Plant Science (AAS)
Plant Science majors may concentrate in ornamental horticulture, turfgrass management, or sustainable crop production. Graduates pursue careers in golf course management, sports turf management, floriculture, landscape and grounds maintenance, greenhouse and garden center operations, nursery management, interiorscaping, park and land management, public horticulture or various positions within the entire food crop production chain from field to fork.
Location
- Storrs Campus
Modality
- In Person
Major Requirements
Plant Science Core
All majors must pass:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SAPL 120 | Introduction to Plant Science | 4 |
| SAPL 300 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
| SAPL 810 | Plant Pest Control | 3 |
| SAPL 840 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
Plant Science majors may select options in Ornamental Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, or Sustainable Crop Production.
Options
Ornamental Horticulture
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SAPL 410 | Woody Plants: Common Trees, Shrubs and Vines | 3 |
| SAPL 550 | Urban Plant Systems: Construction and Maintenance | 3 |
| SAPL 640 | Plant Propagation | 3 |
Turfgrass Management
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SAPL 110 | Turfgrass Management | 3 |
| SAPL 115 | Turfgrass Management Laboratory | 1 |
| SAPL 315 | Advanced Turfgrass Management | 3 |
| SARE 460 | Fundamentals of Accounting and Management for the Agribusiness Firm | 3 |
| SAPL 991 | Internship | 3 |
Sustainable Crop Production
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SAPL 101 | Environmental Sustainability of Food Production in Developed Countries | 3 |
| SAPL 500 | Principles and Concepts of Agroecology | 3 |
| SAPL 610 | Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production | 3 |
| SAPL 991 | Internship | 1-6 |
Internship and Independent Study Courses
Students may apply no more than six credits of these courses toward the minimum graduation requirement of 60 earned credits.
Plan of Study
Students should work closely with their advisors to select appropriate courses. Each student should prepare a tentative plan of study with an academic advisor as early as possible, outlining all courses.
A final plan of study, approved by the major advisor and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture Director, must be filed with the Director of the School and the Degree Auditor no later than the end of the semester prior to the semester of expected graduation.
Learning Objectives
- Identify plant species, nomenclature, characteristics, forms, functions, and applications in order to construct plant systems.
- Explain core concepts in plant biology, morphology and physiology, and soil science, ecology, entomology, weed science, and plant pathology.
- Identify societal and environmental challenges of sustainability at different scales of agricultural systems and landscapes on communities and the environment, and perspectives on ethical global issues related to the production of plants, soils, and sustainable management.
- Explain best management practices for sustainable plant systems and the improvement of plants, their products, and landscape and production systems, and recommend best practices for ensuring plant and soil health and controlling pests.
- Explain principles of plant production and soil management using science-based information to address sustainability and contemporary challenges in agriculture and horticulture.