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 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 308 - 3 Credits
Principles of Weed Control
Control of weeds in horticultural field crops, utilizing biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical practices. Class study also involves preparation and testing for pesticide applicator's licence.
AGRI 390 - 1 to 4 Credits
Agriculture Study Tour
Agriculture study tours are dsigned to enhance and broaden the on-campus learning experience by visiting areas of horticultural 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 405 - 1 Credit
Research Seminar
Research work in agriculture and related fields; reports given by students, faculty and visiting lecturers.
HORT 105 - 5 Credits
Plant Science
Intended to acquaint student 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 roll 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. Laboratory puts the design process to work in drawing plans for residential design.
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 landscape. Landscaping with ornamental trees and shrubs, perennials 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, fetrilizing 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 micro propagation (tissue culture) recognition.
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 turf grass 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. Focusing on training in pruning, planting and cultivation and pest management.
HORT 350 - 3 Credits
History of Landscape Design
A study of landscape history thoughout 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 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 installation an efficient and profitable business.
HORT 378 - 4 Credits
Integrated Pest / Disease Management
Study of significant diseases and pests of agricultural and horticulture plant materials, including life cycles and influence of environmental conditions; determination of effective control methods for crop, ornamental and turf grass production.
BIOL 165 & 166 - 5 & 4 Credits
Foundations of Biology
Provides a firm foundation for students majoring or minoring in the biological science.
BOT 475 - 4 Credits
Biodiversity of Vascular Plants
A taxonomic and morphological study of vascular plants emphasizing the plants found in the Great Lakes area.
ZOOL 459 - 3-4 Credits
Entomology
Study of the fundamental aspects of insect biology.
CHEM 110 - 4 Credits
Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
An introduction to the principles and applications of inorganic and organic chemistry; for nursing, dietetics, and allied health students. Meets the natural/physical science general education restricted choice requirement.
CHEM 131 - 4 Credits
General Chemistry I
This first course in chemistry is for students planning to major in science or engineering. Topics include stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, bonding, states of matter, solutions, chemical kinetics, and chemical equilibrium.
CHEM 132 - 4 Credits
General Chemistry II
A continuation of CHEM 131 with topics including thermodynamics, acid and base chemistry, descriptive and nuclear chemistry.