Agriculture, Modern Food Production and the Environment - AAS
West Burlington Campus, and Online
Related Programs:
Ag, MFP & Environment: Certificate
Ag, MFP & Environment: Diploma
Ag, MFP & Environment: Agronomy and Row Crop Operations - AAS
Agriculture, Modern Food Production and the Environment - AAS
The Agriculture, Modern Food Production, and the Environment program provides students with the opportunity to prepare for a lifetime of learning through classroom and internship positions limited only by students' initiative and imagination. This program prepares students to serve the food production and processing industries through operation of feed mills, fertilizer plants, elevators, retail farm supply stores, and farm equipment dealers. The program is also designed to provide improved skills in the areas of crop and livestock production, agriculture equipment, and farm business management.
Students may choose to pursue the Pathway most relevant to their desired career. Pathways include Agriculture Business, Agronomy and Row Crop Operations, Animal Science, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Specialty Crop. Students may also select from a Face-to-Face format.
In Spring I semester students must take at least 9 credit hours from the elective grouping AGA-376, AGB-331, AGC-420, AGS-225, and AGS-226.
In Fall II semester, students must take at least 6 credit hours from the elective grouping AGA-158, AGB-437, DRF-113, AGN-130, AGB-466, AGC-936, AGS-270, AGS-319, AGT-250, and AGS-331.
In Spring II semester, students must take eight - nine credit hours from the elective grouping AGB-451, AGM-155, AGM-203, AGP-333, AGN-244, AGS-216, AGS-242, and PHS-165 and two courses from the elective grouping ECN-130, PSY-111, HUM-287, and SOC-114.
The Modern Food Production certificate is awarded after successful completion of first semester courses.
The Agriculture, Modern Food Production, and The Environment Diploma is awarded after successful completion of the first two semesters.
*The Modern Food Production Certificate can be earned one time.
Summary Sheet
The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.
Curriculum Sequence |
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Fall Semester | Course Title | Credit |
AGB-336 | Agricultural Selling | 3 |
AGC-216 | Career Seminar | 2 |
AGB-330 | Farm Business Management | 3 |
Take 1 of 2 courses: | ||
AGA-181 | Introduction to Crop Science | 3 |
AGH-221 | Principles of Horticulture | 3 |
Take 1 of 2 courses: | ||
AGB-235 | Introduction to Agriculture Markets | 3 |
BUS-102 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
Take 1 of 2 courses: | ||
AGH-131 | Greenhouse Management (online) | 3 |
AGS-113 | Survey of the Animal Industry | 3 |
Semester Total: | 17 | |
Spring Semester I | Course Title | Credit |
AGA-182 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
Take at least 3 of 5 courses: | ||
AGA-376 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
AGB-331 | Entrepreneurship in Agriculture (online) | 3 |
AGC-420 | Issues in Agriculture | 3 |
AGS-225 | Swine Science | 3 |
AGS-226 | Beef Cattle Science | 3 |
Take 1 of 3 courses: | ||
ENG-105 | Composition I | 3 |
ENG-110 | Writing for the Workplace | 3 |
SPC-112 | Public Speaking | 3 |
Semester Total: | 15 | |
Summer Semester | Course Title | Credit |
AGC-936 | Occupational Experience | 3 |
Semester Total: | 3 | |
Fall Semester II | Course Title | Credit |
AGA-390 | Introduction to Renewable Resources | 3 |
SOC-115 | Social Problems | 3 |
Take at least 2 of 10 courses: | ||
AGA-158 | Soil Fertility | 3 |
AGB-437 | Commodity Marketing | 3 |
DRF-113 | Fundamentals of Technical Drafting | 3 |
AGB-466 | Agricultural Finance (online) | 3 |
AGC-936 | Occupational Experience | 3 |
AGN-130 | Soil and Water Conservation | 3 |
AGS-270 | Foods of Animal Origin (online) | 3 |
AGS-319 | Animal Nutrition (online) | 3 |
AGT-250 | ||
AGS-331 | Animal Reproduction (online) | 3 |
Take 1 of 4 courses: | ||
MAT-120 | College Algebra | 3 |
MAT-156 | Statistics | 3 |
MAT-702 | Introduction to Math Applications | 3 |
CHM-165 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
Semester Total: | 15-16 | |
Spring Semester II | Course Title | Credit |
Take 8-9 credit hours from these 8 courses: | ||
AGB-451 | Agricultural Law | 3 |
AGM-155 | Farm Equipment Management | 2 |
AGM-203 | Agricultural Welding | 2 |
AGP-333 | Precision Farming Systems | 3 |
AGN-244 | Wildlife Management | 3 |
AGS-216 | Equine Science | 3 |
AGS-242 | Animal Health (online) | 3 |
PHS-165 | Introduction to Meteorology | 3 |
Take 2 of 4 courses: | ||
ECN-130 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
HUM-287 | Leadership Development Studies | 3 |
PSY-111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
SOC-114 | Conflict Resolution in the Workplace | 3 |
Semester Total: | 14-15 | |
PROGRAM TOTAL: | 64-66 |
AGB-336 - Agricultural Selling |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Presents basic concepts and economics principles related to markets for agricultural inputs and products. Reviews current marketing problems faced by farms and agribusinesses, farm and retail price behavior, structure of markets, food marketing channels, food quality and food safety, and the role of agriculture in the general economy. Analyzes the implications of consumer preferences at the farm level. Introduces hedging, futures and other risk management tools. |
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AGC-216 - Career Seminar |
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Lecture: 2 |
Credit: 2 |
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This course is designed to help students explore and discover the many opportunities that are available in the profession of agriculture and related industries both nationally and internationally. |
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AGB-330 - Farm Business Management |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Applies business and economic principles of decision making and problem solving in the management of a farm business. Covers cash flow, partial, enterprise and whole farm budgeting. Reviews information systems for farm accounting, analysis and control. Examines obtaining and managing land, capital and labor resources. Provides alternatives for farm business organization and risk management. |
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AGA-181 - Introduction to Crop Science |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Basic structure and function of plants, origin and classification, growth and development. Fundamentals of photosynthesis, plant water use, plant nutrition and genetics that regulate plant growth, development and responses to the environment. |
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AGH-221 - Principles of Horticulture |
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Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
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Provides an introduction to horticulture covering the basic knowledge and skills associated with growth and development of plants including fruits, vegetables, turf grass and ornamentals. |
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AGB-235 - Introduction to Agriculture Markets |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Presents basic concepts and economics principles related to markets for agricultural inputs and products. Reviews current marketing problems faced by farms and agribusinesses, farm and retail price behavior, structure of markets, food marketing channels, food quality and food safety and the role of agriculture in the general economy. Analyzes the implications of consumer preferences at the farm level. Introduces hedging, futures and other risk management tools. |
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BUS-102 - Introduction to Business |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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An overview of contemporary business principles touching on all the major functional areas of business and trends that are shaping today's business environment. Understanding the fundamental pillars of the business environment -- globalization, technology and ethics -- is a crucial component in this course. |
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AGH-131 - Greenhouse Management (online) |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Manage greenhouse air, water, soil and light for most efficient use of resources. Pest management, plant rotation and scheduling for flower sales are included. |
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AGS-113 - Survey of the Animal Industry |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Course studies ways domestic animals serve the basic needs of humans for food, shelter, protection, fuel and emotional well-being. Terminology, basic structures of the industries surrounding the production, care and marketing of domestic animals in the U.S. will also be studied. |
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AGA-182 - Introduction to Soil Science |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Introduce students to the mysterious world of soils. It is designed for students in agriculture and related sciences. The course provides a broad viewpoint to match the varied backgrounds and interest of students. Its coverage is made so broad to meet the needs of students who will take only one course in soils, as well as those who will use it as a base for more advanced study of specialized areas in soil science. |
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AGA-376 - Integrated Pest Management |
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Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
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Course describes the basics of field scouting for corn and soybean crops for weeds, insects, diseases and disorders, as well as, a variety of management practices to manage those ailments. |
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AGB-331 - Entrepreneurship in Agriculture (online) |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course relates specifically to management of agriculture farms and businesses. Course content emphasizes budget planning, record keeping, record analysis, agricultural finance/credit, and machinery and land management. Management exercises simulating farm activities and decisions are incorporated. Computers are used to aid in the completion of these management exercises. |
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AGC-420 - Issues in Agriculture |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course provides students the opportunity to collect, discuss, interpret, and defend current economic, environmental and social issues that affect the production of agricultural commodities. |
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AGS-225 - Swine Science |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Introduces principles, practices and decisions impacting swine production. |
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AGS-226 - Beef Cattle Science |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Introduces principles, practices and decisions impacting beef cattle production. |
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ENG-105 - Composition I |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements. |
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ENG-110 - Writing for the Workplace |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Writing for the Workplace prepares students for the various types of written communication required by professional employers. In this class, students learn how to write informal and formal documents and reports in the design and style of career-related communication with a focus on audience, purpose, subject and genre and how they affect our writing choices. This course also includes a review of grammar and usage skills, as well as emphasizes effective language use in real-world applications. Prerequisites: ENG-013 with a minimum grade of C-or meet minimum placement test score requirements. No Waivers. |
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SPC-112 - Public Speaking |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis. |
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AGC-936 - Occupational Experience |
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Lecture: 0 |
OJT: 12 |
Credit: 3 |
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An "on-the-job" experience at a local business. The business will provide a training sponsor in cooperation with an instructor/coordinator from the college staff. Hands-on experience in observing and demonstrating the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom. Course may be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credit hours. |
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AGA-390 - Introduction to Renewable Resources |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course will provide an overview of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural resources in an ecosystem context. This history and organization of resource management and concepts of integrated resource management will be covered. |
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SOC-115 - Social Problems |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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An investigation into a selection of social problems involving alternative solutions. Topics may include drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, prejudice and discrimination, and human sexuality. |
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AGA-158 - Soil Fertility |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course explains the phenomena involved in making and keeping a soil in its most economical, productive state. Students learn why soils must be managed differently due to differences in origin and make up. Prerequisite: AGA-154 or AGA-182. |
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AGB-437 - Commodity Marketing |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Commodity Marketing examines basis, fundamental and technical price analysis, commodity futures, futures options, alternative cash contracts, sources and uses of marketing information and relevant agricultural marketing strategies. |
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DRF-113 - Fundamentals of Technical Drafting |
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Lecture: 1 |
Lab: 4 |
Credit: 3 |
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Fundamentals of drawing techniques conveyed using free hand sketching. Emphasis is placed on the ability to visualize in three dimensions, neatness, accuracy, legibility, speed and use of computer graphics in the solution of graphic problems. |
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AGB-466 - Agricultural Finance (online) |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course is a study of the terminology and tools of agricultural finance. It emphasizes the preparation of financial statements, cash flows, budgets and bookkeeping principles. It also discusses financial risk strategies and credit costs. |
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AGC-936 - Occupational Experience |
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Lecture: 0 |
OJT: 12 |
Credit: 3 |
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An "on-the-job" experience at a local business. The business will provide a training sponsor in cooperation with an instructor/coordinator from the college staff. Hands-on experience in observing and demonstrating the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom. Course may be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credit hours. |
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AGN-130 - Soil and Water Conservation |
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Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
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Emphasis will be on environmental practices as they relate to conservation management of our natural resources. Students will discuss soil erosion, water quality and soil and water management. Lab work required. Prerequisite: AGA-154 or AGA-182. |
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AGS-270 - Foods of Animal Origin (online) |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This is a general basic agri-food science course that deals with world food needs and available food supplies, types of food and nutritive value and use, and methods used and challenges involved in food production, transportation, preservation/processing, storage, distribution, marketing and consumption. The course covers both animal origin and non-animal origin food products. |
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AGS-319 - Animal Nutrition (online) |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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A course in basic animal nutrition for swine and beef cattle. Feed utilization for maintenance/growth, reproduction and lactation is discussed. The formulation of rations on both a nutritional and economic basis as well as the substitution of ingredients will be covered. |
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AGT-250 - |
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AGS-331 - Animal Reproduction (online) |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course is presented with the agriculture student in mind. The first unit, Physiology, addresses cellular digestion, reproduction, genetics and ecology. The second unit, Applications, teaches the practical application of animal science. The third unit instructs students in the interpretation of performance data for judging and evaluating livestock. |
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MAT-120 - College Algebra |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course is a study of rational, exponential, logarithmic and polynomial functions and relations, their graphs and related equalities. The study of the curricular functions, graphs and applications is included. This course may be taken concurrently with MAT-134.Prerequisite: MAT-092 or MAT-099 with a minimum grade of C- or meet minimum placement testing requirements. |
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MAT-156 - Statistics |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course is an applied course in statistics, designed to introduce students to some of the concepts, symbols, procedures and vocabulary used in the field of statistics. Topics covered in this course include: organizing and graphing data, descriptive statistics, probability, various distributions, the sampling distribution of the mean, estimating a population mean, confidence intervals, inferential statistics (hypothesis testing), comparing two population parameters, analysis of variance, correlation, simple linear and multiple regression, contingency tables and nonparametric statistics, (time permitting). Prerequisites: MAT-092 or MAT-099 with a minimum grade of C- or meet minimum placement testing requirements. |
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MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications |
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Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements. |
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CHM-165 - General Chemistry I |
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Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
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The first semester of a traditional two-semester sequence. General Chemistry I provides an in-depth and integrated study of chemical principles, including terminology, measurements, unit conversions, atoms, elements, molecules, compounds, moles, stoichiometry, gases and gas laws, energy, electron configurations, periodicity and chemical bonding. Prerequisites: Must complete high school algebra or equivalent (math placement test scores or MAT-062). Take CHM-122 or BIO-252. Please speak to a Student Success Advocate if you have completed 1 year of high school chemistry, as that would also meet the prerequisite. |
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AGB-451 - Agricultural Law |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course explores the body of federal and state laws and regulations governing agriculture-related operations. The course specifically addresses legal issues that students will likely face in agriculture-related careers. The course pulls from a wide body of substantive law, including case law, statutory law and administrative law. A primary focus of the course will be to review the legal framework governing agriculture-related decision-making by firms, families and individuals from a real-world perspective. The course begins with a general review of the legal system and instruction on how to find legal materials as it pertains to the agricultural industry. |
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AGM-155 - Farm Equipment Management |
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Lecture: 2 |
Credit: 2 |
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This course deals with fitting farm equipment to the farming unit and the repair of farm equipment. |
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AGM-203 - Agricultural Welding |
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Lecture: 1 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 2 |
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This course provides an introduction to welding technology with an emphasis on safety, operating procedures, and assessment of MIG and arc welds and oxyacetylene cuts. |
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AGP-333 - Precision Farming Systems |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Provides an overview of precision farming concepts and the tools of precision farming (OPS, GIS and VRT). Introduces the use of each of these tools within the processes of a precision farming system. Provides hands-on activities in the use of these tools. Discusses economic and environmental benefits. |
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AGN-244 - Wildlife Management |
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Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
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Students learn proper wildlife management through carefully planned and maintained reserves, preserves and refuges. Management techniques presented include those for game, non-game and aquatic animals. |
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AGS-216 - Equine Science |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course is an introduction to concepts, practices and decisions necessary when managing horses through stages of their lives. |
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AGS-242 - Animal Health (online) |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Provides information about the cause, nature, prevention and treatment of common health problems of farm animals. Identifies animal behavior and developing a herd health program. |
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PHS-165 - Introduction to Meteorology |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Introduction to atmospheric sciences and meteorology. Includes physical elements and process of weather, climatic types and regions, forecasting and associated activity. |
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ECN-130 - Principles of Microeconomics |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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An introductory course in economics emphasizing micro-economic theory and contemporary problems. The major topics will include a description of the United States economy; demand and supply, price, output, and wage determination; domestic problems; international economics and the world economy. |
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HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership. |
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PSY-111 - Introduction to Psychology |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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A basic course in the understanding of behavior, designed to give the student a scientific background in the fundamental problems and techniques covered in the field of psychology. |
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SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace |
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Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
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Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution. |
Sabrina Pidgeon - Assistant Professor, (319) 208-5000 ext. 5104
Email: spidgeon@scciowa.edu
BS, Iowa State University
Adam Raub - Professor, (319) 208-5000 ext. 5103
Email: araub@scciowa.edu
BS, Western Illinois University
MBA, St. Ambrose University