Acting Chair and Professor-Shell. Professors-Carson, Davis, Rydl. Associate Professors-Abel, Angirasa. Assistant Professors-Hunnicutt, Stapper.
Programs
The Department of Agriculture offers programs reflecting the diversity of choices available and skills required in modern agriculture and its related professions. This dynamic, global industry uses new technologies to improve the production, management, manufacture, and distribution of food and agricultural products.
For more information, call 512/245-2130 or visit the Agriculture Department, Agriculture Building, Room 206, or our website www.swt.edu/acad_depts/agric_dept/index.html
Majors
Undergraduates may earn the Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with the following majors: agricultural business and management, animal science, general agriculture with certification to teach or general agriculture without certification. Graduate students may earn the Master of Education degree with a major in agricultural education.
Agricultural Business and Management reaches far beyond the farm to encompass all the activities involved in bringing food and fiber to consumers. Students may pursue three specializations with this major: Agribusiness operations, Agricultural systems management or Horticultural business.
Agribusiness operations students learn about the acquisition and use of capital, the working of the marketplace, financial institutions, and the effect of government policies on agriculture. Therefore, the agribusiness operations specialization includes courses in agricultural finance, marketing and policies dealing with resource use as well as courses in technical agriculture and general studies.
Agricultural systems management integrates and applies engineering technology, agricultural sciences, and business. It prepares graduates for careers in technical fields and engineering such as agricultural machinery and power systems, electrical energy systems including sensors and controls, agricultural structures, surveying, and environmental systems including water utilization and quality. Students are involved with ongoing research, farm power and machinery, and precision farming and global positioning systems. Graduates are expected to assume positions of leadership and responsibility in careers such as product testing and service management, agricultural sales and services, and agricultural production systems.
Horticultural business as a specialization teaches management of commercial establishments and institutions that produce ornamental plants such as greenhouses and nurseries, floral shops and plant therapy businesses. The curriculum also contains specialized courses in horticulture that utilize rooftop greenhouses at the Agriculture Building and the laboratory facilities at the 17-acre Horticulture Center near campus.
Animal Science is the study of all aspects of the livestock and poultry industries including commercial production and management; food processing; and animal feed/animal health including nutrition, biotechnology and veterinary medicine. Involvement of students in ongoing faculty research prepares graduates for careers in reproductive physiology, applied animal genetics and live animal evaluation, as well as other areas of the livestock industry.
General Agriculture (without certification) provides a broad exposure to agriculture. With this curriculum, students may expect to manage a ranch or a farm, or work in any career that requires a general education such as extension, banking or government service.
General Agriculture (with certification to teach) is a comprehensive educational program concerned with the broad field of agriculture. Emphasis in the curriculum is on production techniques, managerial skills and competencies necessary to function as agricultural scientists, educators, or agricultural managers in today's complex agricultural industry. Agricultural science teachers are certified to teach in grades nine through twelve in the public schools of Texas. See an advisor for course requirements.
Minors
Four minors are available in agriculture. A minor in agriculture is ideal for someone majoring in the life sciences, family and consumer sciences, or in any discipline where knowledge of the food and fiber industry would be beneficial. To arrange for an agricultural minor, see the department chair in Room 206, Agriculture Building. Specific course requirements are listed on page 71.
Pre-Professional Program in Pre-Veterinary Science
The department supervises the pre-veterinary science program which provides two years of specialized course work for students planning to enter veterinary school. Specific course requirements and additional information are on page 77.
Internship
Students must apply for internships to the departmental internship committee a semester in advance and meet minimum grade point average and course prerequisite requirements. For specific information about internships, contact the chairman of the internship committee or the department chair.
General Requirements
1. Students cannot enroll in upper level (3000 or 4000) agriculture courses until they have successfully completed MATH 1315 or 1319 and CHEM 1410.2. ASD 1110 and AG 2390 must have been successfully completed in the first 45 college credit hours.
The Freshman Year:
The courses specified below form a common freshman year to be taken by all majors in the department.
Freshman Year Hours Agricultural Service and Development
1110 1 Agriculture 1445, 2390 7 *Biology 1410 4 Chemistry 1410 4 Speech Communication 1310 3 English 1310, 1320 6 General Studies 1100 1 History 1310, 1320 6 Phy. Fitness Perspective (2 courses) 2 Total 34
*Systems management students may wish to take Physics 1410 and 1420 to satisfy the general studies laboratory science requirement.
Sophomore Year Hours Junior Year Hours Agriculture 2313 or 2379 3 Agriculture 3426 4 Agriculture 2373, 2383 6 Agribusiness Core 6 Agribusiness Core 9-10 Specialization 9-10 English 3303 3 Political Science 2310, 2320 6 Literary Perspective 3 Electives 6 Mathematics 1315 or 1319 3 Total 31-32 Philosophy 1305 3 Social Science Perspective 3 Total 33-34 Senior Year Hours Agribusiness Core 6 Specialization 6-7 Agricultural Service an
Develop- ment 4301 (Capstone
Course) 3 Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre
3313 3 International Perspective (Ag
3319) 3 Electives 9 Total 30-31
Please see advisor for suggested courses.
Agribusiness Core
Required core courses: Agriculture 3351, 3352, 3353 or 3375, 4380. 3317 or 3318, Accounting 2361, Math 1329 or 2321 or 2417. Students are encouraged to enroll in 1000 and 2000 level courses in the sophomore year.
Agricultural Business and Management Specializations
Select one of the following:Agribusiness Operations: Accounting 2362, Agriculture 4381, 4383, Economics 2310, 3314
Agricultural Systems Management: Agriculture 3310, 3353, 3455, 4361, Physics 1420
Horticultural Business: Agriculture 3304, 3305, 3306, 3427, and 4300 or 4302
Sophomore Year Hours Agriculture 2313, 2373, 2383 9 Chemistry 1420 4 Literary Perspective 3 Mathematics 1315, 2321 6 Philosophy 1305 3 Biology 1420 4 Social Science Perspective 3 Total 32 Junior Year Hours Agriculture 2421, 3314 3321, 3351, 3426 17 Agriculture 3301 (or *Biology 3450) 3-4 Chemistry 2330 3 Political Science 2310, 2320 6 English 3303 3 Total 32-33 Senior Year Hours Agriculture 3325, 3331 4325, 4326, 4328,
4330 18 Agricultural Service and
Develop- ment 4301 (Capstone
Course) 3 Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre
3313 3 Biology 3440 or 4423 4 International Perspective (Ag
3319) 3 Total 31
*Prerequisite: Biology 2460
Notes:
1. A teaching certificate is available with this degree
2. For certification requirements, please see a departmental advisor.
Sophomore Year Hours Agriculture 2373, 2383, 2313 or 2379 9 General Agriculture Core 6 English (Literature), English
3303 6 Mathematics 1315, 2321 6 Philosophy 1305 3 Social Science Perspective 3 Total 33 Junior Year Hours Agriculture 3426 4 General Agriculture Core 13 Electives 9 Political Science 2310, 2320 6 Total 32 Senior Year Hours General Agriculture Core 15 Electives 9 Agricultural Service and
Develop- ment 4301 (Capstone
Course) 3 Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre
3313 3 International Perspective (AG
3319) 3 Total 33
General Agriculture Core:
Core requirements are Agriculture 2374, 3310, 3427, 4325, 4326, 3317 or 3318, 3353 or 4361, 4310, plus six (6) hours of upper level courses in one of the agricultural areas shown below and three (3) hours from one of the remaining areas: animal science, agricultural systems management, agribusiness operations, or horticultural business.
Concurrent Endorsements for Agricultural Science and Technology: Students completing certification requirements in General Agriculture may secure additional pre-employment program endorsements by completing the following courses:
General Agricultural Mechanics (PEL): Agriculture 3375, and 4371E or 3455Agricultural Power and Machinery (PEL): Agriculture 4371, 3375
Horticulture (PEL): Agriculture 3304, 4300
Courses in Agricultural Service and Development (ASD)
1110 (AGRI 1131) Careers in Agri-Business and Industry. (1-0) Career information and opportunities in the Agricultural World of Work will be emphasized. Qualifications and employment opportunities in Texas will be stressed.
(WI) 3205 Principles of Agricultural Development. (2-0) The principles and concepts of community leadership and development in changing urban and non-urban settings. Emphasis will be given to leadership styles and approaches, community development processes, and the educator's role in the change process.
(WI) 4212 Program Building. (2-0) This course will focus on program and curriculum development in agricultural education settings. Primary course elements will include determining program and curriculum goals and objectives, implementing the program, and curriculum evaluation.
(WI) 4301 Professional Development in Agriculture. (3-0) This course requires students to select a topic of current interest appropriate to the major. Critical analysis of the situation including both positive and negative aspects will be encouraged. Findings will be presented in both oral and written form. (Capstone Course)
(WI) 4311 Agriculture Instructional Methods. (3-0) Classroom management, daily lessons planning, teaching techniques, teacher reports and records, care and use of teaching aids, and evaluation of activities in a complete program of vocational agriculture.
(WI) 4681 Student Teaching in Agricultural Science and Technology. (0-6) Planning for teaching agricultural science in selected schools in Texas. Prerequisite: Senior classification.
Courses in Agriculture (AG)
1445 (AGRI 1419) Animal Husbandry. (3-2) An introductory course designed to acquaint students with the importance of the livestock industry. A study of the types and breeds; market classes and grades of beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry; attention will be given to breeding, judging, care, and management.
2313 Agronomic Crops. (2-2) A study of the production, harvest practices, storage, and use of cereal and feed grains, fiber crops, forages, and other related crops requiring special technology.
2345 Horse Management. (2-2) A course designed as a broad but thorough coverage of most areas of horse husbandry and production, including anatomy, physiology, breeding, feeding, training, and health care. Laboratory sessions are designed to acquaint the student with modern methods of breeding, training, and care of the horse.
2367 Animal Ultrasonography. (2-2) A study of current developments and utilization of animal ultrasonography technology in agriculture. Hands-on training in animal growth and development, animal breeding, animal handling and management, animal reproduction, computer technology and data interpretation.
2373 Introduction to Agricultural Engineering. (2-2) An introductory course designed to acquaint students with a wide range of concepts, principles and applied technologies in agricultural engineering. A problem solving course.
2374 Metals and Welding Processes for Agriculture. (2-2) Principles and practices of applied metallurgy and welding. The course emphasizes the management of the technologies and techniques associated with Oxy-fuel welding and cutting. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC).
2379 (AGRI 1315 & HORT 1301) General Horticulture. (2-2) A survey of the general field of horticulture; a study of the principles and practices of propagation; the growth and fruiting habits of horticultural plants; and the culture, harvesting, handling, and utilization of fruit. Prerequisite: Biology 1410.
2383 (AGRI 2317) Introduction to Agricultural Economics. (3-0) The role of agriculture in the general economy; the study of basic economic concepts with their application to the agricultural firm; the structure and operation of the marketing system; the functional and institutional aspects of agricultural finance; international trade; and government farm programs.
2390 (AGRI 1309) Computer Applications in Agriculture. (2-2) Introduction to computers and computer technology; operation and application of the computer in production agriculture and agricultural business, services and industries. Includes characteristics of computer hardware and software, accessing and using the computer in agriculture.
2421 Range Forage and Pasture Crops. (3-2) Production, utilization and management of major range and forage plants in production systems that will meet the nutritional needs of both wild and domestic animals on a sustained basis.
(WI) 3301 Genetics of Livestock and Plant Improvement. (3-0) Fundamental principles of genetics and their application to higher plants and animals. The physical basis of Mendelian inheritance, expression and interaction of genes, gene frequency, linkage, sex linkage, inbreeding, line breeding, and crossbreeding as applied to selection indices for livestock and plants.
3304 Propagation of Horticultural Plants. (2-2) Principles and practices of propagating ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruits by sexual and asexual methods including germination of seed, layerage, graftage, division, cuttage, bulbs, corms, and other vegetative plant structures. Study of physical, physiological and environmental factors affecting propagation of ornamental plants.
3305 Plant Materials for Outdoor Landscapes. (2-2) Study of herbaceous and woody plant material including fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and ground covers. Their identification, nomenclature, and use in the planning and development of home landscapes. Basic principles and practices of landscape construction and maintenance such as site preparation, transplanting operation, control of plant pests, and pruning practices are included.(WI) 3306 Flowers and Plants for Interior Design. (2-2) Study of flowers, cut flowers, foliage and blooming pot plants to enhance the interior design of homes and businesses including their identification, cultural requirements, uses, diagnoses and corrective measures of disorders. Basic principles of flower arrangement and the preparation of floral and plant decoration as used in interior design.
3310 Internal Combustion Engines. (2-2) To include principles of 2 stroke and 4 stroke cycle engines, ignition and combustion types including injection systems. Components including power and power transmissions and hydraulic systems to be addressed. Prerequisites: Math 1315 and AG 2373.
3311 Agricultural Practices and Pollution Control. (2-2) Principles and practices of applied physical, chemical, and biological control of air, soil, and water pollution arising from production and processing of agricultural products. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1410, Math 1315, AG 2373 and 2390.
3314 Animal Health and Disease Control. (3-0) A course designed to enable the animal science student to understand basic veterinary principles as applied to prevention of disease in domestic livestock. Common diseases of livestock are considered, with emphasis on sanitation and modern preventative methods concerned with keeping livestock healthy. Prerequisite: AG 1445.
3317 Farm Management. (2-2) Tools and techniques which are basic to the study of farm organization and decision making, the wise allocation of factors of production, the keeping of records, and income tax management. Prerequisites: AG 2383 and 2390, Math 1315.
3318 Agricultural Business Management. (3-0) Introduction to the institutions and functions in agribusiness. The institutional structure of the agribusiness sector such as the feed, farm machinery and equipment, farm chemicals, financial institutions and private and public agri-services will be delineated. The second part of the course will introduce and develop the various functions such as organizational behavior, financial management, market management and human resource management. Prerequisites: AG 2383 and 2390 or consent of instructor.
3319 International Food and Fiber Systems. (3-0) Presents the food and fiber system from an international perspective. Analysis of food production and consumption patterns under different world economic systems, causes of surpluses and shortages throughout the world; the role of trade in solving food and agricultural problems. Outlook and situation for food and fiber is discussed for both developed and developing nations, and impact of U.S. food policy on world trade flows is presented.
3321 Range Management. (3-0) Practical problems met in managing native pastures and rangelands. Attention to determining range condition and proper stocking rates, methods of handling livestock on the range, range reseeding, brush control, and poisonous plants. The ecological and physiological response of range vegetation to grazing.
(WI) 3325 Animal Nutrition. (3-0) Principles of animal nutrition with emphasis on digestion, absorption, metabolism, and function of nutrients; estimation of feedstuff nutritive value; and requirements of animals. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1410 and 1420 or 1430, AG 1445 or consent of instructor.
3329 Economic Entomology. (3-0) A study of the most common insects of field crops, fruits, vegetables, and farm animals; life history, methods of attack, damage, and means of preventing and controlling. Collection and mounts of insects will be made.
3331 Reproduction in Farm Animals. (2-2) An examination of the anatomy and physiology of reproductive systems of livestock of economic importance. Attention is given to reproductive failure and disease. The laboratory includes pregnancy testing, semen collection and evaluation, artificial insemination techniques, and evaluation of breeding records. Prerequisite: AG 1445.
3345 Livestock Selection and Evaluation. (2-2) Detailed consideration of the factors involved in the selection and evaluation of beef cattle, sheep, swine, rabbits, goats, and chickens. Emphasis will be placed on the care, grooming and exhibition of livestock projects.
(WI) 3351 Agricultural Marketing and Sales. (3-0) A study of the food marketing system and farm input sales; includes the functional systems approach that integrates the agricultural input industries into a discussion of food marketing; takes a micro approach to the development of marketing management skills needed in agribusiness; and provides a critical outlook on issues ranging from inputs to final food products. Prerequisites: AG 2383, Math 1315.
3352 Quantitative Methods in Agricultural Economics. (3-0) Principles involved in collection, tabulating and analyzing agricultural data. Topics include sampling procedures, questionnaire development, descriptive analysis of data, correlation, prediction and forecasting and tests of significance. Simple computer programs will be stressed for class exercises during the course. Prerequisites: AG 2383 and 2390, Math 1315.
3353 Agricultural Structures and Environment. (2-2) Principles and practices associated with structural components, selection, materials of construction, heat and moisture control, and the environmental issues of waste management systems; a problem solving course. Prerequisites: Math 1315, AG 2373 and 2390. Recommended: TECH 1413 and 2310.
3375 Agricultural Machines and Equipment. (2-2) The optimization of the equipment phases of agricultural production and processing. Emphasis will be placed on management and decision-making principles concerned with the efficient selection, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of machinery and equipment. Prerequisites: Chemistry 1410, Math 1315, AG 2390
3426 Soil Science. (3-2) The fundamental principles of soil science to acquaint the student with some physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Prerequisite: Chemistry 1410.
(WI) 3427 Environmental Soil Management Systems. (3-2) Management of soils as pertaining to their place in the environment. Special emphasis will be given to the role of soil in conventional agricultural systems, natural resource systems, waste management systems, and reclaimed and artificial soil systems. Prerequisite: AG 3426.
3455 Land Surveying. (3-2) Engineering practices used in plane and geodetic surveying including differential and profile leveling, topographic, land, boundary and cadastral, and construction surveys. Laboratory exercises include use of dumpy levels, transits and total stations, and GPS (Global Positioning System) total station with RTK (real time kinematic). Planimeters and stereoscopes are used in analyzing aerial maps. Prerequisites: Math 1315 or Math 1317 or Math 1319, AG 2373, AG 2390.
(WI) 4185 Current Problems in Technical Agriculture. (1-0) A course for advanced undergraduates to study subject matter of special interest in agriculture. Problems in agronomy, economics, animal science, plant science, and farm mechanics may be selected. Prerequisite: Approval by department chair. May be repeated for up to three semester hours credit. Course may not be taken for graduate credit.
(WI) 4300 Greenhouse and Nursery Management. (2-2) Planning greenhouses for commercial and home use; plant-nursery layouts. Study of the physical and economic factors affecting the production of plants in the greenhouse and other forcing structures, and in the field; management techniques used in the production and marketing of greenhouse and nursery plants.
(WI) 4302 Fruit and Vegetable Crop Production. (2-2) Factors influencing small-fruit and tree-fruit and vegetable crop production in the field including root stocks, varieties, soil, planting, transplanting, irrigating, fertilizing, pruning, insects, diseases, nematodes, weeds, chemicals, harvesting, storing, and marketing; greenhouse production of certain vegetables.
4310 Agricultural Internship. (0-6) Supervised on-the-job experience in an agriculturally related business or agency. This course may be repeated for credit with approval of the department chair or advisor. See department chair or advisor for prerequisites.
4315 Fertilizers and Soil Productivity. (2-2) The principles of fertilizer use for maintenance of soil productivity. Fundamentals of crop producing power of soils will be discussed, as well as proper fertilizer preparation and proper application for greater economic returns. Restricted to those who have had AG 3426 and preferably are second-semester juniors or seniors.
(WI) 4322 Range Improvement Practices. (2-2) A study of the various techniques available for increasing the productivity of rangelands including the use of grazing systems, range seeding, herbicides, prescribed burning, range fertilization and mechanical treatments of the land surface.
4325 Feeds and Feeding. (2-2) Study of feedstuffs used in livestock enterprises. Application of basic nutrients to the needs of different species of livestock. Formulating rations, methods of feeding, feed control laws, and feeding investigation.
(WI) 4326 Advanced Animal Husbandry-Ruminants. (3-0) The application of scientific and technological advances to production and management in ruminant animal production and management.
4328 Advanced Animal Husbandry-Nonruminants. (3-0) Application of basic principles in the production and management of nonruminant animals. Scientific and technological advances with emphasis on overall management, health care, nutrition, genetics, physiology, and marketing of nonruminant animals.
4330 Food Technology: Processing Meats. (2-2) Evaluation and grading of carcasses; wholesale and retail cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. Emphasis on quality controls, testing of finished products that have been frozen, cured, fried, pickled, and canned.
4343 Organization and Management of Agricultural Laboratories. (3-0) Instructional programs involving laboratory equipment and facilities will be examined. Curriculum, teaching methods, equipment and facility management practices including various aspects of safety, tool management, inventory and security are emphasized along with facilities layout planning. Prerequisite: AG 2390.
4361 Agricultural Electrification. (2-2) Electrical fundamentals applied to agricultural production and processing. Circuits, power, energy, wiring design, and motor fundamentals; selection, installation and operational characteristics. Sensors and control devices including switches, relays, timers, and circuit breakers will be studied.
4371 Special Topics in Agricultural Mechanics
Study of selected topics not currently available in existing courses. Topics to be considered will be taken from the following:
4371A Advanced Farm Power and Machinery (3-0)4371B Water Utilization and Management (3-0)
4371C Energy Use and Management in Agriculture(3-0)
4371D Agricultural Structures Design (3-0)
4371E Agricultural Materials Handling (3-0)
4380 Agricultural Finance. (3-0) Principles, methods and techniques of appraising agricultural real properties for loans, purchase and sale. Techniques for financial analysis including capital budgeting, sources of loans for agri-business, analysis of financial statements, risk, and uncertainty in agriculture. Prerequisites: Math 1315 and AG 2383.
(WI) 4381 Agricultural Policy. (3-0) Identification and analysis of governmental programs and policies affecting the production and marketing of agricultural products. An economic evaluation of alternative policies and their application for farmers, consumers and agribusinesses will be considered. Prerequisite: AG 2383.
(WI) 4383 Agricultural Resource Economics. (3-0) Economic concepts and institutional factors relating to the use of agricultural resources such as land, air, water, energy, space, etc. Emphasis is on the conservation of resources and the environmental interactions resulting from the use of natural resources for agricultural production. Prerequisite: AG 2383, Math 1315 0r 1319, or consent of instructor.