Only a few things are essential to life, and food is one of them. What people eat is about what they need to be healthy, what they want to eat (personal preference and culture), and what they have available or can afford to eat. Agriculture plays a vital role in human food security. Many experts feel the world is facing a food supply crisis. Knowledge and application of the principles of plant and soil sciences will have a dramatic effect on human food security, now and into the future, both locally and globally.

An introduction to the looming world food crisis and the scientific basis governing our ability to sustainably meet it. The course explores the biological and environmental constraints on food production, the ways that agricultural science has dealt with these in the past and possible ways for the future, as well as societal and cultural issues, such as population growth, human health, education, and food definitions, that also impact food security. Intended for any student interested in these topics. Students may not receive credit for both this course and PLS 103.

An introduction to the looming world food crisis and the scientific basis governing our ability to sustainably meet it. The course explores the biological and environmental constraints on food production, the ways that agricultural science has dealt with these in the past and possible ways for the future, as well as societal and cultural issues, such as population growth, human health, education, and food definitions, that also impact food security. Intended for any student interested in these topics. Students may not receive credit for both this course and PLS 103.

An introduction to the techniques used for plant identification based on over one hundred plants encountered in daily life. Laboratory, two hours; lecture, two hours per week.

An introduction to the techniques used for plant identification based on over one hundred plants encountered in daily life. Laboratory, two hours; lecture, two hours per week.

An introduction to the techniques used for plant identification based on over one hundred plants encountered in daily life. Laboratory, two hours; lecture, two hours per week.

Study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and how these properties relate to plant nutrient availability and plant growth, land- use planning and management issues, and soil and water quality issues. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.

Study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and how these properties relate to plant nutrient availability and plant growth, land- use planning and management issues, and soil and water quality issues. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.

Study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and how these properties relate to plant nutrient availability and plant growth, land- use planning and management issues, and soil and water quality issues. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.

Study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and how these properties relate to plant nutrient availability and plant growth, land- use planning and management issues, and soil and water quality issues. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.