Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture Requirements Admission Associate Degree Majors Animal Science Horticulture Courses Agriculture (SAAG) Agriculture and Resource Economics (SARE) Animal Science (SAAS) Natural Resources Management and Engineering (SAME) Pathobiology (SAPB) Plant Science (SAPL)

 

Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture

Director: Professor Cameron Faustman
Office: 211, W.B. Young Building

Link to Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture website for additional infromation.

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. 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 incoming 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

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. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). May be repeated for credit up to a total of 12 credits.

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)

Both semesters. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Dinger, Hoagland

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. Andrew

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. Hoagland

The principles of 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. Mancini

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

Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

065. Management Skills and Practices - Dairy Cattle

Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).
Kazmer

Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Bennett

Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

067. Management Skills and Practices - Poultry

Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Darre

Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

068. Management Skills and Practices - Sheep

Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Hoagland

Practical experience in common management practices is offered by working in the University facilities under supervision.

069. Management Skills and Practices - Swine

Either semester. One credit. Hours by arrangement. May be repeated once for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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. Taught concurrently with ANSC 277WC. 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. 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.  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. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). 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.

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

Basic wildlife techniques including habitat evaluation and identification signs. Emphasis will be placed on keeping a wildlife field journal. Field exercises and laboratory provide an opportunity to use and evaluate techniques for wildlife 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. 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.

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.

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

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.

010. Orientation to Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

First semester. One credit. One class period. Taught jointly with PLSC 100. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

An introduction to programs, careers, and research in plant science and landscape architecture.

014. Woody Landscape Plants: Evergreen

(Formerly offered as SAPL 066.) Second semester. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Taught jointly with PLSC 214. Corbett

Taxonomy, identification and landscape uses of coniferous and broadleaf woody evergreen plants. Laboratory periods will be devoted to identification of plants in the landscape.

015. Woody Landscape Plants: Deciduous

(Formerly offered as SAPL 067.) First semester. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Taught jointly with PLSC 215. Corbett

Taxonomy, identification and landscape uses of deciduous woody plants. Laboratory periods will be devoted to identification of plants in the landscape.

017. Vegetable Production

First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour field laboratory period. Field trips required. Taught jointly with PLSC 212. Berkowitz

Fundamentals of soil management and crop plant husbandry as applied to commercial vegetable production and home gardening. Horticultural principles of crop growth. Focus is on sustainable practices. Field laboratory will consist of field trips (some outside designated laboratory time) during the early part of the semester to organic and conventional farms to observe production and marketing practices.

019. Principles of Turfgrass Irrigation Systems

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Taught concurrently with PLSC 219. 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.

020. Professional Development for Turfgrass Industries

Second semester. Two credits. Two hour class periods. Taught jointly with PLSC 220. 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.

022. Introduction to Soil Science

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory exercise or field trip. Henderson

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.

023. Turfgrass Pests and Control

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Taught jointly with PLSC 223. Rackliffe

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

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. 

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 023 or 041. Legrand

An overview of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, from development to implementation, with horticultural crops.

045. Landscape Plant Maintenance

Second semester. Three credits. Two 2-hour lecture/discussion periods. Field trips required. Recommended preparation: SAPL 003. Taught jointly with PLSC 245. Elliott

Planting, establishment and maintenance of woody and herbaceous plants in built and managed environments. Plant structural and functional requirements. Preserving and protecting established plants. Soil conditions and modification. Influence of climate and modification of microclimate. Plant selection. Pruning, mulching, water and irrigation, nutrition and fertilization, plant health care and other horticultural practices.

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.

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. Brand

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. 

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. Brand

The study of methods used to reproduce agricultural and horticultural crops. Discussion will emphasize sexual and asexual propagation techniques. Field trips are required.

069. Landscape and Planting Design

Second semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: SAPL 066, 067 and 031, which may be taken concurrently. 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. 

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

Second semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: SAPL 060. Consent of instructor. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). 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

Second semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: SAPL 017. Consent of instructor. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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. 

086. Pesticide Safety and Management

Second semester. Two credits. Two class periods. Taught jointly with PLSC 286. Bartholomew

Pesticide application equipment, pesticide safety and toxicity, equipment calibration, pesticide poisoning, first aid and crop worker protection standards. Managing the use of pesticides to increase safety to applicators and the environment as well as increasing pest management effectiveness utilizing principles of IPM.

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 taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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.