School of Agricultural Sciences

AGED 5364. Advanced Problems in Agriculture Education. 3 Hours.

A directed individual investigation of advanced problems in Career and Technology Education.

AGED 5376. Personal Leadership & Organizational Dynamics. 3 Hours.

Students examine methods in delivering instruction in agricultural technology. Principles in managing high school agricultural mechanics laboratories in a safe and efficient manner. Intended for Agriculturally related teacher certification students.

AGED 5388. Secondary Agricultural Education Program Management. 3 Hours.

Students focus on developing and managing the youth leadership aspect of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources programs in public schools. Students examine leadership and career development events, agricultural education record book documentation system, Program of Activity development, financial management, student and chapter awards, community partnerships, program evaluation, and student management during extracurricular activities.

AGED 5393. Methods of Teaching Agricultural Education. 3 Hours.

Students study the professional competencies required for the teaching of agricultural education. Included is the development of curriculum and occupational education programs as well as evaluation of teaching techniques, procedures, and resource materials. Methods of teaching students with disabilities are discussed. Note: Students who have taken AGED 4364 may not take AGED 5393.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

AGED 5394. Agricultural Education Learning Environments. 3 Hours.

Students examine classroom management and discipline approaches appropriate in secondary agricultural education (AGED) classrooms and laboratories. Proactive and preventative measures are discussed to ensure student safety and a successful learning environment. Note: Students who have taken AGED 4394 may not take AGED 5394.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

AGRI 5064. Agricultural Internship. 1-6 Hours.

A directed study utilizing industry to develop an understanding of agricultural production and management principles. Course Equivalents: AGRI 5364 .

AGRI 5096. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

Students engage in arranged, advanced experiential learning and professional activities through the practical application of agricultural skills and knowledge specific to their individual needs and goals. The topic of study is mutually selected and approved by the student and Agricultural Sciences faculty. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval.

AGRI 5300. Advanced Fusing Metals & Non-Metals. 3 Hours.

Students explore principles and techniques of bonding and fusing metallic materials by the electric and oxyacetylene processes. Students study fluxes, chemicals, and oxidants used in joining metal as well as the joining of non-metallic materials by mechanical and chemical means.

AGRI 5310. Mechanized Harvesting & Handling Agricultural Products. 3 Hours.

Students study the fundamentals of selection, service, and operation of agricultural harvesting machines as well as the analysis and development of mechanical systems to feed and care for livestock. In addition, storage and handling facilities for agricultural products are discussed.

AGRI 5330. Advanced Rural Utilities. 3 Hours.

Student study the selection and use of electrical equipment as related to efficiency and economy in agricultural production, processing and storage of feeds, forage crops and grain in connection with livestock enterprises.

AGRI 5337. Behavior and Management of Animals. 3 Hours.

Students examine the behavior of animals and how it is influenced by domestication, genetics, physiology, management, and both physical and social environments. Students will explore how animals perceive and interact with their world, the causes of normal and abnormal behaviors, the basics of learned behaviors, and strategies for improving animal welfare, productivity, and human–animal interactions. Topics include social organization, aggression, sexual behavior, cognition, handling, training, and recent research developments in applied animal behavior consisting of livestock, companion, and exotic animals. Note: Students who have taken ANSC 4337 may not take AGRI 5337.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

AGRI 5340. Advanced Animal Growth & Performance. 3 Hours.

Students study the fundamental principles of animal growth and performance. This course may include the study of meat animal growth and devleopmental processes as they affect animal performance, body and carcass composition, quality, and value. NOTE: Students who have taken ANSC 4310 may not take AGRI 5340.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

AGRI 5341. Contemporary Animal Agriculture Issues. 3 Hours.

Students investigate contemporary issues in animal agriculture and the food/meat industry. Primarily using in-depth discussion and debates, students analyze issues from the standpoint of producers, consumers, processors, and societal forces. This course allows students to explore differing viewpoints on an issue and prepare them to encounter these issues in their professional career.

AGRI 5350. Advanced Principles of Livestock Management. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a survey of current knowledge and concepts of beef production with emphasis on the stocker/feedlot segment. Includes feeding, management, marketing and disease control of stocker and feedlot cattle.

AGRI 5351. Agricultural Biosecurity. 3 Hours.

Students will study agriculture biosecurity, animal diseases and implications to disease outbreaks. Concepts will include production animal management practices and the implementation of safeguards that decrease the spread of infectious diseases. It covers multiple species and diseases that have potential economic and food safety implications to the agriculture industry.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

AGRI 5360. Contemporary Agricultural Business Issues. 3 Hours.

Students analyze and discuss current issues in agricultural business with appropriate principles and applications. Issues may include marketing, management, finance, policy, international, legal, and ethical topics.

AGRI 5361. Agricultural Policy. 3 Hours.

Students engage in an advanced analysis of government policies and programs important to agriculture. Topics may include: the policy making process and leaders, interest groups, organization and functions of federal and state agencies, policies relevant to production agriculture and natural resources, rural development, consumer and food safety, international trade, and food distribution.

AGRI 5362. Principles of Crop Protection. 3 Hours.

Students study the diagnosis, epidemiology, and control of plant pests. Causative and limiting factors are stressed. Designed for prospective or practicing teachers and technicians in the agro-chemical industry or in federal or state plant pest control agencies.

AGRI 5369. Special Topics in Advanced Agriculture. 3 Hours.

Students examine advanced special topics/issues and (or) subject matter in the field of Agricultural Science. The sub-divisional fields offered are: Agriculture, Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Horticulture and Crop Science, and Agricultural Mechanization. This course may be repeated as topics and subject matter change.

AGRI 5370. Food and Fiber Crops. 3 Hours.

Students study traditional plant breeding techniques and an overview of contemporary crop improvement methods. The physiology, adaptation, classification, taxonomy, and utilization of major crop species used for production of food and fiber are covered. Genetic and environmental influences on crop quality are discussed.

AGRI 5371. Agricultural Safety & Health. 3 Hours.

Students explore an advance in-depth examination of hazards and essential safety practices within food, fiber, natural resources, and agricultural industries. Students analyze risk factors, evaluate prevention and control strategies, and apply safety principles to real-world agricultural environments. Hazards examined include machinery and equipment safety, livestock handling, confined and controlled spaces, pesticide use, environmental and occupational hazards, and emergency response considerations relevant to modern agricultural operations. Note: Students who have taken AGRI 4371 may not take AGRI 5371.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

AGRI 5374. Agricultural Statistics. 3 Hours.

This course explores applications of statistical methods for making interpretations of qualitative and quantitative data in agricultural research. Topics include sampling and randomization, correlation and regression, methods of inference for means and proportions, and design of experiments. Course Equivalent: STAT 5375.

AGRI 5379. Advanced Equine Nutrition. 3 Hours.

Students engage in an advanced evaluation of the equine digestive system. Topics include but are not limited to equine gastrointestinal anatomy, digestion, absorption, and utilization of major classes of nutrients, requirements for various classes of horses, feedstuffs, managment, health care, and current and historical nutrition research. Note: Students who have taken EQSC 4379 may not take AGRI 5379.

AGRI 5386. Capital Management in Agricultural Business. 3 Hours.

Students explore capital markets, capital budgeting, financial planning, and inventory management principles important in the field of agribusiness.

AGRI 5394. Applied Horticultural Science. 3 Hours.

Students explore the identification, selection, and use of plants to improve the human environment as well as evaluate problems and create solutions to environments where plants and human interact. In addition, students focus on the soil-water-plant relationship of ornamental plants.

AGRI 5397. Animal Diseases & Public Health. 3 Hours.

Students will study zoonotic diseases, including modes of transmission, and methods of control and prevention to protect human and animal health. Students will explore infectious agents and the clinical signs they cause in both humans and animals. The course will focus on diseases of public health significance, strategies for identification, surveillance, and control and the importance of health professionals in preventing zoonoses.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

AGRI 5398. Economics Of Agricultural Production. 3 Hours.

Students apply agricultural production principles to optimize the use of resources and conduct financial analyses of farms and ranches including depreciation schedules and capital budgeting. Students also use linear programming for profit maximization of farms and ranches.

AGRI 6099. Thesis. 1-3 Hours.

In addition to the preliminary study of the techniques of research, this course involves completion of a bibliography, organization of material, selection of a suitable problem, a digest of related literature, selection of appropriate procedures, formulation of a plan of investigating and reporting, collection and organization of data, and the writing of the thesis. Variable Credit (3 hrs first semester; 1 hour subsequent semesters). Grade is either Credit or No Credit. Course Equivalents: AGRI 6399 .

AGRI 6140. Graduate Seminar. 1 Hour.

This course is designed to provide students a forum for presentation of their graduate project and to provide an opportunity for faculty to present seminars relative to contemporary issues in agriculture. The project is an agreement between student and his/her committee. Course cannot be repeated. Grade is either Credit or No Credit.
Prerequisite: AGRI 5375 or STAT 5360.

AGRI 6350. Techniques & Interpretation of Agricultural Research. 3 Hours.

A course designed to develop the competencies needed to interpret and utilize agricultural research. Topics will include: the philosophy of the scientific method, formats for agricultural research data, interpretation of data, and application of information to specific situations.
Prerequisite: STAT 5360.

AGRI 6398. Thesis. 3 Hours.

Students design and complete a proposal for a master’s thesis with structured guidance and mentorship. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students identify a research problem relevant to agricultural science, conduct a comprehensive review of the literature, and develop a research proposal that addresses the problem and advances knowledge within the discipline. Grade is either Credit or No Credit.

SAFE 5311. Advanced Agriculture & Food Entrepreneurship. 3 Hours.

Students examine the initiation of new ventures and growth of existing firms in sustainable agriculture and food production through opportunity recognition, innovation, and change. Students will develop effective entrepreneurial skills and behaviors, and gain familiarity with key startup issues such as business idea development, legal structures, franchising, e-commerce, marketing strategies, location selection, financing, and financial projections. Students will study and develop a structured business plan.

SAFE 5312. Agriculture Sales and Communication. 3 Hours.

Students apply economic, marketing, sales, and communication principles to small-scale, intensive agriculture, including organics and natural products. Topics may include agricultural sales, including personal selling, relationship-building, communication styles, product solutions, buyer behavior, consultative presentations, and sales force management.

SAFE 5313. Agritourism. 3 Hours.

Students explore the variety and depth of agritourism/ecotourism practiced globally, and cover aspects of the economics and organization of agritourism. Topics may include agricultural economics, rural development, marketing, rural policy, products and services, and characteristics of agritourists.

SAFE 5331. Sustainable Energy & Resources. 3 Hours.

This course will focus on determining energy requirements of various sustainable agricultural operations. Available energy sources will be examined as alternatives for traditional sources provided by fossil fuel. Innovative and emerging on-site production technologies for environmentally sensitive energy will be investigated.

SAFE 5341. Diversified Horticulture. 3 Hours.

Students analyze sustainable production of horticultural crops and create solutions to a diverse range of horticultural crop production techniques. Topics may include sustainable crop management, organic production, genetically modified crops, marketing of fresh produce, and hydroponics production.
Prerequisite: PLSC 3440 or SAFE 5391.

SAFE 5351. Agricultural Advocacy. 3 Hours.

This course will examine common issues facing agriculturists in relation to the production of a safe and abundant food supply. A primary focus will include small-scale and direct-marketing producers and the challenges they frequently encounter from industry opponents. Positive and factual promotional strategies will be explored. Social issues, political influences, and topics such as food safety and ethics, biotechnology, genetically modified organisms, and animal welfare will be addressed.

SAFE 5371. Alternative Agriculture Enterprises. 3 Hours.

This course will evaluate various alternative agricultural enterprises available to producers, including an examination of the resources necessary to establish a successful production enterprise. Alternative enterprises to be discussed include forage crops, grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, horticultural and forestry products, animals, and enterprises that promote education, recreation, and tourism. On-farm processing of products and methods of adding value to products before they leave the farm will also be explored.

SAFE 5372. Diversified Animal Production. 3 Hours.

This course examines various animal production systems in relation to alternative animal agriculture and integrated ranch and farm management strategies. Various livestock production and management strategies for small land-owners and urban food production will be studied. Livestock species and breed choices for sustainable production regimens and organic food systems will be explored.

SAFE 5373. Food Safety and Regulation. 3 Hours.

This course examines fundamental principles of microbiology as they relate to food safety and product development. Intervention methods to restrict microbiological growth from harvest to plate, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), are evaluated. In addition, state, federal, and international policies, and laws as they relate to the regulation of food production methods, product development, labeling, and product sales for organic, all natural, value-added, and other alternative food production methods are studied.

SAFE 5391. Soil Ecology. 3 Hours.

This course examines living organisms in the soil and their influences on each other, plant health, nutrient cycling, soil organic matter, and other important soil properties. The role of soil biodiversity and its importance in agricultural systems will be addressed along with strategies for enhancing soil productivity under human management activities.