This is an archived copy of the 2012-2013 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.
Sustainable Agriculture (SUSAG)
Courses
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
SUSAG 509. Agroecosystems Analysis.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, SOC, SOC). (3-4) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: Senior or above classification
Experiential, interdisciplinary examination of Midwestern agricultural and food systems, emphasizing field visits, with some classroom activities. Focus on understanding multiple elements, perspectives (agronomic, economic, ecological, social, etc), and scales of operation.
SUSAG 515. Integrated Crop and Livestock Production Systems.
(Cross-listed with A E, AGRON, AN S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: SUSAG 509
Methods to maintain productivity and minimize the negative ecological effects of agricultural systems by understanding nutrient cycles, managing manure and crop residue, and utilizing multispecies interactions. Crop and livestock production within landscapes and watersheds is also considered. Course includes a significant field component, with student teams analyzing Iowa farms.
SUSAG 530. Ecologically Based Pest Management Strategies.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENT, PL P). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Durable, least-toxic strategies for managing weeds, pathogens, and insect pests, with emphasis on underlying ecological processes.
SUSAG 546. Strategies for Diversified Food and Farming Systems.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, HORT). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: SUSAG 509
Project-focused engagement in food and farming systems using tools and perspectives drawn from multiple disciplines. Includes a field component.
SUSAG 571. Agroforestry Systems.
(Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: 6 credits in biological science at 300-level or above
Concepts of sustainable land use, agroecological dynamics, and component interactions of agroforestry systems. Agroforestry systems in temperate and tropical regions. Design and evaluation techniques for agroforestry systems. Ecological, socioeconomic and political aspects of agroforestry.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
SUSAG 584. Organic Agricultural Theory and Practice.
(Dual-listed with 484). (Cross-listed with HORT). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2014.
Prereq: 9 cr. in biological or physical sciences
Delate & DeWitt. Understanding of the historical origins and ecological theories underpinning the practices involved in organic agriculture. Interdisciplinary examination of crop and livestock production and socio-economic processes and policies in organic agriculture from researcher and producer perspectives.
SUSAG 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of instructor
For students wishing to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic in sustainable agriculture.
SUSAG 599. Creative Component.
Cr. arr.
F.S.SS.
Pre-enrollment contract required. For MS students pursuing the non-thesis degree option. Final product is a creative component.
Courses for graduate students:
SUSAG 600. Sustainable Agriculture Colloquium.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.
Weekly seminar for graduate students in the Sustainable Agriculture program.
SUSAG 610. Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, A E, ANTHR, SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of instructor
Historical, biophysical, socioeconomic, and ethical dimensions of agricultural sustainability. Strategies for evaluating existing and emerging agricultural systems in terms of the core concepts of sustainability and their theoretical contexts.
SUSAG 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
MS and PhD thesis and dissertation research.