Below is a list of courses offered at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.
- Take note of whether courses are offered in Fall or Spring (or both).
- Additional course descriptions can be found in the Student Handbooks.
- For specific scheduling, and to register, look up courses on Spire.
Insects & Related Forms
STOCKSCH 101. Basics of insect identification, classification, biology, anatomy, and physiology, with emphasis on insect systems that make them vulnerable to control. Role of insects in ecosystems and direct benefits to humans (e.g., honey, silk, wax, and other products). Indirectly, insects are important as pollinators of crops, natural enemies of pests, scavengers, and food for other creatures. Insects can also be major pests because they destroy crops and vector diseases.
Seven-week course; first seven weeks of the semester.
2 credits/spring sem
Plant Nutrients
STOCKSCH 104. 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; first seven weeks of the semester.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105; Stockbridge students only
2 credits/spring sem
Soils (Gen Ed BS)
STOCKSCH 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
4 credits/both sem
Turfgrass Insects
STOCKSCH 107. Principles and practical methods of controlling turf insect pests.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 101 (may be taken concurrently)
2 credits/spring sem
Introductory Botany
STOCKSCH 108. With lab. This introductory botany course covers the unique features of plants, how they function, how they are categorized, and how they fit into the ecosystem. Topics include classification of plants, analysis of cell structure and various plant tissues and organs, and study of sexual and asexual reproduction as well as structure and function of plant systems. In addition, students will develop a basic understanding of the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
4 credits/fall sem
Insects of Ornamentals
STOCKSCH 109. 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: STOCKSCH 101
3 credits/fall sem
Introductory Plant Pathology
STOCKSCH 111. With discussion. 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; first seven weeks of the semester.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 108 or 100-level biology course; Stockbridge students only
2 credits/spring sem
Turfgrass Pathology Lab
STOCKSCH 112. With lab. Diagnosis and management of turfgrass diseases. Diagnosis techniques and appropriate cultural, chemical, genetic, and biological management strategies. Seven-week course; last seven weeks of the semester.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 111; Turfgrass Management majors only
2 credits/spring sem
Introductory Plant Pathology Lab
STOCKSCH 113. 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: STOCKSCH 111
2 credits/fall sem
Introduction to Sustainable Food and Farming
STOCKSCH 118. Highly interactive and participatory introduction to the BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming major, focused on academic preparation, internships and careers. Especially for first year students and transfers into the BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming major.
Prerequisite: BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only
1 credit/fall sem
Organic Farming and Gardening (Gen Ed BS)
STOCKSCH 120. 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.
4 credits/both sem
Pesticide Certification
STOCKSCH 170. Independent preparation for the state pesticide certification exam and licensure. The State Pesticide Exam Study Manual is used and available for purchase either online or at the UMass Extension Bookstore. Exams are given at various times throughout the state. Students must apply to take the exam; applications must be submitted by the deadline date (one week prior to the exam). Refer to www.mass.gov/agr/pesticides or call 617-626-1785 for dates of Massachusetts exams.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1 credit/both sem
Plagues, Food and People: Ecology of Food and Disease (Gen Ed BS)
STOCKSCH 171. The ecology of major diseases related to food, from ergotism and the Salem Witch Trials to the Irish Potato famine to celiac disease and diabetes. How people, microbes and farming change our health and the environment.
4 credits/spring sem
Plants in Our World (Gen Ed SI)
STOCKSCH 172. We will explore the utilitarian uses of plants and also look at plants from an historical, social and psychospiritual perspective to give us with a richer understanding of the relationship between humans and the plant world. Throughout the course students will study the relationship between plants and humans by integrating the disciplines of biology, history and social science.
4 credits/spring sem
Principles of Pesticide Management
STOCKSCH 182. 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.
2 credits/spring sem
Introduction to Permaculture
STOCKSCH 186. Foundation in permaculture history, ethics, principles, design process, and practical applications, rooted in the observation of natural systems. Students are trained to be critical thinkers, observers, and analysts of the world(s) around them and are provided with the tools necessary for designing and inspiring positive change.
3 credits/fall sem
Personal Wellness for Farmers & Gardeners
STOCKSCH 190P. Development of skills and understanding for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while being a successful farmer or gardener. Students will learn basic anatomy for safe and sustainable manual labor and practice applying safe body mechanics to typical farming labor tasks.
Prerequisite: BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only
3 credits/spring sem
First Year Seminar
STOCKSCH 192F. 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.
Prerequisite: Stockbridge AS degree freshmen only
1 credit/fall sem
Independent Study
STOCKSCH 196. Independent work related to some area of the food crops and green industries.
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and program coordinator
1-6 credits/both sem
Soils Lab
STOCKSCH 197S. For BS degree students who have completed STOCKSCH 106, and wish to complete the lab component of STOCKSCH 105 that is required for completing the major or minor in this program.
Prerequisite: BS degree students who completed STOCKSCH 106
1 credit/spring sem
Sustainable Food & Farming Internship
STOCKSCH 198F. Required of all students majoring in Sustainable Food and Farming. Three- or five-month internship in the specific field of study. Submission of reports required.
Prerequisite: Sustainable Food and Farming majors only
3-4 credits/spring sem
Permaculture Gardening at UMass
STOCKSCH 198P. Students will learn about permaculture basics while maintaining UMass on-campus permaculture demonstration gardens.
1 credit/both sem
Turfgrass Internship
STOCKSCH 198T. Required of all AS degree students majoring in Turfgrass Management. Three-month (June-August) internship in the specific field of study. Submission of reports required.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 230 with minimum grade of "C"; AS degree Turfgrass Management majors only
3 credits/spring sem
Plant Propagation
STOCKSCH 200. 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: STOCKSCH 108 or 100-level biology course
3 credits/fall sem/odd yrs
Introductory Turfgrass Management
STOCKSCH 230. 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: STOCKSCH 105 and STOCKSCH 108 (may be taken concurrently)
4 credits/fall sem
Turf Machinery
STOCKSCH 232. 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 seven weeks of the semester.
1 credit/spring sem
Irrigation & Drainage
STOCKSCH 234. 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.
2 credits/spring sem
Applied Calculations in Turf Management
STOCKSCH 240. 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: STOCKSCH 230 with minimum grade of “C”
2 credits/spring sem
Herbaceous Plants
STOCKSCH 255. Study and identification of herbaceous plants; their uses as ornamental plants for home, park, and business.
Prerequisite: Stockbridge students only
3 credits/spring sem
Urban Agriculture
STOCKSCH 258. Explores innovative production methods and critical social, economic, and environmental dimensions of modern day urban agriculture.
3 credits/spring sem
Sustainable Agriculture
STOCKSCH 265. Exploration of ethical, practical and scientific aspects of agricultural sustainability, including economic, social and environmental impacts of food and farming. Use of systems thinking tools to compare industrial and ecological agriculture.
Prerequisite: Sustainable Food and Farming majors only or consent of instructor
3 credits/fall sem
Small Farm Husbandry: Cows, Sheep & Goats for Meat Production
STOCKSCH 268. With discussion. A farmer's perspective on the sustainable management of cows, sheep and goats on a small farm. Focus on the planning and management of cows, sheep and goats for meat production. All aspects from breeding to marketing will be addressed.
Prerequisite: BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only or consent of instructor
3 credits/spring sem
Small Farm Husbandry: Pigs & Poultry
STOCKSCH 269. With discussion. A farmer's perspective on the management, production and marketing of poultry and pigs on a small farm. This course will address the advantages of having pigs and poultry and will review basic care, processing options, regulations and marketing.
Prerequisite: BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only
3 credits/fall sem
Sustainable Soil and Crop Management
STOCKSCH 270. With lab. Maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity and sustainability of soil in food and feed production. Students will gain an integrated knowledge of soil and crop influences on cropping systems.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 105 (may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor
3 credits/fall sem
Turfgrass Physiology & Ecology
STOCKSCH 275. 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 of the semester: the overall growth and development of grasses, including such areas as soil fertility and mineral nutrition.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 230 with minimum grade of “C”
3 credits/spring sem
Topics in Herbalism I
STOCKSCH 281. Introduction to the broad field of herbalism through the eyes of a clinical and community herbalist. Topics include historical overview; comparison of major health models of allopathy and holism, introduction to diverse herbal-based health models (Western, Asian, Indigenous), in-depth information on medicinal plants, plant ID, gathering/growing/preparation skills, diverse tools of an herbalist, food as medicine; ethics, politics, and legalities of herbalism.
2 credits/fall sem
Permaculture Design and Practice
STOCKSCH 286. Deepened and applied practice in permaculture design process and techniques. Development of a permaculture design and community engagement process.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH186; BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only or consent of instructor
3 credits/spring sem
Independent Study
STOCKSCH 296. Sophomore-level educational project with a faculty member related to some area of the food crops or green industries.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Stockbridge School Teaching Experience
STOCKSCH 296T. Students gain experience in teaching introductory level (100-200) courses. Students will be expected to demonstrate specific competencies related to labs and assisting students; lead review sessions; gain experience in all aspects of teaching a Stockbridge School class.
Prerequisites: successful completion of the course and related prerequisites in which the student plans to TA; consent of instructor
1-2 credits/both sem
Agricultural Leadership & Community Education
STOCKSCH 297AL. Focus on learning to work with community groups and schools as a community educator.
Prerequisite: BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only or consent of instructor
3 credits/fall sem
Forest Gardens: Perennial Agriculture for Ecological Regeneration
STOCKSCH 297B. Focus on deepened understanding of forest gardens, with a focus on northeast temperate climates. Exploration of the resilience and benefits of forest systems and how they could be tweaked for the creation of forest gardens.
3 credits/fall sem
Practicum
STOCKSCH 298. Pre-professional work experience related to some area of the food crops or green industries.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Agricultural Practicum
STOCKSCH 298A. Description unavailable.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
USDA Farm Services Agency Practicum
STOCKSCH 298FS. Participants work under the direction of USDA Farm Service Agency personnel, provide assistance to the farm loan process, participate in government assistance programs, and work with USDA FSA outreach.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-5 credits/both sem
Gardenshare Practicum
STOCKSCH 298G. Student-led practicum experience utilizing a plot of land on campus to grow edible and ornamental crops. Although offered every semester, specific garden activities depend on the season of the year. Students may enroll more than once for credit.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1 credit/fall sem
Permaculture Practicum
STOCKSCH 298P. Hands-on, in-depth experience of how to manage and implement an installation of a permaculture design.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Greenhouse Management
STOCKSCH 315. 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.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 108 (may be taken concurrently) or 100-level biology course; Stockbridge students only or consent of instructor
4 credits/fall sem/even yrs
Organic Vegetable Production
STOCKSCH 320. Focus on organic insect, disease, and weed control, greenhouse production and construction, irrigation practices, planting and fertility, harvesting and marketing techniques, as well as how to manage money, people and natural resources.
Prerequisite: Sustainable Food and Farming majors only
3 credits/spring sem/odd yrs
Insect Biology
STOCKSCH 326. With optional lab and field trips. How insects solve their problems of maintenance, survival, reproduction, etc., and how entomologists apply this knowledge in managing them. Other topics include insect evolution, plant and insect interactions, biodiversity and conservation of insects, behavior, and insect pest management. Emphasis on various insect models (e.g., Drosophila) as they relate to major research in biology.
3 credits/fall sem
Advanced Turfgrass Management
STOCKSCH 340. Management of environmental stress in turfgrass. Special practices in managing high-quality turfgrass areas such as golf courses, athletic fields, and ornamental areas.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 275 with minimum grade of "C"
3 credits/spring sem
Community Food Systems
STOCKSCH 355. With lab. Examines the movement of food from seed to table. Participants explore local and global food systems, and specific food related issues that impact health of communities. Focus on the opportunities and challenges required in making community food projects that create real lasting systems change.
3 credits/fall sem/odd yrs
Food Justice and Policy
STOCKSCH 356. With lab. Focus on the role of policy in determining what we eat, who experiences barriers to access safe, healthy, local foods, and how we create equity and sustainability in our local food system. Basic components of our food system will be discussed: production, distribution, and consumption. Systemic structures of race, class, citizenship and ability as they relate to access to healthy local food will be examined.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 265; BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only or consent of instructor
3 credits/fall sem/even yrs
Landscape Plant Production
STOCKSCH 360. With lab. Cultural practices of field and container production; how these practices and environmental factors influence nursery crop growth and development. Topics include: site selection, planting and spacing, mineral nutrition, harvesting, irrigation practices, pest management, and overwintering. Basic economic management of nursery crops production and marketing reviewed.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105; SUSTCOMM 335 highly recommended
4 credits/fall sem/odd yrs
Tropical Agriculture
STOCKSCH 370. Tropical regions of the world, their environment and classification; influence of climate, population, and socio-economic conditions on agriculture; major crops and cropping systems of sub-humid tropics; introduction to dry land agriculture; importance of rainfall and irrigation on productivity; green revolution; desertification; present and future research needs of region, and state of agricultural technology.
3 credits/spring sem
Student Farm Management I
STOCKSCH 376. How to formulate a complete production plan for a 20 acre organic vegetable farm through the comprehension of introduced topics and activity. Topics include small farm business development, production planning for established markets, compliance with farm certifications for organic production and food safety regulations, soil health and fertility, and methods for plant production and crop maintenance.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105 and STOCKSCH 398E (taken concurrently)
3 credits/spring sem
Agricultural Systems Thinking
STOCKSCH 379. With discussion. Systems thinking is a way of understanding complex real-world situations such as those often encountered in sustainable food and farming careers. Students will be introduced to systems tools for unraveling complexity and integrating their learning from previous courses and experience.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 265; junior and senior BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only or consent of instructor
3 credits/fall sem
Professional Development in Sustainable Food and Farming
STOCKSCH 382. Satisfies the Junior Year Writing requirement for BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors. Practice and improve writing while clarifying career goals and improving professional communication skills.
Prerequisites: ENGLWRIT 112; BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only
3 credits/spring sem
Introduction to Plant Physiology
STOCKSCH 384. Introduction to fundamental concepts of physiological processes governing plant growth and development, from cell to whole plant responses. Blending of concepts from traditional plant physiology ad recent research advances to help provide insight on plant growth and function under various environmental conditions.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 108 and CHEM 110 or CHEM 111
3 credits/spring sem
Plant Biotechnology & Tissue Culture
STOCKSCH 390A. With lab. Focus on the basic knowledge of plant tissue culture, recombinant DNA and gene expression technology required for transformation and assessment of genetically engineered crops. Students will be introduced to the application of biotechnology to address global food and nutritional security issues and controversies about the genetically modified crops (GMOs).
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 151 or BIOLOGY 152, and CHEM 111 or CHEM 112
4 credits/spring sem
Sustainable Grape Production
STOCKSCH 390G. With lab. Exploration of grape origins, domestication, and fundamental principles of grape growing, both domestically and globally. Practices specific to the winter, such as pruning, will be included.
Seven-week course; first seven weeks of the semester
3 credits/spring sem
Ecosystem Processes
STOCKSCH 390N. The flows of energy, carbon, and nutrients within ecosystems, tracing the key processes that define ecosystem function will be covered. Development of the connections between organisms, abiotic
factors and ecosystem processes. The effects of environmental change on ecosystem processes will be highlighted.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105, GEOLOGY 101, or ENVIRSCI 214; CHEM 111 recommended
3 credits/spring sem
Turfgrass Science & Management
STOCKSCH 391B. Practical review of key subjects in turfgrass science and management. Specifically designed to prepare students for National Collegiate Turf Bowl competitions in the areas of golf course and sports turf management. Students from across the country participate in annual competitions to gain recognition for their university's turf programs and to network with industry professionals.
factors and ecosystem processes. The effects of environmental change on ecosystem processes will be highlighted.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105, STOCKSCH 107, STOCKSCH 240 and STOCKSCH 275
1 credit/fall sem
Independent Study
STOCKSCH 396. Upper-level project for students who have completed introductory courses in biology/botany, soils and/or entomology.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Grapevine Biology
STOCKSCH 397GB. With lab. Viticultural practices, culture and grapevine biology related to fall production. Emphasis will be on the challenges and opportunities of the local cold climate and sustainable practices.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105 and STOCKSCH 108 or consent of instructor
3 credits/fall sem
Plant Trends in Landscape Horticulture
STOCKSCH 397PT. Description unavailable.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 108
3 credits/fall sem/even yrs
Social Permaculture
STOCKSCH 397R. How to apply permaculture ethics and principles to a variety of social systems. Use of methods and strategies that build capacity and resilience while leading to long term systemic change.
Prerequisite: BS degree Sustainable Food and Farming majors only
3 credits/spring sem
Practicum
STOCKSCH 398. Internship or other pre-professional work experience in the field of plant and soil sciences.
Prerequisites: course work in plant biology, soil science, and minimum two mid-level STOCKSCH courses; consent of faculty advisor
1-12 credits/both sem
Farm Enterprise Practicum
STOCKSCH 398E. Guided practicum experience providing students with practical experience in growing crops, as well as managing and marketing these crops in support of their educational goals. Students will develop, use and evaluate crop plans, including all aspects of production and marketing. Practical experience in management of soil fertility, water, and pests using IPM and organic methods. Enrollment limited.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105 and STOCKSCH 376; BS degree juniors; consent of instructor
3-6 credits/spring sem
Greenhouse Practicum
STOCKSCH 398G. Focus 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: consent of instructor
1-18 credits/both sem
Turf Practicum
STOCKSCH 398T. Internship or other pre-professional work experience in the field of turfgrass management, including but not limited to golf course management, athletic field maintenance, and professional lawn care.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 230; consent of instructor
1-12 credits/both sem
Student Farm Management II
STOCKSCH 476. Practical application of harvesting and marketing techniques used for the sale of organic vegetable crops. Students will complete a financial analysis of the current growing season and make recommendations for the next production cycle.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 376; should be taken concurrently with STOCKSCH 498E; consent of instructor
3 credits/fall sem
Independent Study
STOCKSCH 496. Research or other independent upper-level project in plant and soil sciences.
Prerequisites: course work in plant biology, soil science, chemistry, and minimum one upper-level STOCKSCH course; consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Independent Study-Plant Science
STOCKSCH 496A. Plant science research in laboratory or greenhouse.
Prerequisites: course work in plant biology, soil science, chemistry, and minimum one upper-level STOCKSCH course; consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Independent Study-Soil Science
STOCKSCH 496B. Soil science research in laboratory or field setting.
Prerequisites: course work in plant biology, soil science, chemistry, and minimum one upper-level STOCKSCH course; consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Independent Study-Teaching Assistant
STOCKSCH 496C. Assist with instruction/classroom preparation for Stockbridge School courses.
Prerequisites: consent of instructor teaching the course; Independent Study contract; FERPA certification if involved with grading
1-6 credits/both sem
Independent Study-Insect Science
STOCKSCH 496D. Upper level project for students who have satisfactorily completed minimum one 500-level entomology-related class in addition to foundation course work in biology and/or entomology.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-6 credits/both sem
Practicum
STOCKSCH 498. Internship or other pre-professional work experience in the field of plant and soil sciences.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
1-12 credits/both sem
Farm Enterprise Practicum II
STOCKSCH 498E. Continuation of STOCKSCH 398E. Students maintain crops planted in the spring semester and prepare fields for winter. Students will harvest, clean, store and market their crops.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 398E; should be taken concurrently with STOCKSCH 476; consent of instructor
1-6 credits/fall sem
General Plant Pathology
STOCKSCH 505. With lab. Causes, nature, and control of plant diseases. Diagnosis of plant diseases. Mechanisms, biochemistry, and genetics of plant disease induction, development, and control.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 384 or MICROBIO 310 or 100-level biology course or consent of instructor
4 credits/fall sem
Management & Ecology of Plant Diseases
STOCKSCH 510. The ecology of plant, microbe, and human interactions in plant diseases, from wilderness to industrial farms. Epidemics, traditional farming, environmental impacts and sustainability issues. Ways in which agriculture, particularly plant production and plant disease management, change ecosystems.
Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 151 or equivalent
3 credits/spring sem
Microbiology of the Soil
STOCKSCH 515. Microbial processes in the soil and sediment environment; ecology of the various microbial communities; decomposition of organic matter, carbon transformation, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus and other mineral transformations. Chemistry of these reactions and their biogeochemical implications. Biological equilibrium, the rhizosphere, and mircrobial associations.
Prerequisites: CHEM 250 or CHEM 261 and basic biology course
3 credits/fall sem
Plant Stress Physiology
STOCKSCH 523. Advanced course focusing on plant responses to major abiotic stresses. Current research topics in stress physiology will be discussed.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 384 or BIOLOGY 510
3 credits/fall sem
Mycology
STOCKSCH 525. Biology, ecology, classification and identification of fungi and fungal-like organisms. Includes consideration of fungi as causes of diseases in animals, humans, and plants, and their uses in biotechnology applications.
Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 151
4 credits/fall sem/odd yrs
Plant Nutrition
STOCKSCH 530. With lab. The acquisition, translocation, distribution, and function of the essential inorganic elements in plants. Genetic control of plant nutrition and ecological adaptation to nutritional variables. Diagnosis of plant nutritional disorders.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105 and STOCKSCH 108, and either CHEM 110 or CHEM 111 or equivalent courses
4 credits/fall sem
Diagnostic Plant Pathology
STOCKSCH 535. Methods of diagnosing plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and abiotic agents considered using specimens collected by students.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 505
4 credits/spring sem/odd yrs
Postharvest Biology
STOCKSCH 545. The basic biochemical and physiological processes occurring in fruits, vegetables, and flowers after harvest; postharvest treatments to modify these processes.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 384 and either CHEM 110 or CHEM 111
4 credits/spring sem
Plant Hormones & Applied Plant Physiology
STOCKSCH 550. The influence of naturally occurring plant hormones on regulating physiology, growth, and development in plants. Uses and potential uses of synthetic plant growth regulators, cultural techniques, and horticultural practices to improve the production of food, fiber and ornamental plants.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 108 or 100-level biology course; STOCKSCH 384 recommended
3 credits/spring sem
Nematology
STOCKSCH 572. With lab. Biology and identification of soil nematodes. Parasitism of plants and management practices stressed.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 505 or BIOLOGY 153
4 credits/fall sem/even yrs
Environmental Soil Chemistry
STOCKSCH 575. With lab. Fundamental chemical concepts/processes in soils, such as ion exchange, precipitation/dissolution, redox reactions, partitioning and adsorption, and solution speciation and nature of soil minerals and organic matter. Examination of how chemical processes affect fate, transport, availability, and remediation of trace elements, heavy metals and organic contaminants in soils and sediments. Discussion on current environmental issues and problems.
Prerequisites: CHEM 110 or CHEM 111 or consent of instructor; STOCKSCH 105 strongly recommended
4 credits/fall sem
Soil Fertility
STOCKSCH 580. The role of mineral elements in the growth of plants; plant response to fertilizers and other soil amendments; soil reaction, mineral deficiencies and toxicities; environmental impact of soil fertility management practices.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105 and STOCKSCH 108 (or equivalents) and either CHEM 110 or CHEM 111
3 credits/spring sem
Integrated Pest Management
STOCKSCH 581. With lab. Theory and application of the principles of insect, disease, and weed pest management; emphasis on insects. Focus on pest and natural enemy sampling techniques, properties of available control strategies, underlying ecological and behavioral principles, model pest management systems and societal concerns.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 326 or STOCKSCH 505.
4-5 credits/fall sem
Inorganic Contaminants in Soil, Water, and Sediment
STOCKSCH 585. Physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting the fate and transport of inorganic contaminants (including heavy metals) in soil, water and sediment. Sources, chemistry, pedogenic and geochemical behavior of these contaminants and methods used for their analysis. Risk assessment, and remediation technologies, options, and goals.
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and CHEM 112, knowledge of college algebra, basic soil science, and transition metal chemistry, or consent of instructor
3 credits/spring sem
Phyto/Bioremediation
STOCKSCH 587. Various aspects of phytoremediation - the use of plants (both natural hyper-accumulators and transgenic) and their associated microbes with the purpose of environmental clean-up of contaminated soil, sediments and water. Various strategies for phytoremediation of a wide range of toxic pollutants, both organic and elemental, with special emphasis on toxic metals will be discussed.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 384 or BIOLOGY 151 or BIOLOGY 152
3 credits/fall sem
Microbe-Mineral-Organic Matter Interactions in Soils
STOCKSCH 590M. Fundamental interactions between microbes, minerals, and organic matter responsible for carbon cycling, mineral weathering, and nutrient dynamics in soils. Examination of the importance of these interactions for soil development, carbon storage, and fertility.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105 and either CHEM 110 or CHEM 111; STOCKSCH 575, CHEM 261, MICROBIO 310 recommended
3 credits/spring sem
Plant Biotech Journal Club
STOCKSCH 591A. Open to both graduate students and advanced undergraduate students who have an interest in reviewing the current scientific literature in the field of plant biotechnology.
1 credit/both sem
Topics in Turf Pathology
STOCKSCH 597M. Review and discussion of concepts and issues related with turfgrass diseases. Reading of scientific papers and trade journals required each week. Guest speakers from turfgrass industry present many of the topics and lead subsequent class discussion.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 505
3 credits/spring sem