Agriculture

Agriculture Program

The proposed Agriculture Program is a four-year program that will provide students with the requisite knowledge and skills in the science and practice of agriculture for increased productivity. The curriculum spans the science of crop cultivation; animal rearing, health and disease control; fish production and management as well as the techniques for transmission of agricultural technologies and innovation to clienteles in diverse parts of the country. Concisely, the program comprises four

(4) major fields of study, namely: Crop Science; Animal Science; Agriculture Extension Education; and Aquaculture and Fisheries. In time, each of these will develop into a full-fledged department of its own in a College of Agriculture.

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) program aims to educate students in the scientific method, provide them with entrepreneurial skills, and prepare them to become globally competitive professionals with competencies in technical agriculture. It emphasizes the processes and techniques of identifying, diagnosing and analyzing problems and in designing, packaging and applying technologies needed in the development and conservation of the agricultural and food system resources.

Finally, the BSA program will prepare students for academic advancement and employment in agriculture and related fields. It will enable students to conduct business in the production, processing and marketing of plants, animals and other organisms utilized for food, fiber, recreation, biomedicine, industrial and other purposes within the context of integrated and sustainable agriculture resource systems. Graduates may find career opportunities in diverse areas of agriculture.

 

JUSTIFICATION

 

Undoubtedly, Liberia has enormous agricultural potential. Agriculture provided the mainstay of the economy throughout the Liberian conflict and accounts for over half of the GDP in the postwar period (compared to one-tenth in the late 1970s). The sector accounted for 42.2% of real GDP for 2008. A large proportion of the economically active population of Liberia is engaged either directly or indirectly in smallholder subsistence agriculture. amenable

However, several constraints are experienced by the sector, prominent among which are inadequate extension services and agricultural education. (Sector Scan: The Agriculture Sector in Liberia. 2017). These include the lack of hands-on and demonstration-based teaching and peer-to-peer learning, lack of professional development of teachers, lack of quality instructors and lack of production and technical skills among Liberian graduates in agriculture programs. (CAB International 2017. Building Agricultural Extension Capacity in Post-Conflict Settings (eds

P.E. McNamara and A. Moore)

 

 

To facilitate agricultural development in the nation, AME University deems it necessary to develop an agricultural program that is founded on four basic pillars: partnership with other institutions,

building human resource capacity, discovering new knowledge and skills, and transmitting new agricultural technologies to local clienteles for increased agricultural productivity.

Finally, the AMEU agriculture program will improve the national agricultural markets and collective food security, boost the management of natural resources, promote the professional development of quality agriculture instructors, foster entrepreneurship, and increase the requisite production and technical skills among graduates. Thus, the Program encompasses Crop Science, Animal Science, Extension Education, and Aquaculture and Fisheries.

Vision Statement

 

The Program is to be:

  • Top-quality, germane, and

 

Mission Statement

 

The Program is to educate students in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of agriculture to prepare them for productivity, natural resources management, entrepreneurship, and for advancement in agriculture or related disciplines.

 

Goals

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

  • Apply scientific method in conducting research and in solving agriculture-related problems;
  • Promote participation and social considerations in making agriculture-related decision;
  • Communicate reports professionally;
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills for careers and advanced education in agriculture and /or related
  • Understand the concepts of agricultural productivity and sustainability in development;
  • Contribute to agricultural production and manpower development;
  • Promote agricultural innovations to various clients

 

Objectives

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

 

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in agriculture;
  • Apply the scientific method in performing agricultural activities;
  • Develop conceptual understanding of areas in agriculture;
  • Communicate reports effectively through written and oral presentations to diverse audiences;
  • Contribute meaningfully to improve agricultural productivity

 

 

Strategic Action Plan

To achieve the Vision of the University, the implementation of the Agriculture Program will be guided by the following actions:

  • Developing a curriculum that considers the strengths of the faculty and other resources to meet the expectations of the national agriculture policy;
  • Encouraging diversity in recruitment of faculty across related disciplines in the University and externally;
  • Establishing collaborations with other agriculture programs nationally and internationally through faculty and student exchange and shared resources;
  • Promoting the program nationally and internationally through presence at local, national, and international conferences and symposia;
  • Organizing on-campus lecture series by inviting stakeholders in Agriculture to speak to students, faculty, staff, and the community;
  • Initiating recruitment of student body through formal recruiting activities (e.g. organized by the enrolment management office, );
  • Seeking external assessment of the program from peer institutions to make suggested improvements in accordance with the vision and mission statements;
  • Identifying and encouraging participation and leadership roles in active community service and formal programs for students, staff and faculty in Agriculture;
  • Encouraging faculty and staff development within the Program and related disciplines;
  • Assisting associated departments in developing partnerships with international universities or other agencies for curriculum and collaborative research effort;
  • Establishing formal assistance process for employment placement of graduating

 

Core Competencies The graduate will:

  • Understand the complexities of their specific concentrations in Agriculture;
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic principles of agriculture;
  • Be able to apply knowledge and understanding of scientific principles in Agriculture;
  • Understand various aspects of national agricultural program;
  • Be able to effectively communicate innovations in agriculture to diverse

 

Career Opportunities for Graduates

 

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in animal and plant production and management, extension services, fish farming enterprises, and teaching services. Specific positions include:

 

 

  • Agricultural Products Sales Representative
  • Animal/Plant Breeder
  • Crop Manager or Consultant
  • Crop Production Planning Manager
  • Extension Agent

 

  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Aquaculture Technician
  • College Agriculture Faculty

 

4

  • Farm Owner
  • Fish Hatchery Manager
  • Landscape Designers

·         School Agriculture Teacher

  • Veterinarian

 

Admission Requirements

 

Students who intend to be admitted into the degree program in the BSA Program must satisfy the admission requirements of AME University and demonstrate adequate preparation for studies.

 

Duration of Program

 

A student with the required background is expected to complete the BSA Program in four (4) years. All students will take the required courses based on the pre-requisites. Those who will complete the proposed course loads in a given semester will follow the sequence of courses presented in the ensuing sections of the curriculum (Study Plan) and finish the requirements in four years. Students who may not complete certain courses in a given semester will be guided to continue the program logically. Such students might require more than four years for the completion of the program with the advice and consent of the Office of Admissions, Records, and Registration (OAR&R).

Graduation Requirement

 

To qualify for a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (BSA), a candidate must have completed course work with a total number of credits in the range of 135 - 140 hours and should have passed all required courses with a minimum grade of “C” or GPA not less than 2.00.

Implementation of Curriculum

The BSA is organized for a four-year period with emphasis on classroom instruction and practical. The first two years of study will involve the completion of the general educational requirements of the University with few introductory core courses.

 

In the beginning of the program, students will be required to choose a major in one of the four (4) areas of study with the advice and consent of the academic program advisor. They will take courses according to the Plan of Study for each concentration or track.

 

Faculty Requirements

  1. Qualifications of faculty to teach each course:
    1. Faculty recruitment will be based on academic qualification and length of Preferably, faculty with a minimum of Master degree will be recruited to implement the curriculum.

 

5

  1. Integration of faculty for research and teaching across disciplines:
  2. Faculty from other colleges across the university will be encouraged to render part time service in the program.

Potential Faculty Profile for the Proposed Agriculture Program

 

NO.

NAME OF FACULTY

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

INSTITUTION

YEAR

 

 

1.

 

 

Alvin S. Jueseah

PhD (Cand.) in Fisheries

Resource Econ

University of Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

August 2022

MSc in Fisheries and

Aquaculture Mangt & Econ

University of Tromso,

Norway

2012

BSc in Economics

University of Liberia

2009

 

 

 

2.

 

 

 

Edward Boakai Perry

 

MSc in Regional Science

 

University of Liberia

 

2017

BSc in General Agriculture

University of Sierra

Leone

1989

AA in General Agriculture

Risk Junior College,

Liberia

1981

 

 

 

3.

 

 

 

Gondah Moses Zolue

 

PhD in Soil Fertility and Environment Chemistry

 

Texas Tech University

– Texas Lubbock, USA

 

2020

MPhil in Soil Science

University of Ghana,

Legon

2013

BSc in General Agriculture

Cuttington University

2009

 

 

4.

 

 

Edward S. Fatoma

MPH in Epidemiology

 

 

2022

BSc in General Agriculture

University of Liberia

2009

AA in Animal Husbandry

Cuttington University

1984

 

 

5.

 

 

Helena Kerkulah Joyfe

 

 

MSc in Agribusiness Mangt.

University of Makerere Kampala, Uganda

 

 

2019

BBA in Management

University of Liberia

2013

 

 

6.

 

 

Roland P. Varkpeh

 

MSc in Animal Science

 

University of Ghana, Legon

 

2013

BSc in General Agriculture

University of Liberia

2006

 

 

 

7.

 

 

 

Glasgow B. Togba

 

 

 

MA in Fishing Policy

 

University of Wollongong Wollongong, New South Wales,

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

BSc in Economics

University of Liberia

2001

 

 

8.

 

 

Eric T.S. Pattern

 

 

MSc in Fisheries & Marine Economics

 

Nha Trang University (NTU)

Nha Trang City, Vietnam

 

 

2019

BSc in Economics

University of Liberia

2012

 

 

9.

 

 

John F. Kanneh

 

MSc in Marine Ecosystem Mangy and climate change

 

Nha Trang University, Vietnam /University of Tromso, Norway

 

2018

BSc in General Forestry

University of Liberia

2012

 

 

10.

 

 

Dr. Sarwee Joe-Wia Faeflen

 

PhD in Soil Science

 

Southwest University Chongqing, China

 

2016

MSc in Environmental Science

Southwest University

Chongqing, China

2013

BSc in Zoology

University of Liberia

2001

 

 

 

 

Recommended Textbooks

 

  • Advances in Aquaculture Hatchery Technology: Aquaculture Production of Meagre (Argyrosomus Regius): Hatchery Techniques, on Growing and Market (Woodhead ... in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition)
  • Agricultural Statistical Data Analysis Using Stata (Wiley) 1st 2013 by George Boyhan 3- Agricultural Use of Groundwater: Towards Integration Between Agricultural Policy and

Water Resources Management (Economics, Energy and Environment) 1st Edition by Cesare Dosi

  • Agricultural Waste Management: First Step to Forest Protection in Sudan Paperback – June 1, 2016 by Shawgei Ismaeil

 

 

  • Biodiversity and Ecology of Aquatic Environments (Kindle Edition) by H.R. Singh 6- Crop Protection: Advances in Agricultural Science by Harley Wells
  • Diseases and Parasites of Tropical Fish, Symptoms and Treatment by Daniel Njoku

 

  • Essential Fish Biology: Diversity, Structure, and Function (Illustrated edition) by Derek Burton
  • Extension Teaching Methods and other Factors that Influence Adoption of Agricultural and Home Economics Practices by Meredith C Wilson
  • Feeding Tilapia in Intensive Culture: Fish Nutrition, Feed formulations, and Feed Biochemistry by Maghdy Gaber
  • Fish Genetics and Breeding (Hardcover) 2018 by T L S Samuel Moses 12- Fish Hatchery Management (Hardcover) by Gary Wedemeyer
  • Fish processing (2nd edition) Paperback – February 13, 2022 by Gerardus Blokdyk

 

  • Fish Production Management and Export (Modern Livestock Farming Book 1) Kindle Edition by John Agonmuo
  • Food Processing, Biochemistry and Agriculture by Sara Diana Garduno Diaz 16- Fundamentals of Fish Taxonomy by K C Jayaram
  • Game Theory and Fisheries Management: Theory and Applications (1st ed.) 2020 Edition by Lone Grønbæk
  • Gender in Agriculture: Closing the Knowledge Gap 2014th Edition by Agnes R. Quisumbing 19- Group Dynamics and Team Interventions: Understanding and Improving Team Performance

1st Edition by Timothy M. Franz

 

  • Handbook of Agricultural Extension by ICAR

 

  • How the Ocean Works: An Introduction to Oceanography by Mark Denny

 

 

  • Introduction to Agricultural Economics (What's New in Trades & Technology) by John Penson
  • Introduction to Agricultural Engineering Technology: A Problem-Solving Approach 4th ed.

 

2018 by Harry L. Field

 

  • Introduction to Aquaculture by Brendan Marshall

 

  • Introduction To Fishery: Aquaculture (Fisheries) Made Easy (Kindle Edition) by Benson Bright
  • Introduction to Limnology 1st Edition by Stanley Dodson

 

  • Mass Communication in Agricultural Extension (Hardcover) by Dileep Kumar 28- Methods of Teaching Agriculture (3rd Edition) by H. Newcomb
  • Psychology and Adult Learning: The Role of Theory in Informing Practice (4th edition) by Mark Tennant
  • Recent Trends in Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Systems For Capture Fisheries (FAO Fisheries Technical Papers) by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Research Methodology in Extension Education (Hardcover) 2016 by S. Kadian & Moti Lal Meena Dangi, Dileep Kumar
  • Rural Poverty, Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods (Routledge Revivals) 1st Edition by Joseph Mullen
  • Rural Sociology and Agricultural Extension in Developing Countries by Machiadikwe Agbarevo
  • Rural Wealth Creation (Routledge Textbooks in Environmental and Agricultural Economics) 1st Edition John L. Pender (Editor), Bruce Weber (Editor), Thomas G. Johnson

 

 

  • Statistical Methods in Agriculture and Experimental Biology, 3rd edition (Texts in Statistical Science) 3rd Edition by Roger Mead
  • Stepping-Stones to Improve Upon Functioning of Participatory Agricultural Extension Programs: Farmer Field Schools in Uganda
  • The Conversion to Sustainable Agriculture: Principles, Processes, and Practices (Advances in Agroecology) by Stephen R.
  • The Efficient Pond Management Handbook (Paperback) 2013 by Ryan McCaw

 

  • The Politics of Aquaculture: Sustainability Interdependence, Territory and Regulation in Fish Farming (Routledge Studies in Environmental Policy) 1st Edition by Caitriona Carter
  • Water Resource Management: A Casebook in Law and Public Policy (University Casebook Series) 7th Edition
  • Wetland Ecology: Principles and Conservation (2nd edition) by Paul Kennedy

 

  • Youth Perception on Contribution of Agribusiness to Development: Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness for Poverty Alleviation, 2021

 

I.        Monitoring and Evaluation

 

Each track will have a Track Coordinator (TC) who will be responsible to:

  • Supervise the implementation of the program track or concentration;
  • Collaborate with other TC’s and faculty;
  • Analyze return forms from track evaluation questionnaires, annually;
  • Confer with other faculty members about the course syllabi of each track; and
  • Analyze examination results and students’ feedback to make recommendations to the chairman or coordinator of the

 

Evaluations

 

Assessment reports will be used to assist in revising curriculum and to modify instructional approaches.

 

10

Student Evaluation

 

 

The following is recommended to assess students’ progress: Lecture Grades                                     80% of total Semester grades Practical Activities                  20% of total Semester grades

 

Breakdown of Lecture and Practical Activities Grades

 

 

 

 

Lecture Grades

 

Practical

Item

% tage

 

Item

% tage

Attendance

5

 

Attendance

5

Assignments

5

 

Reports of Practical

15

Quizzes

10

 

Midterm

25

Tests

20

 

Final Practical Exam

35

Midterm

25

 

Practical Portfolio

20

Final Exam

35

 

 

 

Total

100

 

Total

100

Note: AME University policy on student evaluation will supersede the policy above.

 

Grading Scale:

 

A                                                90 – 100%

 

B                                                  80 – 89%

 

C                                                 70 – 79 %

 

D                                                 60 – 69 %

 

F                                                 below 60%

 

11

 

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE OF PROGRAM

 

Bachelor of Science in Crop Science

 

Required Credit Hours for Graduation – 139 Credits

 

General Requirements – 31 Credits

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

COSC 101

Computer Concepts

3

COSC 102

Computer Application

3

ENGL 101

Freshman English I

3

ENGL 102

Freshman English II

3

ENGL 201

Sophomore English I

3

ENGL 204

Technical English

3

GEOG 101

Introduction to Geography

3

MATH 107

Pre-Calculus

4

MATH 108

Math for Decision-making

4

PHED 101/ ROTC 101

Physical Education I / Military Science I

1

PHED 102/ ROTC 102

Physical Education II / Military Science II

1

 

 

College Requirement – 41 Credits

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

AGRI 101

Introduction to Agriculture

3

AGRI 201

Introd to Rural Sociology and Gender in Agriculture

3

AGRI 204

Agricultural Economics

3

 

AGRI 205

Agroclimatology

3

AGRI 206

Introduction to Soil Science

3

AGRI 301

Agricultural Statistics and Experimental Design

3

AGRI 305

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

3

AGRI 401

Agriculture Policy of Liberia

3

BIOL 103

General Biology I

3

BIOL 104

General Biology II

3

CHEM 101

General Chemistry I

4

CHEM 102

General Chemistry II

4

PHYS 103

Fundamental of Physics I

3

 

 

Core Requirement – 58 Credits

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

AGCS 201

Introduction to Crop Science

3

AGCS 202

Introduction to Plant Anatomy and Physiology

3

AGCS 204

Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

3

AGCS 301

Principles of Crop Production

3

AGCS 302

Plant Pathology

3

AGCS 304

Crop Genetics and Breeding

3

AGCS 306

Seminar in Crop Science

1

AGCS 307

Introduction to Food Science & Technology

3

AGCS 308

Introduction to Farm Machinery and Uses

3

AGCS 309

Agriculture and Climate Change

3

AGCS 310

Horticultural Crop Production

3

 

AGCS 401

Introduction to Tropical Tree Crop Production

3

AGCS 402

Tropical Field Crops Production

3

AGCS 404

Soil Survey and Land Evaluation

3

AGCS 405

Agri Production Econ and Farm Management

3

AGCS 406

Introduction to Rice Production

3

AGCS 407

Internship and Field Experience

3

AGCS 408

Post-harvest Management

3

AGCS 409

Agriculture Research Methods

3

AGCS 410

Agriculture Research Project / Thesis

3

 

 

Electives – 9 Credits

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

First Semester Junior Year Electives (Select only one course)

AGCS 311

Introduction to Weed Science

3

AGCS 313

Introduction to Non-Timber Forest Products

3

Second Semester Junior Year Electives (Select only one course)

AGCS 314

Principles of Forestry

3

AGCS 316

Principles of Crop Protection

3

First Semester Senior Year Electives (Select only one course)

AGCS 411

Agricultural Entomology

3

AGCS 413

Introduction to Horticulture Landscaping

3

 

14

 

Study Plan

 

 

First Semester Freshman Year

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

AGRI 101

Introduction to Agriculture

3

BIOL 103

General Biology I

3

Chem 101

General Chemistry

4

ENGL 101

Freshman English I

3

MATH 107

Pre-Calculus

4

PHED 101 /

ROTC 101

Physical Education I/ Military Science I

1

Total Credit Hours

18

 

 

 

Course No.

Course Title

Cr. Hr

AGCS 201

Introduction to Crop Science

3

AGRI 201

Introduction to Rural Sociology and Gender

3

AGRI 205

Agroclimatology

3

COSC 101

Computer Concepts

3

ENGL 201

Sophomore English I

3

PHYS 103

Fundamentals of Physics

3

 

 

Total Credit Hours

18

 

 

First Semester / Sophomore Year

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

AGCS 202

Plant Anatomy and Physiology

3

AGCS 204

Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

3

AGRI 204

Agricultural Economics

3

AGRI 206

Introduction to Soil Science

3

COSC 102

Computer Applications

3

ENGL 204

Technical Writing

3

Total Credits

18

 

Second Semester Freshman Year

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

BIOL 104

General Biology II

3

CHEM 102

General Chemistry II

4

ENGL 102

Freshman English II

3

GEOG 101

Introduction to Geography

3

MATH 108

Math for Decision-making

4

PHED 102 /

ROTC 102

Physical Education / Military Science II

1

Total Credits

18

 

 

 

Second Semester Sophomore Year


15                        Second Semester Junior Year

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

AGCS 302

Plant Pathology

3

AGCS 304

Crop Genetics and Breeding

3

AGCS 306

Seminar in Crop Science

1

AGCS 308

Introduction to Farm Machinery and Uses

3

AGCS 310

Horticultural Crop Production

3

Elective

 

3

Total Credits

16

 

 

First Semester Junior Year

Course Code

Course Title

Cr. Hrs

AGCS 301

Principles of Crop Production

3

AGCS 307

Introduction to Food Science & Technology

3

AGCS 309

Agriculture and Climate Change

3

AGRI 301

Agricultural Statistics & Experimental Design

3

AGRI 305

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

3

Elective

 

3

Total Credits

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Semester Senior Year                                       Second Semester Senior Year

          

 

 

Crop Science Course Descriptions

 

AGCS 201                                          Introduction to Crop Science:                                 3 Credits

This course introduces the student to the principles and practices crop science, plant crops, factors that influence crop growth and development, and the application of agronomic principles to crop production. Topics include basic concepts of crop science; economic and nutritional importance of crop plants; origin, classification, and geographic distribution of agronomic crops of Liberia; major food crops of the world and leading producers/exporters; environmental factors that influence crops; cultural practices under various climatic and soil conditions; importance of legumes in crop rotation; crop morphology and identification; special problems in crop production (e.g. rice production); plant growth regulation and development; essential elements and plant nutrition; cropping systems and practices; harvesting, storage, and marketing practices; crop breeding and improvement; integrated pest management.

AGCS 202                              Plant Anatomy and Physiology                                            3 Credits

 

This course introduces students to the structure and functions of flowering plants. Topics include plant cell and tissue types; plant organs: root structure, functions, and systems; stem structure, functions and modifications; leaf structure, functions, types, and modifications; flower morphology, pollination and pollen structure; fruits and fruit classification; primary and secondary growth; photosynthesis; plant-water relations and internal transport: factors that affect water and mineral absorption, osmotic potential, water movement in plant; types, process, and role of transpiration; basic concept of translocation; mechanism of phloem translocation; regulation of plant growth and development; plant responses to light, gravity, and other environmental factors; flower, fruit, and seed development; senescence and dormancy.

 

AGCS 203                              (Open number, for future course development)

 

AGCS 204                  Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrient Management                  3 Credits

 

This course introduces the student to the principles of soil fertility, plant nutrition and nutrient management. It discusses the nutrient elements and their interactions in plants and the soils. Topics include concepts of soil fertility; edaphic factors; soil productivity; nutrient cycle and nutrient flow in plants; essential plant nutrients; uptake forms, functions and deficiency symptoms of essential nutrient elements; functions and deficiency symptoms of secondary nutrient elements; functions and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in plants; nutrients interactions in plants and soils; availability of nutrients; transformations and availability of nutrients in soils; formation and management of acid soils and calcareous soils, formation and management of salt-affected soils; soil fertility evaluation; microorganisms and decomposition in soil; importance of pH in plant nutrition; classification of fertilizers; methods of fertilizer applications; integrated plant nutrient management (IPNM).

 

 

AGCS 301                             Principles of Crop Production                                 3 Credits

This course provides students with an understanding of the basic crop production including cropping systems, tillage practices, plant pests and management, and crop harvest and storage. Topics include basic concepts of crop production; plant growth and development; variety selection, seedbed preparation and planting of grain crops; harvest and storage of grain crops; integrated pest management (IPM); principles of rice production; principles of horticultural crop production.

 

AGCS 302                                        Plant Pathology                                                            3 Credits

 

This course introduces students to the nature of diseases in plants, including their causal agent, etiology, epidemiology, and management or control. Topics include basic concepts of plant pathology; history of plant pathology; economic importance of plant diseases; causes of plant diseases; morphology, ecology, and classification of plant pathogens: plant pathogenic viruses; plant pathogenic bacteria; plant pathogenic fungi and fungal-like organisms; nematodes; parasitic plants; noninfectious plant diseases; major factors involved in plant disease development; basic concepts of plant disease diagnosis; principles of plant disease management; symptoms, mode of infection, disease cycle and management of representative diseases of field and horticultural crops: rusts and smuts; diseases of aerial plant parts; soilborne diseases; vascular diseases; wood decay and post- harvest diseases.

 

AGCS 303                              (Open number, for future course development)

 

AGCS 304 -                            Crop Genetics & Breeding:                                                  3 Credits This course introduces the basic genetic principles important for plant breeding, and selection methodology for self- and cross-pollinated crops. It examines the application of genetic principles to plant improvement. Topics include the basic concepts of genetics; mendelian genetics; chromosomal basis of heredity; gene linkage; population genetics; sources of variation in nature; methods of estimating heritability; genetic diversity; parent selection; breeding methods for self-pollinated crops; backcross method; types of cultivars; breeding methods for cross-pollinated crops; mutation breeding; heterosis; breeding for pest resistance; genetically modified organisms in agriculture; molecular markers and their role in plant breeding.

 

AGCS 305                              (Open number, for future course development)

 

AGCS 306 –                                       Seminar in Crop Science                                          1 Credit This course prepares students to examine and present scientific and technical reports. It enables students to identify and analyze contemporary issues in crop science. It involves how to search for information in the library, collate information into an organized unit, present to a group of fellow students and analyze and evaluate peer presentations. Students will review at least two research reports in Crop Science and organize presentations for faculty and other students. Topics include library research methods, paper organization and content; problem analysis; method of oral delivery; importance of an introduction, summary, visual aids, and clarity of a report.

 

 

AGCS 307                              Introduction to Food Science & Technology:                      3 Credits This course introduces students to the principles of food science and technology. It covers the concepts of food science including food composition, deterioration, safety, and processing. Topics include basic concepts of food science; components of food: water, carbohydrates, protein, lipid; food components and human body; food components and health; food deterioration and spoilage; physical, chemical and biochemical changes of food; overview of food microbiology; food safety; food processing and preservation; food packaging; food regulations.

 

AGCS 308 –                           Introduction to Farm Machinery and Uses                        3 Credits

 

This course introduces students to farm field equipment used for agricultural production with special emphasis on mechanization. Equipment for study includes tractors, tillage, seeding, chemical application, forage harvesting, and grain harvesting equipment. Topics include sources of farm power and mechanization; scope of farm mechanization; selection of farm machines; operation and field performance of machines; types of implements; economics of field operation; tillage: