Courses
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Cross-listed with AGRON, SOC). (3-4) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: Senior or above classification; permission of instructor
Experiential, interdisciplinary examination of Midwestern agricultural and food systems, emphasizing both field visits and classroom activities. Focus on understanding multiple elements, perspectives (agronomic, economic, ecological, social, etc.), and scales of operation.
(Cross-listed with A B E, AGRON, AN S). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
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.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENT, PL P). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Durable, least-toxic strategies for managing weeds, pathogens, and insect pests, with emphasis on underlying ecological processes.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, HORT). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: SUSAG 509
Project-focused engagement in food and farming systems using tools and perspectives drawn from multiple disciplines. Includes a field component.
(Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
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.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, HORT). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 9 cr. in biological or physical sciences
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.
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.
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:
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Weekly seminar for graduate students in the Sustainable Agriculture program.
(Cross-listed with A B E, AGRON, 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.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
MS and PhD thesis and dissertation research.