Department of Agricultural Sciences

AG 1110. Careers in Agriculture.

This course is an introduction to careers available in the broad field of agriculture including an overview of personal and career qualifications needed for workplace success.

AG 1445. Basic Animal Science.

An introductory course designed to acquaint students with the importance of the livestock industry. A study of the types and breeds; market classes and grades of beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry; attention will be given to breeding, judging, care, and management.

AG 2275. Agricultural Safety.

This course covers the fundamentals of hazards, methods of injury prevention, safety education, regulations and advancing safety and health in the agriculture industry. This course will identify potential industrial hazards and means to mitigate these hazards and develop a culture of safety within an organization.

AG 2313. Agronomic Crops.

A study of the production, harvest practices, storage, and use of cereal and feed grains, fiber crops, forages, and other related crops requiring special technology.

AG 2318. Anatomy and Physiology of Livestock and Poultry.

This course provides a fundamental knowledge of major anatomical and physiological features of the skeletal, muscular, endocrine, cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory, and nervous systems of various livestock species. Gross and microanatomy of livestock and poultry will also be covered. Prerequisite: AG 1445 with a grade of a "D" or better.

AG 2345. Horse Management.

A course designed as a broad but thorough coverage of most areas of horse husbandry and production, including anatomy, physiology, breeding, feeding, training, and health care. Laboratory sessions are designed to acquaint the student with modern methods of breeding, training, and care of the horse.

AG 2373. Introduction to Agricultural Engineering.

An introductory course designed to acquaint students with a wide range of concepts, principles and applied technologies in agricultural engineering. A problem solving course.

AG 2374. Metal Fabrication and Welding Technology for Agriculture.

This course covers the principles and practices of applied metallurgy and welding. Emphasis is given to the management of the technologies and techniques associated with oxy-fuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC). Prerequisite: AG 2373 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 2379. General Horticulture.

A survey of the general field of horticulture including general areas of employment.

AG 2383. Introduction to Agricultural Economics.

The role of agriculture in the general economy; the study of basic economic concepts with their application to the agricultural firm; the structure and operation of the marketing system; the functional and institutional aspects of agricultural finance; international trade; and government farm programs.

AG 2390. Computer Applications in Agriculture.

Introduction to computers and computer technology; operation and application of the computer in production agriculture and agricultural business, services and industries. Includes characteristics of computer hardware and software, accessing and using the computer in agriculture.

AG 2391. Livestock Behavior and Welfare.

This course provides foundational knowledge on how livestock behave. It also provides the knowledge of how to handle livestock humanely. Livestock stress and physiological response to human interaction will also be discussed. Prerequisite: AG 1445 and [BIO 1330 and BIO 1130] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3300. Undergraduate Research in Agricultural Sciences.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of scientific inquiry in agriculture. Topics include quantitative and qualitative research methods, data management, data analysis, data interpretation, and data dissemination, with emphasis on their applications in agriculture. Prerequisite: A minimum 3.0 Overall GPA.

AG 3301. Principles of Livestock Genetics.

This course focuses on the fundamental principles of genetics and their application to animals. The physical basis of Mendelian inheritance, expression and interaction of genes, gene frequency, linkage, sex linkage, inbreeding, line breeding, and crossbreeding as applied to selection indices for livestock are examined. (WI) Prerequisites: AG 1445 and BIO 1130 and BIO 1330 all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3302. Herbaceous Plant Materials.

This course will include the identification, selection, use, and management of annuals, perennials, herbs, and ornamental grasses in the landscape. Each student will learn irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and other cultural needs of such plants. The laboratory will complement lecture.

AG 3304. Propagation of Horticultural Plants.

Principles and practices of propagating ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruits by sexual and asexual methods including germination of seed, layerage, graftage, division, cuttage, bulbs, corms, and other vegetative plant structures. Study of physical, physiological and environmental factors affecting propagation of ornamental plants.

AG 3305. Woody Plant Materials for Outdoor Landscapes.

Study of woody plant material including fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and ground covers and their identification, nomenclature, and use in the planting and development of home landscapes.

AG 3306. Flowers and Plants for Interior Design.

Study of flowers, cut flowers, foliage and blooming pot plants to enhance the interior design of homes and businesses including their identification, cultural requirements, uses, diagnoses and corrective measures of disorders. Basic principles of flower arrangement and the preparation of floral and plant decoration as used in interior design. (WI).

AG 3308. Organic Gardening.

This course introduces the principles and practices of basic gardening using organic methods. Topics include an overview of soil preparation, warm and cool season crops, propagation of plants, and weed, insect, and disease identification and management.

AG 3310. Agriculture Power and Machinery Technology.

This course covers the principles of 2 stroke and 4-stroke cycle engines, ignition, and combustion types including injection systems. Components including power and power transmissions and hydraulic systems will also be addressed. Prerequisites: AG 2373 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] both with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3314. Animal Health and Disease Control.

This course is designed to introduce immunology and provide a basic understanding of veterinary principles as applied to prevention and treatment of domestic livestock diseases. Common diseases of livestock are considered, with emphasis on immune function, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Prerequisite: AG 1445 and AG 2318 and BIO 1330 and BIO 1130 all with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 3317. Farm Management.

Tools and techniques which are basic to the study of farm organization and decision making, the wise allocation of factors of production, the keeping of records, and income tax management. Prerequisites: AG 2383 and AG 2390 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3318. Agricultural Business Management.

This course introduces institutions and functions of agribusiness. The institutional structure of agribusiness such as feed, farm machinery and equipment, farm chemicals, financial institutions and private and public agri-services will be delineated. Various agribusiness functions such as organizational behavior and financial, market and human resource management will be discussed. Prerequisite: AG 2383 and AG 2390 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3319. International Food and Fiber Systems.

This course presents the food and fiber system from an international perspective. Analysis of food production and consumption patterns under different world economic systems, causes of surpluses and shortages throughout the world; the role of trade in solving food and agricultural problems. Global outlook and situation for food and fiber. (MULT).

AG 3321. Range Management.

Practical problems met in managing native pastures and rangelands. Attention to determining range condition and proper stocking rates, methods of handling livestock on the range, range reseeding, brush control, and poisonous plants. The ecological and physiological response of range vegetation to grazing. Prerequisite: AG 1445 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 3325. Animal Nutrition.

Principles of animal nutrition with emphasis on digestion, absorption, metabolism, and function of nutrients; estimation of feedstuff nutritive value; and requirements of animals. (WI) Prerequisite: AG 1445 and BIO 1130 and BIO 1330 and CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341 all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3329. Economic Entomology.

A study of the most common insects of field crops, fruits, and vegetables; life history, methods of attack, damage, and means of preventing and controlling. Collection and mounts of insects will be made.

AG 3330. Applied Wildlife Nutrition.

Basic and fundamental principles of nutrition for ruminant and non-ruminant wildlife with emphasis in North American and African wildlife. Attention will be given to digestive physiology and anatomy, feed sources, forage resources, and nutrient requirements. Prerequisite: AG 1445 or [BIO 1130 and BIO 1330] any with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 3331. Reproduction in Farm Animals.

An examination of the anatomy and physiology of reproductive systems of livestock of economic importance. Attention is given to reproductive failure and disease. The laboratory includes pregnancy testing, semen collection and evaluation, artificial insemination techniques, and evaluation of breeding records. Prerequisites: AG 1445 and AG 2318 and [AG 3301 or BIO 2450] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3341. Leadership Development in Agricultural Sciences.

This course focuses on the foundations of leadership concepts and theories useful in agricultural careers of science, government agency, non-profits and business. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual leadership skills, group situations, and strategies necessary for effective leadership.”.

AG 3345. Livestock Selection and Evaluation.

Detailed consideration of the factors involved in the selection and evaluation of beef cattle, sheep, swine, rabbits, goats, and chickens. Emphasis will be placed on the care, grooming and exhibition of livestock projects. (Junior and Senior standing only) Prerequisite: AG 1445 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 3350. Intermediate Microeconomics and Agricultural Application.

This course focuses on intermediate-level microeconomics and its application in agriculture. The course covers topics such as consumer and producer theories, game theory, labor and capital markets, uncertainty, externalities, and public goods. Prerequisite: AG 2383 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] both with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3351. Agricultural Marketing and Sales.

A study of the food marketing system and farm input sales; includes the functional systems approach that integrates the agricultural input industries into a discussion of food marketing; takes a micro approach to the development of marketing management skills needed in agribusiness; and provides a critical outlook on issues ranging from inputs to final food products. (WI) Prerequisite: AG 2383 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] both with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3352. Quantitative Methods in Agricultural Economics.

Principles involved in collection, tabulating and analyzing agricultural data. Topics include sampling procedures, questionnaire development, descriptive analysis of data, correlation, prediction and forecasting and tests of significance. Simple computer programs will be stressed for class exercises during the course. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 3353. Agricultural Structures and Environment.

Principles and practices associated with structural components, selection, materials of construction, heat and moisture control, and the environmental issues of waste management systems; a problem solving course. Prerequisites: AG 2373 and AG 2390 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3355. International Agricultural Trade.

This course focuses on economic forces associated with trade in food and agricultural products between the United States and other countries. The course covers gains from trade, agricultural trade policies (of exporters and importers), exchange rates, and multilateral trade negotiations. The course also explains how economic principles and analytical techniques are applied to international trade and multi-national markets of agricultural products. Prerequisite: AG 2383 and ECO 2315 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] all with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 3367. Livestock Ultrasonography.

This course provides students with the current developments and utilization of ultrasound technology in the livestock industry. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the functionality of an ultrasound machine and the use of ultrasonography in live animal carcass evaluation as well as reproductive techniques including pregnancy determination, fetal sexing, and fetal aging. Prerequisite: AG 1445 and AG 2318 both with grade of "C" or better.

AG 3375. Management of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment.

This course addresses the optimization of the equipment phases of agricultural production and processing. Emphasis will be placed on management and decision making principles concerned with the efficient selection, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of machinery and equipment. Prerequisites: AG 2373 and AG 2390 and CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3381. Beef Cattle Production.

This course provides students with practical application in the principles of breeding, feeding, and management of commercial and purebred cattle. Students receive first-hand experience and knowledge of breeding techniques, animal handling, genetic selection, nutrition application, marketing, and technology. Prerequisite: AG 3325 with a grade of "C" or better.

AG 3426. Soil Science I.

This course introduces fundamental principles of soil science to acquaint the student with some physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Prerequisites: CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341 and [AG 2313 or AG 2379 or BIO 1330] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 3427. Soil Science II.

Management of soils as pertaining to their place in the environment. Special emphasis will be given to the role of soil in conventional agricultural systems, natural resource systems, waste management systems, and reclaimed and artificial soil systems. (WI) Prerequisite: AG 3426 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4113. Summer Programs in Agricultural Education.

This course provides students field experience in summer agricultural education programming in secondary school settings. Students will receive individualized instruction during supervised visits while they are engaged in their field experience. The course includes program planning and educating diverse student learning populations. Prerequisite: AG 4212 with a grade of "C" or better.

AG 4185. Independent Study.

This course provides advanced undergraduates with opportunities to study any subject matter of special interest in agricultural Sciences. May be repeated two times. (WI) Prerequisite: Dpeartment approval and a minimum 3.0 Texas State GPA.

AG 4212. Program Building.

This course focuses on program and curriculum development in agricultural education settings. Primary course elements will include determining program and curriculum goals and objectives, implementing the program, and curriculum evaluation. Corequisite: AG 4343 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4300. Greenhouse and Nursery Management.

Planning greenhouses for commercial and home use; plant-nursery layouts. Study of the physical and economic factors affecting the production of plants in the greenhouse and other forcing structures, and in the field; management techniques used in the production and marketing of greenhouse and nursery plants. (WI).

AG 4302. Fruit and Vegetable Crop Production.

Factors influencing small-fruit and tree-fruit and vegetable crop production in the field including root stocks, varieties, soil, planting, transplanting, irrigating, fertilizing, pruning, insects, diseases, nematodes, weeds, chemicals, harvesting, storing, and marketing; greenhouse production of certain vegetables. (WI) Prerequisite: AG 2313 or AG 2379 either with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4304. Landscape Management.

To acquaint students with the practices and techniques used in professional landscape construction and management, and with the scientific and technical basis for such practices.

AG 4305. Landscape Design.

Landscaping combines elements of art and science to create functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. This class helps students develop knowledge of design elements and principles. Students learn site and client analysis techniques for critiquing landscapes. Students learn to communicate ideas through the planning and drawing of landscape plans.

AG 4307. Professional Development in Agriculture.

This course requires students to select a topic of current interest appropriate to the major. Critical analysis of the situation including both positive and negative aspects will be encouraged. Findings will be presented in both oral and written form. (Capstone Course).

AG 4310. Agricultural Internship.

This course integrates professional and academic experience through internship with an external employer. The internship is designed to provide actual work experience, observation and analysis in the student’s chosen career field. Prerequisite: Minimum 3.0 Overall GPA.

AG 4311. Instructional Methods for Career and Technology Educators.

An analysis of the instructional techniques, strategies and methods appropriate to the effective teaching of career and technology subjects. Teaching special populations and teaching in multicultural environments will be addressed. To be taken the Fall semester before student teaching.

AG 4325. Feeds and Feeding.

Study of feedstuffs used in livestock enterprises. Application of basic nutrients to the needs of different species of livestock. Formulating rations, methods of feeding, feed control laws, and feeding investigation. Prerequisites: AG 3325 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4326. Advanced Animal Science-Ruminants.

The application of scientific and technological advances to production and management in ruminant animal production and management. Prerequisite: AG 1445 and AG 2318 both with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4328. Advanced Animal Science-NonRuminants.

Application of basic principles in the production and management of nonruminant animals. Scientific and technological advances with emphasis on overall management, health care, nutrition, genetics, physiology, and marketing of nonruminant animals. Prerequisite: AG 1445 and AG 2318 both with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4330. Food Technology: Processing Meats.

Evaluation and grading of carcasses; wholesale and retail cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. Emphasis on quality controls, testing of finished products that have been frozen, cured, fried, pickled, and canned. Prerequisites: AG 1445 and BIO 1130 and BIO 1330 and CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341 all with grades of "D" or better or instructor approval.

AG 4331. Disaster Preparedness and Management in Agriculture.

This course provides an investigation of past disaster events that have impacted the global and domestic food and agriculture supply. This course also provides the information needed to develop and execute an action response plan for disasters affecting agricultural operations. Both preparation and mitigation of the disaster will be covered. Prerequisite: AG 3341 with a grade of "C" or better.

AG 4343. Organization and Management for Laboratory Programs.

This course examines instructional programs involving laboratory equipment and facilities. Curriculum, teaching methods, equipment and facility management practices including various aspects of safety, tool management, inventory and security are emphasized along with facilities layout planning. Must be taken in last semester of program. Corequisite: AG 4212 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4355. Precision Applications in Land Management.

This course focuses on engineering practices used in surveying including differential profile leveling and construction surveys. Topics include the use of dumpy levels, transits, total stations, and Global Positioning Systems. This course introduces students to the fundamental components of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), sensors and platforms, UAS operational concepts, the principles of UAS data collection, the legal framework within which UAS should be operated and applied, and data processing software in agricultural settings. Prerequisite: [MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319] and AG 2373 and AG 2390 all with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4361. Agriculture Electric and Mechanical Systems.

Electrical fundamentals applied to agricultural production and processing. Circuits, power, energy, wiring design, and motor fundamentals; selection, installation and operational characteristics. Sensors and control devices including switches, relays, timers, and circuit breakers will be studied. Prerequisite: AG 2373 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4371T. International Horticulture.

The purpose of this program is to introduce students to the English culture and way of life, as well as England's historic role in Horticulture, past and present. Students will intensely study from the following four horticultural fields: Ornamental Horticulture, Landscape Design, Vegetables/Fruit Crops, and Vineyards and Hops. The program includes basic instruction in English history, as well as lectures and field trips.

AG 4371V. Green Revolution & Agricultural Development in Asia.

This course will provide a detailed retrospective of the Green Revolution in Asia, its achievement and limits in terms of agricultural productivity improvement, and its broader impact at social, environmental, and economic levels.

AG 4371X. Data Analysis and its Application in Agriculture.

This course is an introduction to data science that analyze big data with emphasis on its application in agriculture. Students will learn 1) how to analyze big data and make data-driven predictions through probabilistic modeling and statistical inference, 2) how to identify and utilize appropriate statistical and econometric methodologies to extract meaningful information for decision making in agriculture, and 3) how to use software such as Excel and R to implement statistical and econometric analysis and present results. Prerequisite: AG 2390 and AG 3352 both with grades of "D" or better.

AG 4371Y. Field Experiences in Regenerative Agriculture.

This course focuses on experiential field-based activities and technologies in regenerative agriculture that improve the health and functioning of an ecosystem. Students will gain experience with metrics to assess agroecological health as well as methods, tools and technologies to improve soil biophysical qualities, biodiversity, water and nutrient cycling, and energy balance. Creating resilience to climate change, developing circular economies, and increasing farm profitability are explored. In a field setting, regenerative agriculture techniques with respect to crop production are practiced. Prerequisite: [AG 2313 or AG 2379] and AG 3426 both with grades of "C" or better.

AG 4379. Agriculture Irrigation Technology.

This course teaches the principles associated with water management practices in maintaining soil productivity and the influence of water management on environmental quality. Emphasis will be placed on the selection and layout of irrigation and drainage systems, waste management systems, and the impact on the environment. Prerequisite: AG 2373 with a grade of "D" or better.

AG 4380. Agricultural Finance.

This course introduces finance and financial problems faced by agribusiness managers. The subject matter includes financial analysis, planning, and control; capital budgeting; capital structure, liquidity, and risk management; and financial markets. Prerequisite: ACC 2361 and AG 2383 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 4381. Agricultural Policy.

Identification and analysis of governmental programs and policies affecting the production and marketing of agricultural products. An economic evaluation of alternative policies and their application for farmers, consumers and agribusinesses will be considered. (WI) Prerequisite: AG 2383 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] both with grades of "D" or better.

AG 4382. Agricultural Price Analysis.

This course focuses on the forces that influence agricultural price movements and behavior, including consumer and producer theory, and market demand and supply with their associated determinants. The course also covers commodity futures and their use by agribusiness firms to reduce price risk. An explanation of simple and multiple regression is introduced to help the student understand empirical estimation of commodity demand and supply relationships, and reduced-form, price-dependent equations that offer insight into price-making forces. Price determination under alternative market structures is also reviewed and expanded. (WI) Prerequisite: AG 3350 and AG 3352 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 4383. Agricultural Resource Economics.

This course introduces economic concepts and institutional factors relating to the use of agricultural resources such as land, air, water, energy, space, etc. Emphasis is on the conservation of resources and the environmental interactions resulting from the use of natural resources for agricultural production. (WI) Prerequisite: AG 2383 and [MATH 1315 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] both with grades of "D" or better.

AG 4390. Global Agriculture.

This study abroad course focuses on global agricultural industries and markets, including analysis of production, marketing and trade. The course examines the shape of international agriculture; how culture, history and geography in foreign countries affect the production and management of agricultural products; agricultural policy formation; countries' natural resources and competitive strategies. Course may be repeated when topic varies.

AG 4401. Genetics and Breeding for Crop Selection.

This course covers traditional breeding and selection in crops with an emphasis on genetics. The course includes topics on phenology, phenotype, genotype, heritability and epigenetics. The course includes a lab. Prerequisites: AG 1445 and [AG 2313 or AG 2379] and BIO 1130 and BIO 1330 and CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341 all with grades of "D" or better.

AG 4681. Student Teaching in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources 6-12.

Students will apply knowledge and skills learned during the teacher preparation program while engaging in clinical practice with experienced Agriculture mentor teachers in school settings with university instruction and supervision. This culmination experience is required for Texas teacher certification. Prerequisite: Minimum 2.75 Overall GPA and instructor approval.