Undergraduate Catalog 2002 - 2003

Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture

Director: Professor Suman Singha
Office: 211, W.B. Young Building

Courses in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture are not open to baccalaureate students.
 

Agricultural and Resource Economics (SARE)

050. Principles of Agricultural and Resource Economics Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: SAAG 090 or exemption by examination. Taught concurrently with ARE 150.  An introduction to agricultural economics, the role of agriculture in today's United States economic system, and relationships that regulate the entire economic environment.

060. Agribusiness Management Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: SARE 050.  Covers concepts and techniques essential in managing an agribusiness firm. Topics include: finance, production planning, marketing, and personnel management.

098. Special Topics Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.

099. Independent Study Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of instructor required. Students are advised to read the Ratcliffe Hicks School regulation limiting the number of credits which may be applied toward graduation.  An independent study project is mutually arranged between a student and an instructor.

Agriculture (SAAG)

001. Introduction to Computer Use (Formerly offered as SAME 001.) Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period.  Use of computers for solving problems and accessing information. Includes word-processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software.

016. Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics Either semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour laboratory.  Small gas engines, welding and other applications of agricultural equipment in animal science and horticultural operations.

050. Freshman Seminar First semester. One credit.  A course designed to assist students in adjusting to college and improving their academic performance. Freshmen will learn about university resources and facilities, and strategies relating to study skills, problem solving, time management, and setting and achieving academic and personal goals.

090. Applied Mathematics First semester. Three credits. Not open to students who have passed the RHSA math proficiency test.  Practical applications of mathematical principles to problems most likely to be encountered in course work and after graduation. Topics to be included are: Basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, fraction to decimal conversions and simple algebra. The use of graphs in the metric (SI) system will be covered. This course is required for all RHSA students except those who received exemption by exam.

091. Tech Prep Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).  Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Total credits not to exceed 12. Open only to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education Tech Prep program.  Topics and credits are established through pre-approved articulation agreements.

098. Special Topics Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic.

099. Independent Study Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of instructor required. Course may be repeated for credit. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.  An independent study project is mutually arranged between a student and an instructor.

 

Animal Science (SAAS)

004-005. Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals Both semesters. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period.  A study of the anatomy and physiology of the animal body including characteristics that impact animal production systems. The physiology of reproduction and digestion will receive emphasis. Management practices and techniques used to maximize production efficiency will be included.

006. Nutrition and Feeding of Livestock Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period.  This course covers the basic nutrients present in feeds and their breakdown and use by animals. Methods of describing the nutritive value and properties of commonly used feedstuffs are discussed. Nutritive requirements, ration formulations, and feeding problems and practices are covered.

007. Animal Breeding and Genetics Second semester. Three credits. Two-hour class period and 2-hour discussion and practice period.  The principles genetics, chemistry of nucleic acids, replication, transcription, translation and regulation of genes, population and quantitative genetics, and modern molecular genetic approaches as tools for breeding, and improving livestock production.

020. Introduction to Animal Science First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour discussion or laboratory period. Taught concurrently with ANSC 120.  Darre The biological, physical and social factors that influence animal production and utilization.

025. Behavior and Training of Domestic Animals Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Taught concurrently with ANSC 125. Darre Application of behavior of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry to their management, training, and welfare. Basic principles of genetics and physiology of behavior, perception, training, learning, motivation, and stress with consideration of integrated behavioral management and animal welfare.

027. Introduction to Companion Animals Second semester. Three credits. Taught concurrently with ANSC 127.  Basic concepts of the nutrition, physiology, health and management of companion animals.

035. Horse Production Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Dinger This course entails the appraisal, structure, use, and management of light horses.

036. Light Horse Training and Management First semester. Two credits. One class period and one 3-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: SAAS 035. Callahan The course includes instruction in the breaking and training of young horses.

037. Methods of Equitation Instruction Second semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour laboratory or discussion period. Taught concurrently with ANSC 237. Consent of instructor required. Callahan The techniques and procedures of teaching equitation including the theories of riding and teaching methods. Practice teaching will be required under the supervision of the instructor.

038. Management of the Horse Breeding Farm Second semester. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory or discussion periods. Recommended preparation: SAAS 035. Dinger This course is designed to develop technical and managerial skills necessary for operating horse farms. Programs for herd health, hoof care, nutrition, breeding, foaling and record keeping will be included.

040. Animal Products First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 3-hour laboratory period. Faustman An introduction to meat, dairy and poultry products. Issues concerning regulatory standards, nutritive value, safety and quality assessment will be emphasized. Laboratories will emphasize the production and processing of these animal food products. Field trips may be required.

052. Introduction to Poultry Industry Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Darre A practical application of scientific principles in the poultry industry. It will include classification, selection methods, breeding, incubation and chick development, brooding, nutrient requirements, processing and management practices.

064. Management Skills and Practices - Beef Cattle Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit.  Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

065. Management Skills and Practices - Dairy Cattle Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Kazmer Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

066. Management Skills and Practices - Horses Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Bennett Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

067. Management Skills and Practices - Poultry Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Darre Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

068. Management Skills and Practices _ Sheep Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Hoagland Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

069. Management Skills and Practices _ Swine Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit.  Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

070. Livestock Production First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Offered in odd-numbered years. Hoagland Biological and economic aspects of beef, sheep, and swine production. Field trips required.

076. Dairy Herd Management First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Taught concurrently with ANSC 275. Offered in even-numbered years. Kazmer This course is concerned with the biological and economical aspects of commercial milk production, including: milking, sanitation, nutrition, record keeping, and the physiology and anatomy of milk secretion.

077. Applied Dairy Herd Management Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Taught concurrently with ANSC 277S. Offered in odd-numbered years. Kazmer The organization and management of dairy farms with emphasis upon business and economic decision making. Management programs in the areas of nutrition, disease control, waste management, selection, reproduction and milking will be evaluated. Field trips are required.

081. Horse Selection and Evaluation Second semester. Two credits. One 4-hour laboratory or discussion period. Taught concurrently with ANSC 281. Consent of instructor required. Bennett Comparative evaluation, classification and selection of horses according to conformation, breed characteristics and performance. Judging skills including justification of placing through presentation of oral reasons will be developed. Field trips required.

083. Livestock and Carcass Evaluation Second semester. Two credits. Two 2-hour laboratory periods. Taught concurrently with ANSC 283.  Classification, form to function relationships, grades and value differences of livestock are included. Objective and subjective methods of appraisal are used to evaluate beef cattle, sheep and swine.

088. Advanced Animal and Product Evaluation First semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. Taught concurrently with ANSC 288. May be repeated for credit once. Consent of instructor required.  Intensive training in the evaluation of selected species of farm animals or their products. Type standards and the relation of anatomical features to physiological function are emphasized. Evaluation skills including justification of decisions will be developed. Students enrolled in this course will have the option to participate on intercollegiate animal and product evaluation teams. Field trips are required, some of which may occur prior to the start of the semester.

094. Seminar Second semester. One credit. One 2-hour discussion period. Zinn A discussion of current employment opportunities in animal agriculture.  In addition, students will prepare resumes and give oral presentations.

096. Professional Internship Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only for third semester students with consent of instructor and Department Head. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section. Andrew, Darre

098. Special Topics Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks section. Contact Department Main Office for list of current topics and instructors.

099. Independent Study Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of instructor required. Students are advised to read the Ratcliffe Hicks regulation limiting the number of credits which may be applied to the minimum graduation requirements.  An independent study project is mutually arranged between a student and an instructor.

Natural Resources Management and Engineering (SAME)

098. Special Topics Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.

099. Independent Study Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of instructor required. Course may be repeated for credit. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.  An independent study project is mutually arranged between a student and an instructor.

Pathobiology (SAPB)

015. Health and Disease Management of Animals Second semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Bushmich, Khan This course will include a study of the causes of diseases, practical preventive control measures and specific mammalian and poultry diseases.

098. Special Topics Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.

099. Independent Study Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of instructor required. Course may repeated for credit. Students are advised to read the Ratcliffe Hicks School regulation limiting the number of credits which may be applied toward graduation.  An independent study project is mutually arranged between a student and an instructor.

 

Plant Science (SAPL)

003. Introduction to Plant Science First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Allinson A general course designed to give students a broad view of the field of horticulture as well as a working knowledge of the fundamentals of plant growth.

017. Vegetable Production First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Bible A general course dealing with the fundamentals of vegetable gardening and production. Lectures cover modern methods of culture and their influence on food quality. Selected vegetable crops are grown by students.

022. Introduction to Soil Science First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory exercise or field trip. Schulthess Physical and chemical properties of soils; nature and use of fertilizer and lime materials; management of soils for crop production including soil testing, tillage and fertilization practices, and conservation practices.

024. Turfgrass Management First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Taught concurrently with PLSC 124. Guillard An overview of turfgrass adaptation, selection, and management. Topics include turfgrass growth, physiology, soil interactions, weeds and diseases morphology and identification establishment, and maintenance. Cultural system practices for lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and other turf areas.

025. Greenhouse Operations First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Field trips required. Elliott Introduction to greenhouse systems with emphasis on structures, environmental control, root media, irrigation and fertilization, and pest control, in relation to requirements for plant growth and crop production.  Laboratories provide experience in crop production.

026. Greenhouse Crop Production I Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Field trips required.  Prerequisite: SAPL 025 . Taught jointly with PLSC 226. Elliott Environmental and cultural requirements and scheduling of major greenhouse crops, exclusive of edible produce. Emphasis on cut flowers and flowering potted plants and bedding and garden plants produced for spring and eary summer markets.  Laboratories provide experience in crop production.

029. Forage Crops First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Allinson A course on the principles of producing and utilizing pasture, hay and silage crops for forage. Emphasis will be placed on environmental, soil and economic factors in forage production. Details of varietal selection, seeding methods, fertilization, cutting management, pest control, and storage will be discussed for each of the major grass and legume species used in the northeast.

030. Floral Art Either semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour studio period. Taught concurrently with PLSC 230.  The study of flower arrangement as an art form with emphasis on historical background, artistic principles, color harmony, and care of perishable media. Individual expression is encouraged in the creation of floral composition.

031. Herbaceous Ornamental Plants Second semester. Three credits. Taught jointly with PLSC 231.  Identification, nomenclature and culture of over 160 Herbaceous perennials, biennials, annuals and bulbous plants. Live plants and visual presentation are used to highlight plant characteristics and morphology. Lectures include discussions of organic growing, composting, plant morphology, trough and container gardens, and underground storage structure. Field trips to retail and wholesale businesses are a part of this class.

035. Advanced Floral Design Second semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour studio period. Prerequisite SAPL 030. Taught concurrently with PLSC 235.  In-depth study of post-harvest requirements for specialized floral crops. Exposure to novel floral materials and abstract, tribute, high-style, and wedding designs. Retail price structuring, wire services, and mass-production concepts.

041. Plant Pest Control First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period.  A practical survey of practices used for insect, disease and weed pests of turf, flowers, shrubs, trees and food crops. Consideration will be given to quarantine, mechanical, biological and chemical means of control. Field trips may be required.

042. Integrated Pest Management Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: SAPL 041 or consent of instructor. Gauthier An overview of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, from development to implementation, with horticultural crops.

046. Fruit Production Second semester. Three credits.  A practical course in fruit production, including information for home fruit growing. Particular emphasis is directed toward the culture of apples, peaches, pears, blueberries, grapes, raspberries and strawberries.

047. Fruit Production _ Laboratory Second semester. Two credits. Two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: SAPL 046, which may be taken concurrently.  A practical laboratory in the techniques and methods of fruit production and pruning of fruit crops. Emphasis is directed towards apples, peaches, pears, blueberries, grapes and raspberries. Field trips are required.

059. Evaluating and Staging Horticultural Materials First semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. This course may be repeated once for credit.  Organization and staging of horticultural exhibits and contests suitable for fairs, garden clubs, and community projects.

060. Nursery Maintenance First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Corbett A consideration of the culture, care and maintenance of shade trees and nursery stock. Laboratory periods will be devoted to planting, pruning and maintenance of shade trees and nursery material. At least one field trip will be required.

062. Plant Propagation Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. The study of methods used to reproduce agricultural and horticultural crops. Discussion will emphasize sexual and asexual propagation techniques. Field trips are required.

066. Plant Materials, Evergreen Plants Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Corbett Trees, shrubs and vines will be studied. Lectures will be devoted to the characteristics, ornamental value and selection of evergreen plants. Laboratory periods will be devoted to identification.

067. Plant Materials, Non-Evergreen Plants First semester. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: SAPL 066. Corbett Trees, shrubs and vines will be studied. Lectures will be devoted to the characteristics, ornamental value and selection of non-evergreen plants. Laboratory periods will be devoted to identification.

068. Landscape Plant Maintenance Second semester. Three credits. Taught concurrently with PLSC 245. Auer Lectures will emphasize the ecological dynamics of altered landscapes related to the planting and maintenance of established man-made landscapes. The relationship of ecology to plant installation, plant care during the establishment period, and plant care after establishment will be covered. Protection of existing plants during construction and plant-landscape standards will be discussed.

069. Landscape and Planting Design Second semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: SAPL 031, 066, and 067 or consent of instructor. Corbett The principles and techniques of landscaping the home grounds to include site analysis, drawing techniques, selections of materials, and selecting plants to fit the design.

071. Horticultural Retailing First semester. Three credits. Taught concurrently with PLSC 244. Ashley A discussion of the principles of retailing as applied to the sale of horticultural crops. Emphasis is given to planning, customer preference, competition, merchandising, pricing and inventory as they apply to landscaping, flower shop and garden center management.

074. Horticulture Production Practicum - Nursery Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Second semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: SAPL 060. Consent of instructor. Corbett Students will be responsible for planning, producing, and marketing a nursery crop. Students may use private facilities or the Ratcliffe Hicks C.R. Burr Teaching Nursery.

075. Horticulture Production Practicum  - Vegetables Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Second semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: SAPL 017. Consent of instructor. Ashley Students will be responsible for planning, producing, and marketing a vegetable crop on a commercial scale. Requires the availability of private production facilities.

083. Golf Course Management Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Taught jointly with PLSC 283. Rackliffe.  Discussion of the specialized field of golf course management. Topics: cultural techniques including soil aeration, topdressing, mowing, and thatch removal; grass or species selection, fertilization, irrigation, personnel, golf course pest management and equipment and inventory management. Field trips required.

084. Golf Course Design First semester. Two credits. Two class periods. Taught jointly with PLSC 284. Guillard, Miniutti Introduction to golf course design theory, planning, and layout. Putting green and tee construction methods. Turfgrass species and cultivar selection for the golf course. Expertise and experience of departmental faculty and staff, independent and commercial consultants and designers, and golf course superintendents will be utilized. Field trips required.

087. Internship Either semester or summer. One to 6 credits. Hours by arrangement. Open to qualified students with consent of advisor and Department Head. This course may be repeated provided that the sum total of credits does not exceed six.  Students will work with professionals in an area of their interest. Written reports, daily logs, and/or evaluations by professional supervisors may be required.

098. Special Topics Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.

099. Independent Study Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of instructor required. Course may be repeated for credit. Total credits allowed toward graduation requirements are restricted as outlined in Ratcliffe Hicks Section.  An independent study project is mutually arranged between a student and an instructor.