Courses Offered
Department of Agricultural Sciences
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Schedule of Course Offerings

Undergraduate Courses

Graduate Courses

Undergraduate Courses

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Agriculture Courses (Ag)

100. Introduction to Agriculture. One semester hour.
Introduction to agriculture and its relationship to the sciences. Also explores careers and opportunities in agriculture. Insights into the agriculture curriculum and course content are also presented. Required of all agriculture majors.

201. Current Topics. One semester hour.
Current topics in an identified area of agricultural science and technology. May be repeated for credit.

300. Writing for Publication. One semester hour.
Special emphasis will be placed on manuscript preparation, evaluation and editing for submission to local and regional agricultural media for publication.

335. Wildlife Management. Three semester hours.
Introduction to wildlife management. Principal wild birds and animals of economic importance to Texas farms. Methods and techniques of population manipulation.

392. Applied Ethics: U.S. and World Agriculture. Three semester hours.
This course examines major, contemporary issues in agriculture and food policy with emphasis on the ethical aspects of each issue. Discussion focuses on assessing the particular economic, cultural, geographic, political, religious, technological and scientific principles with a moral and ethical framework. Course scope is approximately half U.S. domestic issues and half international issues. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

400. Seminar. One semester hour.
Techniques involved in presenting scientific and technical oral reports. Oral presentations required. Prerequisites: Spc 111 or 245 and senior standing.

405. Internship in Agri-Industries. Three to six semester hours.
This course provides the opportunity for students to gain on-the-job experience in the preparation for careers in the rapidly growing agri-related areas of industry and business. Assignments will be at an approved work situation under supervision of a designated faculty member. Ten to twenty hours per week will be required.

489. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

497. Special Topics. One to four semester hours.
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.

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Agriculture Economics Courses (AEc)

219. (AGRI 2317) Agricultural Economics. Three semester hours.
A study of economic principles as related to agriculture at both the farm and national levels.

314. Farm Management. Three semester hours.
Economic principles of farm organization and management. Making of management decisions, development of efficient farm business operations and use of simple accounts. Farms in this vicinity will be used for analysis and reports. Prerequisites: Twenty-four semester hours of agriculture.

316. Agricultural Marketing. Three semester hours.
Examination of economic principles, pricing institutions, commodity markets, grades and standards, federal involvement, and informational systems involved in marketing agricultural products. Prerequisites: AEc 219.

340. Agricultural Finance. Three semester hours.
Examination of farm financial accounting systems, capital budgeting, risk assessment, income tax management, legal aspects of farm business organization, estate planning and the U.S. farm credit system. Prerequisites: AEc 219.

360. Agricultural Law. Three semester hours.
Survey of law and legal decisions that impact agriculture including farm and preservation, water rights, pollution abatement standards, workers’ rights, externalities, pesticide/insecticide regulation, product inspection, development of legislation, mineral rights and employer liability. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

370. Microcomputing in Agriculture. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Study of the design, uses and programming techniques of microcomputers with practical application to crop, livestock, financial, capital and chemical management in agriculture. Prerequisites: 12 semester hours of agriculture.

435. Agricultural Policy I. Three semester hours.
Examination of federal government approaches to domestic and international goods and agricultural problems including the policy-making process, role of trade, price and income variability, supply stabilization, consumer subsidization, public investment in research and development, nutrition programs, natural resource conservation and world hunger. Prerequisites: AEc 219.

489. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

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Agricultural Mechanization Courses (AMc)

315. Agricultural Systems Technology Management. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Preliminary study to acquaint student professionals with the principles and theories needed to comprehend and manage agricultural and environmental technology; introduce the application of information technology to agricultural and environmental systems; develop mathematical concepts and unit analysis skills associated with machinery and equipment, industry and marketing, energy, structural and environmental and natural resource systems.  Focus shall be on basic knowledge rather than on in-depth analysis of the systems covered.  Prerequisites: Math 141 and Chem 111 or consent of the department head.

333. Agricultural Utilization of Electricity. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Electricity with special emphasis on the principles involved in distribution and use on the farm.  Operation of electrical equipment, farmstead wiring and electrical power, master controls, designing the equipment layout for the selected farming enterprises and safety as related to electricity.

423. Agricultural and Environmental Systems Management. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
A study of the principles and theories needed to comprehend and manage agricultural and environmental technology associated with environmental and natural resource systems.  Reduction and synthesis of natural and applied science principles which involve water quality, materials compatibility, soil and water conservation, waste handling, and recycle/reuse of materials utilized in said systems; knowledge of entrepreneurship, client relations, communications, economics, safety, service, planning, and regulation of technologies associated with agriculture and the environment.  Prerequisites: AMc 315 and junior standing.

424. Management of Agricultural  Systems. Three semester hours (1 lecture, 5 lab).
Class and laboratory study in the selection, servicing, setting up, adjustment, care, and operation of equipment under field conditions. Prerequisites: AMc 234 and junior standing.Management of agricultural systems through team solution of management problems posed by agribusiness managers, farmer, extension specialists and other industry consultants; application of management principles to give student professionals experience in solving realistic problems faced by agribusiness managers; critical evaluation of results by students, staff, and consultants.  Prerequisites: AMc 315, one other AMc course and senior standing.

425. Agricultural Structures and Material Handling Systems. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
A study of the principles and theories needed to comprehend and manage agricultural and environmental technology associated with structural systems.  Reduction and synthesis of natural and applied science principles which involve structural materials and their selection; heating, ventilation, and  cooling of structures; processing and handling of biological materials; and knowledge of entrepreneurship, client relations, communications, economics, safety, service, planning, and regulation of technologies associated with agriculture and the environment.  Prerequisites: AMc 315 and junior standing.

426. Agricultural Power and Energy Systems Management.  Three semester hours (2 lecture/2 lab).
A study of the principles and theories needed to comprehend and manage agricultural and environmental technology associated with machinery/equipment and energy systems.  Reduction and synthesis of natural and applied science principles which involve mechanical, electrical, chemical power systems; the adjustments, fabrication, maintenance, repair and management of machines and equipment utilized in said systems; knowledge of entrepreneurship, client relations, communications, economics, safety, service, planning, and regulation of technologies associated with agriculture and the environment.  Prerequisites: AMc 315 and junior standing.

489. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

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Animal Science Courses (AnS)

118. (AGRI 1419) Introduction to Animal Science. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
Preliminary study of the selection, reproduction, nutrition and marketing of beef and dairy cattle, swine, sheep, horses and poultry.

205. (AGRI 2321) Livestock Selection and Evaluation. Three semester hours (1 lecture, 4 lab).
Selection and evaluation of breeding and market animals, breed characteristics, and carcass evaluation as it relates to live animal evaluation. Occasional field trips required. Prerequisites: AnS 118 or concurrent enrollment.

307. Animal Feeding. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Chemical composition of feedstuffs, requirements of domestic animals, utilization of nutrients, formulating and balancing rations. Prerequisites: AnS 118, Chem 107 or 111, Math 141 or equivalent.

310. Genetics of Livestock Improvement. Three semester hours.
Introduction to genetic principles involved in domestic animal improvement. Methods available to the animal breeder and their effectiveness. Gene action, crossbreeding, inbreeding and other mating plans. Prerequisites: AnS 118, BSc 102 or 132, Chem 111.

311. Reproductive Physiology of Domestic Animals. Three semester hours (2 lecture 2 lab).
Comparative anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems of domestic animals, endocrinology of reproduction, gestation and parturition. Prerequisites: AnS 118, BSc 102 or 132, Chem 111.

312. Artificial Breeding of Domestic Animals. Three semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
Principles of artificial breeding of farm animals. Semen collection and evaluation, gamete freezing and storage, reproduction management techniques and pregnancy diagnosis. Prerequisite: AnS 311.

313. Dairying. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Dairy breeds and their selection, milk secretion, composition and handling, milking equipment and facilities. Prerequisites: AnS 118.

317. Livestock Management Techniques. Three semester hours (1 lecture, 4 lab).
Application of animal handling and management techniques for dairy, beef, sheep, swine and poultry. Prerequisites: AnS 118.

319. Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals. Three semester hours.
Structure and function of organ systems with special reference to domestic animals. Prerequisites: Chem 108 or 211 and 9 sh of AnS.

407. Animal Nutrition. Three semester hours.
Functions of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, lipids, minerals and water. Chemistry and physiology of digestion, absorption and utilization of nutrients and their metabolites. Prerequisites: Chem 108 or 211 and AnS 307.

411. Sheep and Goat Management. Three semester hours.
Types, breeds and usefulness of sheep and goats in the U.S. Management systems, production schemes, and general husbandry. Prerequisites: AnS 118, 307, 310 and 311.

412. Beef Cattle Management. Three semester hours.
Concepts and principles of breeding, feeding and management of beef cattle in the U.S. A survey of the past, present and future ideas of the beef cattle industry. Prerequisites: AnS 118, 307, 310 and 311.

415. Companion Animal Management. Three semester hours
Management of various companion animals used as pets in the U.S. Topics include: nutrition, breeding, anatomy and health.
Prerequisites: AnS 118, 307, 310, and 311

416. Animals and Society. Three Semester Hours. "Capstone"
Role of animals in our society, including economics impact, role as companions, and impace on human health and well-being.
Prerequisites: None; Junior or Senior.

419. Diseases and Parasites of Livestock. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
A study of the control and prevention of common infectious and non-infectious diseases of livestock. The common parasites, their prevention, and control. Prerequisite: AnS 118, BSc 132 and 254.

489. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

497. Special Topics. One to four semester hours.
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.

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Food Science Courses (FdSc)

210. (AGRI 1329) Principles of Food Science. Three semester hours.
Basic principles of food preservation in relation to processing techniques and quality control procedures. Processing effects on aesthetic and nutritional food quality of plant and animal products will be explored. Occasional field trips to food processing companies will be required.

318. Meat Technology. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 3 lab).
Theory and practice of slaughtering, processing, curing, and storing meat from domestic animals. Wholesale and retail cuts. Prerequisite: AnS 118.

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Plant and Soil Science Courses (PlS)

115. (AGRI 1407) Introduction to Plant Science. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
An introduction to the principles of plant growth, general crop production, and ornamental and production horticulture.

220. Crop Production Practicum. Three semester hours (1 lecture, 4 lab).
Study of crop production practices in this area by actually planting, growing, harvesting, and marketing a crop: (a) Wheat or Oats; (b) Corn or Grain Sorghum; (c) Cotton. A report, including costs and returns, will be due upon completion of the project. Course may be repeated when subject varies, up to a maximum of 9 hours. Prerequisite: PlS 115.

306. Plant Propagation. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Principles of plant propagation. Physiology and morphology pertaining to reproduction along with chemical aids. Prerequisites: PlS 115 and 309, and Chem 111.

309. Soil Science. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
Origin, formation, fertility and management of soils. Prerequisites: PlS 115, Chem 111.

320. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. Three semester hours.
Elements required for plant nutrition and their effects on plant growth. Principles of uptake, transport and assimilation. Prerequisite: PlS 309.

321. Soil Morphology Classification and Mapping. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
A comprehensive study of the morphological features of the soil profile in relation to soil utilization and management. Emphasis will be given toward soil development, classification, and mapping.

322. Fruit and Vegetable Production. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Principles of fruit, nut, and vegetable production, including site selection, soils, pests and plant management. Both commercial and home production practices will be discussed. Prerequisites: PlS 115 and 309.

323. Field Crops. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Principles of agronomic crop production practices. Major field crops and management techniques will be studied. Prerequisite: PlS 115

326. Forage and Pasture Crops. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
The production, harvesting, storage, and uses of forage crops, hay and pasture crops, improvement, care and management of pastures given special emphasis. Practice work includes identification of seeds and plants, judging of hay, and field and pasture observation. Prerequisites: PlS 115, 309.

381. Crop Physiology. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Physiological processes underlying crop management practices and their alternatives. Laboratory exercises will be designed to elucidate these principles. Prerequisites: PlS 115 and Chem 111, 112, and 108 or 211.

420. Soil Conservation. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
The importance of soil conservation in different regions of the United States will be discussed. The causes and effects of soil erosion and principles to minimize detrimental effects on soils will be studied. Prerequisites: PlS 309.

430. Greenhouse Management. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Greenhouse designs, coverings, heating, cooling and watering systems. Media, pasteurization and handling systems in connection with the growing of greenhouse crops. Economics of production. Prerequisite: PlS 115 and 309.

489. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

497. Special Topics. One to four semester hours.
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.
Note: For description of graduate courses see Graduate Catalog.

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Agricultural Science and Technology Courses (AgEd)

404. Internship in the Secondary School. Three semester hours. (Same as SHEd 404)
This course provides supervision in a secondary school classroom for students who enroll in their first semester of internship. Regular seminar sessions will focus on concerns directly related to secondary teaching. Prerequisites: SHEd 300, Psy 300.

465. Student Teaching in the Secondary School. Six semester hours.
The student will teach in a selected school for a continuous period of 14 weeks under the joint supervision of local school officials and personnel of the University. The student teacher will engage in and develop, as nearly as possible, all professional competencies deemed essential in teaching an Agricultural Science and Technology program. Senior standing required.

470. Methods of Teaching Agricultural Science and Technology in a Field-Based Environment. Three semester hours. (1 lecture, 4 lab)
Professional skills deemed appropriate to and essential in the teaching of all phases of a local program of Agricultural Science and Technology will be developed in cooperation with their local supervising teacher. Student teachers will achieve knowledge and skill by observing and assisting Agriculture Science and Technology teachers in classroom situations. Student participation will be stressed. This is a field-based course taken during the student teaching residency semester. Prerequisites: SHEd 300, Ag 201, Senior standing.

471. The Program of Instruction in Agricultural Science and Technology in a Field-Based Environment. Three semester hours. ( 1 lecture, 4 lab)
A "Comprehensive Program of Instruction" for the student-teaching center will be planned by each student, including courses of study for the secondary school, courses and programs for adults and young farmers, programs of activities for the FFA, resource-use and similar programs in conjunction with the local supervising teacher. Philosophy and administration of an Agricultural Science and Technology program will be emphasized. This is a field-based course taken during the student teaching residency semester. Prerequisites: SHEd 300, Ag 201, Senior standing.
 
 


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Graduate Courses

Agriculture (Ag)

518. Thesis. Three to six semester hours.
Development of a research project under the supervision of a staff member. Granting of credit for this project is dependent upon the completion and approval of the thesis.

595. Research Literature and Techniques. Three semester hours.
A careful study of the latest research literature and techniques available in different fields of agriculture. A research paper will be required according to the interests of the individual student.

597. Special Topics. One to four semester hours.
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.

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Agricultural Mechanics (AMc)

589. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

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Animal Science (AnS)

511. Advanced Reproductive Physiology. Three semester hours.
Recent advances in mammalian reproductive physiology. Special emphasis on endocrine chemistry and cellular action. Prerequisite: AnS 311.

512. Endocrinology of Domestic Animals. Three semester hours.
Hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary and other endocrine glands. Special emphasis on endocrinology of growth, stress, and reproduction. Prerequisite: AnS 319.

513. Environmental Physiology of Domestic Animals. Three semester hours.
Principles of environmental physiology and animal adaptation with emphasis on mechanisms of temperature regulation and related nutritional and metabolic-hormonal functions. Prerequisite: AnS 319.

514. Embryology of Domestic Animals. Three semester hours.
Embryology with special emphasis on early embryonic development. Management tools available to the scientist including embryo splitting gene transfer and embryo transfer techniques. Prerequisite: AnS 319.

516. Advanced Animal Nutrition. Three semester hours.
Special investigations dealing with nutrient requirements for various purposes for which farm livestock are fed. Each student will plan and carry out individual feeding experiments with a review of the literature in the particular field of study.

521. Advanced Poultry Production. Three semester hours.
A study of the principles involved in the incubation, brooding, rearing, and management of chickens and turkeys. An intensive review and reporting of literature on incubation, breeding, poultry feeding, and management problems.

522. Animal Breeding. Three semester hours.
An advanced course dealing with problems in population genetics as applied to domestic animals. Heredity and environmental interaction, methods of selection, mating systems, and biometrics of animal improvements. Prerequisite: AnS 310.

535. Advanced Principles of Livestock Management. Three Semester Hours.
Survey of recent advances in animal agriculture related to nutrition, breeding, management, and waste recycling.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

589. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

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Plant and Soil Science (PlS)

500. Soil Fertility. Three semester hours.
The essential elements in the soil will be discussed, and soil samples will be analyzed to determine the level of elements that are contained. Prerequisites: PLS 309, 320 and CHEM 211.

515. Pasture Management. Four semester hours.
A careful study of the literature concerning the soil and vegetative problems in regard to establishing, restoring, and maintaining pastures. Consideration will be given to pasture plans for this section of Texas, fertilizers to use, and good pasture practices to be observed. Prerequisite: PLS 326.

523. Advanced Landscape Design. Three semester hours.
A study of landscape designs for farm and city homes and public buildings will be the major emphasis in this course. Plant materials necessary in completing various landscaping designs will also be studied. Some of the discussions will center around the care and proper maintenance of landscapes. A research paper will be required according to the interests of the individual student.

589. Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

597. Special Topics. One to four semester hours.
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.

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