Undergraduate Degree Level Course Descriptions
PLSC 1000 Farm Woodlot Management (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course will focus on the importance of privately owned woodlands to the landowner, the forest industry, and the agricultural sector. It will examine forest ecology, tree identification, forest measurement, aerial photo interpretation, and forest management practices including silviculture. The course will review Christmas tree and maple syrup production. The role of appropriate equipment and machinery in the woods will also be discussed. A field lab will be held weekly. Steeltoed boots and hard hats are required.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PLSC 1001 Introduction to Plant Science (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Using an integrated systems approach, students are introduced to the principles and practices involved in production of crop plants. The key topics include plant structure and function, growth and development, factors influencing responses to the environment and crop production technologies.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
EXCLUSIONS: PLSC 0100.03
PLSC 2000 Specialty Crops (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course will examine opportunities for specialty crop production, using an entrepreneurial approach. A core group of specialty crops will be examined. Production requirements, production and marketing potential, end use, and value adding will be studied. Students will have optional crop choices to reflect individual interest. A major project is required.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PLSC 2001 Plant Propagation Techniques (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course will introduce students to the general principles and practices of plant propagation utilized in modern horticultural and agronomic plant industries. Propagation techniques and practical skills are emphasized and will be practiced and applied to a wide variety of crops. Control factors in propagation environment, facilities and stock plant maintenance will be studied. Seed germination, production, testing as well as vegetative propagation by cuttings, grafting and micro propagation methods are major components.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: Lecture and Lab
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
EXCLUSIONS: PLSC 3000.03, PLSC 0200.02
PLSC 4000 Plant Breeding (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
An introduction to the principles and practices of plant breeding, including the genetics of agriculturally important traits, germplasm conservation, breeding bio-technology, and the structure of the Canadian seed industry.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: Offered in alternate years
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
GENE 2000,
STAA 2000, one crop production subject
PLSC 4002 Plant Ecophysiology (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course is designed to stimulate interest, critical thinking, and investigative processes for the understanding of growth, development, distribution, acclimation, and adaptation of crop plants that are influenced by their physiological ecology; the interaction with the climatological, physical, chemical, and biological environments; and the ecophysiological responses that are modulated by input and crop management factors. This course will also enhance knowledge of crop stress diagnostics, physiological mechanisms of acclimation, and adaptation to various challenging abiotic and biotic stress factors. Agricultural practices and agroecosystem management will be related to the economic and environmental responsibilities. This course will use several “Participatory Learning” techniques.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
BIOA 2002, one crop production course
PLSC 4003 Problem Solving in Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The objective of this course is to review and integrate material from prerequisite courses in crop production, environment, business, soils, climate, and basic sciences into a comprehensive understanding of crop management systems and their interconnectedness with the environment as well as food systems. Students will work with each other and the instructor to develop group and individual study plans and learning contracts to address individual needs to fill gaps in knowledge and skills in Plant Science. Activities and assignments will be tailored to the needs of the group and the individuals.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: Lecture and Discussion
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: Must have taken AGRI1000 and at least one course from the following list at the 2000 level or above: PLSC (any), HORT (any), BIOA: 2002, 2004, 3002, 2005