Introduction to insects and mites of economic importance to agriculture and human health. Introduction to the general ecology, evolution, and physiology of insects. Covers the morphology, taxonomy, life cycles, hosts, habitat relationships, and control methods of insects of economic importance. Collection, identification, and labeling of specimens will be required. Field trips required.

Introduction to the study of social sustainability within the US food and agricultural systems, tracing the historical social and diverse forces that have shaped the direction of development of the US agri-food system. Principles of agricultural sustainability relating to existing international models of sustainable agri-food systems. Current social, political and economic obstacles to the advancement of more socially and environmentally sustainable food systems and alternatives.

This course in an interdisciplinary examination of California's water use and management with an emphasis on historical conflict and politics surrounding water scarcity as it relates to food production. Fundamentals of irrigation applications and measurement systems will be covered, focusing on water management. California's water systems and water quality problems will be discussed.

Introduction to environmental studies with a focus on sustainability. The course will concentrate on the scientific issues relating to the study of environmental science, human impact on the natural environment and the search for solutions. Topics will include human population growth, natural resource use and degradation, and sustainable solutions. Specifically, we will discuss issues centered around use and management of biodiversity, land, air, water, climate, pollution, energy sources, and waste.

Principles of plant growth including structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth media, and biological competitors. Laboratory topics include microscope use, plant structures internal and external, photosynthesis, respiration and other aspects of plant growth and development.

The study of the composition, value, selection, and use of fertilizer materials and soil amendments within the context of soil, plant, and fertilizer relationships. Organic fertilizers and the current application practices being used in California will be discussed.

This course is an introduction to the science, ecology and management of soils. A key focus of the class is viewing soil health as the basis for ecological land management and discussing management practices to conserve and improve soils. Soil physical, chemical and biological properties and processes are all examined in detail through class lectures and discussion. The class laboratory focuses on evaluating soil health with field measurements, laboratory analyses, and calculations, including using soil testing to develop soil nutrient plans.

Economic importance, adaptation, cultural practices, irrigation, integrated pest management, cost analysis, calendar of operations, and marketing in the production of field crops (including barley, oats, wheat, corn, alfalfa, rice, dry beans, cotton, and seed crops) and vegetable crops (including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and melons). Field trips are required.

Students will investigate principles of pest management including: pesticide laws and regulations; identification and symptoms of plant pests; modes of pesticide action; principles of integrated pest management; non-pesticide pest management; effective and safe use of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other crop protection chemicals; and pesticide record keeping. This course will assist students in preparation for the Department of Pesticide Regulations PCA Exam (Category: Pest Management).

Introduction to the history, definitions, concepts, principles, and practices of sustainable agricultural systems. Sustainability topics to be discussed include: organic farming, integrated pest management, holistic resource management, non-organic sustainable agriculture, low-input sustainable agriculture, etc. Local examples of enterprises using sustainable agricultural systems will be discussed.

Introduction of the history, laws and regulations, safe and responsible use, toxicology, risks, benefits, and sustainability in the use of horticultural and agricultural chemicals including pesticides, fertilizers, plant growth regulators, defoliants, and antimicrobials. Applied examples will be used to integrate information into agri-chemical management programs. Course is used to prepare students for the State applicator certification test.

An introduction to the classification, identification, and life cycle of weeds common in California. Weed management practices will be covered including: mechanical, biological, and chemical methods. Herbicide resistance management will also be covered. Collection and labeling of plant specimens as well as field trips are required.

This course examines the disease triangle of plant, environment, and pathogen interactions. It covers fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode pathogens and the diseases they cause in agricultural crops. Disease identification and management practices including prevention, cultural, chemical, and biological methods are also discussed.