Course Descriptions

AGRI 118 - 4 Credits
Soil Science
Factors affecting soil formation, soil texture, particle size, pore space and their impact on soil air/water relations, and chemical characteristics of soils, including pH, ion exchange, and maintenance of soil fertility.

AGRI 137 - 1 to 3 Credits
Practicum In ____________
Fifty hours per credits of supervised practical experience in one area of concentration. May be repeated in different areas for a maximum of 6 credits. Topics to be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

AGRI 206 - 3 Credits
Farm Machinery
Selection and operation of farm equipment, based on the initial cost and economic performance, including factors governing the site and type of farm machines, their capacity, efficient use, adjustment, and repair.

AGRI 240 - 3 Credits
Fundamentals of Irrigation
Design, installation, drawing, interpretation and maintenance of plastic or metal irrigation systems and control devices for proper sprinkler coverage.

AGRI 270 - 3 Credits
Management of Agriculture Enterprises
An introduction to acquiring and analysis of management information for decision making; an understanding of basic economic principles that impact biological production systems and implementation of the principles for total quality management for increased productivity.

AGRI 308 - 3 Credits
Principles of Weed Control
Control of weeds in horticultural and field crops, utilizing biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical practices.  Class study also involves preparation and testing for pesticide applicator's license.

AGRI 390 - 1 to 4 Credits
Agriculture Study Tour
Agriculture study tours are designed to enhance and broaden the on-campus learning experience by visiting areas of horticultureal and agricultural interest and their impact on the local culture and society. Students will be expected to conduct pre-tour research on a specific topic related to the purpose of the tour and a post-tour analysis and synopsis of the tour experience.

AGRI 395 - 1 to 4 Credits
Internship in _________________
Supervised internship of on-the-job work experience in some field of agriculture under the direction of the employer and evaluated by a departmental faculty member. Students submit a report of their experience and must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work experience for each credit earned.

AGRI 405 - 1 Credit
Research Seminar
Research work in agriculture and related fields; Reports given by students, faculty and visiting lecturers.

AGRI 499 - 1 to 5 Credits
Project in _____________
Individual research in some field of agriculture under the direction of the staff.  Repeatable to 10 credits.

HORT 105 - 5 Credits
Plant Science
Intended to acquaint students with the requirements of plant growth and development. Understanding of these processes is gained by studying topics such as plant cells, tissue, and organ structure; photosynthesis, cellular respiration, plant reproduction, including flowering, fruit development, seed set, the role of hormones, and plant nutrition.

HORT 135 - 4 Credits
Landscape Drafting and Design
Develops proficiency in technical drafting for landscape design including symbols, title blocks, plant legends and plan organization. Principles of design, site analysis, functional diagramming, circulation, spatial planes, design schematics and plant selection are explored.

HORT 150 - 3 Credits
Home Horticulture
An introduction to the horticultural and landscape field for majors and homeowners alike, this class offers basic care of the home and landscape. Landscaping with ornamental trees and shrubs, periennials and annuals or growing fruits and vegetables for the garden are included. Become skilled at pruning and training plants, diagnosing and treating insect and disease problems, fertilizing techniques, and more. Course prepares you for home ownership and teaches life skills for creating a productive and beautiful home environment.

HORT 208 - 3 Credits
Propagation of Horticultural Plants
Intended to acquaint students with the processes of asexual reproduction, especially as it applies to the horticultural industry. Asexual reproduction investigates methods of clonal reproduction utilizing non-flowering plant parts such as cutting, grafting, layering, and micropropagation.

HORT 211 - 2 Credits
Landscape Equipment
Assessment of and exposure to current equipment needed to run a landscape installation and maintenance business. Experience in physical operation of equipment, preventative maintenance and minor repair is practiced.

HORT 212 - 3 Credits
Floriculture Production
Intended to acquaint students with the production and uses of bedding and potted plants. Topics covered include seed physiology and propagation, germination, production and post-production growing techniques, growing media and containers.

HORT 217 - 3 Credits
Turfgrass Management
Principles of turfgrass management for parks, grounds, golf courses and athletic fields. Topics include cool and warm season genera, growth and adaptation criteria, cultural considerations including irrigation, mowing, soil fertility, compaction and drainage; thatch, plant protection (weeds, insects, diseases) establishment and renovation.

HORT 226 - 3 Credits
Woody Plant Identification
Introduction to the identification and recognition of shape, size, color, texture, environmental requirements and landscape value of common deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and vines.

HORT 228 - 3 Credits
Herbaceous Plant Identification
Identification and recognition of shape, size, color, texture, and environmental requirements of the non-woody plants providing color and ground cover in the landscape.

HORT 315 - 4 Credits
Landscape Construction
Course combines weekly hands-on construction processes of installing softscapes and hardscapes with an understanding of the vast array of hardscape materials available in the form of pavements, edgings, fencing, retaining walls, decks, pools, shelters, etc.

HORT 346 - 2 Credits
Landscape Administration and Maintenance
Administration of a landscape business, employment and supervision of employees and record-keeping practices explored. Managing maintenance of hardscapes and softscapes in residential landscapes, parks, golf courses and corporate environments. Focuses on training in pruning, planting, cultivation and pest management.

HORT 350 - 3 Credits
History of Landscape Design
A study of landscape history throughout civilization and its impact upon society and the environment. The origin of landscape architectural styles and their characteristics will be explored. An introspective look at landscape design personalities though the ages and their influence upon the American landscape.

HORT 359 - 3 Credits
Greenhouse Environment and Construction
Controlling the plant environment to enhance plant growth and optimal development though temperature, humidity, light, nutrients, sanitation and carbon dioxide levels. Structures, coverings and mechanical systems used are explored to produce the most cost-effective horticultural crops.

HORT 360 - 3 Credits
Arboriculture
Care of shade and ornamental trees living under environmental stress of urbanization, their legal protection and value. Includes tree anatomy and physiology, soils, nutrition and water relationships, transplanting, disease and insect control, mechanical injury and pruning to develop a healthy tree.

HORT 365 - 3 Credits
Urban Landscape Design
Designing landscapes to meet the environmental challenges and conditions of urban spaces. Circulation patterns for conducting business, aesthetic and functional aspects of design for corporate/institutional, governmental agencies and municipal areas.

HORT 375 - 3 Credits
Landscape Estimating
An introduction to the estimating process for landscape design, construction and maintenance work. Various schedules and forms are used to assign costs of equipment, plants, hardscape materials, labor and overhead. The many variables from project to project are explored and then formulas are applied to arrive at making landscape installations an efficient and profitable business.

HORT 378 - 4 Credits
Integrated Pest/Disease Management
Study of significant diseases and pests of agricultural and horticultural plant materials, including life cycles and influence of environmental conditions; determination of effective control methods for crop, ornamental and turfgrass production.

HORT 429 - 3 Credits
Computer Landscape Design
Principles and practices of computer-aided landscape design, including creating scale perimeter plot plans, using drawing tools, plant/site relationships, and graphic imaging leading to a computer generated landscape drawing. Laboratory emphasizes skill development and proficiency in integrating software and hardware to create CAD - Generated landscape designs. Prior landscape drawing course work is recommended.

HORT 448 - 4 Credits
Advanced Landscape Design and Graphics
Landscape design concepts relating to the more challenging problems of residential design. Field application of grading relating to contours, specification, exploring deck design, planting combinations, and exercises in graphics and rendering for presentations.