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Agriculture (AG Courses)

AG 100 Introduction to Agricultural Studies and Careers

1.0 unit.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
This course provides guidance for the educational pathways leading to degrees and certificates in the agricultural sciences. Emphasis also provided in the exploration of agriculture careers and employment opportunities. Assists students in setting both educational and career goals. Students develop an educational plan based on the curriculum requirements of agriculture majors. Students will learn the skills necessary for success in obtaining, maintaining and advancing in agriculture careers. Current issues that affect agriculture will be discussed.

AG 125 Introduction to Soil Science

4.0 units.
Advisories: CHEM 120 - Introductory Chemistry
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: AG-PS 128
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, including plant nutrition and factors affecting the availability of nutrients. Composition, value, use and application of fertilizer materials and soil amendments will be covered. The course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for VEN 125.

AG 126 Fertilizers & Plant Nutrition

4.0 units.
Advisories: AG 125 - Introduction to Soil Science
Acceptable for credit: Non-Transferable
C-ID Course Number: N/A
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
This course will provide an introduction to fertilizers and plant nutrition. Essential nutrients for plant development will be studied as well as deficiency symptoms and methods of correcting for these deficiencies. Fertilizer and other soil amendments will be studied as well as the proper management and application methods for these products. This course is not open to students who have completed or are enrolled in VEN 126.

AG 130 Integrated Pest Management

4.0 units.
Prerequisite: VEN 102 - Introduction to Viticulture ; or AG 161 - Introduction to Plant Science
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A study of the various pests and diseases found in California vineyard, fruit, vegetable, nut and grain crops - emphasizing pest and disease identification, sampling and monitoring techniques, and control methods. Integrated pest management approaches will be emphasized, including the latest bio-control strategies, biotechnological advances, and disease modeling for risk management. Students will visit local vineyards and farms providing "hands-on" learning opportunities. Two separate lab sections will be offered in order to provide students the appropriate option for their agricultural field of interest.  Section I will be for the Viticulture focus, Section II will be for the Agriculture focus.

AG 134 Internship Seminar

1.0 unit.
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AG 149, CWE 149 or CWE 302
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
Provides students with a seminar format to discuss, analyze, and critically evaluate their work-based learning experiences. This forum emphasizes job market Information, attitudes, and abilities that facilitate job success; skills necessary for maintaining employment; and techniques for enhancing job advancement opportunities.

AG 149 Cooperative Work Experience: Occupation

1.0 - 8.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: To participate in Cooperative Work Experience: (1) students must be working at a job within their major, (2) students must be able to become involved in new or expanded responsibilities on the job, (3) the employer must be willing to cooperate with the college in the supervision and evaluation of the student and (4) the student must attend all coordination/consultation meetings in addition to other work and class responsibilities. NUMBER OF TIMES COURSE CAN BE REPEATED: Students enrolled in CWE 149 may earn up to 8 units of credit per semester not to exceed 16 units in total. Any units earned in any other Cooperative Work Experience course will be included in the 16 unit maximum. CWE Units Unpaid Placement: 1 unit 60 hours 2 units 120 hours 3 units 180 hours 4 units 240 hours 5 units 300 hours 6 units 360 hours 7 units 420 hours 8 units 480 hours CWE Units Paid Placement: 1 unit 75 hours 2 units 150 hours 3 units 225 hours 4 units 300 hours 5 units 375 hours 6 units 450 hours 7 units 525 hours 8 units 600 hours
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Supervised employment extending classroom-based learning to an on-the-job learning environment relating to the student's career and educational goals. In addition, these work experiences improve the student's basic work skills and professional competencies by creating career awareness, improving work habits, and fostering positive workplace attitudes.

AG 150 Introduction to Agribusiness

3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: AB 104
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Provides a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry; an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system; management principles encountered in the day to day operation of an agricultural enterprise as they relate to the decision making process.

AG 152 Introduction to Animal Science

3.0 units.
Advisories: BIOL 100 - Introductory Biology
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: AG-AS 104
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A scientific approach to the livestock industry encompassing aspects of animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and epidemiology. Emphasis on the origin, characteristics, adaptations and contributions of livestock to the modern agriculture industry. Field trips may be required.

AG 153 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture

3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Introduction to the history, definitions, concepts, principles and practices of sustainable agricultural systems. Includes an examination of case studies to connect sustainable agriculture principles to actual farming practices.

AG 154 Introduction to Fruit Science

3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
The botany, taxonomy, and development of major fruit, vine, and nut crops in California including variety selection, production practices including site selection establishment, fertilization, pollination, irrigation, harvest, storage, processing, marketing, pest management, and pruning.

AG 155 Introduction to Mechanized Agriculture

3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Basic mechanical skills in woodworking, cold metal, electricity, plumbing, concrete, and project construction skills as related to farm maintenance and repair. Development of hand and power tool skills as well as emphasis on safety practices for all mechanical areas. Shop safety. 

AG 156 Intro to Environmental Horticulture

3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
General course in environmental horticulture with emphasis on nursery operations, landscaping, turf management, and floral industries including: basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, container gardening and houseplants, floral design, plant identification, turfgrass installation and care, and survey of career opportunities.

AG 157 Agricultural Sales, Communication & Leadership

3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: C-ID AG-AB 112
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
The study of principles and practices of the selling process: selling strategies and approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector will be explored. Students will gain experience through role-play, formal sales presentations, and job shadowing. The course content is organized to give students an in-depth understanding of the factors and influences that affect the agribusiness industry on a day-to-day basis.

AG 158 Agricultural Economics

3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: AG-AB 124
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
The place of agriculture and farming in the economic system; basic economic concepts and problems of agriculture; pricing and marketing problems, factors of production; and state and federal farm programs affecting the farmer's economic position.

AG 160 Plant Propagation and Production

3.0 units.
Prerequisite: AG 161 - Introduction to Plant Science ; or BIOL 154 - General Botany
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: AG-EH 116L
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Plant propagation and production practices with emphasis on nursery operations including sexual and asexual reproduction, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, plant pest and disease control; structures and site layout; preparation and use of propagating and planting mediums; use and maintenance of common tools and equipment; regulations pertaining to plant production. Laboratory required.

AG 161 Introduction to Plant Science

4.0 units.
Advisories: BIOL 100 - Introductory Biology
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: AG-PS 104
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Introduction to plant science including structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth media, biological competitors, and post-harvest factors of food, fiber, and ornamental plants.

AG 162 Agricultural Plant Pathology

4.0 units.
Corequisite: AG 161 - Introduction to Plant Science ; or BIOL 100 - Introductory Biology
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A study of the nature and causes of disease in plants, with particular emphasis on agricultural commodities. This course will cover disease cycles, symptoms, host-parasite interactions, disease development in relation to the environment, methods of prevention, and methods of control such as cultural, chemical and biological. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.

AG 163 Economic Entomology

4.0 units.
Corequisite: BIOL 100 - Introductory Biology
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Introduction to insects and mites of economic importance to agriculture. Covers the morphology, taxonomy, identification, life cycles, hosts, habitat relationships and control methods for insects of economic importance. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.

AG 164 Weed Science

4.0 units.
Corequisite: AG 161 - Introduction to Plant Science ; or BIOL 100 - Introductory Biology
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Introduction to the classification, identification and life cycles of common and poisonous weeds in California which are detrimental to cultivated crops, grasslands, animals and humans. Management practices to prevent and control weed population establishment will be covered. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.

AG 165 Qualified Applicator Training

2.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: n/a
Course Offered: Fall, Summer
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
This course will prepare students to take the Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) exam as given by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Students will study pest management, pesticide labels and applications, safety, equipment, laws and regulations. Additional emphasis will be placed on exam categories based on student need.

AG 189 Independent Projects in Agriculture

1.0 - 3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: N/A
Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent Projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be issued no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester

AG 191 Agriculture Production Enterprise

2.0 unitsAcceptable for credit: Transfer CSUC-ID Course Number: n/aCourse Offered: SpringGrading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No PassThis course provides an opportunity to examine and improve the Allan Hancock College On-Campus Student Farm. Students will gain the ability to design and implement basic farming techniques that can be used on either a small or medium-size farm during the spring crop season. Students will develop fundamental management, business, cultivation, and harvesting techniques throughout this course. At the end of the course, students can apply the necessary skills learned to start their own small-scale farm or apply them in the local agriculture industry. Produce safety will also be addressed. Outdoor labor is  required.