PLHRT 6730

PLHRT 6730

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

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: Familiarity with basic ecological science and some knowledge of agricultural production systems.

Comments This course may meet outside the typical meeting pattern due to seasonal access to lab settings. For example, the Thursday meeting may occasionally run as late as 5:30 PM.

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.
  • Systematically analyze research papers, provide constructive feedback and lead round table discussions based on specific journal articles.
  • Develop and practice teaching skills that engage students in active learning processes.
  • Identify inconsistencies, develop hypotheses, and synthesize primary literature.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: PLHRT 4730

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  2530 PLHRT 6730   LEC 001

    • TR Stocking Hall 201
    • Aug 21 - Dec 4, 2023
    • Drinkwater, L

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    During first six weeks of class, Thursday meetings may run as late as 5:30 p.m. because of field trips.

  •  2531 PLHRT 6730   DIS 201

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    During first six weeks of class, Thursday meetings may run as late as 5:30 p.m. because of field trips.