MAgr Course Descriptions
Agricultural
Economics 
AGEC 452
International Agribusiness Trade and Marketing
World production and demand of agricultural commodities;
world trade in farm products emphasizing causal factors; national and international
policies relating to agriculture; designed for those interested in foreign
agricultural service.
AGEC 604
Natural Resource Economics
Critical evaluation of policies and procedures in natural
resource development and use; identification of problems in resource development,
the political-economic decision-making
processes and analytical tools which can contribute to economic decisions.
Agricultural Education
AGED 343
Human Resource Management in Agricultural
and Life Science Organizations
Principles, theories, techniques and applications for managing
human resources in food and agricultural organizations; strategic human resource
planning; staffing; training and development; compensating; employee development
and labor relations.
AGED 607
Youth Leadership
Methods and procedures of organizing and conducting youth leadership
programs in school and non-school settings.
AGED 608
Leadership of Volunteers
Leadership of volunteers is a study of human relationships. This course
is pragmatic in its approach and one that can be used in volunteer organizations
no matter what your title: program coordinator, board member, paid staff
or volunteer. The class sessions will include an examination of theory (finding
out), conceptualizing (taking action), reflection (examining the way we act),
and application (what we've learned). The vast majority of our learning will
come from sharing experiences in everyday life and learning how to predict
outcomes based on reliable theoretical models.
AGED 610
Principles of Adult Education
Identification of basic principles motivating adults
to learn. Procedures to implement these principles in bringing about changes
in adult behavior.
AGED 611
Advanced Methods in Distance Education
Course design theory for synchronous and asynchronous
instructional methodology; teaching and training models for distance education
incorporating high-speed computing, interactive video and print.
AGED 615
Philosophy of Agricultural Education
Historical and philosophical developments in education
that brought about education in agriculture; ideas of individuals that culminated
in agricultural education institutions and organizations.
AGED 625
Evaluation of Educational Programs
Selected topics in evaluation and accountability.
AGED 640
Methods of Technological Change
Dynamics of cultural change as theoretical framework
for planned technological change; methods of planning and implementing change,
its effects and how it can be predicted.
AGED 684
Professional Internship
An on-the-job supervised experience program conducted
in the area of the student’s specialization.
AGED 685
Directed Studies
Studies related to classroom, laboratory, supervised
activities in agriculture, work experience, Extension education and adult
educational activities in agricultural programs
AGED 689
Instructional Design for Online Learning
The emphasis throughout this course will be applying learning
and teaching theory as the foundation for developing engaging online instruction.
The course is designed to pull together theory, concepts, and strategies
to give you a broad understanding of the fundamentals of online learning
from the conceptual stage to the development and delivery stages. The goal
of the course is not to make you an expert in "programming" or "theory,"
but rather to arm you with the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective
online courses, training programs, and leaning units. Specific objectives
of the course are to: 1.) Recognize and understand theories that can assist
in designing instruction. 2.) Understand strategies that can e employed to
deliver effective instruction online. 3.) Understand the dynamics of online
learning. 4.) Know methods of designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating
online instruction. 5.) ponder the future of technology for online course
development and delivery.
Agronomy/Soil and
Crop Sciences
AGRO 302
Recreational Turf
Principles underlying construction and maintenance practices
for turf facilities including athletic fields, golf courses, parks and home
lawns; aesthetic, safety and economic aspects of turf varieties, soil conditions,
plant protectants and maintenance equipment.
AGRO 422
Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
Chemical, biological and physical processes as they
influence soil fertility. Manufacture of fertilizers and their reactions with
soils.
AGRO 681
Seminar
For graduate students and staff members in soils and
crops; presentation and discussion of special topics and research data in
field of agronomy; participation required of all graduate students in agronomy.
AGRO 689 / MEPS 689
Special Topics in Molecular and Physiological Bases of Crop Improvement
ANSC 633
Concepts in Reproduction
Concepts from current research in physiology of reproduction
evaluated and applied for enhancement of livestock production efficiency;
ovulation control, embryo transfer, multiple births and control of parturition.
ANSC 689
Equine Production and Management
Study of the biological basis for making management
decisions related to horse production. Emphasis will be placed on reproductive
physiology, nutrition, exercise physiology, genetics, anatomy, conformation,
diseases, parasites and unsoundness as they relate to the production, care
and use of the horse.
EDTC 608
Foundations of Distance Learning
Study of communication and learning theories related
to distance learning and distance education; application of effective and
efficient instructional methodologies to educational and training settings
via multiple distance education technologies and techniques. Prerequisite:
EDTC 645 or approval of instructor.
EDTC 613
Utilization of Instructional Materials
Examines the integration of human learning theories
with instructional design and development practices in the selection, preparation,
use and evaluation of instructional media; emphasis a multi-image approach
to development of audiovisual instructional programs.
EDTC 621
Graphic Communication and Interface Design
Application of research findings and design criteria
to graphic communication design for text materials and interface design for
computer-based materials; techniques for preparation of a variety of materials
employing text and graphics using computer-based tools including graphics,
desktop publishing, and multimedia authoring programs.
EDTC 654
Instructional Design Techniques
This course provides an introduction to the systems
approach to instructional design. Course topics will focus on the functions
of systems models to design, develop, and evaluate instruction. This is an
applications course in which participants will develop and test an instructional
product as the major course project. Team approaches to instructional design
will also be emphasized. Course content will be based on a strong foundation
of instructional and learning theory.
EDTC 656
Computer Graphics: Educational Applications and Production Techniques
Computer graphics production used in the development
of instructional/presentation materials; acquired skills and knowledge applied
to the student's interest area with respect to theoretical and research issues
relating to the effective instructional use of print, computer and video materials;
techniques include scanning, digitizing, animation, and video transfer.
EDTC 660
Interactive Video/MultiMedia: Production and Utilization
Survey of principles of interactive video and Multimedia
design/production; focus on practical applications of media (video, digitized
video, audio) production techniques and instructional control programs using
various authoring software; produce materials for interactive instructional
programs with CD-ROM video and audio, MPEG and Quick Time movies, video tape
and video discs.
EDTC 668
Application of Telecommunications in Education
Instructional applications of telecommunications; analysis
of characteristics of varied systems, both dedicated and public networks,
and design of appropriate instructional strategies and methods using those
systems.
- This course is designed for teachers, administrators, technology specialists,
faculty and staff in higher education institutions and trainers to help them
apply the latest developments in telecommunications technologies to their
own work.
- Students will identify an educational problem that can be solved through
an application of telecommunications and will determine an approach to solving
that problem.
- Students should be prepared with a real-life problem that they would like
to solve by individual exploration and through feedback from the instructor,
fellow students, and experts in the field.
EDTC 673
Introduction to Distance Learning
Introduction to the field of distance learning; application
of distance learning principals to educational and training settings via a
variety of distance learning modalities.
Entomology
ENTO 402
Field Crop Insects
Application of management strategies for insect/mite
pests of small grains, corn, cotton, rice, sorghum, stored products and sunflower;
nature and symptoms of damage, life history and habits of common pests. Laboratory
consists of pest and pest damage identification supported by field trips.
ENTO 489
Fly Tying
The lectures for this course focus primarily
on aquatic insects and fly design: proportion, color, materials, and styles.
Basic fly fishing, the principles of matching the hatch and the conservation
ethic will be included. Laboratories consist of demonstrating and practicing
fly tying techniques will be taught in laboratories with a "hands-on" approach
to develop specific skills. The lecture and lab may not be taken separately.
This course is also offered for credit on the Web. Students in the Web section
will be required to demonstrate their skills in person.
ENTO 489
Honey Bee Biology
The goals of this course include: to
introduce the honey bee as a social animal and a model for integrating biological
principles and concepts; to demonstrate the use and significance of honey
bees in history, biological research, teaching and in agricultural industry;
to explore the impact of honey bees on the environment and our society; to
introduce the chemical and physical characteristics of hive products and
their uses.
ENTO 489
Insects in the Classroom
This course will explore the use of insects as a teaching tool in K-12
education. The course will focus on the teaching of science concepts
and on the development
of critical thinking skills, and will extend to concepts of using insects
as a tool to teaching across the curricula of science, mathematics, English,
history,
and art. The course is intended for in-service and upper division pre-service
science teachers.
ENTO 608
Principles of Biological Control
Theory and practices relating to the role and use of
natural enemies in arthropod and plant population regulation; review and analysis
of projects in biological control; biology and behavior of entomophagous arthropods.
ENTO 619
Insect Toxicology
Classification and properties of major types of insecticides;
chemistry, metabolism and mode of action; selectivity, use hazards, residues
and resistance; environmental problems: biological magnification, persistence
and effects on non-target organisms.
ENTO 623
Advanced Principles of Agroecosystems Management
Addresses agriculture from an ecological perspective; provides students
with the understanding of how biological and physical components of a
system are
interconnected and affect the outcome of management decisions; an improved
understanding of quantitative techniques used to estimate biological interactions.
ENTO 689
Integrated Pest Management
Course under development.
FRSC 406
Forest Policy
Process of forest policy development in the United
States and review of current policy issues; organization of forestry agencies
and related administrative functions.
FRSC 614
Economic Analysis for Forest Resource Decisions
Concepts of managerial economics in forestry; survey
of economic analysis and management science techniques to solve forest resource
allocation and valuation problems; use of microcomputer-based models to achieve
landowner, investor and social objectives for the ownership, use and management
of forest lands.
FRSC 630
Introduction to Tree Improvement
This course is primarily designed for forestry professionals,
it may also serve as an introduction to Forest Genetics for those pursuing
an advanced degree, or as un undergraduate elective. This course deals specifically
with the treatment of genetic variation in forest trees and its use in plant
breeding programs. Students will gain an understanding of the essential principles
of tree improvement.
FRSC 651
Geographic Information Systems
Design, planning and implementation of geographic information
systems; computer hardware and software evaluation; practical experience in
data entry, analysis and update of spatial and characteristic data; linkages
of GIS and artificial intelligence; use of maps and remotely sensed data as
data inputs.
FRSC 652
Advanced Topics in Geographic Information Systems Description
Advanced GIS topics with a focus on modeling actual
GIS applications including relational database theory, design and implementation
and its connection to GIS; surface analysis with digital terrain models; and
an introduction to spatial statistics.
Genetics
GENE 310
Principles of Heredity
Basic principles of classical genetics, molecular genetics,
mutation theory and genetic engineering; emphasis on humans and society.
Horticulture
HORT 203
Floral Design
Principles of design illustrated with the use of floral
materials; floral design elements and techniques including color, form, line
and texture; history and utilization of floral art in society.
HORT 605
Internet Applications for Horticulture
Internet applications for horticulture presents the
theory and practice of computer networks and networking so that the information
and educational content (not the hardware) is the key; the focus is on the
World Wide Web and creating Web materials for teaching, research and extension
applications.
HORT 315
Component Analysis of Horticultural Systems
Examination of the components of modern horticultural
systems, from the effects of plant genetics to the application of computer
technology, and their impact on crop production and utilization; introduction
to all horticultural production/utilization courses discussing elements and
techniques common to all without regard to commodity.
HORT 689
Phytochemicals in Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Human Health
Examination of the components of modern horticultural
systems, from the effects of plant genetics to the application of computer
technology, and their impact on crop production and utilization; introduction
to all horticultural production/utilization courses discussing elements and
techniques common to all without regard to commodity.
Poultry Science
POSC 313
Game Birds and Ornamental Fowl
Commercial game bird production; nutrition, incubation,
rearing, breeder care, diseases, marketing, housing requirements and economic
considerations; management of rare and ornamental fowl.
POSC 411
Poultry Nutrition
Principles of poultry nutrition with emphasis on all
major nutrient classes and their relationships with the avian digestive system.
POSC 412
Poultry Feed Formulation
Practical feeding of poultry with emphasis on specific
nutrient requirements of various species and computer least cost diet formulations.
POSC 427
Animal Waste Management
Practical feeding of poultry with emphasis on specific
nutrient requirements of various species and computer least cost diet formulations.
POSC 615
Avian Nutrition
Metabolism and nutritional requirements of domestic
fowl including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins and related
feed additives.
POSC 625
Least-Cost Feed Formulation
Theoretical and applied principles associated with least-
cost feed formulation, ingredient inventory, farm and feed mill management;
computer optimization of resources for most efficient least-cost production
with applications to all domestic farm animals; applications of micro-computer
technology.
POSC 645
Nutrition and Metabolism of Vitamins
Chemistry and metabolism of the fat soluble and water
soluble vitamins and their roles in animals; integrates cellular biochemistry
and metabolism of the vitamins in the vertebrate animals.
POSC 650
Nutrition and Metabolism of Minerals
Chemistry and metabolism of the fat soluble and water
soluble vitamins and their roles in animals; integrates cellular biochemistry
and metabolism of the vitamins in the vertebrate animals.
POSC 689
Poultry Meat Processing and Products
This course is under development.
POSC 689
Poultry Food Safety Microbiology
This course is under development.
Rangeland and Ecology
Management
RLEM 421
Field Studies in Range Management
Two-week field course, including visits to private ranches,
public lands and experiment stations. Practical applications, problems and
new advances in areas of range management, range improvement practices and
range ecology.
RLEM 612
Restoration Ecology
Conceptual framework for restoration ecology and ecological
restoration; background information, restoration strategies and critical
thinking
skills; examination of current literature and case studies involving numerous
objectives, problems, limitations, socioeconomic considerations and ecological
potentials.
Recreation, Park & Tourism
RPTS 489/689
Integrating Nature and Heritage Tourism with Technology
Integrates tourism development principles and information
technology applications with an emphasis on the special issues of nature and
heritage tourism. Emphasis is placed on highlighting a variety of the Internet
and other information technologies and their relationship to tourism development
in rural areas and natural resource based amenities.
Renewable Natural
Resources
RENR 375
Conservation of Natural Resources
Principles and philosophies associated with the development,
management and use of natural resources. Ecological and social implications
inherent in management alternatives involving the natural environment and
use of renewable natural resources.
RENR 660
Environmental Impact Analysis for Renewable Natural Resources
Analysis of the legal theories used to allocate and
protect environmental resources; common law, federal and state statues, and
international treaties dealing with the environment; policies and laws for
controlling air, water, solid waste, toxic waste and water pollution; species
protection and natural resource use.
RENR 662
Environmental Law & Policy
Analysis of the legal theories used to allocate and
protect environmental resources; common law, federal and state statutes,
and
international treaties dealing with the environment; policies and laws for
controlling air, water, solid waste, toxic waste and water pollution; species
protection and natural resources use.
RENR 664
Coastal Zone Management
Major issues of coastal management in the United State;
relationships between natural environments of the coastal zone and public
policies affecting the development, use and conservation of natural resources.
Statistics
STAT 601
Statistical Analysis
For students in engineering, physical and mathematical
sciences. Introduction to probability, probability distributions and statistical
inference; hypotheses testing; introduction to methods of analysis such as
tests of independence, regression, analysis of variance with some consideration
of planned experimentation.
STAT 636
Methods in Multivariate Analysis
Multivariate extensions of the chi-square and t-tests,
discrimination and classification procedures; applications to diagnostic problems
in biological, medical, anthropological and social research; multivariate
analysis of variance, principal component and factor analysis, canonical correlations.
STAT 651
Statistics in Research I
For graduate students in other disciplines; non-calculus
exposition of the concepts, methods and usage of statistical data analysis;
T-tests, analysis of variance and linear regression.
STAT 652
Statistics in Research II
Continuation of STAT 651. Concepts of experimental design,
individual treatment comparisons, randomized blocks and factorial experiments,
multiple regression, x2 tests and a brief introduction to covariance, non-parametric
methods and sample surveys.
STAT 653
Statistics in Research III
Continuation of STAT 652. Advanced topics in the analysis
of variance, analysis of covariance, and regression. Topics will include handling
of messy data, complex models, statistical computation and graphics. Note:
many not be taken for credit by statistics majors.
Wildlife and Fisheries
Sciences
WFSC 301
Wildlife and the Changing Environment
Using an ecosystem approach, this course analyzes changes
in the North American environment; effects of these changes on wildlife populations;
and reviews areas of major, current concern.
WFSC 414
Limnology
Physical, chemical and biological characteristics of
fresh waters; quantitative aspects of aquatic ecosystems.
WFSC 417
Biology of Fishes
Biology of Fishes provides essential background for would-be fishery managers
and aquaculturists and for students who plan to do graduate work in fish
physiology, behavior, or ecology. Biology of Fishes serves as a conceptual
interface between such basic courses as Ichthyology (WFSC 311) and Limnology
(WFSC 414), and more applications-oriented courses such as Principles of
Fisheries Management (WFSC 410) and Aquaculture (WFSC 423). Biology of
Fishes explores morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations
of fishes
to their aquatic environments. Responses to environmental change and pollution
are treated as natural extensions of fishes' adaptive systems. These responses
are quantified and integrated in the context of mathematical models, where
appropriate, to convey a sense of subject-matter cohesiveness. Emphasis
is on ideas and relationships, not on isolated facts and numbers.
Biology of Fishes is available to distant as well as local students. Normal class transactions--both in lecture and laboratory--are archived in digital form, via Camtasia®, and made available for internet-download from a WFSC server. The only occasions when distant (and local) students must be physically present in the classroom at College Station, are for the mid-term and final exams.
WFSC 420
Ecology for Teachers
Lectures, discussions and readings in principles of
ecology and their application in today’s problems in environmental conservation.
WFSC 422
Ethology
Survey of the control, ontogeny, function and natural
selection of behavior in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species;
interaction between the organism and its environment with regard to the mechanisms
and adaptive significance of
behavior; evolution of anti-predator, feeding, reproductive and cooperative
traits.
WFSC 604
Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology and Natural Resource Management
Philosophical basis, theoretical framework, and practical
application of systems
analysis and simulation within the context of ecology and natural resource
management;
emphasis placed on development, evaluation and use of simulation models by
students.
WFSC 611
Estuarine Ecology
Principles governing the relationships of estuarine
organisms to their environment; productivity, adaptations to environment,
community structure and factors affecting the distribution and abundance of
biota.
WFSC 612
Conservation Biology
Examine the development of major areas in conservation-oriented
research that include patterns of bio-diversity, extinction, conservation
genetics, conservation of populations, communities and landscapes, and ecological
sustainability.
WFSC 615
Mariculture
Environmental, physiological, behavioral, legal and
economic factors which determine the success of efforts to cultivate saltwater
species having economic importance; practices employed in various parts of
the world to produce fishes, molluscs and crustaceans.
WFSC 616
Physiological Ecology of Vertebrates
Effects of temperature, oxygen and other environmental
factors on the distribution and abundance of animals; comparative behavioral
and physiological adjustments to environment as an evolutionary response;
students will be expected to develop and execute a research project in an
appropriate subject area.
WFSC 622
Behavioral Ecology
Integration of animal behavior with ecological and evolutionary
principles; includes mating, predation, foraging ecology, social behavior,
game theory and behavioral genetics; emphasis on quantification of behavior
and strategy modeling.
WFSC 640
Human Dimensions of Wildlife and Fisheries Management
Theory and applications for considering human dimensions
in an integrated approach to wildlife and fisheries management; a social science
perspective with emphasis to diversity of human values, role of constituency
groups, wildlife and fisheries policy development, conflict management, management
decision-making, research methods and management case studies.
WFSC 689
Fish and Wildlife Laws and Administration
Special topics in wildlife ecology, fisheries ecology,
vertebrate systematics, evolutionary biology of vertebrates and conservation
education.
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Masters of Agriculture Program...
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Last updated: 6/21/2004 2:47:45 PM
