Design and analysis of experiments commonly conducted in agricultural field, greenhouse, and laboratory research. Emphasis on replicated treatment experiments based on completely random, randomized block, Latin square, split-plot, and split-block designs. Limited coverage of non-replicated treatment observational-type experiments. Statistical analyses performed primarily in SAS (Statistical Analysis System) software. Presentation of summarized data using computer generated graphics from various software packages.

Laboratory technologies for identification and characterization of molecules important for molecular biology research, genetic manipulation and disease diagnosis. Labs will provide hands-on experience performing basic molecular biology techniques, lectures will cover theoretical basis and application.

Principles and applications, economic, social and environmental impacts, advantages, potentials and limitations of major traditional and modern plant breeding technologies including crossing/hybridization, polyploidy, mutagenesis, genetic engineering and genome editing.

Hands-on experiments for traditional and modern plant breeding techniques, including artificial crossing/hybridization, polyploidy induction, plant tissue culture and transgenic plant production, and radiation- and genome editing-mediate mutagenesis.

Basic concepts of the physical chemistry of soil constituents. Topics include soil atmospheres, soil solutions, soil organic matter, soil mineralogy, and surface characteristics and analysis. Term paper required.

Factors governing nutrient uptake by plants, fate of nutrients applied to soils, principles and practices in the use of fertilizers and amendments for crop production, laboratory and field studies of social and plant response to applied nutrients.

Course covers the main components of soil morphology that include horizonation, soil texture, soil color, redoximorphic features, structure and consistence. This includes describing all that can be seen and felt about different soils in the field and learning how to create a standard soil description.

Weed identification. Weed origin and classification. Losses caused by weeds. Weed competition. Weed seed production, dormancy, and germination. Weed growth and development. Weed biology and life cycles. Cultural, mechanical, and biological weed control methods based on ecological principles. Overview of chemical weed control practices and associated environmental and ecological risks.

Topics and credits to be published prior to the registration period preceding the semester offerings.