, 499) may be counted in the major. A minimum of 24 s.h. of Agriculture classes must be taken at WIU or other four-year institutions. A maximum of 29 s.h. may be taken in coursework which would be considered part of a major or minor in traditional business disciplines (Accountancy, Business Law, Business and Technology, Decision Sciences, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Operations Management, and Supply Chain Management).

In accordance with the Illinois State Board of Education licensure rule, all candidates seeking a Professional Education License or endorsement are required by Western Illinois University to obtain a grade of “C-” or better in all directed general education courses, all core courses, and all courses in the option. This rule does not supersede course prerequisite requirements in the catalog that specify a letter grade.

Please see the Teacher Education section of this catalog for more information about WIU’s Teacher Education Program.

  1. University General Education Curriculum: 37 s.h.
  2. Core Courses 16 s.h.
    AGRI 120, 220, 320, 340†, 420; AGRN 176; ANSC 112
  3. Options of Study (select A, B, or C)
    1. Agricultural Business
      1. Special Courses: AGEC 333, 342, and 349: 10 s.h.
      2. Agriculture Electives^
        1. Select one of the following courses: 3–4 s.h.
          1. AGTM 207
          2. AGTM 250
          3. AGRN 278
          4. FOR 200
        2. Additional courses from the School of Agriculture to be selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor 20–21 s.h.
      3. Other Requirements*
        1. ACCT 201, 202 6 s.h.
        2. AGEC 443, FIN 311, FIN 331, or FIN 401 3 s.h.
        3. ECON 231, 232 6 s.h.
        4. MATH 123 or higher level 3 s.h.
        5. MATH 137 or STAT 171 3 s.h.
        6. Select 6 s.h. from the following: 6 s.h.
          FR/GER/SPAN 121, 122, 223, 224; COMM 130; PHIL 100, 120, 140, 205
        7. Select one course from the following: 3 s.h.
          COMM 235; GEOG 100; POLS 101, 122, 200, 228, 267; PSY 100; SOC 100
        8. Select one course from the following: 4 s.h.
          BOT 200; CHEM 101, 201; GEOG 121; GEOL 110; GIS 108; METR 120; MICR 200; PHYS 114, 115, 211; ZOOL 200
      4. Open Electives: 24 s.h.
    2. Agricultural Science
      1. Agriculture Electives^
        1. Select one course from two of the following five groups: 6–8 s.h.
          1. AGTM 207 or 250
          2. AGRI 376
          3. AGRN 278
          4. AGEC 333 or AGEC 349
          5. FOR 200
        2. Additional courses from the School of Agriculture to be selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. Up to 14 s.h. may come from the following: BIOL 330, 340; CHEM 331, 332, 421; MICR 400, 405, 434, 460; PHYS 124, 125; ZOOL 320, 321, 330, 331, 430, 460: 28-30 s.h.
      2. Other Requirements&
        1. MATH 102, 113, 123, or higher level, or STAT 171: 3 s.h.
        2. Select three courses from the following group
          (must include one course in Biology and one in Chemistry): 12 s.h.
          BOT 200; CHEM 101, 102, 201, 202; GEOG 121; GEOL 110; GIS 108; METR 120; MICR 200; PHYS 114, 115, 211; ZOOL 200
      3. Open Electives: 26 s.h.
    3. Agriculture—Teacher Education
      1. Special Courses: AGED 131, 330, and 331: 7 s.h.
      2. Agriculture Electives^
        1. AGTM 250 or AGRN 278: 3-4 s.h.
        2. AGEC 333 or 349; AGTM 360 or 368; AGRN 373, 377, or 378; ANSC 310, 319, or 322: 12–16 s.h.
        3. Additional courses from the School of Agriculture to be selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor: 5–10 s.h.
      3. Other Requirements@
        1. BOT 200 or ZOOL 200: 4 s.h.
        2. CHEM 101 or 201: 4 s.h.
        3. HIST 105 or 106: 3 s.h.
        4. MATH 102, 123, or higher level, or STAT 171: 3 s.h.
        5. POLS 122: 3 s.h.
        6. Select one additional course from the following: 4 s.h.
          BOT 200; CHEM 102, 202; GEOG 121; GEOL 110; GIS 108; METR 120; MICR 200; PHYS 114, 115, 211; ZOOL 200
      4. Professional Education
        1. AGED/EDUC 439: 3 s.h.
        2. EDS 202, 301, 305, 401: 10 s.h.
        3. SPED 390: 3 s.h.
        4. ENG 366 or RDG 387: 2 s.h.
        5. STCH 480: 12 s.h.

# The Multicultural Perspectives graduation requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing one of the following: 1) a designated foreign language requirement; 2) any course designated as Multicultural; or 3) an approved Study Abroad program.
† AGRI 340 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement.
^ Students must meet the following minimum s.h. in the major (Core, Special Courses, and Directed Electives): Agricultural Business option, 50 s.h.; Agricultural Science option, 52 s.h.; Teacher Education option, 48 s.h.
* 25 s.h. may count toward the University General Education requirement.
& 10 s.h. may count toward the University General Education requirement.
@ 16 s.h. may count toward the University General Education requirement.

Minors

Minor in Agriculture 18 s.h.
  1. Select at least three courses from the following: 9–11 s.h. AGRN 176, 278; ANSC 112; AGTM 207, 250; FOR 200; HORT 180
  2. Select additional hours from the School of Agriculture** 7–9 s.h.
    **6 s.h. must be upper division at WIU.
Minor in Agricultural Economics 16 s.h.

Electives chosen from:
Courses in Agricultural Economics (AGEC prefix)*
AGRI 220
AGRI 390

*At least 6 s.h. of upper-division coursework in Agricultural Economics (AGEC) and/or AGRI 390 must be completed at WIU.

Minor in Agricultural Technology Management 16 s.h.

Electives in Agricultural Technology Management.*

*At least 6 s.h. of upper-division coursework in Agricultural Technology Management (AGTM) required at WIU.

Minor in Agronomy: 18 s.h.
  1. AGRN 176, 278: 8 s.h.
  2. Select at least one of the following courses: 3–4 s.h.
    AGRI 376; AGRN 373, 377, 470, 472, 476, 479; AGRN/HORT 374
  3. Select at least one of the following courses: 3 s.h.
    AGRN 378, 473, 478
  4. Select at least one more course listed in #2 or #3 above, or from CONS: 3–4 s.h.
Minor in Animal Science 18–20 s.h.
  1. ANSC 112: 3 s.h.
  2. Electives in Animal Science: 9 s.h.
  3. Select one of the following courses:
    ANSC 322, 314, 424: 3–4 s.h.
  4. Select one of the following courses:
    AGRI 376; CHEM 100, 101, 201: 3–4 s.h.
Minor in Cannabis Cultivation: 18 s.h.
  1. Select one of the following:
    AGRN 176, BOT 200, or HORT 180: 4 s.h.
  2. BOT/HORT 357: 3 s.h.
  3. Select at least 11 s.h. from the following: 11 s.h.
    1. Cultivation Courses: AGRN 373; AGRN/HORT 374; BOT 329, 430; HORT 393, 483, 493
    2. Genetics Courses: AGRI 376 or BIOL 340; AGRN 472, 476; HORT 493
Minor in Community Forestry: 18 s.h.
  1. FOR 200 or HORT 180: 3–4 s.h.
  2. FOR 308, 406: 8 s.h.
  3. FOR 209 or 407: 2–3 s.h.
  4. Select 3–5 s.h. from the following courses: 3–5 s.h.
    AGRN 278; FOR 209 or 407 (if not used in #3, above); GIS 108, 201, 202; HORT 374, 384
Minor in Horticulture 18 s.h.
Minor in Natural Resources Conservation 16 s.h.
  1. AGRN 278: 4 s.h.
  2. One of the following: CONS 405 or GEOG 426: 3–4 s.h.
  3. Remaining electives to be selected by the student and minor advisor: 8–9 s.h.
    Select three of the following courses: BOT 452; CONS 305; FOR 200, 308, 406, 407; GEOL 110; HORT 485; MICR 200; RPTA 376, 487, 488; ZOOL 451
Minor in Plant Breeding 18–22 s.h.
  1. AGRN 176 or HORT 180 or BOT 200: 3–4 s.h.
  2. AGRI 376 or BIOL 340: 3–4 s.h.
  3. AGRN 472 and 476: 6 s.h.
  4. Select two courses from the following: AGRN 373, 378, 470; AGRN/HORT 374; BIOL 330; BOT 320, 329, 430, 481; CHEM 421; HORT 480; STAT 171: 6–8 s.h.
Minor in Precision Agriculture 18 s.h.
  1. AGTM 207, 471, 472; GIS 201: 12 s.h.
  2. Select at least two of the following courses: AGRN 373, 377, 378, 473, 479; AGRN/HORT 374; AGTM 350, 464; CONS 305, 405; CS 470, 491; GIS 309, 405; ET 477, 481: 6 s.h.

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-professional programs in Forestry and Veterinary Medicine are available. See Pre-Professional Programs for a detailed description of the requirements.

Course Descriptions

AGRICULTURE (AGRI)

120 Agriculture in Today’s Society. (1) General orientation to modern agriculture. A study of career opportunities in industry, business, production agriculture, teaching, resource management, and environment control. 1 hr. lect.

200 Special Topics in Agriculture. (1–3, repeatable to 3 for different topics) Selection of a current issue in agriculture. Review of literature, discussions, and preparation of a term paper. Prerequisite: approval of department chairperson. Arranged.

220 Agribusiness Concepts. (3) A survey of and introduction to agricultural management concepts and general knowledge base needed to operate a small profit-oriented agribusiness in today’s competitive environment. 3 hrs. lect. 
IAI: AG 901.

301 Agricultural Internship. (4–12, repeatable to 12) Student will work with an approved agricultural industry and obtain experience in 
a number of business-related activities such as management, sales, research, and public relations. Prerequisites: 54 s.h. of academic credit and approval of instructor. A cumulative and major GPA of 2.25 required at time of application (semester prior to internship). Arranged.

320 Success Strategies in Agriculture. (2) Topics in applied life sciences—strategies for success. Topics will include problem solving, communication, interpersonal relations, resume preparation, and interviewing. Student participation will be emphasized. Prerequisite: AGRI 220 and junior standing. 2 hrs. lect.

340 Communicating Agricultural Issues. (2) Development of written and oral communication skills to address current issues in agriculture. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: AGRI 220 and ENG 280.

376 Applied Genetics in Agriculture. (3) A basic understanding of heredity and genetic analysis with an emphasis on agricultural 
plant and animal systems. Social implications of manipulating genetics in agriculture will be addressed. Prerequisites: AGRN 176 or HORT 180 or BOT 200 or ZOOL 200. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

390 Agricultural Sales. (3) Professional agri-selling and sales process. Topics include methods of selling, steps and techniques in the selling process, customer service, sales ethics, consumer behavior concepts, and sales management in agriculture. Prerequisites: AGRI 220 or ECON 232, and AGEC 333 or MKTG 327.

400 Special Topics in Agriculture. (1–3, repeatable to 3 for different topics) Review of literature, lectures, and preparation of a 
term paper. Prerequisite: approval of department chairperson. Arranged.

420 Personal Development and Leadership in Agriculture. (1) Personal leadership skills will be developed as students explore historical and current views of social, cultural, and technological issues and the associated social changes in agriculture. Styles and roles of leadership in agricultural organizations including group dynamics, conflict resolution, ethical considerations, and communications will be covered. Prerequisite: AGRI 340. 1 hr. lect.

481 Special Problems. (1–3, repeatable to 3 for different topics) Laboratory work involving experiments in student’s major interest. Prerequisites: at least junior standing and approval of department chairperson. Arranged.

499 Research. (1–6, repeatable to 8 for different topics) Original independent research on specific problems in agriculture. Prerequisite: approval of department chairperson.

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS (AGEC)

312 (Cross-listed with ECON 312) Economics of Cannabis. (3) A detailed survey of the cannabis industry including market analysis, regulation options, the potential impacts on the U.S. economy, and a comparison to other regulated substances such as opioids, alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals. Not open to students with credit in ECON 312. Prerequisite: ECON 100, 231, or 232; or permission of instructor.

333 Agricultural Marketing. (3) Principles of marketing agricultural products. Prerequisite: AGRI 220 or ECON 232. 3 hrs. lect.

342 Agricultural Law. (3) Law as it applies to the agricultural operation. Partnership, corporation, agribusiness contracts, leases, leasing practices, environmental, tort and liability law are covered. Prerequisite: AGRI 220. 3 hrs. lect.

349 Agribusiness Management. (4) A study of intermediate level agricultural management tools to create a conceptual framework for successfully operating a profit-based agribusiness. Prerequisite: AGRI 220; or ECON 231 and 232. 4 hrs. lect.

430 (Cross-listed with ECON 430) Environmental Economics. (3) This interdisciplinary course examines economic issues involving the interactions between humans and the environment. The course addresses conflicts in land, air, and water use and the role of assigned property rights and public policies in resolving environmental problems. Not open to students with credit in ECON 430. Prerequisite: AGRI 220 or ECON 232.

437 (Formerly AGEC 337) US Agricultural Trade. (3) Overview of U.S. agricultural trade; examination of issues that impact international agricultural trade, including trade agreements, country-of-origin labeling, food safety, and risk assessments; examination of changes in world agricultural production and trade patterns over time. Prerequisites: AGRI 220 or ECON 231.

442 Marketing Grain and Livestock Products. (3) Economic principles of marketing grain and livestock, with an emphasis on the marketing activities of producers and distributors of grain, livestock, and their products. Risk and quality management issues are included. Prerequisite: AGEC 333. 3 hrs. lect.

443 Agricultural Finance. (3) Financing problems and opportunities in agriculture. Sources of finance, financing costs, analysis 
of investment opportunities, and financial management and estate planning. Prerequisite: AGRI 220 or ECON 232. 3 hrs. lect.

447 Commodities Markets and Futures Trading. (3) Futures trading institutions, technical analysis, multiple hedging, and speculation. Prerequisite: AGEC 333 or ECON 330 or ECON 332 or FIN 311 or FIN 331. 3 hrs. lect.

455 Advanced Agricultural Marketing. (3) Options on futures, applied research methods, current events. Not available to students who have completed AGEC 456. Prerequisite: AGEC 447. 3 hrs. lect.

457 Market Profile®. (3) Use of the Chicago Board of Trade Market Profile® and Liquidity Data Bank® for hedging and speculation. Not available to students who have completed AGEC 459. Prerequisite: AGEC 447. 3 hrs. lect.

460 US Agricultural Policy. (3) Examination of U.S. agricultural policies, with an emphasis on current farm legislation and regulation. Includes analysis of the impact of contemporary agricultural policies on farming operations. Prerequisite: AGRI 220 or ECON 231 or ECON 232.

AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT (AGTM)

207 Precision Agriculture. (3) Course introduces fundamental components of precision agriculture. Topics include: the global positioning system (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, yield monitoring, variable rate application (VRA), and analysis and decision making for agriculture. 3 hrs. lect. IAI: AG 907.

250 Agricultural Technology Management. (3) Introduction to electrification, surveying, internal combustion engines, metallurgy, and concrete and wood construction used in agriculture. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: AG 906.

350 Agricultural Machinery. (3) Principles of owning, operating, and adjusting equipment for tillage, planting, harvesting, and chemical application. Principles, application, and repair of agricultural hydraulic systems. Prerequisite: AGTM 250 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

360 Electrical Power and Equipment in Agriculture. (3) Principles of electricity and its application to wiring buildings, electric motors, automatic controls, and solid-state equipment used in agriculture. Prerequisite: AGTM 250 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

365 Agricultural Tractors and Engines. (3) Operating principles of gasoline and diesel engines, power trains, and fuel and electrical systems. Overhaul of both gasoline and diesel engines. Prerequisite: AGTM 250 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

368 Agricultural Shop Skills. (4) Principles and skills in metal and welding fabrication, wood working, plumbing, and repairs related to agriculture. Prerequisite: AGTM 250. 2 hrs. lect.; 4 hrs. lab.

464 Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Systems. (3) Application of engineering principles pertaining to drying, storing, and handling of agricultural products. Prerequisite: junior standing. 3 hrs. lect.

471 Agricultural Remote Sensing. (3) Course addresses concepts of remote sensing for precision agriculture. Some topics include: global positioning system (GPS) accuracy and differential GPS, vegetative spectral reflectance signatures, multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, indices, and various analysis techniques for agricultural datasets. Prerequisites: AGTM 207 or GIS 201, or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

472 Agricultural Analysis and Decision Making. (3) Course presents methods for analysis of agricultural data to facilitate data-driven decision making for precision agriculture. Some topics include: map scale and projection, coordinate systems, soil nutrient maps, yield maps, interpolation and analysis methods, and creation of prescription maps. Prerequisites: AGTM 207 or GIS 201, or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION (AGED)

131 Agriculture Education. (2) Introduction to principles of vocational education, nature of agriculture teaching, teacher responsibilities, and agricultural education as a career. 2 hrs. lect. IAI: AG 911.

330 Summer Experience in Agriculture Education. (2) Supervised experiences in a summer program in agriculture education. 
C- grade or above required to receive credit for the course to fulfill part of the observation hour requirement. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Laboratory charge for course.

331 Program Organization in Agriculture Education. (3) Program organization and development of learning activities in agriculture education including program planning, supervised agriculture experiences, FFA, federal, state and local program structure. Laboratory charge for course. 3 hrs. lect.

439 Special Methods in Agriculture. (3) Analysis of objectives, selection, development, and organization of teaching units; development of procedural techniques, program implementation, and evaluation. Includes clinical experience. Grade of C- required in this class. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 3 hrs. lect.

480 Student Teaching. (12) See STCH 480.

AGRONOMY (AGRN)

(Crops)

176 Principles of Crop Science. (4) Introduction to science-based principles underlying plant production, including: classification and use of major world crops; plant growth and development in response to environment and management; plant pests and pest protection; plant breeding and genetic improvement. Not open to students with credit in HORT 180. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. 
IAI: AG 903.

370 No-Tillage Farming. (2) An exploration of environmental benefits from no-tillage crop production, the influence of microclimatic factors on the success of crop plants in no-tillage fields, and management tactics to increase the productivity and environmental benefits of no-tillage farming. Prerequisite: AGRN 176 and 278. 2 hrs. lect.

372 Crop Science Judging. (1) Preparation for regional and national crop judging contests. Identifying crops and crop pests; troubleshooting crop problems; and calculating agronomy, pest control, and fertility scenarios. Prerequisite: AGRN 176 or 278, or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lab.

373 Integrated Pest Management. (4) Identification and biology of economically-important weeds, insects, diseases, and vertebrate pests affecting plants. Selection and use of effective biological, cultural, chemical, and mechanical pest control methods. Safe handling and application of pesticides. Prerequisite: AGRN 176. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

374 (Cross-listed with HORT 374) Diseases of Economic Plants. (3) Identification of agricultural plant diseases; biology of common plant pathogens; pathogen-plant interactions; fungicide classification and use; management of plant diseases through chemical, cultural, biological, and mechanical control methods. Not open to students with credit in HORT 374. Prerequisite: AGRN 176 or FOR 200 or HORT 180. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

377 Crop Ecology and Management. (4) Grain and forage crops response to climate and management of soil and water resources. Crop management practices that maximize productivity and minimize environmental impact. Prerequisite: AGRN 176. 4 hrs. lect.

470 Applied Entomology. (3) Life cycles, recognition of economic damage, and integrated control of insects affecting crop and livestock production. Prerequisite: AGRN 176. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

472 Plant Breeding. (3) Traditional plant breeding course covering basic inheritance of qualitative and quantitative traits, tools for dealing with variations in ploidy levels and mutations, germplasm resources, breeding methods for self and cross pollinated species, hybrid production, vegetatively propagated crops, and seed production. Prerequisite: AGRI 376 or BIOL 340. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

476 Crop Biotechnology. (3) Biotechnology methods used for the genetic improvement and production of agronomic and ornamental crops. Government regulations, public concerns, and legal protection of genetically modified crops will be covered. Prerequisite: AGRI 376 or BIOL 340. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

477 Weed Science Competition. (1) Students will prepare for a regional weed science contest by learning to identify weeds and herbicide symptoms, troubleshoot crop problems, calibrate sprayers, and calculate agronomy application problems. Prerequisite: AGRN 176 or 278, or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lab.

479 Weed Science. (3) Identification, biology, and distribution of weeds; weed interference of desirable plant growth; herbicide classification, use, and environmental fate; appropriate application of chemical, cultural, biological, and mechanical weed control methods. Prerequisite: AGRN 373. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

(Soils)

278 Soil Science. (4) Introduction to principles of soil science. Fundamentals of physical, chemical, biological, and agricultural properties of soils. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: AG 904.

378 Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. (3) Fundamental chemicals needed for plant growth. Chemical forms of elements in the soil, reactions of fertilizers in soils, determination of fertilizer needs, soil test methods. Prerequisite: AGRN 278. 3 hrs. lect.

473 Nutrient Management. (3) Properties of plant food materials used in world agriculture, manufacturing methods, marketing systems, government policy, field application, economics of management and use. Prerequisites: AGRN 378 and CHEM 101 or 201. 3 hrs. lect.

478 Properties of Soil. (3) A study of the physical and chemical properties of soil and their relationship to plant growth and land use. Prerequisite: AGRN 278. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

ANIMAL SCIENCE (ANSC)

112 Animal Science. (3) Application of fundamental biological principles as related to the nutrition, reproduction, and management of livestock. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: AG 902.

280 Pre-Veterinary Sciences. (3) Explore the broad field of veterinary medicine, including the role of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants; basic veterinary terminology, diagnostic tools, and veterinary practice. The non-clinical aspects of veterinary medicine will also be explored. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

310 Man and Animal Interaction. (3) Interaction of man with companion, domestic, and wild animals. Consideration of wide ranging societal concerns including food production, companionship benefits, impact of wild animals in urban and rural settings, animal and human disease risks, and animal welfare and rights issues. 3 hrs. lect.

312 Techniques in Livestock Evaluation and Selection. (3) Evaluation and selection of breeding and market animals utilizing new selection tools and techniques and visual appraisal. Prerequisite: ANSC 112. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

314 Animal Breeding. (3) The principles of heredity and their application to the problems 
of animal improvement. Prerequisites: AGRI 376, ANSC 112, BOT 200 or ZOOL 200, and MATH 102 or 123 or STAT 171. 3 hrs. lect.

319 Applied Meat Science. (4) Evaluation, grading, and marketing of meat animals and meat products including swine, beef, lamb, and poultry. Factors affecting meat palatability. Qualifies student for federal, state, and local internships. Prerequisite: at least junior standing. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

322 Applied Livestock Nutrition and Feeding. (4) Composition of feed/nutrients and their functions, formulating/balancing of rations, and the basic chemical and physiological principles of ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition. Consideration of common nutrition problems, feed additives, and growth stimulants. Prerequisites: ANSC 112 and CHEM 100 or higher. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

323 Livestock Management. (3) A study of management practices necessary for efficient and economical livestock production. Not 
open to students specializing in Animal Science. Prerequisite: ANSC 112. 3 hrs. lect.

335 Livestock Merchandising. (3) Methods of livestock promotion and merchandising. Preparation of livestock for sale. Scheduling and management of livestock sales. Prerequisites: ANSC 112 and junior standing. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

413 Livestock Judging. (3) Evaluation, grading, selection, and pricing of market and breeding livestock. Some enrollees will compete in intercollegiate contests. Prerequisite: ANSC 312. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

415 Beef Production and Management. (4) Consideration of commercial cow-calf, purebred, stocker, and finishing beef production systems. Integration of genetics, nutrition, and reproduction. Record keeping and business aspects. Prerequisites: ANSC 314 and 322, or consent of the instructor. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

416 Swine Science. (3) A study of selection principles, nutrition, breeding, reproduction, disease prevention, and management practices applied to swine production. Prerequisites: ANSC 314 and 322, or consent of the instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

419 Sheep Science. (3) Breeds, feeding, and selection as applied to management of the farm flock. Prerequisites: ANSC 314 and 322, or consent of the instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

424 Physiology of Reproduction and Lactation. (3) Principles of physiology and functioning of the endocrine system in relationship to reproduction, infertility, and lactation in farm animals. Prerequisite: ANSC 112 or BOT 200 or ZOOL 200. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

CONSERVATION (CONS)

305 Sustainable Agriculture. (3) An investigation of current and historical efforts to increase agricultural sustainability through government programs, research and technological development, organic agriculture, grassroots activism, and the greening of industry. Prerequisite: AGRN 278 or permission of the instructor.

405 Soil and Water Conservation. (4) The study of the maintenance of a quality environment through the conservation of soil and water resources. 4 hrs. lect.

FORESTRY (FOR)

200 Community Forestry. (3) Introduction to science-based principles and skills used by community forestry industry, including: benefits of trees and forests, tree anatomy and biology, forest ecology, urban forestry, agroforestry, tree ID, chainsaw safety, tree climbing, forestry measurement methods, and invasive species management. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

209 Tree Climbing, Pruning, and Removal. (2) Learn and practice safe climbing techniques used by the community forestry industry; learn about and practice with tree care tools used to safely prune and remove trees; prepare to earn an ISA Certified Arborist and Certified Tree Worker credential. 1 hr. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

308 (Formerly FOR 208) Woody Plant Identification and Dendrology. (4)  Identification, distribution, economic importance, and growing requirements of common native and ornamental deciduous and evergreen trees and woody shrubs for use in urban and rural landscapes and agroforestry. Prepare students for portions of the ISA Certified Arborist exam. Not open to students with credit in HORT 380. Prerequisite: FOR 200 or HORT 180 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 4 hrs. lab.

406 Tree Care Science—Arboriculture. (4) Detailed study of woody plants emphasizing growth and development, planting, pruning, fertilization, maintenance, integrated pest management, plant health diagnostics, and plant care product safety. Prepare students to acquire pesticide applicator license and for portions of the ISA Certified Arborist exam. Prerequisite: FOR 200 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 4 hrs. lab.

407 Community Forest Management. (3) Urban and rural community forest management principles: Conducting Arbor Day program, tree planting, inventories, advocacy, risk assessment, valuation, vegetation management, and utilitarian use of trees. Topics prepare students for portions of the ISA Certified Arborist Exam. Prerequisite: FOR 200 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

HORTICULTURE (HORT)

180 Horticultural Science. (4) Introduction to science-based principles underlying plant production, including: classification and use of food and ornamental plants; plant growth and development in response to environment and management; plant pests and pest protection; plant breeding and genetic improvement. Not open to students with credit in AGRN 176. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: AG 905.

357 (Cross-listed with BOT 357) Cannabis Biology and Production. (3) Lecture/lab/field course on the biology and agricultural use of Cannabis sativa (industrial hemp) including cannabis anatomy, physiology, breeding, propagation methods, management techniques, reintroduction into farming crop rotation, commercial production strategies, post-harvest processing, and product applications. Not open to students with credit in BOT 357. Prerequisite: AGRN 176, BOT 200, or HORT 180; BOT 329 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

374 (Cross-listed with AGRN 374) Diseases of Economic Plants. (3) Identification of agricultural plant diseases; biology of common plant pathogens; pathogen-plant interactions; fungicide classification and use; management of plant diseases through chemical, cultural, biological, and mechanical control methods. Not open to students with credit in AGRN 374. Prerequisite: AGRN 176 or FOR 200 or HORT 180. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

381 Herbaceous Landscape Plants. (3) Identification, adaptability, and evaluation of herbaceous annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, vines, and ground cover plants used in landscape planting. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

384 Sustainable Landscape Construction and Management. (3) Principles and practices of sustainable landscape construction and management including: site grading and drainage, landscape construction bidding, hardscape and water feature installation, plant establishment, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pruning, and urban soil and fertility management. Prerequisite: HORT 180. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

389 Home Horticulture. (3) Principles of plant growth and maintenance as related to the selection and care of landscape plants, lawns, tree fruits, small fruits, flowers, vegetables, and house plants.

393 Greenhouse Management. (3) Principles of greenhouse production of vegetable, ornamental, and medicinal plants; management of greenhouse facilities; plant propagation techniques; appropriate use of soil and soilless media, irrigation, fertilizers, and plant growth regulators; integrated management of pests and diseases. Prerequisite: HORT 180. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

480 Plant Propagation. (3) Principles and practices of sexual and asexual plant propagation. Prerequisite: HORT 180. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

483 Hydroponic Plant Production. (3)  An exploration of hydroponic plant production; the influence of fertilizer, light, substrate, water quality, and environment on the success of crop plants in soilless culture; management tactics to increase crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact of hydroponic plant production. Prerequisite: AGRN 176 or BOT 200 or FOR 200 or HORT 180 or instructor’s permission. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

485 Turf Management. (3) Establishment and maintenance of turf grass for lawns, golf courses, and recreational areas, including athletic fields. Prerequisite: AGRN 176 or HORT 180. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

493 Practicum in Horticultural Science. (1–3, repeatable to 3) Practical experience, preferably in an on-the-job situation, in some aspect of horticulture. Prerequisites: HORT 180 and FOR 308.

INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE (INAG)

310 International Agriculture in Developing Countries. (3) (Multicultural) A study of international agriculture development. Special emphasis given to world hunger and world food needs, use of limited natural resources, population growth, trade policies, and appropriate technology used in developing countries. 3 hrs. lect.

361 International Agriculture Travel Study in the Western Hemisphere. (3, repeatable to 6 with different location) (Multicultural) The study of the history and culture of a region, integrated with agricultural production, processing, development, and trade through classroom instruction and international travel. A maximum of six credits of INAG 361 and INAG 362 can be used toward departmental electives. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor. Arranged.

362 International Agriculture Travel Study in the Eastern Hemisphere. (3, repeatable to 6 with different location) (Multicultural) The study of the history and culture of a region, integrated with agricultural production, processing, development, and trade through classroom instruction and international travel. A maximum of six credits of INAG 361 and INAG 362 can be used toward departmental electives. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor. Arranged.