PLHRT 4730

PLHRT 4730

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2021-2022.

Analysis of the ecological processes operating in agricultural systems, with an emphasis on understanding relationships between agroecosystem structure and function and interactions among organisms. Examines agroecological theory and research through readings and discussions. The first part of this course emphasizes understanding biogeochemical processes, population and community ecology with emphasis on plant-herbivore and plant-microbial interactions, and evolutionary processes in agroecosystems. The latter part focuses on the application of ecological knowledge to the design and management of multifunctional agroecosystems and comparative analysis of frameworks used to assess sustainability. Field trips to local farms and case studies from both the tropics and the temperate zone are used to illustrate important concepts.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: BIOEE 1610 or permission of instructor.

Distribution Category (OPHLS-AG)
Course Attribute (CU-SBY)

Comments During first six weeks of class, Thursday meetings may run as late as 5:30 p.m. because of field trips.

Outcomes
  • Apply ecological concepts to agricultural systems.
  • Explain concepts of agroecology including population, community, evolutionary and ecosystem principles and processes as well as interactions across social and ecological systems.
  • Describe history of agricultural intensification and the diverse approaches to meeting the challenge of achieving sustainability.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate controversies and ongoing political debates over technological pathways and environmental policies targeting food production systems.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi:
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: PLHRT 6730

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  2468 PLHRT 4730   LEC 001

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Prerequisite: BIOEE 1610. Permission of instructor required for students who do not meet prerequisite. During first six weeks of class, Thursday meetings may run as late as 5:30 p.m. because of field trips.

  •  2469 PLHRT 4730   DIS 201

  • Instruction Mode: In Person