Undergraduate Study
Agronomy is the science and technology of producing plants that serve humans, using practices essential for maintaining and improving life. The Department of Agronomy offers a major leading to a degree of bachelor of science (BS) in agronomy. Graduates have the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for efficient and sustainable crop production. They are skilled in critical thinking, problem solving, communicating, and working effectively with others. They understand the ethical, cultural, and environmental dimensions of issues facing agronomists globally.
An agronomy major prepares students for employment in crop production and soil management, yield forecasting, precision farming, plant breeding, agricultural business and industry, agricultural service organizations, environmental and natural resource management, and farm management. Graduates pursue careers in the seed, fertilizer, and agricultural chemical industries as field agronomists, crop and soil management specialists, research technicians, sales and marketing specialists, and production managers. State and federal agencies employ agronomists as extension specialists, county extension directors, environmental and natural resource specialists, research associates, soil surveyors, soil conservationists, grain inspectors, integrated pest managers, land appraisers, agricultural lenders, and other science-based professionals.
An agronomy major also prepares students for graduate school. We offer a concurrent BS/MBA degree. About a quarter of our students immediately continue into research-based MS and PhD programs. As an undergraduate, there are many opportunities to be involved in research.
Department of Agronomy website - http://www.agron.iastate.edu/.
Curriculum in Agronomy
Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.
Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA. A minimum of 15 credits of agronomy courses must be earned at Iowa State and not transferred from other institutions.
International Perspective: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved International Perspective list: http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/students/div-ip-guide/IntlPerspectives-current
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved U.S. Diversity list: http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/students/div-ip-guide/usdiversity-courses
Communication/Library: 13 cr.
6 cr. of English composition with a C or better and 3 cr. of speech fundamentals with a C or better.
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or AGEDS 311 | Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences | |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| One of the following: | ||
| ENGL 302 | Business Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Proposal and Report Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
Humanities: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved humanities list: http://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/humanities
Social Sciences: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved social sciences list: http://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/social-sciences
Ethics: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved ethics list: http://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/ethics
Mathematical Sciences: 6 cr.
| MATH 140 | College Algebra | 3 |
| STAT 104 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
Physical Sciences: 8 cr.
| CHEM 163 & 163L | College Chemistry and Laboratory in College Chemistry | 5 |
| One of the following: | ||
| AGRON 259 | Organic Compounds in Plants and Soils | 3 |
| BBMB 221 | Structure and Reactions in Biochemical Processes | 3 |
| CHEM 231 & 231L | Elementary Organic Chemistry and Laboratory in Elementary Organic Chemistry | 4 |
Life and Biological Sciences: 7 cr.
| BIOL 212 & 212L | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology Laboratory II | 4 |
| AGRON 320 | Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology | 3 |
| or BIOL 313 | Principles of Genetics | |
Supporting Sciences: 15 cr.
Courses cannot be used to fulfill any other agronomy requirements. At least 9 cr. must be in courses numbered 300 or above.
This requirement can be met in one of three ways:
a. Complete at least 3 credits in basic or mathematics-intensive discipline (ACCT, BBMB, BIOL, CHEM, COM S, ECON, All Engineering, GEOL, GEN, MATH, MTEOR, PHYS, STAT) as well as at least 6 additional credits in BIOL, BBMB, ENSCI, ENT, GEOL, HORT, GEN, MICRO, NREM, PL P, TSM. The other 6 credits can be a combination of the above department's courses and/or AGRON.
b. Complete the courses needed to fulfill a second major that complements the student's academic and professional goals.
c. By the end of the third semester before graduation, petition the Agronomy Curriculum Committee with a specific set of courses designed around "keeper of the land," "builder of genetic diversity," "explorer of plant life," "developer of bio-energy," "confronter of world hunger," or "designer of sustainable systems."
Agronomy Core: 46 cr.
| AGRON 105 | Leadership Experience | R |
| AGRON 110 | Professional Development in Agronomy: Orientation | 1 |
| AGRON 180 | Global Agriculture in a Changing World | 3 |
| AGRON 181 | Introduction to Crop Science | 3 |
| AGRON 182 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
| AGRON 183 | Basic Skills for Agronomists | 1 |
| AGRON 206 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| AGRON 210 | Professional Development in Agronomy: Career Planning | R |
| AGRON 279 | Field Exploration of Agronomy | 3 |
| AGRON 280 | Crop Development, Production and Management | 3 |
| AGRON 281 | Crop Physiology | 3 |
| AGRON 282 | Soil Conservation and Land Use | 3 |
| AGRON 310 | Professional Development in Agronomy: Work Experience | R |
| or AGRON 311 | Professional Internship in Agronomy | |
| AGRON 316 | Crop Structure-Function Relationships | 3 |
| AGRON 342 | World Food Issues: Past and Present | 3 |
| or AGRON 450 | Issues in Sustainable Agriculture | |
| AGRON 354 & 354L | Soils and Plant Growth and Soils and Plant Growth Laboratory | 4 |
| AGRON 360 | Environmental Soil Science | 3 |
| or AGRON 392 | Systems Analysis in Crop and Soil Management | |
| AGRON 410 | Professional Development in Agronomy: Senior Forum | 1 |
| Additional AGRON credits at the 300-400 level | 6 | |
Electives: 18 cr.
| Additional free electives | 18 | |
Agronomy, B.S.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGRON 110 | 1 | AGRON 181 | 3 |
| AGRON 180 | 3 | AGRON 182 | 3 |
| AGRON 183 | 1 | BIOL 212 | 3 |
| CHEM 163 & Lab or CHEM 177 & Lab | 5 | BIOL 212L | 1 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | ENGL 250 | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Math or Social Sciences | 3 |
| Math or Social Sciences | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGRON 206 | 3 | AGRON 281 | 3 |
| AGRON 210 | R | AGRON 282 | 3 |
| AGRON 279 | 3 | AGEDS 311 or SP CM 212 | 3 |
| AGRON 280 | 3 | Organic Chemistry: AGRON 259, BBMB 221, OR CHEM 231 & L | 3-4 |
| STAT 104 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15-16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGRON 354 | 3 | AGRON 316 | 3 |
| AGRON 354L | 1 | AGRON 320 or BIOL 313 | 3 |
| AGRON 342 or 450 | 3 | ENGL 302, 309, or 314 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | International Perspectives | 3 |
| Supporting Sciences | 6 | Supporting Sciences | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Agronomy Electives | 6 | AGRON 360 or 392 | 3 |
| Elective | 6 | AGRON 410 | 1 |
| Ethics | 3 | Elective | 6 |
| U.S. Diversity | 3 | Supporting Sciences | 6 |
| 18 | 16 | ||
Minor - Agronomy
A minor in agronomy is earned by taking 18 credits, 9 credits of which must be from foundational courses. An additional 9 credits must be taken from foundational or approved elective courses, with a minimum of 6 of the 9 credits from courses at the 300 level or higher. At least 9 credits must be taken at Iowa State University with 6 credits numbered 300 or above. At least 9 credits must be unique to the requirements for the minor and not used to fulfill specified requirements from the student's major. Students minoring in agronomy can take the following courses: AGRON 331, AGRON 370, AGRON 490, AGRON 496; but only one (1) credit from these courses can be used in the minor program.
| Foundational Courses (at least 9 required credits): | ||
| AGRON 180 | Global Agriculture in a Changing World | 3 |
| AGRON 181 | Introduction to Crop Science | 3 |
| AGRON 182 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
| AGRON 280 | Crop Development, Production and Management | 3 |
| AGRON 281 | Crop Physiology | 3 |
| AGRON 282 | Soil Conservation and Land Use | 3 |
| Approved Elective Courses for Minor Credit: | ||
| AGRON 206 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| AGRON 217 | Weed Identification | 1 |
| AGRON 259 | Organic Compounds in Plants and Soils | 3 |
| AGRON 270 | Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
| AGRON 316 | Crop Structure-Function Relationships | 3 |
| AGRON 317 | Principles of Weed Science | 3 |
| AGRON 320 | Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology | 3 |
| AGRON 330 | Crop and Seed Identification Laboratory | 2 |
| AGRON 334 | Forage Crop Management | 3 |
| AGRON 338 | Seed Science and Technology | 3 |
| AGRON 342 | World Food Issues: Past and Present | 3 |
| AGRON 351 | Turfgrass Establishment and Management | 3 |
| AGRON 354 | Soils and Plant Growth | 3 |
| AGRON 354L | Soils and Plant Growth Laboratory | 1 |
| AGRON 360 | Environmental Soil Science | 3 |
| AGRON 392 | Systems Analysis in Crop and Soil Management | 3 |
| ENSCI 402 | Watershed Hydrology | 3 |
| AGRON 404 | Global Change | 3 |
| AGRON 405 | Environmental Biophysics | 3 |
| AGRON 406 | World Climates | 3 |
| AGRON 407 | Mesoscale Meteorology | 3 |
| AGRON 421 | Introduction to Plant Breeding | 3 |
| AGRON 446 | International Issues and Challenges in Sustainable Development | 3 |
| AGRON 450 | Issues in Sustainable Agriculture | 3 |
| AGRON 452 | GIS for Geoscientists | 3 |
| AGRON 459 | Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry | 4 |
| AGRON 463 | Soil Formation and Landscape Relationships | 3 |
| AGRON 477 | Soil Physics | 3 |
| AGRON 484 | Organic Agricultural Theory and Practice | 3 |
| AGRON 485 | Soil and Environmental Microbiology | 3 |
| AGRON 497 | Agroecology Field Course | 3 |
SOIL SCIENCE CERTIFICATE
Purpose
The certificate in soil science will prepare students with the skills needed for successful careers in the field of soil science. Soil science has key roles in achieving goals of sustainability as demonstrated by the functions of soil and their ecosystem services. Namely, soil is an important factor in addressing issues of food scarcity, water management, climate change, biodiversity loss, and human health. Students who complete the Iowa State University soil science certificate program will qualify for federal employment as a soil scientist. In addition, students completing the certificate will have met the educational component of the Soil Science Society of America’s requirements for certification as a professional soil scientist and all U.S. states’ educational criteria for licensure as a professional soil scientist.
Requirements
The certificate in soil science requires the completion of 31 credit hours, including a foundation course in soil science, 15 credits in supporting biological, physical, or Earth sciences, as well as 13 credits from approved categories of soil science courses.
At least 9 credits must be taken in soil science courses numbered at the 300-level or above.
At least 9 credits used for the certificate cannot be used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement for the baccalaureate degree except to satisfy the total credit requirement for graduation and to meet credit requirements in courses numbered 300 or above.
Courses for the certificate cannot be taken on a pass/not-pass basis.
Course Requirements for Soil Science Certificate
Foundation: 3 credits of required core course.
| AGRON 182 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
Supporting Biological, Physical, or Earth Sciences: Choose 15 credits from approved list consisting of courses from the following designators: ABE, AGRON, A ECL, BIOL, CHEM, CE, CRP, ENSCI, ENT, FOR, GEOL, HORT, LA, MTEOR, MICRO, NREM, PHYS.
Soil Science: Choose 13 credits with at least 2 credits from each of the following categories.
| Soil Physical Properties or Soil Water Relationships (2 credits) | ||
| AGRON 282 | Soil Conservation and Land Use | 3 |
| AGRON 360 | Environmental Soil Science | 3 |
| AGRON 405 | Environmental Biophysics | 3 |
| AGRON 477 | Soil Physics | 3 |
| A B E 431 | Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems | 3 |
| TSM 324 | Soil and Water Conservation Management | 3 |
| Soil Chemistry (2 credits) | ||
| AGRON 259 | Organic Compounds in Plants and Soils | 3 |
| AGRON 459 | Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry | 4 |
| Soil Biology (2 credits) | ||
| AGRON 354 | Soils and Plant Growth | 3 |
| AGRON 354L | Soils and Plant Growth Laboratory | 1 |
| AGRON 485 | Soil and Environmental Microbiology | 3 |
| Soil Morphology and Geography (2 credits) | ||
| AGRON 270 | Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
| AGRON 370 | Field Experience in Soil Description and Interpretation | 1 |
| AGRON 463 | Soil Formation and Landscape Relationships | 3 |
| AGRON 463L | Soil Formation and Landscape Relationships Laboratory | 1 |
Graduate Study
Introduction
Agronomy is the science and technology of producing plants that serve humans, using practices essential for maintaining and improving life. The Department of Agronomy administers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in four different graduate majors that emphasize different disciplines of agronomy. These majors are: Agricultural Meteorology; Crop Production and Physiology; Plant Breeding; and Soil Science. A fifth graduate major, Agronomy, offers both an MS and a Graduate Certificate through distance education suitable for professionals working in industry or government, as well as a graduate minor for on–campus students.
Admission
To be fully admitted, prospective graduate students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.00 GPA (4.00 scale) or rank in the upper one–half of their undergraduate class. Non–native English speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students applying to the Agricultural Meteorology and Plant Breeding graduate majors must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). For all of the majors except Agronomy, a faculty member of the graduate major must agree to be the major professor before the student is admitted.
Program of Study
The academic courses used to satisfy requirements for a graduate degree compose a student’s Program of Study (POS). The POS must be approved by the student’s POS Committee. For the MS in Agronomy, the POS Committee must be composed of at least two faculty who are both members of the Graduate Major in Agronomy. For the other four majors at the MS degree level, at least three faculty must serve on a POS Committee. Two of the three must be members of the major, and at least one must be a member of a different graduate major. At the PhD level the POS Committee must have at least five members, of which at least three must be faculty in the major, and at least one a member of a different graduate major. If the student is pursuing a graduate minor, either as part of an MS or PhD, a graduate faculty member representing the minor must serve on the POS Committee.
Agronomy
The POS for the MS in Agronomy is fixed and consists of the following:
| AGRON 501 | Crop Growth and Development | 3 |
| AGRON 502 | Chemistry, Physics, and Biology of Soils | 3 |
| AGRON 503 | Climate and Crop Growth | 3 |
| AGRON 511 | Crop Improvement | 3 |
| AGRON 512 | Soil-Plant Environment | 3 |
| AGRON 513 | Quantitative Methods for Agronomy | 3 |
| AGRON 514 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
| AGRON 531 | Crop Ecology and Management | 3 |
| AGRON 532 | Soil Management | 3 |
| AGRON 533 | Crop Protection | 3 |
| AGRON 591 | Agronomic Systems Analysis | 3 |
| AGRON 592 | Current Issues in Agronomy | 3 |
| AGRON 594 | Agronomy MS Practicum | 1 |
| AGRON 599M | Agronomy | arr † |
| † Arranged with instructor. | ||
All Other Degrees
The courses in each student’s POS will vary depending on the major and the student’s interests. Only a maximum of three 400–level courses or one 300–level and two 400–level courses may be included on the POS. If a 300–level course is listed on the POS it cannot be an AGRON course.
Agricultural Meteorology
Students with a major in Agricultural Meteorology must include AGRON 698 in their POS. Students are encouraged to include the following courses: AGRON 505; AGRON 577; MTEOR 605; a modeling course such as AGRON 508, AGRON 518, AGRON 525, AGRON 677, GEOL 516, or MTEOR 552; and a course in statistics.
Crop Production and Physiology
The Graduate Major in Crop Production and Physiology has defined five Core Areas.
Core Area 1 (molecular biology / biochemistry): BBMB 404, BBMB 405, BBMB 542A–G, BBMB 607, and PLBIO 545.
Core Area 2 (growth and development): AGRON525, AGRON551, BIOL 454, BIOL 428, and GDCB 528.
Core Area 3 (plant physiology and metabolism): AGRON508, AGRON516, AGRON519, AGRON 525, AGRON 538, AGRON 553, AGRON 556, BBMB 645, and PLBIO 513.
Core Area 4 (crop ecology and management): AGRON 509, AGRON 515, AGRON 530, AGRON 553, AGRON 556, BIOL 472, BIOL 474, EEOB 570, EEOB 582, EEOB 584, EEOB 589, HORT 524, PL P 577, and PL P 594.
Core Area 5 (statistics / quantitative methods): AGRON 526, STAT 587, STAT 402, STAT 407, STAT 505, STAT 512, CRP 551, and NREM 546.
To major in Crop Production and Physiology, at least one course from three of the Core Areas must be included in the POS for the MS. For the PhD, at least one course from each of the Core Areas must be included. A single course cannot be used for more than one Core Area. Students are also encouraged to consider AGRON 698.
Plant Breeding
The Graduate Major in Plant Breeding has both a resident and distance–education MS program. The following courses are recommended for students with a major in Plant Breeding: AGRON 521, AGRON 522, AGRON 523, AGRON 524, AGRON 528, AGRON 561, AGRON 600A, AGRON 698, GEN 510, STAT 587, and STAT 402. For the distance program, the following courses are recommended: AGRON 501, AGRON 506, AGRON 513, AGRON 520, AGRON 521, AGRON 523, AGRON 524, AGRON 528, AGRON 544, and AGRON 599. Resident students pursuing the PhD also often include AGRON 621 and AGRON 625 in their POS.
Soil Science
Students pursuing a major in Soil Science may specialize in one of six areas: soil chemistry; soil fertility; soil management; soil microbiology and biochemistry; soil morphology and genesis; or soil physics. If a specialization is chosen, the major professor must be in the designated specialty area. For the PhD, the POS must include one credit of AGRON 600B. Students are also encouraged to consider including AGRON 698 in their POS.
Master of Science
The general requirements for an MS degree include:
- a minimum of 30 credits from academic courses and research activities;
- at least 22 credits earned at ISU;
- two–thirds or more of earned credits related to the major; and
- completion of a final oral examination.
Both non–thesis and thesis options for an MS degree in Agricultural Meteorology, Crop Production and Physiology, Plant Breeding, and Soil Science are available. Students in the Agronomy major must choose the non–thesis option.
Students in Agricultural Meteorology working towards the MS must meet with their POS Committee at least twice. Besides the final oral examination, an additional meeting must be held near the beginning of the graduate program. At this meeting the student will introduce the area of research to be pursued, potential research questions and methods, and a proposed POS. The student must also present a short written report on how the proposed research will help them
master established Enduring Understandings in Agricultural Meteorology.
Creative Component
If the non–thesis MS degree is chosen, then the student must:
1. register for at least two credits of AGRON 599 that will be used to complete a “creative component;” and
2. pass a comprehensive final oral examination.
The creative component is work that presents “substantial evidence of individual accomplishment.” The POS Committee and the student will specify the creative component, how it will be documented, and how it will be evaluated. The POS Committee also has flexibility in determining the format of the final oral examination. For Agricultural Meteorology, the final oral exam must include an evaluation of the student’s mastery of the Enduring Understandings in Agricultural
Meteorology.
Thesis
In the thesis option the student must:
1. pursue a research project culminating in a written thesis; and
2. pass a comprehensive final oral examination.
A minimum of three research credits of AGRON 699 must be listed on the POS to account for work on an MS thesis. The thesis is submitted to the POS Committee prior to the final oral examination. During the final oral examination, the student will present and defend the thesis in the presence of the POS Committee. Students in Agricultural Meteorology must also demonstrate mastery of the Enduring Understandings in Agricultural Meteorology. The presentation (also called the “exit seminar”) is open to the general public. Only POS Committee members may attend the examination that follows the presentation.
Doctor of Philosophy
The general requirements for a PhD degree include:
- a minimum of 72 credits from academic courses and research activities;
- at least 36 of these credits earned at ISU;
- completion of a preliminary oral examination;
- a written PhD dissertation; and
- completion of a comprehensive final oral examination.
The 72 credits can include the credits earned in pursuit of an MS degree. If an MS was earned at another institution, those courses earned at the other institution can be listed along with the ISU courses, but only if the POS Committee determines that the courses are appropriate. Students in Agricultural Meteorology working towards the PhD must meet with their POS Committee at least three times. Besides the final oral examination and another for the preliminary exam, an additional meeting must be held near the beginning of the graduate program. At this meeting the student will introduce the area of research to be pursued, potential research questions and methods, and a proposed POS. If a student will pursue a PhD without first completing an MS, then during the first meeting of the POS Committee the student must also present a short written report that illustrates connections between the Enduring Understandings in Agricultural Meteorology and their planned research.
Qualification Exam
Agricultural Meteorology
Students in Agricultural Meteorology must take and pass a qualification exam once they have decided to pursue a PhD. The qualification exam must be passed before taking the preliminary exam. The format of the qualification exam is as follows. The student will produce a written report that demonstrates their knowledge of the Enduring Understandings in Agricultural Meteorology. If the student has come from another university the report must present research completed at ISU and not at the previous institution (such as a thesis). This report will be submitted to all of the faculty in the major. The student will then make an oral presentation to faculty and other students in the major that summarizes and defends the written report. After the oral presentation, the faculty will meet to determine whether or not the student passed the exam, and whether the student can re–take the exam if the student failed. The faculty will provide written feedback to the student, suggesting areas where improvement is needed and a course of action. The qualification exam can be taken only two times during a student’s graduate career at ISU. If a student who had entered the PhD program without an MS degree takes the qualification exam and fails the exam, the student can: take the qualification exam again, if so allowed by the faculty; or continue their graduate career in pursuit of an MS degree. In the latter case, the student could take the qualification exam one more time after an MS degree has been completed.
All Other Majors
A qualification exam is not required for students in the Crop Production and Physiology, Plant Breeding, or Soil Science majors.
Preliminary Exam
All students pursuing a PhD must take and pass a preliminary oral examination.
Agricultural Meteorology
For students in Agricultural Meteorology the preliminary exam consists of a defense of the student’s proposed dissertation research to the POS Committee. Besides an oral defense, the student must also submit a written report on their proposed research. If the student fails the preliminary exam, the POS Committee must also decide if the student can re–take the exam. The preliminary exam can only be taken twice.
Crop Production and Physiology
Students in Crop Production and Physiology may be asked to take a written preliminary examination. If a student fails the written preliminary examination, the POS Committee may require the student to retake the exam, to answer additional written questions, or proceed with the oral examination. The nature of the preliminary oral exam is determined by the student’s POS Committee.
Plant Breeding
Students in Plant Breeding must pass a uniform written preliminary examination that consists of five questions, each from one of five topical areas. Faculty members in Plant Breeding evaluate each answer. Evaluators assign a pass or fail grade to the answer. If an evaluator assigns a failing grade to a question, the evaluator shall clearly indicate the strengths and weaknesses of the answer and provide written information (e.g., references, rationale) to the student which clearly outlines an acceptable response to the question. Failure to provide such written information may invalidate that grade and be considered sufficient cause to exclude the grade in the overall evaluation of the student’s answer. Students who receive two pass grades for a question will have successfully completed that topic, and students must pass each topic to pass the exam. If two valid grades are not in agreement (e.g., one passing grade and one failing grade), additional faculty members will evaluate the answer until there are two valid assessments that are in agreement. Students who do not pass a topic have the opportunity to repeat that topic on the next regularly scheduled exam date. The number of attempts for each topic has not been specified. The examination is offered the last Thursday and Friday of each January and September when one or more students have signed up to take the exam. Students may choose to attempt questions for all five topics, or for subsets of the topics. If a student decides to attempt questions for only certain topics, the student must specify which topics in writing at least one month prior to the scheduled exam date. The nature of the preliminary oral exam is determined by the student’s POS Committee.
Soil Science
Students in Soil Science must pass a written preliminary examination. Exam questions are authored by members of the POS Committee. The format of each question is left open and they may be formulated as open– or closed–book problems. A reasonable period for completion may be set by the author of the question. The student’s responses are formally scored or ranked only by the POS Committee member who authored the question. A copy of the student’s responses to all questions is submitted to all POS Committee members at least one week before the student’s preliminary oral examination. When the student submits a request to schedule the preliminary oral examination, the student’s major professor certifies by signing the form that the student has satisfactorily completed a written preliminary exam. The nature of the preliminary oral exam is determined by the student’s POS Committee.
Doctoral Dissertation and Final Oral Examination
All students must include at least three AGRON 699 credits in their POS for work on their PhD dissertation. During the required final oral examination, a student presents and defends the dissertation. This presentation (also called the “exit seminar”) is open to the general public. Only POS Committee members may attend the examination that follows the presentation.
Graduate Certificate in Agronomy for distance students
The Graduate Certificate in Agronomy is for distance students and is comprised of the first six courses in the MS in Agronomy curriculum. All six courses are required for certificate completion.
| AGRON 501 | Crop Growth and Development | 3 |
| AGRON 502 | Chemistry, Physics, and Biology of Soils | 3 |
| AGRON 503 | Climate and Crop Growth | 3 |
| AGRON 511 | Crop Improvement | 3 |
| AGRON 512 | Soil-Plant Environment | 3 |
| AGRON 514 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Graduate Minor
On-campus students who wish to minor in Agronomy must include a core course from each of the other four graduate majors in their POS. These courses are:
| AGRON 505 | Environmental Biophysics | 3 |
| AGRON 516 | Crop Physiology | 3 |
| AGRON 521 | Principles of Cultivar Development | 3 |
| AGRON 553 | Soil-Plant Relationships | 3 |
However, one substitution is allowed with the approval of the faculty member serving as the minor representative on the POS Committee.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
Cr. R.
A participatory experience in activities or completion of a course that enhances the development of leadership and group-dynamic skills. See advisor for departmental requirements.
Cr. 1. F.
Orientation to college life, the profession of agronomy, and the agronomy curriculum.
(Cross-listed with ENV S, NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Overview of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural resources in an ecosystem context. History and organization of resource management. Concepts of integrated resource management.
(Cross-listed with ENV S, GEOL, MTEOR). Cr. 3. F.S.
The climate system of our planet. How nature and our actions alter the existing energy balance leading to climate change. Past climates on our planet. The influence of climate on society and resource availability during the Holocene (~ 11,000 years ago to present) with focus on changes post industrial revolution. Significant climate events that have altered our way of life in the past. Projected changes in future climate and potential impacts on society, environment and resources. Adaption to and mitigation of climate change.
(Cross-listed with ENV S, GEOL, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Study of the occurrence, history, development, and management of world water resources. Basic hydrologic principles including climate, surface water, groundwater, and water quality. Historical and current perspectives on water policy, use, and the role of water in society and the environment.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
A scientific investigation of the global distribution of climate, soils and agricultural production and consumption. Physical processes that connect natural resources to agriculture and the environment. How global change drives increasing demand for agricultural production.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Basic structure and function of plants, origin and classification, growth and development. Fundamentals of photosynthesis, plant water use, plant nutrition and genetics that regulate plant growth, development and responses to the environment.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: CHEM 163
Introduction to physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils; soil formation, classification and global distribution; soil health, soils and humanity and sustainable land management.
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Developing the skills that agronomists employ in their work with crops, soil, and the environment through activities involving tools and methodologies used by agronomists. Enrollment is restricted to first-year students majoring in agronomy.
(Cross-listed with MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Basic concepts in weather and climate, including atmospheric measurements, radiation, stability, precipitation, winds, fronts, forecasting, and severe weather. Applied topics include global warming, ozone depletion, world climates and weather safety.
Cr. R.
Career planning, résumé and cover letter preparation. See advisor for departmental requirements.
(1-2) Cr. 1. F.S.
Prereq: BIOL 101 or equivalent
Half-semester course. Identification of important weeds of agricultural, horticultural and native habitats. Principles of plant taxonomy and classification. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI). Cr. 3.
Concepts and tools for acquiring, managing, analyzing, and displaying geographic information, including GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and cartography. Focus on applications in biological, ecological, environmental, and agricultural sciences.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent
Science governing plant growth and development in the context of cropping and genetic improvements.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: AGRON 182 or equivalent
Principles of soil conservation and land use with emphasis on best management practices and use of soil maps and databases such as Web Soil Survey.
(Cross-listed with ENT, FOR, HORT). (2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Core background and specialty topics in agricultural, and horticultural pesticide applicator certification. Students can select certification categories and have the opportunity to obtain pesticide applicator certification at the completion of the course. Commercial pesticide applicator certification is emphasized.
Cr. R. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of faculty member or student's advisor, sophomore classification
Students register for this course in order to retain full-time status while on a professional work experience. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. R.
Professional work experience in agronomy. See advisor for departmental requirements.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Permission of advisor
A supervised learning experience in a professional setting related to crop production, plant breeding, soil science or environmental science. For students majoring in Agronomy.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Biology and ecology of weeds. Interactions between weeds and crops. Principles and practices of integrated weed management systems. Herbicide mechanisms, classification, and fate in plants and soils.
(Cross-listed with GEN). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: BIOL 212
Transmission and molecular genetics with an emphasis on applications in agriculture, the structure and expression of the gene, how genes behave in populations and how recombinant DNA technology can be used to improve agriculture.
Credit for graduation will not be allowed for more than one of the following: Gen 260, 313, 320 and Biol 313 and 313L.
(0-4) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent.
Identification, agronomic and binomial classification of crops, weeds, and diseases. Analysis of crop seed samples for contaminants of weed and other crop seeds.
(0-6) Cr. 2. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor. AGRON 330 recommended
Intensive training in preparation for intercollegiate competition in national crops contests.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent
Production and management of forage crops; concepts applied to yield, quality, and stand persistence; systems of forage utilization including grazing, hay, and silage.
(Cross-listed with HORT). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 181 (or equivalent) or HORT 221; BIOL 212
Seed production, maturation, dormancy, vigor, deterioration, and related aspects of enhancement, conditioning, storage, and quality evaluation. Aspects of the seed industry and regulation of seed marketing.
(Cross-listed with ENV S, FS HN). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior classification
Issues associated with global agricultural and food systems including ethical, social, economic, environmental, and policy contexts. Investigation of various causes and consequences of overnutrition/undernutrition, poverty, hunger, access, and distribution.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Junior classification
Issues in the agricultural and food systems of the developed and developing world. Emphasis on economic, social, historical, ethical and environmental contexts. Causes and consequences of overnutrition/undernutrition, poverty, hunger and access/distribution. Explorations of current issues and ideas for the future. Team projects.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with HORT). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: HORT 221 or AGRON 181 (or equivalent) or BIOL 211
Principles and practices of turfgrass propagation, establishment, and management. Specialized practices relative to professional lawn care, golf courses, athletic fields, highway roadsides, and seed and sod production. The biology and control of turfgrass pests.
(Cross-listed with HORT). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in HORT 351
Those enrolled in the horticulture curriculum are required to take 351L in conjunction with 351 except by permission of the instructor.
(Cross-listed with HORT). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.S.
Prereq: Agron or Hort major with credit or enrollment in AGRON 354
Laboratory exercises in soil testing that assess a soil's ability to support nutritive requirements for plant growth.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-2) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 182 (or equivalent) or ENSCI 250 or GEOL 201
Application of soil science to contemporary environmental problems; comparison of the impacts that different management strategies have on short- and long-term environmental quality and land development. Emphasis on participatory learning activities.
(0-3) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 4 times. F.S.
Prereq: AGRON 182 or equivalent and permission of instructor
Description and interpretation of soils in the field and laboratory, emphasizing hands-on experience. Evaluation of soil information for land use. Students may participate in intercollegiate judging contests.
Cr. R. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of faculty member or student's advisor; junior classification
Student register for this course in order to retain full-time status while on a professional work experience. The student must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI, IA LL). Cr. 4. SS.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering
Effects of geomorphology, soils, and land use on transport of water and materials (nutrients, contaminates) in watersheds. Fieldwork will emphasize investigations of the Iowa Great Lakes watershed.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 504). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, ENV S, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing
Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 505). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 165 and some exposure to computer programming (any language)
The movement of energy and mass among the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere. The heat and water budget of humans, other animals, plants, and plant communities. Relevance to weather and climate, the effect of climate change on organisms, and remote sensing.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 206/MTEOR 206
Distribution and causes of different climates around the world. Effects of climate and climate variations on human activities including society, economy and agriculture. Current issues such as climate change and international efforts to assess and mitigate the consequences of a changing climate. Semester project and in-class presentation required.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 507). (Cross-listed with MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 166 and MTEOR 443
Arritt, Gallus. Physical nature and practical consequences of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena. Mesoscale convective systems, fronts, terrain-forced circulations. Observation, analysis, and prediction of mesoscale atmospheric structure.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S.
Prereq: Senior classification, AGRON 210
Development of an appropriate content for professionalism. Topics include professional certification, ethics, and maintaining an active network of information sources and professional contacts in support of lifelong learning. Student interpretation, writings, presentations, and discussions.
(Cross-listed with GLOBE, INTST). Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: 3-credit biology course, Sophomore or higher classification, permission of Instructor
Interdisciplinary study and analysis of agricultural systems, sustainable management, and impact on plants and animal biodiversity. International field experience in evaluating different agricultural systems and impact on biodiversity may be required. A program fee is charged to students for international study abroad.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Agricultural science as a human activity; contemporary agricultural issues from agroecological perspective. Comparative analysis of intended and actual consequences of development of industrial agricultural practices.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 552). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro with particular emphasis on geoscientific data. Emphasizes typical GIS operations and analyses in the geosciences to prepare students for advanced GIS courses.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 559). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-3) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: Two semesters of college-level chemistry, MATH 140, AGRON 182 (or equivalent) or AGRON 360; GEOL 100 and AGRON 354 recommended
An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations in soils and surface waters, and their impact on the environment. Topics include solution chemistry in soils and surface waters, solid-phase composition of soils, reactions at the solid-solution interface, and applications to contemporary environmental issues.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 563). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 182 (or equivalent) or AGRON 260
Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Two weekend field trips.
Credit for one of AGRON 463 or AGRON 463I may be applied for graduation.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 563I). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, IA LL). Cr. 2. Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 182 (or equivalent)
Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use.
Credit for only Agron 563 or 563I may be applied for graduation.
(0-3) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in AGRON 463
Laboratory exercise in soil formation with landscape relationships including pedon description with soil mapping.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 584). (Cross-listed with 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.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 585). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, MICRO). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 182 or equivalent; MICRO 201 and MICRO 201L recommended
The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, soil-plant-microbial relationships, and environmental issues.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 588). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: GIS course, such as GEOL 452, CRP 451, CRP 452, NREM 345, NREM 446, AE 408 or equivalent
GIS course with focus on the spatial analysis and modeling of raster data and triangulated irregular network (TIN) data. Uses ArcGIS and various extensions, such as Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and ArcScene. Includes practical exercises during lectures, lab exercises, homework assignments, and (for GEOL 588) a class project.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification with at least 8 credits in agronomy; permission of instructor in specialty area after consultation
Selected studies in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to the needs and interests of the student.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification with at least 8 credits in agronomy; permission of instructor in specialty area after consultation
Selected studies in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to the needs and interests of the student.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification with at least 8 credits in agronomy; permission of instructor in specialty area after consultation
Selected studies in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to the needs and interests of the student.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification with at least 8 credits in agronomy; permission of instructor in specialty area after consultation
Selected studies in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to the needs and interests of the student.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification with at least 8 credits in agronomy; permission of instructor in specialty area after consultation
Selected studies in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to the needs and interests of the student.
(Cross-listed with HORT). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 1 times. F.S.SS.
Prereq: AGRON 338, advanced approval and participation of employer and instructor
A professional work experience and creative project for seed science secondary majors. The project requires the prior approval and participation of the employer and instructor. The student must submit a written report.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 4 times.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Workshop experience in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Limited enrollment. Tour and study of production methods in major crop and livestock regions of the world. Influence of climate, economics, geography, soils, landscapes, markets, and other factors on crop and livestock production. Location and duration of tours will vary. Tour expenses paid by students. Check with department for current offerings.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Limited enrollment. Tour and study of production methods in major crop and livestock regions of the world. Influence of climate, economics, geography, soils, landscapes, markets, and other factors on crop and livestock production. Location and duration of tours will vary. Tour expenses paid by students. Check with department for current offerings.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Limited enrollment. Tour and study of production methods in major crop and livestock regions of the world. Influence of climate, economics, geography, soils, landscapes, markets, and other factors on crop and livestock production. Location and duration of tours will vary. Tour expenses paid by students. Check with department for current offerings.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Jr. or Sr. classification with at least 8 credits in Agronomy
A one-week intensive class, offered off-campus. Student will visit farms within the Midwest and analyze the sustainability of each farm.
Cr. R. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of faculty member or student's advisor; senior classification
Students register for this course in order to retain full-time status while on a professional work experience. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(2-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Agronomy graduate students only
An introduction to Iowa and U.S. agriculture for scholars in agronomic majors. Field trips when possible. Departmental role in the functioning of research, teaching, and extension in fulfilling the charge given the land-grant university.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent, MATH 140, CHEM 163, BIOL 101
Physiological processes in crop growth, development and yield: photosynthesis, respiration, water relations, mineral nutrition, assimilate partitioning, seedling vigor, light interception and canopy growth, root growth, reproduction and yield.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent, AGRON 182 or equivalent, BIOL 101, CHEM 163, MATH 140
Soil chemical, physical, and biological properties that control processes within the soil, their influence on plant/soil interactions, and soil classification. Basic concepts in soil science and their applications.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent and MATH 140
Applied concepts in climate and agricultural meteorology with emphasis on the climate-agriculture relationship and the microclimate-agriculture interaction and crop risk management. Basic meteorological principles are also presented to support these applied concepts.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 404). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing
Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 405). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 165 and some exposure to computer programming (any language)
The movement of energy and mass among the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere. The heat and water budget of humans, other animals, plants, and plant communities. Relevance to weather and climate, the effect of climate change on organisms, and remote sensing.
(Cross-listed with HORT). Cr. 3. F.
Introduction to plant reproductive systems, gene segregation and linkage analysis, molecular nature of genes and how genes confer phenotypes, mutation and biotechnology, quantitative inheritance and population genetics to prepare students for subsequent courses in crop improvement. Enrollment is restricted to off-campus MS in Plant Breeding students.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 407). (Cross-listed with MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 166 and MTEOR 454
The physical nature and practical consequences of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena. Mesoscale convective systems, fronts, terrain-forced circulations. Observation, analysis, and prediction of mesoscale atmospheric structure. Semester project and in-class presentation required.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
The physics behind how humans use plant photosynthesis to convert energy from the sun into useful products. Techniques for quantifying and predicting ecological interactions in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum.
(Cross-listed with SOC, SUSAG). (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 STB). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Admission to the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business or approval of instructor must be obtained.
A study of agriculture from its origins with the domestication of crop plants through basic genetics, demonstrating the challenges and elements of breeding strategies intended to manage gene x environmental interactions. Elements of biotechnology including use of molecular markers, development of genetically modified cultivars, gene mapping, cloning, and gene editing will be covered. Methods to measure the effectiveness of plant breeding (genetic gain) and the impact of improved agronomic practices contributing to increased agricultural productivity will be covered. Use of intellectual property protection, and the conservation and utilization of exotic genetic resources.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent, MATH 140, STAT 104
Quantitative methods for analyzing and interpreting agronomic information. Principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression, correlation, and graphical representation of data. Use of SAS and Excel for organization, analyzing, and presenting data.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: AGRON 181 or equivalent, AGRON 501, MATH 140, CHEM 163, BIOL 101; AGRON 502 and AGRON 503 recommended
Principles and practices of weed science, entomology, and plant pathology applied to crop production systems. Biology, ecology and principles of integrated crop pest management.
(Cross-listed with A B E, AN S, SUSAG). (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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Investigation of Molecular, whole plant, and plant community processes essential to biomass production and seed formation, and analysis of molecular approaches to overcome the limitations imposed on these processes by the environment.
(Cross-listed with E E, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 265
Microwave remote sensing of Earth's surface and atmosphere using satellite-based or ground-based instruments. Specific examples include remote sensing of atmospheric temperature and water vapor, precipitation, ocean salinity, and soil moisture.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 316 (or equivalent) and AGRON 317
Herbicide mechanisms of action, selectivity, uptake, and translocation. Specific sites of herbicide action as they affect plant physiology. Herbicide resistance in weeds and crops. Implications of herbicides on weed management.
Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 506
Breeding methods used in the genetic improvement of self-pollinated, cross-pollinated and clonal crops.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 421 and STAT 401
Theoretical and practical exploration of breeding methods to develop clonal, pureline, inbred and hybrid cultivars. Principles and strategies to set breeding objectives, parental selection and germplasm management, population development, generation advancements, multiple trait selection, experimental designs in breeding programs; seed production and certification. Introduce tools available to a breeder.
(0-6) Cr. 1-2. Alt. SS., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 521
Field experience in planning and conducting plant breeding research for germplasm and cultivar development.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 506
Basic principles and applied techniques used in the genetic improvement of crop plants. Discussion of structure and function of genes that control traits of value. Types of molecular markers, analysis of quantitatively inherited traits, genome mapping, analyses of databases.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: MATH 165 or Math 181 or equivalent; AGRON 316 or AGRON 354 or equivalent.
Understanding basic crop physiology and soil processes through the use of mathematical and statistical approaches. Structure of crop models, dynamics and relationship among components such as leaf-level photosynthesis, canopy architecture, root dynamics and soil carbon and nitrogen pools.
(3-2) Cr. 4. S.
Prereq: STAT 401
Planning experiments for agricultural research, analysis of data, and concepts in data interpretation.
(Cross-listed with ENT, PL P, SUSAG). (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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 501, AGRON 502, AGRON 503; AGRON 512 and AGRON 514 recommended
Ecological principles underlying crop production systems. Crop production in the context of management approaches, system resources and constraints, and interactions. Emphasis on the ecology of row and forage crops common to the Midwest. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 501, AGRON 503, AGRON 512. Recommended AGRON 513
Evaluates the impact of various soil management practices on soil and water resources. Combines and applies basic information gained in AGRON 502 and AGRON 512. Emphasizes the agronomic, economic, and environmental effects of soil management strategies. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.SS.
Prereq: AGRON 514
Integrated management systems for important crop pests. Cultural, biological and chemical management strategies applicable to major crops grown in the Midwest. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program.
(Cross-listed with STB). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: Admission to the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business or approval of instructor must be obtained.
The components of seed quality and how they are assessed in the laboratory, including traits derived from modern biotechnology. The impact of new technologies on seed quality testing. Variety maintenance procedures and breeder seed. Variety identification: phenotype and grow-out trials, isozyme testing, and DNA marker testing. Procedures for evaluating varieties. The variance tests appropriate for fixed effects analysis of variance. Statistical inference and stratification for yield trials. Use of strip plot testing.
(Cross-listed with STB). (2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Admission to the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business or approval of instructor must be obtained.
Quantitative Methods for analyzing and interpreting agronomic and business information for the seed industry. Principles of experimental design and hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, analysis of variance, and graphical representation of data. Use of spreadsheets and statistical software for manipulating, analyzing and presenting data.
(Cross-listed with HORT). (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 316; CHEM 231 or CHEM 331
Physiological aspects of seed development, maturation, longevity, dormancy, and germination of agronomic and horticultural crops and their interactions with field and storage environments. Emphasis on current literature and advanced methodology.
(Cross-listed with STB). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: Admission to the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business or approval of instructor must be obtained.
The technical operations which may be carried out on a seed lot from harvest until it is ready for marketing and use. The opportunities for quality improvement and the risks of deterioration which are present during that time. Analysis of the costs of and benefits of operations. Evaluation of equipment based on benefits to the customer and producer. Interpretation of the role of the conditioning plant and store as a focal points within the overall operations of a seed company.
Cr. 3. S.
Incorporation of the principles of integrated pest management and crop protection. Management systems (biological, cultural, chemical) and strategies which practice principles of weed science, plant pathology, and entomology.
(Cross-listed with HORT, SUSAG). (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 STB). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: Admission to the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business or approval of instructor must be obtained.
Survey of crop production; including management of soil fertility, planting dates, populations, weed control, and insect control. Analysis of the principles of seed multiplication and the key practices which are used to ensure high quality in the products. Field inspection procedures and production aspects that differ from other crop production. Foundation seed production. Analysis of the typical organization of field production tasks. Survey of the differences in seed production strategies between crops and the impact of these differences on seed production.
(Cross-listed with HORT). (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Junior or senior or graduate classification or permission of instructor
Selected topics on anatomy, morphology, and physiology relative to growth and development of perennial grasses. Emphasis on growth and development characteristics peculiar to grasses and variations of such characteristics under natural and managed conditions.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 452). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro with particular emphasis on geoscientific data. Emphasizes typical GIS operations and analyses in the geosciences to prepare students for advanced GIS courses.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 354
Composition and properties of soils in relation to the nutrition and growth of plants.
(Cross-listed with GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 473, CHEM 178. Recommend: GEOL 311
Structure and behavior of clay minerals, humic substances and biochar in soil environments, with emphasis on reactions and environmental implications.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 3 credits in chemistry and 6 credits in biology; Recommended: ENSCI 382, ENSCI 553, or upper-level coursework in nutrient cycles
Major, biologically important agroecosystem nutrient cycles as linked to energy (carbon) and water. Effects of agricultural production and management on cycling within systems and transfer among system at local, regional and global scales will be emphasized.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 354 and CHEM 211
Experimental and descriptive inorganic and organic analyses. Operational theory and principles of applicable instruments, including spectrophotometry, atomic and molecular absorption and emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, gas and ion chromatography, and ion-selective electrodes.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 459). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-3) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: Two semesters of college-level chemistry, MATH 140, AGRON 182 (or equivalent) or AGRON 360; GEOL 100 and AGRON 354 recommended
An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations in soils and surface waters, and their impact on the environment. Topics include solution chemistry in soils and surface waters, solid-phase composition of soils, reactions at the solid-solution interface, and applications to contemporary environmental issues.
(Cross-listed with AN S). (4-0) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: STAT 401
Population and quantitative genetics for plant and animal genetics. Study of the genetic basis and analysis of variation in quantitative traits in domestic or experimental populations using phenotypic and molecular marker data, including estimation of heritability and other genetic parameters, linkage analysis and mapping of quantitative trait loci, and the impact of inbreeding, heterosis, and genotype-by-environment interaction.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 463). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 182 (or equivalent) or AGRON 260
Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Two weekend field trips.
Credit for one of AGRON 463 or AGRON 463I may be applied for graduation.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 463I). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, IA LL). Cr. 2. Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 182 (or equivalent)
Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use.
Credit for only Agron 563 or 563I may be applied for graduation.
(Cross-listed with TOX, VDPAM). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Statistics 300-level or higher.
Risk assessment principles as applied to biological systems. Exposure and effects characterization in human and animal health and ecological risk assessment. Risk analysis frameworks and regulatory decision-making. Introduction to quantitative methods for risk assessment using epidemiological and distributional analysis. Uncertainty analysis.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 463 or equivalent
Advanced study of soil formation, emphasizing relationships among soils, landscapes, environment, humans, and land use.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 484). (Cross-listed with HORT, SUSAG). (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.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 485). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, MICRO). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 182 or equivalent; MICRO 201 and MICRO 201L recommended
The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, soil-plant-microbial relationships, and environmental issues.
(Dual-listed with AGRON 488). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: GIS course, such as GEOL 452, CRP 451, CRP 452, NREM 345, NREM 446, AE 408 or equivalent
GIS course with focus on the spatial analysis and modeling of raster data and triangulated irregular network (TIN) data. Uses ArcGIS and various extensions, such as Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and ArcScene. Includes practical exercises during lectures, lab exercises, homework assignments, and (for GEOL 588) a class project.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: 15 credits in agronomy
Literature reviews and conferences on selected topics in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to needs and interest of student.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: AGRON 501, AGRON 503, AGRON 511, AGRON 512, AGRON 513, AGRON 514
Critical analysis and discussion of agricultural practices, programs, and policies of current interest to the field of agronomy. Leadership skill development through consideration of technical, social, and ethical components underlying controversial topics. Enhancement of communication proficiency through debate and writing in order to define problems, articulate possible solutions, and propose appropriate courses of action. Required course for the Master of Science in agronomy degree program.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate classification
(Cross-listed with STB). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Admission to the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business or approval of instructor must be obtained.
Advanced survey of the organization, staff capabilities and management characteristics typical in seed production and crop improvement in seed enterprises. Analysis of the use of quality information in the management of seed operations and sales. Process management applications for seed. Production planning for existing capacity. Analysis of the manager's tasks in the annual cycle and how the tasks of these managers relate to the general categories of business management roles. Difference in management strategies used with different situations and groups of employees.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
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Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Courses for graduate students:
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 6 times. F.S.
Reports and discussion of recent literature and research.
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 6 times. S.
Instruction and practice in giving scientific presentations related to the fields of plant breeding, genetics, or genomics, with an emphasis on effective communication and presentation techniques.
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 6 times. S.
Reports and discussion of recent literature and research.
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 6 times. F.S.
Reports and discussion of recent literature and research.
(3-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: graduate status in agronomic science, permission of instructor.
Experience in critical communications in exchange of ideas through oral and poster presentations and scientific questioning/evaluation.
(Cross-listed with MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MTEOR 443 or equivalent-level course in engineering fluids
Atmospheric boundary-layer structure and dynamics. Diurnal and seasonal variations, turbulent fluxes and turbulence kinetic energy. Measurements and empirical relations for wind and temperature near the ground. Numerical simulation and applications to wind energy.
(Cross-listed with A B E, ANTHR, SOC, SUSAG). (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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 521, AGRON 526, AGRON 561, GEN 410
Genetics of breeding populations, means of genotypes and breeding populations, mapping quantitative trait loci, variation in breeding populations, genetic design, genotype by environment interaction, selection in breeding populations, recurrent selection, marker-assisted selection, best linear unbiased prediction, genome-wide association studies, genomic selection, heterosis and hybrid prediction, and multiple traits.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 521 and GDCB 510
Evaluation of genetic, molecular, and cellular approaches to crop improvement; gene transfer methods. Application and role of basic plant biology in breeding programs and processes; genome structure and function, gene isolation, expression, regulation, and modification. Integration of molecular and cellular methods in breeding strategies; analysis of alternative breeding methods, regulatory and ethical issues.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 553
Evaluation of soil fertility and fertilizers; theory and applications.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI, MICRO). (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 585
Chemistry of soil organic matter and biochemical transformations brought about by microorganisms and enzymes in soils.
(Cross-listed with BBMB, FOR, GDCB, HORT, PLBIO). Cr. 1. Repeatable.
Research seminars by faculty and graduate students.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification in agronomy and permission of instructor
Graduate student experience in the agronomy teaching program.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
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