This course presents an overview of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of coffee production, commercialization and consumption, with a focus on Mesoamerica coffee producing regions.
Credit(s): 3.00
Planning, selecting, and maintaining shrubs, trees, flowers, lawns, fruits, and vegetables around the home. Suitable for students in any major.
Credit(s): 3.00
This lab provides practical, hands-on horticultural skills both in and around the home. Co-requisite: PSS 010.
Credit(s): 1.00
Analyzes factors driving current agricultural production systems, the problems associated with the industrial agriculture model, and the variety of approaches and practices for producing food in an ecologically sound and socially just manner.
Credit(s): 3.00
An introduction to the world of insects and their impact on our everyday lives, from the food we eat to solving murder crimes.
Credit(s): 3.00
Training in the skills required to produce aesthetically pleasing visual representations of botanical subjects grounded in technically correct plant morphology and anatomy. Use of line, shading, and color explored in depth. Media include graphite, pen and ink, colored pencils and watercolor. Includes a final project.
Credit(s): 3.00
Explores conservation and design strategies for restoring healthy ecosystems and building healthy livable communities. Through lectures, guest speakers, case studies, book discussions, field trips, and real-world class projects, students are given hands-on opportunities to learn about living landscapes in Vermont and beyond.
Credit(s): 3.00
Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Covers basic entomology, insect diversity and identification, and the basic principles of pest management. Prerequisites: BIOL 001 and BIOL 002, or BCOR 011 and BCOR 012, or BCOR 021.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
Identification, ecology, and management of weeds and other invasive plants in agriculture, urban/suburban landscapes, and natural areas. Prerequisites: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or PBIO 004, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 3.00
Introduction to the causes of agricultural and forest plant diseases including examination of the relationship of the plant, pathogen, and environment in disease development and disease management. Prerequisites: PBIO 004, or BIOL 001 and BIOL 002, or BCOR 011 and BCOR 012, or BCOR 021, or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: PBIO 117.
Credit(s): 4.00
Students will learn principles and practices of commercial cold-climate grape production, including: site selection and preparation; cold hardiness development; varietal selection; vine training and trellising systems; nutrient, water and pest management; harvest and postharvest considerations, including basic winemaking principles. Prerequisites: PSS 010 or PSS 021 or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Indoor flowers, culture, related topics such as design. Prerequisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 1.00
Students will learn principles and practices of commercial cold-climate grape production, including: site selection and preparation; cold hardiness development; varietal selection; vine training and trellising systems; nutrient, water and pest management; harvest and postharvest considerations, including basic winemaking principles. Prerequisites: PSS 010, PSS 021, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 2.00
Outdoor flowers, culture, related topics. Prerequisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 2.00
Introduces students to current practices in organic and conventional vegetable cropping systems and farm management. Prerequisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021 or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Identification, climatic requirements, cultural management, and use of ornamental plant materials in landscape planting. Prerequisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
Principles and practices of commercial greenhouse management including construction, heating, cooling, container media, watering, fertilization, light and temperature, growth regulators, integrated pest management and disease control. Prerequisite: PSS 010, PSS 021, one semester Biology, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
An introduction to the botany, agronomy, and end-use potential of industrial hemp; an authoritative introduction for those interested in knowing more about this renewable material that is an excellent source of food, fiber, building products, and therapeutic resins. Prerequisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021 or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Studio course to learn techniques of landscape design and analysis, develop graphic communication skills for representing the landscape, and apply sustainable design principles to a site. Prerequisites: Junior standing; at least one course in drawing, design, or mapping, or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: CDAE 137, ENVS 137, NR 137.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
Principles and practices involved in propagating herbaceous and woody plants by seeds, division, layering, cuttings, budding, grafting, and aseptic culture. Prerequisite: PSS 010, PSS 021, one semester Biology, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
Forage crops and grasslands play a central role in sustainable and diversified agriculture. Covers the scientific principles and practical applications of the production, management, and utilization of perennial and annual forage crops used by livestock and equine. Pre/co-requisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 002 or BCOR 011 or BCOR 012 or PBIO 004 or PBIO 006 or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: ASCI 143.
Credit(s): 4.00
Establishment, maintenance, and utilization of turf for aesthetic, athletic and utility functions. Pre/co-requisite: PSS 010, PSS 021, one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Examines ecological, physical and chemical principles, the practical management of the composting process, and benefits of using compost in plant and soil ecosystems. Prerequisite: Three credits in basic biological or ecological science or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Design of agriculturally productive environments that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of the natural biosphere to harmoniously integrate landscape and people. Prerequisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021 or BIOL 002 or NR 103 or BCOR 012 or BCOR 102 or other basic ecology course or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: ENVS 156.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 3.00
Academically oriented hands-on experience in agriculture and horticulture under the joint supervision of instructor and host. Pre/co-requisite: Must be a Junior/Senior in the Ecological Agriculture Major or the Sustainable Landscape Horticulture Major or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 3.00
Biological, chemical, and physical properties of the dynamic soil system as related to plant growth and environmental problems. Prerequisite: Inorganic chemistry or permission.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
An ecological approach to soil management including nutrient supply and uptake, rhizosphere-microbial interactions, soil conservation, and nutrient management strategies. Prerequisite: PSS 161 or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Service learning course; acquaints students with the primary objectives and tools of plant breeding theory, practice, and history through engagement in breeding activities with community partners. Builds understand of how crops are improved to meet farmer demands. Prerequisite: PSS 021 or PSS 010 or PBIO 006 or BIOL 001 or BCOR 011.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
On-site supervised work experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team in which a faculty member is the instructor of record, for which academic credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 3.00
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Individual projects under direction of a faculty member. Project may involve original research, readings, internship, or assisting in teaching. Prerequisite: Permission. More than a total of six credits per semester requires the permission of the Department Chair.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 6.00
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion. Prerequisite: Permission. More than a total of six credits per semester requires the permission of the Department Chair.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Students study diverse farming systems to gain financial, management, and technical knowledge to plan a new or evaluate and existing farm enterprise. Prerequisites: PSS 021 and one 100-level PSS course, equivalent experience, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
An experiential course in sustainable, diversified vegetable production that includes soil fertility, weed, insect and disease control, crop planning and farm management skills. Prerequisites: PSS 021 and one 100-level PSS course, equivalent experience, or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 6.00
An in-depth overview of research and applications in the field of agroecology, including current ecological and social dynamics in agricultural landscapes in Vermont and abroad. Prerequisites: PSS 021 or one semester ecology at the 100-level or above or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: ENVS 212.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
An examination of American agriculture and policies from various perspectives - historical, political, ecological, technological, social, economic, and ethical. Emphasis on contemporary issues, policy options, and future development. Prerequisites: CDAE 102 or PSS 212 or equivalent. Cross-listed with: CDAE 208.
Credit(s): 3.00
Principles and practices of commercial tree fruit production, including site considerations; cultivars; training; nutrient, water and pest management; harvest and postharvest considerations. Special emphasis on environmental and economic sustainability of the orchard system. Pre/Co-requisites: PSS 10 or PSS 21 or BIOL 001 or 002 or BCOR 011 or BCOR 012; and PSS 161.
Credit(s): 3.00
Examines recent peer-reviewed research that has the potential to transform the productivity or sustainability of agroecosystems. Students will be guided in developing, communicating, and justifying new questions that may potentially transform agroecology. Prerequisites: BIOL 001/BIOL 002 or BCOR 011/BCOR 012; and NR 103 or BCOR 102 or PSS 106 or equivalent; or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Describes theory and application of biological control of insects, disease, and weeds. Discuss ecological factors that contribute to the success of classical, augmentative, and conservation approaches to biological control. Approved for Graduate credit. Prerequisite: Course in entomology, ecology, or relevant experience.
Credit(s): 3.00
Studio course synthesizing work from fields of landscape ecology and landscape design, exploring ecological design alternatives at multiple scales, and developing multifunctional landscape solutions. Prerequisites: Junior standing; PSS 137 or one course in ecology plus one course in design or drawing.
Credit(s): 4.00
Field techniques that describe soil properties, formation, and classification. The principles and processes of soil genesis, land use classification systems, and land use challenges. Prerequisite: PSS 161 or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 3.00
An environmentally oriented study of the colloidal chemistry of soil and its interfaces with roots, water, and air. Prerequisites: PSS 161, two semesters Chemistry or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
Mathematical modeling and physical principles of the soil-water-plant interaction and its relationship to environmental and agricultural issues. Prerequisites: PSS 161, one semester of Physics or Instructor permission. Alternate years.
Credit(s): 3.00
Underlying concepts and theory of modern soil ecology will be reviewed including spatial and temporal distributions, sampling methods, biogeochemical cycles, and ecological functions of soil. Prerequisites: BCOR 102 or NR 103, and PSS 161. Cross-listed with: NR 268.
Credit(s): 0.00 or 4.00
Examines key issues in pollution of soil and water. Topics include type of pollutants, their reactions in soil and water, pollution prevention and bioremediation. Prerequisites: PSS 161 or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Students will develop and articulate a professional philosophy and improve skills in career development including writing, resume preparation, effective interviewing and negotiation. Prerequisites: Sophomore/Junior standing; Ecological Agriculture Major or the Sustainable Landscape Horticulture Major or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 1.00
On-site supervised work experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team in which a faculty member is the instructor of record, for which academic credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 3.00
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Lectures, laboratories, readings, field projects, surveys, or research designed to provide specialized experience in horticulture, agronomy, soils, entomology, and integrated pest management. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Lectures, laboratories, readings, field projects, surveys, or research designed to provide specialized experience in horticulture, agronomy, soils, entomology, and integrated pest management. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Individual projects under direction of a faculty member. Project may involve original research, readings, internship, or assisting in teaching. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. More than a total of six credits per semester requires Chair permission.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 6.00
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. More than a total of six credits per semester requires Chair permission.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Presentation and peer review of oral and written communication. Professional development skills including technical writing, literature review, mentorship, scientific integrity, grant proposals, and job market.
Credit(s): 1.00
Graduate student and faculty discussion of current research topics in soil science.
Credit(s): 1.00
In-depth overview of research and applications in the field of agroecology, with a focus on providing the student with conceptual and analytical content. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Examines the ecological foundations of Agroecology, largely from a biophysical perspective. Over the course of three sequential modules, students will explore the fundamental principles of ecology and their application to agricultural systems and landscapes. Prerequisite: One semester biological science at the 100-level or Instructor permission.
Credit(s): 3.00
Introduces students to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in the context of agroecology, and examines how the integration of PAR and transdisciplinary approaches can serve to deepen our collective understanding of complex problems/issues. Prerequisite: PSS 311.
Credit(s): 3.00
Investigates social, political, and economic elements of the global food system from multiple perspectives, considering the ability to scale-up agroecology, and the potential intersection between agroecology, food sovereignty and government policies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Credit(s): 3.00
The capstone designed for the application of newly developed knowledge and skills in a culminating experience/project that addresses an agroecological topic relevant to the individual student. Prerequisites: PSS 311, PSS 312, PSS 313, PSS 314.
Credit(s): 3.00
Advanced readings and discussion of horticulture, crops, or soils research literature.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 3.00
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Presentations of personal research by faculty, Graduate students and outside guest speakers. Attendance and oral presentations are required of Graduate students in Plant and Soil Science. Repeatable 2 times for M.S. students and 4 times for Ph.D. students.
Credit(s): 1.00
Presentations of personal research by faculty, Graduate students, and outside guest speakers. Attendance and oral presentations are required of Graduate students in Plant and Soil Science. Repeatable 2 times for M.S. students and 4 times for Ph.D. students.
Credit(s): 1.00
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 18.00
Student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Credit(s): 1.00 to 3.00