AGRI 1030 - Introduction to Plant Science

3 sem hrs cr

This course is a study of plant structure and the physiology, heredity, and environment in relation to growth, adaptation, and management of crops.

Formerly/Same As (Formerly AGR 1020)

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

By the end of the course, students should…

• understand the role of cultivated plants as food sources.
• understand other benefits of cultivated plants.
• understand the challenges that await plant scientists as they attempt to feed a growing population on a dwindling land base. 
• recognize plant cell parts, plant tissues, and plant organs.
• understand the basic functions of cells, tissues, and organs.
• understand how plants are named and classified.
• know how crops can be improved.
• understand the genetic principles of crop improvement.
• recognize some principles of asexual propagation by cuttings, grafting, micro-propagation.
• understand the principles of seed production, testing, and germinating.
• recognize and measure plant growth.
• understand some of the factors that affect plant growth
• understand the role of hormones in plant growth.
• understand the process of photosynthesis.
• understand the factors that influence photosynthesis in plants.
• understand the process of respiration and factors that influence it.
• understand the process of translocation.
• understand why plant processes are important in plant production.
• know how to describe soil and its components.
• understand the formation of soil.
• understand the physical and chemical properties of soil and how they affect plant growth.
• understand the mineral nutrition requirements of plants.
• understand the principles and practices of land conservation.
• understand the biological competitors of crops.
• understand how competitors affect crop production
• understand the principles and primary methods of how to control each crop competitor.
• know the names and characteristics of common trees and shrubs.
• understand how to choose and care for landscape plants.
• understand basic greenhouse structure.
• understand how the greenhouse environment is manipulated to grow plants.
• understand the principles of growing some greenhouse crops.
• understand crop groups and some uses of each group.