Undergraduate Catalog 2005 - 2006

Plant Science (PLSC)

Head of Department: Professor Mary E. Musgrave
Department Office: Room 119, W.B. Young Building
For major requirements, see the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this Catalog.
 
Agronomy
124. Turfgrass Management

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Not open to students who have passed PLSC 289. 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.

125. Insects, Food and Culture

First semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Legrand

Introduction to the fascinating world of insects and their ubiquitous interactions with people. Role of insects in food and fiber production; insects as food; impact of insects on on human health, commerce and history; and insects as inspiration sources for art, music, film and literature around the world. CA 4-INT.

150. Agricultural Technology and Society

Second semester, alternate years (odd). Three credits. 

Development of agricultural systems and technologies and their influence on societies. Topics include plant and animal domestication, food and industrial crops and centers of production, environmental issues, and agricultural ethics. CA 3.

205. Soil Morphology, Genesis, and Taxonomy

First semester, alternate years (even). Four credits. Two class periods, one 4-hour field laboratory session. Prerequisite: PLSC 250, GEOL 102 or GEOL 101. Not open for credit to students that have passed PLSC 207 and 208. Students that have passed either PLSC 207 or PLSC 208, but not both, will be allowed to take an appropriately modified version of the course for two credits.

Students will be expected to master the nomenclature and techniques required to describe and characterize soils as natural bodies occurring on geomorphic surfaces. Theories of soil genesis and major systems of soil taxonomy will be rigorously examined, both in theory and in practice. Field trips are required.

219. Principles of Turfgrass Irrigation Systems

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Taught jointly with SAPL 019. Not open to graduate students. Rackliffe

Turfgrass irrigation systems, principles of hydraulics, irrigation components, design, installation and repair. Students will design irrigation systems for various turf areas. Field trips and fieldwork will be required.

220. Professional Development for Turfgrass Industries

Second semester. Two credits. Two hour class periods. Taught jointly with SAPL 020. Not open for credit to graduate students. Rackliffe

Topics include human resource information, communication skills, turfgrass pesticide laws and compliance, labor laws and compliance, bid specifications, resume writing, interviewing, golf course management structures, business ethics, and benefits of professional association membership. Guest lecturers include industry professionals and representatives.

223. Turfgrass Pests and Control

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Taught jointly with SAPL 023. Not open to graduate students. Rackliffe

Turfgrass weed, insect, disease and vertebrate identification and control. Emphasis on biological controls and IPM. Field trips required.

224. Turfgrass Physiology and Ecology

Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: PLSC 124 or PLSC 289. Guillard

Turfgrass physiology related to growth and development. Response to temperature, light, water, traffic, and wind. Turfgrass community dynamics, competition, and environmental effects of turfgrass culture.

224W. Turfgrass Physiology and Ecology

Prerequisite: PLSC 124 or 289; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Guillard

250. Soils

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, 127 or 129. Open to sophomores or higher. Schulthess

Introduction to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils: the relationship between soils and the growth of higher plants.

253. Soils, Environmental Quality, and Land Use

Second semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Three class periods plus required field trips. Prerequisite: PLSC 250. Not open for credit to students that have passed PLSC 209.

Principles and procedures for using soils information in solving environmental and land use problems. The functions of soils in natural ecosystems and in the hydrologic cycle will be included.

254. Forage Crops

First semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. 

Production, utilization, and storage of species used as forages and their relationship to the ruminant animal.

257. Ecology and Control of Weeds

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 110. Guillard

Weed origin and classification. Losses caused by weeds. Weed competition. Weed seed production, dormancy and germination. Cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control methods. Weed identification.

258. Soil Fertility

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: PLSC 250. Offered in odd-numbered years. Schulthess

Factors governing nutrient uptake by plants, fate of nutrients applied to soils, principles and practices in the manufacture and use of fertilizers for crop production, laboratory and greenhouse studies of soil and plant response to applied nutrients.

259C. Soil Chemistry

(Also offered as ENVE 259C.) First semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 128 and 141. PLSC 250 is recommended. Schulthess

Basic concepts of the physical chemistry of soil constituents. Topics include soil solution, soil atmosphere, soil organic matter, soil mineralogy, mineral surface characteristics and chemical weathering process.

283. Golf Course Management

Second semester. Three credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 083. Not open for credit to graduate students. Rackliffe

Cultural management techniques including soil aeration, topdressing, mowing, thatch removal, grass or species selection, fertilization, irrigation and management of personnel, pests, equipment and inventory. Field trips required. 

284. Golf Course Design

First semester. Two credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 084. Not open for credit to graduate students. 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. Guest presentations by designers and golf course superintendents. Field trips required. 

Horticulture
101. Fundamentals of Horticulture

Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Salsedo

Science and practice of horticultural plant propagation and culture.  Basic concepts of plant structure, growth and function.  Integrated pest management.  Impact of new technology.  Horticulture and the environment.

203. Plant Diseases

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or 110. von Bodman

The causes, development and management of diseases of economic plants. Lectures cover general principles and laboratories review specific examples of plant diseases of horticultural and agronomic crops.

204. Integrated Pest Management

First semester. Three credits. 

Principles of integrated pest management covering insect, disease, and weed problems in agronomic crops, vegetables, fruits, turfgrass, ornamentals, and greenhouse production. Environmental impacts and pest control strategies will be covered.

212. Vegetable Crops and Their Environment

Second semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. 

The responses of vegetable crops to mineral nutrients, soil pH, plant population, temperature, photoperiod, pest organisms and to the modification of these factors by technology. Radish, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sweet corn, basil, cauliflower and watercress are grown by students in the laboratory.

213. Physiology of Economic Plants

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and CHEM 122 or 127. Open to sophomores or higher. 

Water uptake, water potential, transpiration, stomatal movement, ion uptake, nutrient deficiencies, respiration, photosynthesis, phytohormones, phytochrome, circadian leaf movement, flowering, dormancy, cold injury and allelochemicals.

225. Greenhouse Technology and 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 greenhouse operations and crop production.

226. Greenhouse Crop Production I

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Field trips required. Prerequisite: PLSC 225. Taught jointly with SAPL 026. Not open for credit to graduate students. 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 early summer markets.  Laboratories provide experience in crop production.

230. Floral Art

Second semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour studio period. Taught jointly with SAPL 030. Open to sophomores or higher.

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. A fee of $50 is charged for this course.

231. Herbaceous Ornamental Plants

Second semester. Three credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 031. Open to sophomores or higher. 

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.

235. Advanced Floral Design

Second semester. Two credits. Taught concurrently with SAPL 035. Not open for credit to graduate students. One class period and one 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: PLSC 230. 

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. A fee of $50 is charged for this course.

238. Plant Propagation

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Field trips required.  Not open for graduate credit.   Elliott

Theory and practice in sexual and asexual propagation of horticultural plants, emphasizing the anatomical, physiological, and ecological principles involved. Laboratories provide practical experience with seeds, division, cuttings, budding, grafting, layering and tissue culture.

240. Nursery Management

First semester, alternate years (odd). Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Corbett

Principles of field and container production of nursery stock. Emphasis on production practices for woody nursery stock from propagule to sale.

240W. Nursery Management

Prerequisite: ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. 

243. Plant Biotechnology

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: One of PLSC 213, BIOL 110, MCB 201, MCB 204. Li

Principles of recombinant DNA and plant gene transfer technologies. Applications of plant biotechnology in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, human/animal health care, and pharmaceutical industry. Social and environmental impacts of plant biotechnology.

244. Garden Center Management

First semester. Three credits. Taught concurrently with SAPL 071. Not open for credit to graduate students. 

Fundamentals related to horticultural specialty businesses with particular emphasis on the retail and contracting areas. Specialty and mass merchandising firms are considered and compared.

245. Landscape Plant Maintenance

Second semester. Three credits. One three-hour class period. Taught concurrently with SAPL 045. Not open for credit to graduate students.

Provides practical information on the planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the landscape. Includes learning how to plan landscape projects, install plant material and maintain the established landscape through proper pruning, mulching, irrigation, fertilization and other horticultural practices. 

246. Biotechnology - Science, Application, Impact, Perception

Second semester. Three credits. von Bodman

Scientific, legal, and ethical aspects of biotechnology application in agriculture, health, medicine, forensics, and the environment. Designed for students with diverse departmental affiliations.

260. Woody Landscape Plants: Deciduous

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Auer

Appropriate landscape use, ornamental features and taxonomy of deciduous ornamental trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers. Laboratories present field identification features and require the examination of plants in the landscape.

261. Woody Landscape Plants: Evergreen

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Auer

Appropriate landscape use, ornamental feature and taxonomy of coniferous or broadleaf evergreen ornamental trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers. Laboratories present field identification features and require the examination of plants in the landscape.

285. Plant Gene Transfer Techniques

Second semester. Three credits. Li

Techniques of plant gene delivery and transgenic plant production. Verification and analysis of transgenic plants. A fee of $75 is charged for this course.

286. Pesticide Safety and Management

Second semester. Two credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 086. Not open to graduate students. 

Pesticide application equipment, pesticide safety and toxicity, equipment calibration, pesticide poisoning, first aid and crop worker protection standards. Managing pesticides to increase safety for applicators and the environment, and increasing effectiveness using principles of Integrated Pest Management. 

288. Insect Pest Management 

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Legrand

Biology and management of insects with an emphasis on pests of ornamental plants and turf. Identification of key pests and their damage symptoms, monitoring insect populations and management strategies and tactics. 

292. Plant Micropropagation

First semester, odd-numbered years. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 or 127 and consent of instructor. 

The use of aseptic techniques for the micropropagation of plants of economic interest. Laboratory techniques covered include rapid propogation of plants in vitro, meristem culture for the elimination of diseases, somaclonal variation, somatic embryogenesis and media preparation.

Landscape Architecture
202. Design of Small Spaces

Second semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour studio. Prerequisites: PLSC 255 and PLSC 275. Not open to Landscape Architecture majors.

Studio-based course emphasizing the acquisition of skills necessary for the landscape design for small spaces. The skills will include: visualization methods, methodology in design process, derivation of basic forms and planting design.

241C. Computer Applications in Landscape Architecture

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: PLSC 256 and 262. Westa

This course will provide basic knowledge of a wide variety of computer applications related to Landscape Architecture. A central theme of this course will be the selection and use of the appropriate applications and integrating data between applications.

255. Landscape Design Drawing

First semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studios. Open only with consent of instructor. Open to sophomores or higher. Schwab

An introductory drawing course aiming to introduce the landscape design student to the communication of ideas through sketches and presentation drawings. One-point and two-point perspective and isometric drawing techniques are taught. Various drawing media are used in a studio environment.

256. Landscape Design Communication

Second semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studios. Open only with consent of instructor. Open to sophomores or higher. Westa

The presentation of landscape designs in plan form are covered through studio drawing assignments. The color rendering of plans, the making of cross-sections, elevations and models are studies in a studio environment.

262. Landscape Design Fundamentals

Second semester. Three credits. One lecture and two 2-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 256 which may be taken concurrently. Open to sophomores or higher. Miniutti

Introduction to basic landscape design concepts, theory and the design process.

265. Intermediate Landscape Design I

First semester. Four credits. One class period and two 3-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 255, 262 and 275. PLSC 275 may be taken concurrently. Field trips are required. Miniutti

The development of a design process utilizing small-scale design projects. A comprehensive investigation of site analysis methods is also covered.

266. Intermediate Landscape Design II

Second semester. Four credits. Three 3-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 265. Field trips are required. Schwab

Landscape design studio. Application of the design of landscapes: planning theory, land use planning, visual assessment, urban design, transportation, public participation.

267. Advanced Landscape Design

Second semester. Four credits. Three 3-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 266 and 281. Field trips are required. Miniutti

A comprehensive course which covers the range of projects which the design professional might encounter in practice. Students will be expected to provide recommendations for case studies varying in subject and scale, depending on the particular expertise of the instructor.

268. Planting Studies in Landscape Architecture

First semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 260, 261, 266. Open to landscape architecture majors only. Alexopoulos

The role and use of plants in the landscape architectural design process. Technical, functional, and design aspects of plantings are included. Not open to students who have passed PLSC 278. Field trips are required.

271. Professional Practice

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PLSC 256 and PLSC 262. Westa

The course will cover many of the business and professional aspects of Landscape Architecture including: various modes of practice, resumes and portfolios, licensure and ethics, developing and administering contracts, and preparing for the professional registration exam.

275. Landscape Design

First semester. Two credits. Two class periods. Open only with consent of instructor. Open to sophomores or higher. Miniutti

An introduction to landscape architecture: landscape history, natural and human factors; planning and design for parks, housing, urban spaces, etc.

276. Community Planning and Design

First semester. Four credits. Three 3-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 266. Open to landscape architecture majors only. Field trips are required. Westa

Studio based course which investigates current theories and design of large scaled landscapes with an emphasis on residential, commercial and industrial subdivisions as well as the redesign of town centers.

277. The Development of Landscapes

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PLSC 275. Alexopoulos

The development of man-made landscapes through time and their influence on present styles and trends.

278. Planting Design

First semester. Four credits. Three, 3-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 260, 261, and 266. Alexopoulos

The use of plants to strengthen design concepts and to achieve special effects.

280. Landscape Construction Materials and Methods

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio. Prerequisite: PLSC 256. Schwab

Basic hard materials used in landscape construction: masonry, wood, metals, etc. Construction documents. Layout and detail drawings for landscape structures. Computer applications.

281. Landscape Site Engineering

Second semester. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 256. Alexopoulos

Fundamental site engineering concepts and methods are investigated. Basic grading and drainage of landform are emphasized with the aim to develop essential skills. Earthwork computation, drainage systems, sedimentation and erosion control, and roadway design are also covered.

290W. Environmental Planning and Landscape Design

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one discussion period. Prerequisite: Open only with consent of instructor; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Schwab

Theories, concepts and methods for sustainable design of the land to balance the needs for conservation and development. Topics include land use planning, ecological design, and cultural and  natural landscape assessment at a variety of scales and settings.

293. Seminar in Landscape Architecture

Either semester. One credit. Open only with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated with credit.

Presentations of topics in landscape architecture

Plant Science Research and Seminar
287. Field Study Internship

Either semester or summer. One to six credits. Hours by arrangement. Open to Junior - Senior students who have demonstrated professional potential as identified by their advisor.  Open only with consent of Head of the Department of Plant Science and the advisor. This course may be repeated provided that the sum total of credits earned does not exceed six. Students taking this course will be assigned a grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

Students will work with professionals in an area of research or management.

295. Seminar

Either semester. One credit. Open only with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit.

Professional presentations of current topics in Plant Science.

298. Special Topics

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

Topics and credits to be published prior to the registration period preceding the semester offerings.

299. Independent Study

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open to qualified students with consent of instructor and Department Head. Students are expected to submit written reports. Course may be repeated for credit.