Course Descriptions
Click on a course name to view course details, or click here for expanded view of all courses. To close all course details, click here.
Note: courses listed as Core must have a minimum grade of "C" for graduation.
A continuation of ANIMLSCI 150. Position at the basic paces more fully developed; work without stirrups, elementary jumping. Riding theory and horsemanship discussed and developed. $800 fee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
The balance seat positions at all basic paces with and without stirrups. Jumping skills developed over low fences and gymnastics. Basic school figures and theory as it pertains to horsemanship, dressage, and combined training. $800 fee. Prerequisites: previous formal instruction and permission of instructor.
An extension of ANIMLSCI 152 with riders secure in their position at the basic paces. School figures, work over fences, including gymnastics, stadium, and cross-country type fences. Development of skills and knowledge of horsemanship, specifically dressage and jumping. $800 fee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Riders expected to be proficient in all areas covered through ANIMLSCI 153. Dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping more fully developed. Emphasis on development of feel for the horse and becoming a more effective rider. $800 fee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Independent work related to some area of the equine industry. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and program coordinator.
Basic training techniques. The methodology and psychology of training horses. Includes halter breaking, lunging, driving, breaking the horse to ride. Equine Industry majors only Prerequisites: ANIMLSCI 141, 153 and 154.
Grooming and showing cattle, swine, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, and horses are taught by hands-on experience and presentation of the animals in a show organized by the students each spring and open to the public. No previous experience needed.
Contact department for description. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
For potential instructors. Awareness of teaching responsibilities. Knowledge and skills applicable to instructing a group of riders, including theory and practice. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 152, 153 or 154-level riding ability.
The moral and ethical theories of animal rights and welfare as they pertain to farm animals. Exploration of the history of farm animal welfare and the assessment of the animal rights and welfare movement today. Special attention given to the economical, ethical, and welfare aspects of current animal husbandry practices.
The application of breeding practices to provide understanding and hands-on opportunity in equine reproduction. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 445 (may be taken concurrently).
Students teach riding under the supervision of the assistant riding instructor. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 344.
Students plan, direct, and teach Beginner Equitation under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 344.
With lab. History, development, nutrition, selection, reproduction, health, and management of the horse. The pleasure horse emphasized but all aspects of the horse industry explored. Field trips to a variety of horse farms.
Lecture: cell biology, genetics, animal diversity, evolution, and ecology. Lab: survey of animal groups; experiments in animal structure and function, including dissection. Field trip.
ENGLWRIT 111 An entry-level course in writing designed for freshmen who, through their performance on the Placement Exam, demonstrate the need for intensive work in writing. Does not satisfy the Freshman Writing requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail. (Gen.Ed. U)
ENGLWRIT 112 An entry-level course in writing. Emphasis upon the writing process: prewriting, revising, editing. Minimum of six finished essays required. Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Placement Exam or in ENGLWRIT 111 Basic Writing. Satisfies the Freshman Writing requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail. (Gen.Ed. CW)
With lab. Introduction to 200 basic ornamental plants used in landscape architectural, horticultural, arboricultural, and other design uses; their identification, uses, and cultural requirements. Two weekly campus field trips. Workbook with sketches required.
Introduction to materials used in landscape construction, their design potential and limitations. Design details and construction methods discussed.
Uses of brick, stone, concrete, wood, and other landscape media are examined.
The varied aspects of running a small landscape contracting business.
With lab. In preparation for cooperative internship, the programming for such horticultural practices as pruning, planting, winter protection, and pest control in gardens and nurseries. Seven-week course. Prerequisites: ENVIRDES 335 and LANDCONT 112.
With lab. Drafting techniques necessary in landscape work, including lettering, line work, freehand sketching, scale drawings, plans, elevations, sections, profiles, composition, and rendering. Seven-week course.
With lab. Practice in use of simple surveying instruments such as tapes, compasses, and levels for measurement of land surfaces. Methods of grading and graphic representations of land form (contours and profiles) explored. Landscape Contracting majors only.
The landscape media of plants, land forms, structures, and water. Graphic techniques, including modeling, drafting, and plan and cross-section drawings initiated. Examination of built landscape designs in the field and on paper. Landscape Contracting majors only.
Required of all students majoring in Landscape Contracting. Five month (April-August) internship in the specific field of study. Submission of reports and collections required.
Using models, students employ the landscape media of land, plants, structures, and water to create landscape space. Real situations with local clients designed. Techniques of interviewing, photographing, site analysis, and design explored. Prerequisite: LANDCONT 104.
Topics in mathematics that every educated person needs to know to process, evaluate, and understand the numerical and graphical information in our society. Applications of mathematics in problem solving, finance, probability, statistics, geometry, population growth.
This is a placeholder for math requirement (MATH 100/101/104).
First semester of the two-semester sequence MATH 101-102. Detailed, in-depth review of manipulative algebra; introduction to functions and graphs, including linear, quadratic, and rational functions. Prerequisite: MATH 011, 012 or Placement Exam Part A score above 10.
Second semester of the two-semester sequence MATH 101-102. Detailed treatment of analytic geometry, including conic sections and exponential and logarithmic functions. Same trigonometry as in MATH 104. Prerequisite: MATH 101.
One-semester review of manipulative algebra, introduction to functions, some topics in analytic geometry, and that portion of trigonometry needed for calculus. Prerequisite: MATH 011, 012 or Placement Exam Part A score above 15.
An overview course designed to provide students with information, opportunities, and skills to ease their transition into college and build a successful foundation necessary to reach their educational goals.
Conservation principles and their application to problems in soils, water, forests, wildlife, mineral, and general landscape resources; relationship of conservation to national and international environmental issues.
Principles of rigging, advanced rope techniques, and chainsaw applications for tree pruning and removal. Arboriculture and Community Forest Management majors only. Prerequisite: NRC 232 (may be taken concurrently).
Review of various professional aspects of arboriculture and urban forestry. Arboriculture and Forestry majors only. Seven-week course.
Required of all students majoring in Arboriculture and Community Forest Management. Five month (April-August) internship for work experience in the field. Submission of reports and collections required.
Continuation of FOREST 232. Arboriculture and Forestry majors only. Seven-week course. Prerequisite: FOREST 232.
Explores the unique values that forests have in our culture; key characteristics of forests in the Northeast and how and why they have changed through time; historical and contemporary leaders in forest conservation; sustainable forest management principles and practices; current forest use patterns and trends and the challenges and opportunities they present in the 21st century.
The use and maintenance of trees in the urban environment from both a private and government perspective.
Fundamental ecology and principles of wildlife management. Emphasis on wildlife habitat and population characteristics and responses. Prerequisite: one semester of general biology or permission of instructor.
Fundamentals of owning/operating a tree care business. Basic cost accounting and estimating for pruning, fertilization, and support system installation. Importance of a company safety policy will be reviewed. Arboriculture and Community Forest Management seniors only.. Prerequisite: NRC 232.
Management principles of municipal and utility tree care, land use problems, tree laws and ordinances. Prerequisite: NRC 232.
With lab. Introduction to insect recognition, development, damage, and control. Seven-week course.
Structure, function, and reproduction of plants; emphasis on the flowering plants.
The ways in which water, light, and temperature influence plants, and the ways in which plants respond to changes in the environment. Emphasis on physical nature of these environmental factors. Seven-week course. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102.
Functions of mineral nutrients in plants, effects of mineral deficiencies, and sources of these nutrients to prevent or alleviate deficiencies in crop production. Seven-week course. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 105.
With lab. Interrelationship of soils and higher plants. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Practical approach to current problems through basic soil principles. Prerequisite: some knowledge of chemistry.
Principles and practical methods of controlling turf insect pests. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 101 (may be taken concurrently) and 230.
With lab. The recognition, biology, and control of major insect and mite pests attacking shade trees and woody ornamentals in the northeastern U.S. Emphasis on techniques and knowledge useful to the professional in tree care. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 101.
Applied introduction to plant pathology in horticultural crops. Identification, description, and management of diseases in modern horticultural production. Chemical, biological, cultural, and genetic controls and their integration. Seven-week course. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102.
Diagnosis and management of turfgrass diseases. Diagnosis techniques and appropriate cultural, chemical, genetic, and biological management strategies. Turfgrass Management majors only. Seven-week course; last half of the semester. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 111.
With lab. A field laboratory on the diagnosis and management of the health problems of woody plants. Students learn to recognize the major plant diseases of trees and shrubs using plant materials on campus. Disease management options presented on an individual basis in a clinical context. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 111.
With lab. Introduction to principles of soil fertility and crop management by organic procedures which are contrasted and evaluated against conventional chemical methods of farming.
Topics include state and federal pesticide laws and regulations, pesticides and the environment, handling and storage of pesticides, classes and formulations of pesticides, safety and application equipment, understanding the pesticide label, toxicity, proper calculation and mixing of pesticides, and history of pesticide use. Includes preparation for the Massachusetts Pesticide Core Exam.
Independent work related to some area dealing with plant, soil or insect sciences. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and program coordinator.
Required of all students majoring in Fruit and Vegetable Crops. Five month (April-August) internship in the specific field of study. Submission of reports required.
Required of all students majoring in Horticulture. Five month (April-August) internship in the specific field of study. Submission of reports required.
Required of all students majoring in Turfgrass Management. Three month (June-August) internship in the specific field of study. Submission of reports required. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 230 with minimum grade of "C".
With lab. The basic principles and techniques for propagating plants by both sexual and asexual means, including seeds, cuttings, bulbs, and tissue culture. The hormonal and physiological factors affecting rooting, seed dormancy, grafting, budding, and layering. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or 100-level biology course.
With lab. Basic principles of selecting and managing turfgrass for home lawns, parks, golf courses, and other turf areas. Topics include: climatic adaptation, grass identification, establishment practices, pest control, fertility, environmental stresses, etc. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 102 and 105 (may be taken concurrently).
Principles of engines and machinery operation, maintenance, selection, and minor repair. Turf equipment emphasized. Instruction on how to train operators of equipment. Budgeting for equipment. Seven-week course; last half of the semester.
With lab. Principles of hydraulics and system design for turf and landscapes with an emphasis on golf courses. Irrigation systems, equipment performance, installation practices, operation procedures and troubleshooting. Drainage of sports turf also included.
Theory and practice of pruning deciduous fruit plants/trees. Emphasis on practical, hands-on experience.
Calculations involving area and volume measurements, fertilizer and pesticide requirements, cost analysis, seed calculations, irrigation calculations, and calculations relating to spreader and sprayer calibrations. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 230 with minimum grade of "C".
Study and identification of herbaceous plants; their uses as ornamental plants for home, park, and business.
With lab. Exploration of ethical, practical and scientific aspects of agricultural sustainability, including economic, social and environmental impacts of food and farming. Uses systems thinking tools to compare industrial and ecological agriculture.
First half of the semester: an introduction to basic concepts in agricultural chemistry as related to the growth and culture of turf grasses. Second half: the overall growth and development of grasses, including such areas as soil fertility and mineral nutrition. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 230 with minimum grade of "C."
With lab. Introduction to the growth, culture, and science related to the production and use of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. Emphasis on plants used in the home; discussion of bioactivity of plant extracts. Practice in seeding, growing, oil extraction, and utilization of these plants.
With lab. Principles and practices involved in the establishment and management of deciduous orchards. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN102 (can be taken concurrently) or basic botany course.
.
Principles and practices governing the establishment and management of small fruit plantings. Prerequisite: (can be taken concurrently) or basic botany course.
With lab. History of weed control; importance of weeds and their relationship to people and the environment; ecology of weeds, competition, persistence and survival mechanisms; reproduction, seed germination, and dormancy; methods of weed control, cultural, biological, chemical, and integrated pest management strategies; classification of herbicides and their selectivity; soil factors affecting herbicide performance, persistence and degradation; application equipment and calibration of sprayers; weed management systems for various crops and non-crop areas. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or 100-level biology course.
With lab. Introduction to the greenhouse environment and the technology used in production of greenhouse crops. Greenhouse experiments in crop production; exercises on greenhouse structures, heating and cooling, growing media, crop nutrition, photoperiod control and lighting, and crop scheduling; field trip to local greenhouses. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 (may be taken concurrently) or 100-level biology course.
With lab. Greenhouse culture of seasonal crops, stressing modern concepts of production and management. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 102 and 315.
With lab. Principles of sustainable production of vegetable crops. Topics include specific practices used for the major vegetable crops grown in New England, water and soil fertility management, season extenders, and crop rotation. Course intended for students who want to grow vegetable crops or work in the vegetable industry. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or plant science course.
With lab. Greenhouse culture of spring greenhouse crops. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 315 and 321.
Management of environmental stress in turfgrass. Special practices in managing high-quality turfgrass areas such as golf courses, athletic fields, and ornamental areas. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 275 with a minimum grade of "C".
With lab. An examination of sustainable farming systems for forage and field crop production. Cultural requirements and physiological responses of crops. Illustrations of concepts, discussions of topics and examination of distinguishing morphological characteristics of selected crop species. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or 100-level biology course or permission of instructor.
With lab. Understanding the movement of food from the grower to the consumer. Emphasis on how consumers get access to food from emergency and non-emergency sources. Direct marketing, community-supported agriculture, farmers' markets, and small-scale farming discussed. Outside speakers from area community food banks, CSAs, non-profit organizations, faith communities, soup kitchens, and farmers' markets lead discussions on various topics related to food access. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the prevention or suppression of pests (insects, mites, diseases, weeds and algae) by use of multiple management strategies that are effective, economically feasible, and safe for growers, consumers, and the environment. Focus on IPM strategies used in commercial greenhouse crop production. Emphasis on major greenhouse pests, including identification, life cycles, monitoring and management strategies. Seven-week course.
Practicum focusing on greenhouse venting and temperature control, maintaining outdoor gardens, harvesting of floricultural crops, post-harvest handling of floricultural crops, fertilization, propagation (by seed, cuttings, division), greenhouse maintenance, operation of greenhouse equipment (fertilizer injector). Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
An introduction to small business, with emphasis on the planning function of a manager. Built around the concept of a standard business plan, it covers start-up issues, maintaining competitive advantage, market research, the total product offering, pricing and promotion of the product or service, understanding financial statements and funding sources, hiring, training and supervising employees.
Theoretical and practical marketing for agricultural crops and services, including overviews of research, plan development and creative positioning; preparation of radio spots, print ads, and press releases. Seven-week course.
Basic principles of organizational operation and personnel management with emphasis on human behavior.
With lab. Integration of gross structural and organ anatomy to physiological systems, function, and regulation. Emphasis on relationship of structure to function and system control in both animals and humans.
Equine Stable Management I is the first in a four course equine management series. Students will develop an understanding of stable management fundamentals though various learning opportunities and projects at the UMass Hadley Farm Equine Center. This course introduces students to the basic principles of stable management including operational protocols and routines, equine best management practices, organizational planning, public relations, operating expenses and overhead, workplace safety, labor management, and exploration of various equine enterprises.
All riding classes have a riding fee $800 payable by money order only. Fee helps defray the cost of operations for the farm and equestrian training.
Open to Equine Management or Animal Science students only or permission of instructor.
STOCKSCH 150 Beginner Equitation I ~ For those with no previous riding experience or formal instruction. Grooming, bridling, and saddling and other basic stable skills; walk, trot (sitting and rising), and canter. Basic riding theory introduced.
STOCKSCH 151 Beginner Equitation II ~ Position at the basic paces more fully developed; work without stirrups, elementary jumping. Riding theory and horsemanship discussed and developed.
STOCKSCH 152 Intermediate Equitation I ~ The balance seat positions at all basic paces with and without stirrups. Jumping skills developed over low fences and gymnastics. Basic school figures and theory as it pertains to horsemanship, dressage, and combined training. Prerequisite: previous formal instruction.
STOCKSCH 153 Intermediate Equitation II ~ An extension of STOCKSCH 152 with the riders secure in their position at the basic paces. School figures, work over fences including gymnastics, stadium, and cross country type fences. Development of skills and knowledge of horsemanship, specifically dressage and jumping.
STOCKSCH 154 Advanced Equitation ~ Riders expected to be proficient in all areas covered through STOCKSCH 153. Dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping more fully developed. Emphasis on development of feel for the horse and becoming a more effective rider.
STOCKSCH 155 Special Problems In Riding ~ Equitation by arrangement.
All riding classes have a riding fee $800 payable by money order only. Fee helps defray the cost of operations for the farm and equestrian training.
Open to Equine Management or Animal Science students only or permission of instructor.
STOCKSCH 150 Beginner Equitation I ~ For those with no previous riding experience or formal instruction. Grooming, bridling, and saddling and other basic stable skills; walk, trot (sitting and rising), and canter. Basic riding theory introduced.
STOCKSCH 151 Beginner Equitation II ~ Position at the basic paces more fully developed; work without stirrups, elementary jumping. Riding theory and horsemanship discussed and developed.
STOCKSCH 152 Intermediate Equitation I ~ The balance seat positions at all basic paces with and without stirrups. Jumping skills developed over low fences and gymnastics. Basic school figures and theory as it pertains to horsemanship, dressage, and combined training. Prerequisite: previous formal instruction.
STOCKSCH 153 Intermediate Equitation II ~ An extension of STOCKSCH 152 with the riders secure in their position at the basic paces. School figures, work over fences including gymnastics, stadium, and cross country type fences. Development of skills and knowledge of horsemanship, specifically dressage and jumping.
STOCKSCH 154 Advanced Equitation ~ Riders expected to be proficient in all areas covered through STOCKSCH 153. Dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping more fully developed. Emphasis on development of feel for the horse and becoming a more effective rider.
STOCKSCH 155 Special Problems In Riding ~ Equitation by arrangement.
This course will give students a solid foundation in the principles of horse behavior and care. Students will be introduced to the theory, technique and practice of skills required as an equine care technician to prepare horses for daily work, competition, and formal turnout/presentation. Students will work with a wide range of horses, including foals, yearlings, two-year olds, broodmares, stallions, and equitation horses. An emphasis on sound business management practices, including record keeping, horse sales, personal safety, and professionalism, will be stressed throughout the course.
Independent preparation for the state pesticide certification examination and licensure. The State Pesticide Exam Study Manual is used and available for purchase either online or at the UMass Extension Bookstore. Students must apply to take the exam; applications must be submitted by the deadline date (one week prior to the exam). Examinations are given at various times throughout the state. Refer to www.mass.gov/agr/pesticides or call (617) 626-1785
Practical farm or related business experience in equine management. Minimum of eight-week internship as approved in advance by internship coordinator. Written reports required.
This course will introduce students to the selection, operation, safety and maintenance of farm tractors and equipment. Lectures and hands-on experience with emphasis on farm machinery used to operate an equine facility.
A continuation of STOCKSCH 131. Topics will include equine health, personnel management, time management, client communication, liability, contracts, and insurance information required for successful barn operation.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 131, STOCKSCH 161.
Pasture has the potential to provide nutritional needs of livestock and the integration of well-managed pasture systems can contribute significantly to the sustainability of the farm. Major topics include a review of major forage species selection, grazing management, establishment of new pastures, and pasture renovation.
Participation in scheduled lectures given by equine professionals. Lectures will be offered in the evening and will be open to the public. Weekly meetings with the instructor will be required.
Principles of nutrition and the development of rations. Emphasis on the nutrient requirements and nutrient content of feeds as they pertain to the horse.
Students will gain a working knowledge of the format, construction, use and analysis of the cash flow statement from which the balance sheet and income statements can be derived. The inputs for income and expense will deal specifically with the equine industries and their individual considerations. These will include such aspects as type, durability and availability of consumed product resource. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to construct, follow the progress and analyze the inflows and outflows of an equine business.
Basic training techniques. The methodology and psychology of training horses. Includes halter breaking, lunging, driving, breaking the horse to ride.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 161 and two of the following: STOCKSCH 151-155
The history and development of the breeds and their present day type, conformation, and use. Emphasis on the importance of anatomy and conformation and the relationship of form to function. A systematic approach to selection.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 121
Students will be responsible for the operation of the UMass student boarding business. Students work as a cohesive group to develop cash flow statements, purchase and order supplies, fulfill daily labor requirements and expectations, delegate and supervise labor, and appropriate client communication. Students work under the guidance of equine faculty, and will meet weekly with faculty in management meetings.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 203, STOCKSCH 237
Focus will be on the care and management of the equine athlete. Conditioning and prevention of injury, common areas of breakdown within different sports, diagnosis of injury/lameness, as well as different modalities currently available for treatment and rehabilitation.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 121.
Continuation of STOCKSCH 252. This capstone experience will focus on improvements and efficiency of the operation, weekly evaluation of strengths and weaknesses, client feedback, and marketing of the business. Students will present a business plan, financial statement and recommendations at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 252.
Awareness of teaching responsibilities. Knowledge and skills applicable to instructing a group of riders, including theory and practice.
Prerequisite: one of the following STOCKSCH 151-155
Physiological basis and regulation of equine reproduction. Emphasis on application to horse breeding and management. Provides lab experience with breeding techniques.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 231
Emphasis on topics such as wound care, vaccination, dental care, feed programs, lameness detection, parasite control, and breeding programs.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 231