Agriculture Courses and Classes Overview
Majors Overview March 15, 2013Students aspiring to become horticulture managers, agriculture scientists, farmers, or ranchers, among various other career choices, can prepare for these occupations by enrolling in agriculture classes. Agriculture courses are offered in the form of a bachelor, associate, and certificate degree program where students learn a range of subjects from running a farm to basics of horticulture. Below are some of the core courses students may find in an agriculture program.
Course – Natural Resources
This course focuses on subject areas such as wildlife, soils, and forestry. Students are taught about combustion engines and electric motors among other power source; in addition to government programs and regulations relevant to the conservation of natural resources. They also learn about how the agriculture industry has been impacted by the current power sources, and the implications for the future of power and natural resources.
Course – Basic Horticulture
Natural growth, gardening and plants are studied in a horticulture course where students will learn how to control plant growth and development. Specific coursework may focus on storage processes, regulations of plant growth, pruning, and plant production. Marketing concepts in horticulture may also be covered in horticulture courses.
Course – Animal Science
Animal science classes can concentrate on all animals or only certain ones, such as cows, horses and other farm animals, but this depends on the focus of the agriculture program. Students are taught about animal development with a biological orientation. Coursework may also cover specific topics in animal breeding, animal feeding and animal products. During an animal science course, students gain knowledge of the current trends in animal rearing, animal disease, and the history of the animal industry.
Course – Pesticides and Soils
Students in this course are taught about pesticides and soils to achieve perception on the chemical make-up of these elements and the effect they have on crop growth. Soil formation, fertilizer use, and conservation of soil and water are topic areas covered in a soils and pesticides course. This course is delivered in a lab and lecture format, so students can apply their skills to live scenarios. Students in this course will learn about soil types specific to a state in which the agriculture program is taught.
Course – Food Systems
Whether providing animal food or crop, farmers and those who are in the agriculture business need a solid understanding of the United States food processes and system. Those who are enrolled in this course will study the United States food system as it relates to the regulatory laws, health factors, and the current economy. Students may study these specific topics: international food regulations, food retailing, environment, health, and political systems.