Courses

The foundations of agricultural education are explored in this course. The effects that developments and research in teaching and agriculture have on curriculum and the role of the teacher are studied. Students are introduced to the "Teacher as Effective Steward" model and encouraged to develop their own philosophy of agricultural education in response to that model.
This course must be taken before the junior year.

Students will do at least 30 hours of observation and participation with a middle school or high school agricultural education program. Reflections related to these classroom experiences will be required.
Prerequisites: AE 212 or ED 236 or SE 232 or concurrent

This course gives the secondary education candidate experience developing instructional strategies appropriate for high school agricultural education curriculum with an emphasis on performance based learning and assessment. In addition, classroom management, student learning style, writing across the curriculum, along with further exploration of cultural proficiency will be addressed.
Prerequisites: ED 311 and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program

The course equips agricultural education teachers in the planning and supervision of secondary agricultural science and business programs, as well as the coordination of supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) for secondary agricultural science and business students. Emphasizes the three-part Agricultural Education program model that includes SAEs, classroom instruction, and involvement in FFA activities, as well as building and maintaining support from the community for agricultural instruction.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Teacher Education Program

A broad survey of foundational topics in agriculture: the history of agriculture, soil science, crop science and cropping systems, animal science and animal production, ag career readiness, current issues in agriculture, and principles of Christian stewardship of agricultural resources. Weekly field trips to various farms and agribusinesses are a key feature.

This course presents an overview of horticulture emphasizing the basic concepts of plant identification, production, and uses.
This is a concurrent course offered at local area high schools.

Emphasizes gaining a basic level of proficiency in a variety of common welding processes. Blueprint reading, welding safety, terminology and quality control.

Experiential learning of basic construction and maintenance skills and practical knowledge. Safety, careers, mechanical power system (engines and hydraulics), construction materials and structures, electrical and plumbing for typical home and agricultural structures.

Principles and practical knowledge required for the operation of farm equipment typically used in modern agriculture. Procedures for safe operation of farm equipment. Principles and operational knowledge of precision agricultural equipment. Technological advances in agricultural production.

Students observe the daily routines and activities of employed professionals and see how skills and knowledge acquired in class are applied in the agriculture field.
Prerequisite: Consent

Crop science focuses on understanding plan structure, function, biochemistry, growth, development, and reproduction, while agronomy integrates crop and soil science to gain understanding of crop production and management. Additional topics include production of the specific crops of Indiana and the world, as well as the role of biotechnology, crop breeding, and organic agriculture in modern crop production. This course includes a lab component.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 221L.
Prerequisite: AG 111

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 221.

The history, physiology, anatomy, breeding, nutritional needs and products of farm animals will be discussed. The primary focus is on cattle, sheep, poultry and swine. This course will have a lab component.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 231L.
Prerequisite: AG 111

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 231.

This course introduces students to the principles of agricultural ecology, emphasizing the role of Christian stewardship of natural resources in farming in agribusiness. Topics covered include the development of agroecology systems, soil conservation, ecological disturbance, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, energy-efficient techniques, integration of technology and challenges to sustainable agricultural practices in developed and developing countries.
Prerequisite: AG 111

Chemistry, microbiology and processing of foods. Food additives, food safety and biotechnology of foods. Regulatory aspects of food processing, quality, safety and labeling. Manufacturing practices to ensure food quality and safety.
Identical with BI 251.
Prerequisite: CH 141/L or 161/L

This course introduces the concepts and principles of precision agriculture, focusing on how data describing variability within agricultural fields are collected, compiled, and mapped. Practical applications covered will include using precision ag hardware, software, and field equipment to improve the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of farming.
Prerequisite: MA 151

Structure and function of animal body systems, with reference to farm animals. Includes tissues, organs and systems and their physiological functions. Tissue and organ systems covered include blood, nervous, sensory, endocrine, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive and lactation.
Identical with BI 322. Must be taken concurrently with AG 322L.
Prerequisite: AG 231/L

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Identical with BI 322L. Must be taken concurrently with AG 322.

Maintaining the health of farm animals through an understanding of diseases caused or influenced by pathogens, inadequate nutrition or environmental hazards. Management of animal diseases that affect humans. Animal welfare and ethical issues in managing animals.
Identical with BI 323.
Prerequisite: AG 231/L

Management practices essential for the production of various farm animal species. Topics will include general health, nutrition, handling, and husbandry. This course includes a lab component.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 325L.
Prerequisite: AG 231/L

This laboratory component will provide hands-on animal production experience. Various animal production operations will be visited as part of the course.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 325.

A comprehensive introduction to the field of soil science, covering soil physical, chemical, and biological properties; soil formation and classification; and soil conversation and management. Environmental sustainability, efficient food production, and soil health are overarching themes. This course includes a lab component.
Identical with ES 331. Must be taken concurrently with AG 331L.
Prerequisite: AG 221/L recommended

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Identical with ES 331L. Must be taken concurrently with AG 331.

Diseases, insects and weeds that affect crop plants. Emphasis on integrated pest management strategies to maintain crop health, including chemical, biological, cultural and biotechnological control methods.
Prerequisite: AG 221/L

This course focuses on the production of grain, forage and biofuel crops in the Midwest. Students examine new and innovative crop production strategies that promote sustainable agricultural practices. Challenges to crop production in the Midwest are examined in detail, including planting strategies, pest control, plant nutrition, harvesting techniques and the influence of markets and government policies. This course includes a lab component.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 341L.
Prerequisite: AG 221/L

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 341.

The composition, nutritional value, relative quality and cost of food for animals will be discussed. This course includes a lab component.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 351L.
Prerequisite: AG 231/L

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 351.

This course focuses on traditional breeding and modern molecular techniques used to improve the productivity, disease resistance and stress tolerance of crop plants. Central topics include the genetic and phenotypic variation in crop plants, how such variation is produced and controlled in developing new varieties and hybrids, and the maintenance of high quality plant stocks. This course includes a lab component.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 361L.
Prerequisites: AG 221/L and BI 321/L

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Must be taken concurrently with AG 361.

Fundamental physiological processes of reproduction in farm animals. Male and female reproductive systems and function, endocrine relationships, fertility and factors affecting reproductive efficiency. Current methods used in managing farm animal reproduction, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Population and quantitative genetics as they relate to animal breeding and mating systems used for the improvement of various livestock/farm animal species and breeds.
Identical with BI 365. Must be taken concurrently with AG 365L.
Prerequisites: AG 231/L, 322/L and BI 321/L

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support, extend, or complement the concepts presented in the lecture course.
Identical with BI 365L. Must be taken concurrently with AG 365.

Overview of how cell types differentiate, how tissues develop, and how bodies grow throughout the lifespan of mammals, bird, etc. Changes during prenatal and postnatal growth and development will be discussed. This course does not include a lab component.
Identical with BI 373.
Prerequisite: BI 161/L

Practicum in some aspect of agriculture designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent

A study or a research project related to agriculture, the subject of which will be determined by the instructor according to student interest.
Prerequisite: Consent

Students will work with an organization in the community to obtain experience in the field of agriculture. The internship should be in the area of the student's chosen major.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and agricultural studies major