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Distance Education Program in Agronomy and Soils: Course Descriptions
AGRN 1003/1004 Basic Crop Science
The objectives of this course are to provide students with knowledge about crop plants--those plants that provide our food, fiber, shelter, and fuel. The historical and botanical origins, growth and development, management, and processing and utilization of crop plants are discussed in detail. The course also covers the relationships between the environment and crop production.
In this course, students will learn about- Crop origins
- The history of crop production
- How crop plants grow
- The morphological and anatomical features of crop plants
- Management techniques
- How crops are harvested and utilized
Each student will be required to complete a series of assignments, quizzes, three examinations, and a final examination.
Lecture and Lab. Taught in Spring and Fall Semesters. Dr. David Weaver is the instructor. 4 credit hours
Prerequisites. None
AGRN 2043/2044 Basic Soil Science
The objectives of this course are to provide a general understanding of soil science as related to soil composition, properties and bio-chemical reactions so that students understand the importance of soils in the environment in which we live.
In this course, students will learn- Fundamental concepts of soil science disciplines
- Basic soil physical and chemical properties and soil taxonomy
- Soil water, gas, temperature and their movements
- Major chemical reactions in the soil
- Soil as a medium for plant growth, microbial activity, and nutrient cycle
- Major soil degradation and pollution problems
- Application of geographic information systems and remote sensing to soil science
Each student will be required to complete a series of assignments, quizzes, three examinations, and a proctored final examination.
This course includes a lab. Distance-learning students will have to perform most of the labs on the Auburn University campus. Other labs will consist of viewing video recordings, performing simulation exercises and calculations, summarizing the exercises, and writing reports. All of the campus laboratiory exercises can be completed during one two-day visit to campus. This visit can be scheduled on a weekend or week days agreed upon by the instructor and students taking the course. Students are responsible for making arrangments with the instructor to complete the lab exercises. For more information, contact the instructor, Gobena Huluka at 334-844-3977 or 334-844-3926 or at hulukgo@auburn.edu. The closest airports are in Montgomery, AL, Columbus, GA, and Hartsfield International in Atlanta, GA.
This course is useful for anyone planning a career in agriculture or environmental science, as well as those interested in the basic science behind soils. Golf course managers, ag consultants, landscapers, land surveyors, agronomists, park mangers, and many other professionals would benefit from taking this course because soil is a major parameter in their daily activities.
Lecture and lab. Taught Spring, Summer, and Fall Semesters. Dr. Gobena Huluka is the instructor. 4 credit hours
Prerequisites. CHEM 1010/1011 Survey of Chemistry I (lecture/lab) or CHEM 1030/1031 Fundamentals of Chemistry (lecture/lab)
AGRN 3153/3154 Turfgrass Management
This course provides students with an introduction to turfgrass production and management with an emphasis on the predominant turfgrasses of the Southeast. The role of turfgrasses in environmental protection, player and child safety, and economic impact will be discussed. The history, development, introduction, and major cultivars of the predominate warm-and cool-season turfgrasses will be covered. The major species of turfgrasses and their various uses in golf courses, home lawns, utility turf, and sports fields will be discussed. Specific topics will include mowing; fertilization; pest and weed control; and production, harvesting, and installation of turfgrasses. The course will also include a laboratory portion, which will cover weed, seed, and grass identification; fertilizer calibration; and tours of athletic complexes and golf courses.
This course is intended for any individual who currently manages turfgrass or for anyone planning a career in such an area, including golf course superintendents and assistant superintendents, landscapers, vocational agricultural instructors, landscape architects, and others involved in horticultural or agronomic careers who manage, teach, or sell products related to turfgrass management.
Lecture and lab. Taught in Fall Semester. Dr. Beth Guertal is the instructor. 4 credit hours.
Prerequisites. None
AGRN 5063/6066 Soil Microbiology Lecture
Soil Microbiology Lecture is a senior undergraduate or graduate level course designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of microorganisms in terrestrial ecosystems. The course will cover ecology, physiology, and biochemistry of soil microorganisms with emphasis on soil microbial processes that are important to environmental quality and soil productivity.
Course topics include the following:
- Soil as a habitat for organisms
- Components of the soil biota
- Distribution of microorganisms in soil
- Interactions between soil organisms
- Methods of studying soil microorganisms
- Carbon transformations and soil organic matter
- The nitrogen cycle
- Biodegradation and bioremediation
Lecture. Taught in Spring Semester. Dr. Yucheng Feng is the instructor. 3 credit hours
Prerequisites. BIOL 3200 or departmental approval
AGRN 5061/6061 Soil Microbiology Lab
Soil Microbiology Lab is a senior undergraduate or graduate level course designed to provide students with hands-on experiences to study soil microorganisms. Students will learn aseptic techniques, Gram stain, plate counts, and extraction of DNA from soil, as well as how to use a microscope, and how to determine soil microbial biomass, soil enzyme activity, nitrificaition, denitrification, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Lab. Taught in Spring Semester. Dr. Yucheng Feng is the instructor. 1 credit hour
The lab is taught on Auburn University campus and is being made available in 5 days (during spring break) for distance education students that need the lab portion of the course.
Pre/Co-requisites: AGRN 5063/6066
AGRN 5083/6086 Soil Resources and Conservation
The objectives of this course are to provide sound principles and procedures for planning the wise use and management of soil resources for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. This course covers topics related to land use planning and the management of soils as a resource for sustainable crop production, urban and industrial development, and ecosystem protection.
The first unit will cover various ways to assess land for agricultural and other uses, the long-term consequences of land use, soil erosion by water and by wind, soil erosion prediction models, and soil and water conservation measures. The second unit will cover soil quality for agriculture and soil assessment for non-agricultural uses. The third unit will cover wetlands. The fourth unit will deal with water related issues: non-point source (NPS) pollution, best management practices for abatement of NPS pollution, and stormwater management.
Although the primary focus is on Alabama and Southeastern United States, soil conservation in other parts of the world, particularly in the tropics, will be discussed.
Lecture and lab. Taught in Fall Semester. Dr. Dennis Shannon is the instructor. 4 credit hours.
Prerequisites. AGRN 2043 Basic Soil Science
AGRN 5103/6106 Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement
The objectives of this course are to provide students with knowledge about genetics and breeding of crop plants--those plants that provide our food, fiber, shelter, and fuel. General information about the genetics of individuals, populations, and genetic control of traits that are influenced by many genes, as well as how this information is applied by the plant breeder to improve crop plants is discussed.
In this course, students will learn about
- History and application of Mendelian genetics
- How genes influence traits at the molecular level
- Genetics of populations and influence of environment on plant trait expression
- Methods of crop improvement (plant breeding) for self- and cross-pollinated species
- The use of molecular techniques and plant transformation in crop improvement
- How to breed for improvement of specific crop traits
- Importance and utilization of plant genetic resources
Each student will be required to complete a series of homework assignments, a written term project, and two examinations and a final exam.
Lecture. Taught in Fall Semester. Dr. David Weaver is the instructor. 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Biology 1030 Organismal Biology
Soil chemistry is a senior undergraduate or graduate course designed to provide students with knowledge of basic soil chemical properties. Students will learn about the chemical composition of soil particles, weathering processes, ion adsorption and exchange reactions, acidity, salinity, and reduction-oxidation reactions. It is designed for students in soil, crop, and environmental science fields who need to be knowledgeable with reactions and transformation that take place in the soil. Concepts taught in this course are critical to understanding and managing nutrients, carbon, environmental pollutants, and soil and water resources. Laboratory exercises will be used to emphasize important topics and to provide experience with laboratory techniques and methods used in soil analysis.
Each student will be required to complete a series of laboratory and homework assignments, quizzes, three examinations, and a final cumulative examination.
Lecture and Lab. Taught in Fall Semester. Dr. Julie Howe is the instructor. 4 credit hours.
Prerequisites. AGRN 2043 Basic Soil Science
AGRN 5403/6406 Bioenergy and the Environment
Since bioenergy is an emerging industry, considerable uncertainty exists in relation to environmental benefits that it might generate. However, bioenergy has the potential to radically change agricultural and forestry practices over the next severakl decades.
This course will highlight the environmental and national security problems caused by use of fossil fuels and the seriousness of declining rural economies, and emphasize the role that bioenergy could play in alleviating these problems. It will also focus on public policy and research that is needed to expand the use of bioenergy.
In this course students will learn about
- Fossil fuels and the problems related to using them as a primary source of energy
- Origin, characteristics, use, cost, advantages and disadvantages of different biomass resources, including agricultural energy crops, woody crops/trees, crop residues, forest residues and animal waste
- Current and projected future technologies for producing biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, bio-oils, and cellulosic gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel
- Current and projected future technologies for producing electricity from biomass
- Potential environmental benefits from bioenergy, and potential disadvantages
- Policy issues related to bioenergy
Lecture. Taught in Spring Semester. Dr. David Bransby is the instructor. 3 credit hours.
Prerequisites: None.
AGRN 7086 Experimental Methods
This course is designed to teach graduate students the principles and procedures of planning, conducting, and analyzing statistically valid experiments. Students will learn basic experimental designs to gain a working knowledge of good design principles. This course will provide participants with the hands-on skills needed to analyze their experimental data efficiently using appropriate statistical procedures, while also providing the theoretical framework. Mandatory weekly homework assignments will reinforce lecture topics and introduce students to software tools needed for modern data analysis.
Course Topics include the following:
- The process of analyzing data
- Linear models
- Basic experimental designs
- Factorial treatment designs
- Expected mean squares
- Mixed models
- Split-plot restrictions on randomization
- Repeated measures analysis
- Analysis of multi-environment experiments
- Multivariate analysis
- Non-linear models
This course is intended for graduate students conducting experimental research in animal, environmental, plant, or soil sciences and for individuals planning a career that requires them to evaluate experimental data and extend that knowledge to clients.
Lecture. Taught in Summer. Dr. Edzard van Santen is the instructor. 3 credit hours.
Prerequisites. STAT 7000 or consent of instructor
Last Updated: Feb. 24, 2011
