Certificate, On Campus
The Sustainable Agriculture certificate program will focus on agricultural principles and practices that, over the long term, enhance environmental quality, make efficient use of nonrenewable resources, integrate natural biological cycles and controls, and are economically viable and socially responsible; and that may prepare individuals to apply this knowledge to the solution of agricultural and environmental problems. The certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, experience, and attitudes that are necessary for independent, critical thinking essential to success in this field.
The certificate is especially useful for those interested in broadening their professional skills and/or base of knowledge and for those interested in pursuing career development in local agricultural industries.
This course covers the latest nontraditional enterprises in agriculture. Topics include animal production, aquaculture, and plant production. Upon completion, students should be able to identify selected enterprises and describe basic production practices.
This course introduces the basic principles of botany that pertain to agricultural production. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy and physiology of flowering plants. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain plant systems.
This course covers fundamentals of maintenance and repair of farm facilities and equipment. Topics include safe use of hand tools and farm machinery, carpentry, concrete, painting, wiring, welding, plumbing, and calculating costs and materials needed. Upon completion, students should be able to answer theoretical questions on topics covered and assist with maintenance and repair of farm facilities and equipment.
This course will emphasize the building and maintaining of healthy soil, plant and insect biological cycles as the key to pest and disease management. Course content includes study of major pests and diseases, including structure, life cycle, and favored hosts; and biological and least toxic methods of chemical control. Upon completion, students will be able to identify and recommend methods of prevention and control of select ed insects and diseases.
This course includes a study of spring organic crop production practices, including vegetables, cut flowers, and culinary and medicinal herbs. Topics include variety selection, production methods, and record keeping procedures for certification. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of organic crop production appropriate for the spring season.
Total credits needed to graduate: 17 Hours
This certificate is especially useful for those interested in broadening their professional skills and/or base knowledge and for those interested in pursuing career development in agricultural industries.
This certificate is offered to high school students through Career and College Promise program (C15410X).
Sustainable Agriculture Science Technology students will:
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