The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

AGBU 223/H Introduction to Agribusiness — 3 cr. 

Definition and scope of agribusiness; characteristics of agribusiness firms; trends of their expansion/decline are examined; career opportunities in agribusiness. Prerequisite: AGEC 213.

AGBU 300 Internship I — 3 cr.

Observation and participation in the operation of and management of university-approved agribusiness firms. A written appraisal of theoretical and/or applied management, economics or business concepts observed during the internship is required. Prerequisite: Junior standing in Agribusiness.

AGBU 313/H Quantitative Meth. in Agribusi. — 3 cr.

Use of indices, graphics, budgeting, discounting, simulation, basic statistical measure, and micro-computers in addressing agribusiness problems. Prerequisite: AGEC 213.

AGBU 323/H Agribusiness Management — 3 cr.

Examination and study of the organization, management and operation of agribusiness firms with reference to the application of management principles for effective decision making. Prerequisite: AGBU 223.

AGBU 371 Seminar I — 1 cr.

Discussion of current issues in agribusiness. A term paper with focus on economic, business or management analysis of selected topic is required. Prerequisite: Junior standing in Agribusiness, Economics or Business.

AGBU 400 Internship II — 3 cr.

Observation and participation in the operation of and management of University-approved agribusiness firms. A written appraisal of theoretical and/or applied management, economics or business concepts observed during the internship is required. Prerequisite: Senior standing in Agribusiness.

AGBU 471 Seminar II — 1 cr.

Discussion of current issues in agribusiness. A term paper with focus on economic, business or management analysis of selected topic is required. Prerequisite: Senior standing in Agribusiness, Economics or Business.

AGEC 213/H Intro. to Agricultural Economics — 3 cr.

Review of Economic Concepts; definition and scope of Agricultural Economics; business organizations in the food and fiber system, factors of production and their characteristics, location of Agricultural Production; Market Equilibrium Analysis and the role of price elasticities of demand and supply.

AGEC 333/H Agricultural Price Analysis — 3 cr.

Economic theory, statistics and data combined to describe, understand and forecast agricultural price relationships and variation. Quantitative techniques developed to determine the factors causing price variation and to measure trend, cyclical, seasonal and random price variation. Prerequisite: AGEC 213.

AGEC 419 Agricultural Cooperatives — 3 cr.

Review of basic philosophy, the fundamental principles, objectives, structure and management of cooperative organizations; cooperatives in the modern economic history, legislation and evaluation. Prerequisite: AGEC 213.

AGEC 423/H Marketing Agricultural Products — 3 cr.

Characteristics of the demand for and supply of farm products; alternative marketing channels; services and costs involved in marketing, what cooperatives are, what they have 

tried to do, and what they have done; their special problems of organization, finance and control. Prerequisite: AGEC 213.

AGEC 433/H International Agricultural Markets, Trade and Development — 3 cr.

International trade of agricultural products with emphasis on theory trade and monetary flows, national trade policies and world market structures for agricultural products. Impacts of trade on the domestic agricultural sector and the role of trade in agribusiness. Prerequisite: AGEC 213

AGEC 443/H Farm Management — 3 cr.

Farming as a business, factors affecting profits; size of the business; choice of enterprises, forms of tenure and leases; methods of getting started in farming; choosing a farm; planning and management of specific farms and principles and techniques of keeping and interpreting farm records and accounts. Prerequisite: AGEC 213.

AGEC 453/H Agricultural Finance — 3 cr.

Agricultural finance in agricultural firms and financial institutions; emphasizing financial reports and analysis, liquidity and risk; use of credit and other financial alternatives to acquire control of farm resources; credit sources and acquisition of capital; decision-making. Prerequisite: AGEC 213, BUSI 261.

AGEC 463/H Agricultural Policy — 3 cr.

Current policy issues; policy instruments and choices; economic characteristics and problems of agriculture; evolution and significance of agricultural policies, the international dimension and domestic policies. Prerequisite: AGEC 213 and senior standing.

AGED 313 Supervised Experience Programs — 3 cr.

An overview of the job of the teacher of agriculture; examination of agricultural education programs for youth and special emphasis on supervised agriculture practicums.

AGME 283 Engineering Principles Applied to Agriculture — 3 cr.

Introduction to the application of engineering principles to problems in soil and water conservation, agriculture power units, machinery, agricultural electricity, structures and animals environment, material handling and processing of agricultural products.

AGME 313 Agricultural Surveying Technology — 4 cr.

Basic engineering principles and theory of surveying; care and use of surveying equipment; measurement of horizontal distances and angles; differential and profile leveling; topographic surveying; mapping; field notes and area measurement computation methods.

AGME 334 Small Power Equip. Technology — 4 cr.

Engineering design and principles of operation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of light horsepower, single cylinder internal combustion engines. Use of operator's service and repair manuals to determine specifications. 

AGME 344 Agricultural Construction Materials and Procedures — 3 cr.

Selection and use of agricultural building materials, including concrete and masonry, lumber, plywood, finishes and fasteners. Application of hand and power tools in agricultural construction. Laboratory Fee: $25

AGME 354 Metal Construct. and Maintenance — 4 cr.

Selection and application of ferrous and non-ferrous metals through autogenous welding, cold working and hot working processes in agricultural construction and maintenance. Laboratory Fee: $25

AGME 374 Farm Tractor Power — 4 cr.

Principles of operation, service and maintenance of tractor engines; diesel fuel systems, tractor auxiliary systems including hydraulics, power trains, electrical, comfort and control. Prerequisite: AGME 334. 

AGME 384 Agricultural Electrification — 4 cr.

Electrical fundamentals, distribution, wiring practices, governing codes, 3-phase service, and selection of electrical controls and motors for agricultural application. 

AGME 444 Agricultural Machinery and Power Management — 4 cr.

Selection, sizing and operational principles required in the use of agricultural field and farmstead machine systems; cost analysis and computer techniques applied to planning and management of agricultural machinery systems. 

AGME 454 Principles of Animal Environment and Structures — 4 cr.

Effects of environment on animal production; principles of environment control, feed handling systems, waste management alternatives and planning functional, economical and environmentally controlled livestock facilities. 

AGME 490 Pre-Occupational Internship — 4 cr.

Student will spend a period of up to 12 weeks with an approved agricultural business firm of his technical specialty, working as directed in management related tasks. Prerequisites: 54 credit hours and permission of instructor.

AGME 499 Special Topics — 1-4 cr.

Either semester; credit and hours must be made in consultation with the instructor prior to registration; a written report and an oral presentation of the topic studied will be required; offered every semester. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

AGNR 111 First Year Experience Seminar — 1 cr.

This course will explore aspects of preparing students for career opportunities, as well as assisting with professional development; adjustments needed to succeed in college, study skills and test taking, crisis or stress management, and understanding the significance of the land-grant system. This course is designed to acquaint students with current trends, pertinent issues, and modern practices associated with the various disciplines in agriculture and natural resources from a global perspective. Required of all first year students in the Department of Agriculture. This course substitutes for the University-wide 100 level course: First Year Experience Seminar.

AGNR 483 Principles of Geographic Information Systems — 3 cr.

Applicability and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a science; students will become competent with ArcView ^©, a GIS software package from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), Inc.; learn the basics of data management, data accuracy, spatial analysis, and data presentation.

AGRI 301 Agriculture Seminar: Professional Development — 1 cr.

Individualized preparation for entry into a professional career in agriculture. Course to be taken during the spring semester of the junior year. Skills such as resume writing, interviewing for employment and developing a professional image will be emphasized. The organization of information and the presentation of technical data through oral and written communication skills will be stressed. Prerequisite: ENGL 203 or permission of instructor.

AGRI 483/H Recombinant DNA Technology — 3 cr.

Laboratory course to introduce the basic principles of gene cloning; give essential background on working with E. coli; utilize different cloning systems and employ methods for PCR applications and, methods and procedures for DNA sequencing. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor. Laboratory Fee $25.

AGRI 499 Special Topics in Agriculture — 3 cr.

Study/research with faculty on prearranged topic. Permission of instructor.

AGRN 333A Weed Science — 3 cr.

Weed identification; action of herbicides, physical, biological, chemical and cultural weed control. Safe use, handling and management of pesticides, including preparation for Maryland Certification. Prerequisite: PLSC 184 or permission of instructor.

AGNR 353 Natural Resources Conservation — 3 cr.

Principles of soil, water, and nutrient conservation; application of the principles through land use, run-off and erosion control, and soil management practices including elements of the universal soil loss equation. Prerequisite: PLSC 184.

AGRN 413A/H Global Agronomic Crops — 3 cr.

Includes an in-depth study of major field (cereal, oil and fiber) crops that are grown in temperate, tropical and sub-tropical environments. Prerequisite: PLSC 184.

AGRN 423/H Plant Nutrition and Soil Fertility — 3 cr.

Study of interrelationships between soil type, mineralogy, pH and plant production. Availability and supply of micro and macro nutrients in soil as affected by the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on plant growth and nutrition will be discussed. Prerequisite: PLSC 184, AGRN 203 or permission of instructor.

AGRN 463 Plant Genetics and Breeding — 3 cr.

Principles of plant genetics; cytological and genetic variation in crop plants; production and control of such variation in developing varieties and hybrids; crop improvement using biotechnology; methods of breeding self- and cross pollinated crops; production and maintenance of high quality seeds. Prerequisite: BIOL 222 or permission of instructor.

AGRN 499 Independent Study in Plant and Soil Science — 1-4 cr.

The topic, hours and credits must be arranged by consent of the instructor prior to registration. A written report must be presented by the conclusion of the course.

AMIC 324 Agricultural Microbiology — 4 cr.

Lectures and laboratories which apply general principles of microbial ecology, food microbiology, pathogenic microbiology and industrial microbiology as they directly relate to practical applications in the Agricultural Sciences. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and CHEM 111. Laboratory Fee $25.

ANPT 114/H Introduction to Animal Science — 4 cr.

GE AREA IV

An introductory, interspecies survey of principles of scientific animal production including breeding and genetics, reproduction, nutrition, animal management and the importance of animal products to consumers. 

ANPT 202 Practicum in Animal and Poultry Science — 2 cr.

Students may gain practical management experience by working at the UMES animal facilities through a non-paid contractual agreement. Students may spend time in the aquaculture, swine, poultry and/or ruminant facilities. Prerequisites: Second semester freshman standing and consent of instructor. Course may be repeated but credit toward graduation will be limited to two credit hours.

ANPT 213/H Introduction to Aquaculture — 3 cr.

Overview of the commercial aquaculture industry including shell and fin fish culture. Basic concepts include water quality management, reproduction, hatchery management, nutrition, disease control as well as processing and marketing is stressed. 

ANPT 214/H Animal and Avian Physiology — 4 cr.

Laboratory and lecture studies of the basic anatomy of mammals and domestic fowl and how it relates to the physiological functions of tissues, organs and systems. Prerequisite: BIOL 111.

ANPT 223 Introduction to Poultry Technology and Management — 3 cr.

An overview of the poultry industry and how it relates to the human food chain. The basic concepts of poultry breeding, housing, management & production, processing and marketing will be introduced. Previously listed on POUL 223.

ANPT 304/H Reproductive Physiology — 4 cr. 

Fundamental concepts of reproduction including comparative physiology, reproductive technologies and management of domestic animal reproductive performance. Prerequisites: ANPT 114 and ANPT 214. 

ANPT 313/H Introduction to Animal and Avian Nutrition — 3 cr.

Digestion and metabolism of nutrients by animal and avian species; nutrient deficiencies and requirements for various physiological functions. Prerequisites: ANPT 114, CHEM 111, MATH 110 or permission of instructor.

ANPT 399 Internship in the Animal and Poultry Industry — 3 cr.

Offered aspart of the student's educational training, this course provides practical work experience and familiarizes the student with the operation and management of a commercial animal or poultry business firm. Faculty will aid students in identifying firms, however placement is not guaranteed. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing. 

ANPT 403 Advanced Aquaculture — 3 cr.

Fundamentals of commercial fish and other marine animal production. Basic principles of pond and tank production, management, nutrition and disease control will be covered.

ANPT 413 Advanced Poultry Production and Management — 3 cr.

Principles and current practices in hatching egg production, incubation and hatchery management and commercial broiler production. Topics will include broiler breeder management, hatching egg incubation, broiler housing systems, ventilation, heating, lighting, feeding, and health care. Practical experience in poultry production practices will be gained by putting classroom instruction into practice by operating the 10,000 bird broiler house on the UMES farm. Prerequisites: ANPT 223 and ANPT 313 or permission of instructor. 

ANPT 423/BIOL 463 Wildlife Management — 3 cr.

Student will develop an understanding of the principles and practices associated with wildlife management. Emphasis will be placed on research design, sampling techniques, and field research. Students will practice field techniques during labs, analyze results and develop management recommendations as part of semester projects.

ANPT 424/H Animal and Avian Health and Diseases — 4 cr.

Study of parasitic, viral, bacterial and protozoal diseases of mammalian and avian species. Methods of disease prevention, control and eradication will be discussed. Prerequisites: ANPT 214 and BIOL 301 or AMIC 324 or permission of instructor.

ANPT 443 Horse Production — 3 cr.

Principles and applied practices of horse production with emphasis on management, nutrition, health care, genetics and physiology. Prerequisites: ANPT 214, ANPT 304 and ANPT 313 or permission of instructor (offered in odd-numbered years). 

ANPT 463 Dairy Production — 3 cr.

Applied dairy science with emphasis on genetics, nutrition and feeding, lactation, physiology and management, and marketing systems for dairy products. Prerequisites: ANPT 214, ANPT 304 and ANPT 313 or permission of instructor (offered even-numbered years). 

ANPT 473 Swine Production — 3 cr.

Modern, applied aspects of swine production including breeding and selection, reproduction and artificial insemination, nutrition and feeding, environmental aspects of housing and management, production systems, herd health, and pork products and their value in the human diet. Prerequisites: ANPT 304, ANPT 313 or permission of instructor. 

ANPT 499 Special Topics in Ani. and Poultry Science — 1-5 cr.

Individualized research and study of a problem in the student's area of interest done in cooperation with an ANPT faculty member. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Principles of Economics I — 3 cr.  

A study of the principles of economic analysis, economic institutions and issues of public policy. Emphasis is place on aggregate economics covering national in­come analysis, money and banking, business cycles and economic stabilization. Prerequisite: MATH 109. Co-requisite: ECON  088 when via Distance Education.

ECON 088 Principles of Economics I (Macro) Laboratory — 0 cr.

This course is designed to support students studying  Principles of Economics I (Macro) (ECON 201). Students will have the opportunity to reinforce their learning by manually and electronically applying newly acquired knowledge in solving problems. A laboratory assistant will provide guidance and tutorial assistance. Co-requisite: ECON 201.

ECON 202/H Principles of Economics II (Micro) — 3 cr.

A study of economic analysis, institutions and issues of public policy. Topics covered are production, the allo­cation of resources, and the distribution of income through the price system (micro analysis) and interna­tional economics. Co-requisite: ECON 188 when via Distance Education.

ECON 188 Principles of Economics II (Micro) Laboratory — 0 cr.

This course is designed to support students studying  Principles of Economics II (Micro) (ECON 202). Students will have the opportunity to reinforce their learning by manually and electronically applying newly acquired knowledge in solving problems. A laboratory assistant will provide guidance and tutorial assistance. Co-requisite: ECON 202.

ECON 300/H  Intermediate Micro Economic Theory — 3 cr.                

A study of general principles and analytical tools of price theory. Topics will include an analysis of consumer behavior, business firms and industry and factor mar­kets. Prerequisites: ECON 201, ECON 202 and ECON 252.

ECON 301 Intermediate Macro Economic Theory — 3 cr.  

The course includes analysis of the determination of national income, employment and price levels from the viewpoints of classical, Keynesian, neo‑classical and neo-­Keynesian economists. Key topics include consumption, investment, inflation, and monetary and fiscal policies. Prerequisites: ECON 201, ECON 202, and BUSI 252.

ECON 302/H Money and Banking — 3 cr.  

A study of the role of money, credit and the banking system in the United States. The growth of the commer­cial bank is traced from the colonial times to the present. Topics included are demand deposit, bank investments, Federal Reserve System and monetary and fiscal poli­cies. Prerequisites: ECON 201 and ECON 202.   

ECON 303 Labor Economics — 3 cr.

A study of the labor force in the United States with special reference to employment, wage structure and historical and social background of trade unionism and labor legislature.  Prerequisites: ECON 201 and ECON 202.

ECON 304 The Economics of Black America — 3 cr.

A survey and analysis of economic conditions of Black people in the United States from 1906 to present.  Topics covered include: Black land ownership, income, education, wages, mobility, businesses, employment welfare, discrimination, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the impact of Federal economic policy on Blacks, and the historical factors which shaped them.  Prerequisites: ECON 201 and ECON 202.

ECON 401 Interpretative Analysis of Economic Theories — 3 cr.

An in-depth study of basic econom­ic concepts and theories which will be applied to understanding current economics policies and issues. Topics in general will include monetary policy, fiscal policy, the public debt, income distribution, black eco­nomic development, collective bargaining, various mar­ket structures, international trade, alternative economic systems, and the less developed countries. Prerequisites: ECON 201 and ECON 202.

ECON 402 Economics of Development — 3 cr.

A study of the economic factors involved in the development of an economy.  Particular emphasis is placed upon the capital accumulation in economies at various stages of economic growth.  The economic problems of the developing areas of the world are examined.  Prerequisites: ECON 201 and ECON 202.

ECON 403 Economics of Public Finance — 3 cr.

A study of principles and practices of taxation and public expenditure. Topics included are economics effects of public spending, debts, taxation, financing social security and other services; fiscal and monetary policies, and their relation to inflation, and social problems.  Prerequisites: ECON 201 and ECON 202.

ECON 404 International Economics — 3 cr.

A study of international economic problems, policies and processes. Topics covered include foreign trade the balance of payments, exchange rate and exchange controls, international economic organization, and the relationship between domestic and international economic policies.  Prerequisites:  ECON 201 and ECON 202.

ECON 480 Directed Independent Study in Economics — 3 cr.

This course is designed to upgrade knowledge in a certain specialized area of study determined by deficiencies or projected areas of growth and plans for further studies.  It will be structured to meet the needs of the students taking the course.  The enrolled student will be assigned to a faculty member with who he will work out a specific plan of study.  The course will be similar to tutorials in structure.  The student will have the primary responsibility of completing the assignments.  Credit hours may vary in accordance with the need and amount of work assigned.  Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor.

ECON 490 Senior Seminar in Economics — 3 cr.

Topics of current interest to be announced before registration.  Opportunity for individualized, in-depth study with presentation to and criticism by peers.  Offered with BUSI 490, class permitting.  Prerequisite: Senior standing.

ENTO 313 General and Applied Entomology — 3 cr.

Lectures and laboratories emphasizing biology, taxonomy and management of insects. The fundamentals of integrated pest management will also be covered.

HORT 203 Intro. to Horticultural Science — 3 cr.

A course designed to introduce the scientific principles and practices of horticulture as a scientific discipline, plant relationships, structure, growth and development as well as the artistic aspects will be discussed. The course is divided into three sections: 1) basic concepts and processes in plant science, 2) general managerial practices of horticultural crops, and 3) discussions of current topics in horticulture.

HORT 313 Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture — 3 cr.

An introduction to the concepts of ornamental plant production and floral design. Includes production, propagation, harvesting and marketing of ornamental plants. Previously listed as HORT 312.

HORT 333 Landscape Design Theory — 3 cr.

Theory and principles of design; role of the environment in selecting plants and landscape materials; basic graphic elements. Prerequisites: PLSC 184 and SOIL 203 or permission of instructor.  

HORT 353 Turf Mgmt. and Maintenance — 3 cr.

An introduction to the identification, selection, establishment and management of turf for commercial, recreational and residential use. Management factors such as renovation, drainage, irrigation, fertility, pest and disease control, as well as mowing and other maintenance procedures will be covered. Prerequisites: PLSC 184 and SOIL 203 or permission of instructor.

HORT 383 Horticultural Therapy — 3 cr.

This course will address the therapeutic role and application of horticulture to individuals; will include therapy and rehabilitation of the physically, emotionally and mentally challenged individuals.  Prerequisites:  PLSC 184 and SOIL 203 or permission of instructor. 

HORT 423 Horticultural Crops — 3 cr.

A course in fruit and vegetable production; principles, economics and practices of growing vegetables, fruits and nuts. General aspects of specific vegetables and fruits will be given special emphasis. Prerequisite: HORT 203 or permission of instructor.

HORT 463 Plant Tissue Culture — 3 cr.

This course will explore the principles and methods for in vitro culture and propagation of important horticultural and agronomic crops. Prerequisites: PLSC 184, or permission of instructor. Laboratory fee: $25.00.

PLSC 184/H Introduction to Plant Science — 4 cr.

This course provides an introduction to fundamental biological principles as they relate to plant growth, reproduction and development; interaction of plants with their environment; importance of plants to society with specific reference to role of plants in Maryland's economy. Impact of crop production practices on other natural resources will also be discussed. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory.

PLSC 283 Agriculture & the Environment — 3 cr.

This course will examine the impact of agricultural practices on humans and our natural resources; providing and maintaining an adequate food supply while protecting the environment will be included in class discussions which may be led by guest speakers.

PLSC 474A/H Plant Pathology — 4 cr.

Course will examine causes of diseases in agronomic and horticultural crops; will include symptom and sign recognition, isolation, enumeration and management of diseases in the landscape and field crops. Lab exercises will include preparation of a journal-type manuscript based on an individual research project. Prerequisites: PLSC 184 and AMIC 324 or BIOL 301. 

PLSC 484 Internship in Agriculture and Natural Resources — 3-6 cr.

Supervised work experience in an approved setting that is planned with a business, university, or government agency. Must be approved by advisor before undertaking this opportunity.

SOIL 203 Introduction to Soil Science — 3 cr.

A study of soil forming minerals, weathering, soil physical properties, organic matter mineralization, and soil chemistry and the impact of these factors on soil fertility, moisture holding ability and pH. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and MATH 109. 

SOIL 443 Soil Chemistry — 3 cr.

A study of the chemical composition of soils, cation and anion exchange; acid, alkaline and saline soil conditions, and soil fixation of nutrients. Chemical methods of soil analysis will be studied with emphasis on their relation to fertilizer requirements. Prerequisite: CHEM 112, AGRN 203. 
 

Honors courses: Students will be given more assignments, take home problems, term papers and exams and quizzes than regular students.

Department of Agriculture Index
 
 

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