Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Agricultural Communication and Marketing B.S.

College of Food, Agri & Natural Resource Sciences
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2016
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 72 to 87
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
This major prepares students for careers in agricultural communication, journalism, marketing, sales, training, management, leadership, business, and extension. Agribusinesses, as well as state, federal, and marketing agencies need individuals who have a broad education in the scientific (and technical) aspects of agriculture, effective work and communication skills, and quantitative and qualitative skills to solve business problems. The scientific knowledge and technical skills necessary to become an effective agribusiness marketing or media professional are provided through requirements in the basic and agricultural sciences and are strengthened by selection of one of three areas of emphasis: crops and soils, food industries, or broad overview of food, agricultural, and environmental sciences. With 21 free-standing elective credits, all majors are encouraged to pursue a CFANS or other minor.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the liberal education requirements. Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
All major requirements must be taken A-F (unless only offered S-N), and students must earn a grade of at least C-.
Quantitative Foundations
MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability [MATH] (3.0 cr)
or MATH 1142 - Short Calculus [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1271 - Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
Physical and Biological Sciences
CHEM 1015 - Introductory Chemistry: Lecture [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
CHEM 1017 - Introductory Chemistry: Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
AGRO 1101 - Biology of Plant Food Systems [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
or BIOL 1001 - Introductory Biology: Evolutionary and Ecological Perspectives [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
or BIOL 1009 - General Biology [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
Social Sciences
APEC 1101 - Principles of Microeconomics [SOCS, GP] (4.0 cr)
International
AFEE 3361 {Inactive} [GP] (3.0 cr)
or AGRO 4103 {Inactive} [GP] (3.0 cr)
or APEC 4103 {Inactive} [GP] (3.0 cr)
or Study Abroad Experience
Experiential Learning
AECM 3096 {Inactive} (1.0-3.0 cr)
Interdisciplinary Learning
AGRO 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or ANSC 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
Writing Requirement
WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)
Upper Division Writing Intensive within the major
Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.
AECM 4451W - Advanced Persuasive Writing for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences [WI] (3.0 cr)
or APEC 4451W - Food Marketing Economics [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
or AECM 5111W {Inactive} [WI] (4.0 cr)
Major Courses
AECM 1001 - Introduction to Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing (1.0 cr)
AECM 2096 - Career Exploration & Early Field Experience in Agricultural Education, Communication, and Marketing (2.0 cr)
Communication and Journalism
AECM 2421W - Professional and Oral Communication for Agriculture, Food & the Environment [WI] (3.0 cr)
AECM 3431 - Communicating Food, Agriculture & Environmental Science to the Public (3.0 cr)
AECM 4451W - Advanced Persuasive Writing for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences [WI] (3.0 cr)
JOUR 1001 - Media in a Changing World [SOCS, TS] (3.0 cr)
or COMM 1313W - Analysis of Argument [WI] (3.0 cr)
or COMM 3422 - Interviewing and Communication (3.0 cr)
or WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing [WI] (3.0 cr)
or WRIT 3152W - Writing on Issues of Science and Technology [WI] (3.0 cr)
Leadership and Business Management
AECM 2221W - Foundations of Leadership Practice [WI] (3.0 cr)
APEC 1251 - Principles of Accounting (3.0 cr)
APEC 3451 - Food and Agricultural Sales (3.0 cr)
or MKTG 4031 - Sales Management (4.0 cr)
or MKTG 3001 - Principles of Marketing (3.0 cr)
APEC 3811 - Principles of Farm Management (3.0 cr)
or MGMT 3001 - Fundamentals of Management (3.0 cr)
or APEC 3821 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or APEC 3551 - Concept Design and Value-Added Entrepreneurship in Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (3.0 cr)
or APEC 3411 - Commodity Marketing (3.0 cr)
or APEC 4451W - Food Marketing Economics [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
or AECM 4221 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or AECM 3106 - Agricultural Policy and Issues in Minnesota (3.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
A: Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Students must complete at least 20 credits in their area of emphasis.
Animal Science
ANSC 1101 - Introductory Animal Science (4.0 cr)
Natural Resources
CFAN 3513 {Inactive} [GP, ENV] (3.0 cr)
or ESPM 1011 - Issues in the Environment [ENV] (3.0 cr)
or FW 2001W - Introduction to Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology [ENV, WI] (3.0 cr)
or ESPM 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
or GEOG 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
or FNRM 1101 - Dendrology: Identifying Forest Trees and Shrubs (3.0 cr)
Plant Science
AGRO 1103 - Crops, Environment, and Society [ENV] (4.0 cr)
or CFAN 3001 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or ENT 4015 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or HORT 1001 - Plant Propagation [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
or HORT 1003 - Organic Gardening: From Balconies to Backyards (3.0 cr)
or HORT 1014 - The Edible Landscape [TS] (3.0 cr)
Soil Science
SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
Technology
AECM 2051 - Current Technical Competencies (4.0 cr)
or UC 3201 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
or ARTS 1701 - Introduction to Photography [AH] (4.0 cr)
Food and Nutrition
FSCN 1102 - Food: Safety, Risks, and Technology [CIV] (3.0 cr)
or APEC 3202 - An Introduction to the Food System: Analysis, Management and Design (3.0 cr)
or BBE 3201 - Sustainability of Food Systems: A Life Cycle Perspective [GP] (3.0 cr)
B: Crops and Soils
Students must complete at least 21 credits in their area of emphasis.
Crops and Soils
AGRO 1103 - Crops, Environment, and Society [ENV] (4.0 cr)
SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
BIOC 2011 - Biochemistry for the Agricultural and Health Sciences (3.0 cr)
or HORT 2121 - Agricultural Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
ANSC 3011 - Statistics for Animal Science (4.0 cr)
or STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or ESPM 3012 - Statistical Methods for Environmental Scientists and Managers [MATH] (4.0 cr)
AGRO 4401 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
or HORT 4401 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
or AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants (3.0 cr)
or ESPM 3221 - Soil Conservation and Land-Use Management (3.0 cr)
or AGRO 4605 - Strategies for Agricultural Production and Management (3.0 cr)
CFAN 3001 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or PLSC 3005W - Introduction to Plant Physiology [WI] (4.0 cr)
or Or take the following course pair:
PMB 3002 - Plant Biology: Function (2.0 cr)
PMB 3005W - Plant Function Laboratory [WI] (2.0 cr)
C: Food Industries
Students must complete at least 20 credits in their area of emphasis.
Food Industries
FSCN 1011 - Science of Food and Cooking [PHYS] (4.0 cr)
FSCN 1102 - Food: Safety, Risks, and Technology [CIV] (3.0 cr)
FSCN 1112 - Principles of Nutrition [TS] (3.0 cr)
FSCN 2021 - Introductory Microbiology (4.0 cr)
ANSC 1511 - Food Animal Products for Consumers (3.0 cr)
FSCN 3615 {Inactive} [GP] (3.0 cr)
or FSCN 3612 - Life Cycle Nutrition (3.0 cr)
or FSCN 3614 - Nutrition Education and Counseling (4.0 cr)
or FSCN 3732 - Food Service Operations Management (3.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2023
· Fall 2022
· Fall 2021
· Spring 2021
· Fall 2020
· Fall 2019
· Fall 2018
· Fall 2017

View sample plan(s):
· A: Ag and Env Sci Sample Plan
· B: Crops and Soils Sample Plan
· C: Food Ind Sample Plan

View checkpoint chart:
· Agricultural Communication and Marketing B.S.
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MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CI 1806/Math 1031
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Graphs of equations and functions, transformations of graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, and rational functions, with applications; inverses and compositions of functions; exponential and logarithmic functions with applications; basic probability rules, conditional probabilities, binomial probabilities. prereq: 3 yrs high school math or satisfactory score on placement exam or grade of at least C- in [PSTL 731 or PSTL 732 or CI 0832]
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A streamlined one-semester tour of differential and integral calculus in one variable, and differential calculus in two variables. No trigonometry/does not have the same depth as MATH 1271-1272. Formulas and their interpretation and use in applications. prereq: Satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1031 or 1051]
MATH 1271 - Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1281/Math 1371/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Differential calculus of functions of a single variable, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and trig functions. Applications, including optimization and related rates problems. Single variable integral calculus, using anti-derivatives and simple substitution. Applications may include area, volume, work problems. prereq: 4 yrs high school math including trig or satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1151 or 1155]
CHEM 1015 - Introductory Chemistry: Lecture (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1011/Chem 1015
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Matter/energy, atoms, compounds, solutions, chemical reactions, mole/chemical calculations, gases, liquids, solids, chemical bonding, atomic/molecular structure, acids, bases, equilibria. Physical/chemical properties of hydrocarbons and organic compounds. Problem solving. prereq: [High school chemistry or equiv], two yrs high school math, not passed chem placement exam, high school physics recommended; Students who will go on to take CHEM 1061/1065 should take CHEM 1015 only. Students who will NOT be continuing on to CHEM 1061/1065 and need to fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement need take the 1-credit lab course CHEM 1017 either concurrently or consecutively. This course will NOT fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement unless the CHEM 1017 lab course is completed either concurrently or consecutively.
CHEM 1017 - Introductory Chemistry: Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Prerequisites: [1015 or &1015], %; credit will not be granted if credit received for: 1011; CHEM 1017 is a 1-credit lab-only course. This course is not intended for students who are planning to take CHEM 1061/1065. Intended only for students who need the course to fulfill the Physical Science/Lab requirement, and are taking CHEM 1015 either concurrently or consecutively. This course will NOT fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement, unless CHEM 1015 is completed either concurrently or consecutively.; meets Lib Ed req of Physical Sciences)
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Organic chemistry. Matter/energy, atoms, compounds, solutions, chemical reactions, mole/chemical calculations, gases, liquids, solids, chemical bonding, atomic/molecular structure, acids, bases, equilibria. Physical/chemical properties of hydrocarbons and organic compounds containing halogens, nitrogen, or oxygen. Problem solving. prereq: [1015 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1015], dept consent; credit will not be granted if credit received for: 1011; CHEM 1017 is a 1-credit lab-only course. This course is not intended for students who are planning to take CHEM 1061/1065. Intended only for students who need the course to fulfill the Physical Science/Lab requirement, and are taking CHEM 1015 either concurrently or consecutively. This course will NOT fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement, unless CHEM 1015 is completed either concurrently or consecutively.; meets Lib Ed req of Physical Sciences)
AGRO 1101 - Biology of Plant Food Systems (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Designed for students who are not majors in a life science program, but who wish to acquire a better understanding of biological concepts especially as they relate to their lives. We examine current issues related to food, food production and the environment which provide the context to investigate fundamental concepts of biology including productivity, energy, genetic change in populations, and environmental responses to human activity. We use a problem-based learning approach to explore three contemporary issues of great importance: risks and benefits of GMOs, farming and food, and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Lab, greenhouse, field, and classroom discussions.
BIOL 1001 - Introductory Biology: Evolutionary and Ecological Perspectives (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1001/Biol 1001H/Biol 1003
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A one-semester exploration of the genetic, evolutionary, and ecological processes that govern biological diversity from populations to ecosystems. We explore how these processes influence human evolution, health, population growth, and conservation. We also consider how the scientific method informs our understanding of biological processes. Lab. This course is oriented towards non-majors and does not fulfill prerequisites for allied health grad programs.
BIOL 1009 - General Biology (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1009/Biol 1009H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A comprehensive introduction to biology - includes molecular structure of living things, cell processes, energy utilization, genetic information and inheritance, mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, and ecology. Includes lab. This comprehensive course serves as a prerequisite and requirement in many majors.
APEC 1101 - Principles of Microeconomics (SOCS, GP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Econ 1101/1165 ApEc 1101/1101H
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Economic behavior of consumers/firms in domestic/international markets. Demand, supply, competition. Efficiency, Invisible Hand. Monopoly, imperfect competition. Externalities, property rights. Economics of public policy in environment/health/safety. Public goods, tax policy.
AGRO 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro/AnSc 3203/AgUM 2224
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ecological/ethical concerns of food production systems in global agriculture: past, present, and future. Underlying ethical positions about how agroecosystems should be configured. Decision cases, discussions, videos, other media.
ANSC 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro/AnSc 3203/AgUM 2224
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ecological/ethical concerns of food production systems in global agriculture: past, present, and future. Underlying ethical positions about how agroecosystems should be configured. Interactive learning using decision cases, discussions, videos, other media.
WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 3562V/Writ 3562W
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to technical and professional writing through various readings and assignments in which students analyze and create texts that work to communicate complex information, solve problems, and complete tasks. Students gain knowledge of workplace genres as well as to develop skills in composing such genres. This course allows students to practice rhetorically analyzing writing situations and composing genres such as memos, proposals, instructions, research reports, and presentations. Students work in teams to develop collaborative content and to compose in a variety of modes including text, graphics, video, audio, and digital. Students also conduct both primary and secondary research and practice usability testing. The course emphasizes creating documents that are goal-driven and appropriate for a specific context and audience.
AECM 4451W - Advanced Persuasive Writing for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
In this course, students research, write, and edit stories for agricultural, food and environmental organizations and media. Students produce a final portfolio that demonstrates their ability to create professional-level work, such as magazine articles, news stories, biographies, marketing materials, blog posts, news releases and scripts.
APEC 4451W - Food Marketing Economics (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ApEc 4451W/ApEc 5451
Typically offered: Every Fall
Economics of food marketing in the United States. Food consumption trends, consumer food behavior, marketing strategies, consumer survey methodology, food distribution/retailing system. Policy issues related to food marketing. Individual/group projects. prereq: [[1101 or Econ 1101], [1101H or Econ 1101H], SCO 2550 or STAT 3011 or equiv, 60 cr] or instr consent
AECM 1001 - Introduction to Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Historical development of the discipline of agricultural education; orientation to career opportunities; areas and expectations of specialization; issues in the field.
AECM 2096 - Career Exploration & Early Field Experience in Agricultural Education, Communication, and Marketing
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Analyses of occupations, employment potential, expectations for work, and readiness for careers in agricultural education, communication, and marketing. Field placement experiences examine career options and professionals in the field. Observe schools, extension offices, and agricultural businesses to learn about the work/workplaces in agricultural education, communication, and marketing.
AECM 2421W - Professional and Oral Communication for Agriculture, Food & the Environment (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Speaking/writing about scientific/technical issues. Student-centered, relies on interaction/participation. Public communication.  Lectures for this course will be online, while discussion sections will be held in-person.
AECM 3431 - Communicating Food, Agriculture & Environmental Science to the Public
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Planning/strategy for communication campaigns related to food/agriculture. Student-centered, relies on interaction/participation.
AECM 4451W - Advanced Persuasive Writing for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
In this course, students research, write, and edit stories for agricultural, food and environmental organizations and media. Students produce a final portfolio that demonstrates their ability to create professional-level work, such as magazine articles, news stories, biographies, marketing materials, blog posts, news releases and scripts.
JOUR 1001 - Media in a Changing World (SOCS, TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jour 1001/Jour 1001H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
In an era when almost everybody's a content creator and just about every company is connected with media, what makes mass communication different from other forms of message exchange? We'll examine journalism, advertising, public relations, video gaming, music recording, music and more. We'll think about issues like free speech, "fake news," censorship, social media, demographics, psychographics and graphic content. Hear from mass media professionals who provide real-world, real-time material for discussion and debate. This class covers ground that is shifting by the day and uses current cases to help you apply what you learn and sharpen your own media literacy skills.
COMM 1313W - Analysis of Argument (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Strategies for analyzing, evaluating, generating arguments. Problems in listening/responding to argument.
COMM 3422 - Interviewing and Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Application of communication concepts in information interview. Planning, conducting, and evaluating informational, journalistic/elite, helping, persuasive, appraisal, and employment interviews. Class training, field experience.
WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EngL 3029W/Writ 3029W
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
In this course students practice writing and revising common business documents for today?s business world. Students write memos, proposals, cover letters, resumes, and digital and web content as well as practice choice of appropriate formats and media. The course draws from current business practices and stresses workplace collaboration, broader issues of professional literacy, and responsive writing styles. Students practice rhetorical analysis and discuss concepts such as audience, purpose, tone, and context when writing and revising their documents. Students analyze and write from a variety of perspectives and contexts including formal (researched reports, proposals) and informal (email, social media) communication. Students also build a professional online presence through such platforms as LinkedIn.
WRIT 3152W - Writing on Issues of Science and Technology (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Science and technology are key parts of nearly every aspect of our lives, and, just as important, science and technology are highly debated topics in political, economic, social, public, and personal spheres. For example, consider debates regarding genetically modified foods, space exploration, vaccines, oil pipelines, or clean drinking water. This course will push you to consider the ways you think, feel, and write about science and technology. This course will ask you to examine the relationship between language and science and technology. We will spend the semester reading about science and technology, in addition to studying and practicing different strategies, techniques, and approaches for communicating about science and technology. Using rhetorical studies as a foundation, this course will give you the tools to more effectively engage with scientific and technological topics and debates. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this course aims to foster engagement with scientific and technological conversations. Put simply, students should leave this course caring about scientific and technological issues and wanting to participate in the conversations that surround such issues.
AECM 2221W - Foundations of Leadership Practice (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
How to be an effective leader in profit/non-profit agricultural settings. Roles, responsibilities, knowledge, attitudes, and skills to hire staff, set goals, coach, mentor/manage teams, and improve communication.
APEC 1251 - Principles of Accounting
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Acct 2050/ApEc 1251/Dbln 2051
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Financial accounting. Theory, concepts, principles, procedures. Preparation/understanding of the four financial statements.
APEC 3451 - Food and Agricultural Sales
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Professional selling of agricultural and food products. Students build/refine sales abilities, identify/qualify prospects, deliver sales presentations, close the sale. Principles of market research. prereq: 1101 or Econ 1101
MKTG 4031 - Sales Management
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Hiring, motivating, performance enhancement. Customer relationship management, data analysis, quantitative methods. Developing metrics to evaluate individual/group performance in attaining an organization's strategic goals. prereq: MKTG 3040 or 3041
MKTG 3001 - Principles of Marketing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Mktg 3001/Mktg 3001H
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to terms, concepts, and skills for analyzing marketing problems. Factors outside the organization affecting its product, pricing, promotion, and distribution decisions. Cases from actual organizations. prereq: ECON 1101 or ECON 1165
APEC 3811 - Principles of Farm Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Strategic and operations aspects of farm management; financial analysis, budgeting, strategic management; marketing plan and control; enterprise and whole farm planning and control; investment analysis, quality, risk, and personnel management. prereq: 1101 or Econ 1101
MGMT 3001 - Fundamentals of Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course is about the foundational principles of management, encompassing disciplinary and topical boundaries. We will look at these principles from the perspective of how they guide action, specifically: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. By the end of the course, students will know the basics of how to set up organizations to be effective and innovative, and not just efficient. During the course, you will engage with the material in the course and understand how management frameworks can be used to choose the right internal structures and processes that can best react to your particular industry context and general business environment.
APEC 3551 - Concept Design and Value-Added Entrepreneurship in Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Explore the core skills required by entrepreneurs in opportunity identification and problem framing that lead to creating viable concepts that provide solutions to real consumer challenges. Students will tackle innovation challenges from an in-depth exploration of entrepreneurial and design thinking and learn how to incorporate these skills into their future professional work. Master techniques for exploring problems from a systems viewpoint through a series of hands-on projects from concept design to product mapping and consumer testing. Students get to select a project of their choosing directly from their major of study and will pitch their new product or service concept to an expert panel.
APEC 3411 - Commodity Marketing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ApEc 3411/ApEc 5411
Typically offered: Every Fall
Economic concepts related to marketing agricultural commodities. Conditions of competitive markets, historical perspectives on market institutions/policy, structural characteristics of markets, policies/regulations affecting agricultural marketing of livestock, crop, and dairy products. prereq: 1101 or Econ 1101
APEC 4451W - Food Marketing Economics (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ApEc 4451W/ApEc 5451
Typically offered: Every Fall
Economics of food marketing in the United States. Food consumption trends, consumer food behavior, marketing strategies, consumer survey methodology, food distribution/retailing system. Policy issues related to food marketing. Individual/group projects. prereq: [[1101 or Econ 1101], [1101H or Econ 1101H], SCO 2550 or STAT 3011 or equiv, 60 cr] or instr consent
AECM 3106 - Agricultural Policy and Issues in Minnesota
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course will introduce students to advocacy and policy-making that affects Minnesota's agricultural industry, specifically at the farm level. They will experience the policy-making process from an initial idea to building support, lobbying, legislative work, implementation, and the effect policies have on Minnesota farmers. Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at the policy process in action by meeting lawmakers, lobbyists, and staff while on field trips to the Minnesota State Capitol and Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Students will also shadow a current legislator, participate in a mock senate, hear from multiple guest speakers, and research the decision-making process by following an agricultural bill through the legislative session. prereq: 30 credits or instructor approval
ANSC 1101 - Introductory Animal Science
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Fundamental concepts of animal breeding, physiology, nutrition, and management as they apply to the production of beef, dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and other livestock. Fall term class open only to ANSC majors. Spring term class open to all majors.
ESPM 1011 - Issues in the Environment (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introductory survey of environmental issues that explores the connections between environmental sciences, policy, and management. You will explore interrelationships between the environment and human society, as well as the underlying social, ethical, political and economic factors that affect those relationships. You will also examine the roles for science, technology, policy, and environmental justice in meeting environmental challenges. Asynchronous online lectures with weekly discussions in small groups.
FW 2001W - Introduction to Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (ENV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fish, wildlife, and other forms of biodiversity. Single species, populations, ecosystem, and landscape approaches. Experiential/interactive course. Decision-case studies. prereq: BIOL 1001 or BIOL 1009
ESPM 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 1425/Geog 1425
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A pre-calculus introduction to the nature of the atmosphere and its behavior. Topics covered include atmospheric composition, structure, stability, and motion; precipitation processes, air masses, fronts, cyclones, and anticyclones; general weather patterns; meteorological instruments and observation; weather map analysis; and weather forecasting.
GEOG 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 1425/Geog 1425
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A pre-calculus introduction to the nature of the atmosphere and its behavior. Topics covered include atmospheric composition, structure, stability, and motion; precipitation processes, air masses, fronts, cyclones, and anticyclones; general weather patterns; meteorological instruments and observation; weather map analysis; and weather forecasting.
FNRM 1101 - Dendrology: Identifying Forest Trees and Shrubs
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Identification nomenclature, classification, and distribution of common/important forest trees/shrubs. Use of keys. Field/lab methods of identification.
AGRO 1103 - Crops, Environment, and Society (ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro 1103/AgUM 2222
Typically offered: Every Fall
Plants are used for food, fuel, and fiber to sustain humans across the globe. Where and how these plants are produced is determined by soil, weather, natural biodiversity, and human culture. In turn, agricultural production of plants shapes the natural environment and society. This class will provide students with an overview of crop production including the history of agriculture, food chemistry, and plant growth and physiology as it relates to agriculture. Students will evaluate crop production practices in terms of their economic, social, and environmental outcomes, and highlight tradeoffs and synergies among these outcomes. In the lab, students will receive hands-on experiences with field crops as they collect, analyze, and synthesize data from field experiments to inform decision-making in agriculture.
HORT 1001 - Plant Propagation (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Principles and techniques of propagating plants by seeds, cuttings, grafts, buds, layers, and division. Lectures on principles; labs on practice of various propagating techniques.
HORT 1003 - Organic Gardening: From Balconies to Backyards
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This fully online course focuses on the principles and practices of growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs with an ecological approach. You'll explore basic botany, soils and compost, species and variety selection, planning and design, container gardening, pest management, season extension, and more so you can approach your gardening projects with confidence. This introductory course focuses on the principles and practices of growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs with an ecological approach. You?ll explore basic botany, soils and compost, species and variety selection, planning and design, container gardening, pest management, season extension, and more so you can approach your gardening projects with confidence. We will begin by taking a look at the fundamentals of organic gardening, then move on to an overview of basic plant science principles. Following this introduction, course content will focus on how these principles can be applied practically in the planning and management of an organic garden, whether that be in your yard, on your patio, or at a school or community site. This course isn?t so much about memorizing facts as it is about you becoming a well-informed gardener who can make educated decisions and seek out reliable answers to questions or problems that might come up. The course is presented entirely online and makes extensive use of discussions, interactive activities, worksheets, and multimedia projects that get you immersed in a host of gardening topics. Short video segments in each module highlight key topics and provide information to guide you as you work through the readings, activities, and assignments.
HORT 1014 - The Edible Landscape (TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Tracing our relationship with edible landscapes traces to our hunting-gathering origins. Technological/social changes that have distanced us from our food. Integrating food plants into pleasing, sustainable, and edible landscapes in yards, neighborhoods, and cities.
SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soil 2125/Soil 5125
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Soil genesis classification, principles of soil fertility. Use of soil survey information to make a land-use plan. WWW used for lab preparation information. prereq: [CHEM 1015, CHEM 1017] or CHEM 1021 or equiv
AECM 2051 - Current Technical Competencies
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Prepares agricultural education teachers and other agricultural professionals to use technology in the areas of welding and small gas engines. Develop basic skills and knowledge to plan, implement, operate, and maintain agricultural structural and mechanical systems. Experiential learning principles and applied problem solving.
ARTS 1701 - Introduction to Photography (AH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtS 1701/ArtS 2701
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Want to take photography to the next level beyond the phone in your pocket? Photography is a way to understand and explore the world and your own inner life. This class incorporates both digital and analog (black and white darkroom) technologies. It will emphasize a balance of technical skills, exploration of personal vision, and development of critical thinking and vocabulary relating to photography. Your own image making will be considered in the context of photographic history, visual literacy, and the universe of imagery in which we live. Half of the semester will be devoted to B&W film and darkroom, and half to digital cameras and processes. Students will learn the fundamentals of digital and film camera operation and will be introduced to digital imaging software and printing. We will cover refined digital capture, image adjustment/manipulation and inkjet printing methods. Class activities will consist of lectures and demonstrations, individual and group exercises, project assignments, lab time, field trips and student presentations. Students? work will be constructively discussed in class and small group critique sessions. 35mm film cameras will be provided. The class requires students to have their own digital camera (a limited number of cameras are available for students unable to provide their own). Students who have no prior experience with serious photography, as well as those who are already avid photographers, are both welcome. The class serves as a prerequisite for all 3000 level photography classes.
FSCN 1102 - Food: Safety, Risks, and Technology (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to inherent risks/safety of food supply. Use of public policy and food technology to reduce risks. Microbiological, chemical, and environmental hazards, government/industry controls.
APEC 3202 - An Introduction to the Food System: Analysis, Management and Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to use of systems thinking for exploration of problems in contemporary food system from multidisciplinary perspective. System concepts. Historical evolution of food system. Analysis, management, design.
BBE 3201 - Sustainability of Food Systems: A Life Cycle Perspective (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Consequences of global food system. Diversity in food systems. Current topics in food sustainability.
AGRO 1103 - Crops, Environment, and Society (ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro 1103/AgUM 2222
Typically offered: Every Fall
Plants are used for food, fuel, and fiber to sustain humans across the globe. Where and how these plants are produced is determined by soil, weather, natural biodiversity, and human culture. In turn, agricultural production of plants shapes the natural environment and society. This class will provide students with an overview of crop production including the history of agriculture, food chemistry, and plant growth and physiology as it relates to agriculture. Students will evaluate crop production practices in terms of their economic, social, and environmental outcomes, and highlight tradeoffs and synergies among these outcomes. In the lab, students will receive hands-on experiences with field crops as they collect, analyze, and synthesize data from field experiments to inform decision-making in agriculture.
SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soil 2125/Soil 5125
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Soil genesis classification, principles of soil fertility. Use of soil survey information to make a land-use plan. WWW used for lab preparation information. prereq: [CHEM 1015, CHEM 1017] or CHEM 1021 or equiv
BIOC 2011 - Biochemistry for the Agricultural and Health Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Survey of organic chemistry and biochemistry outlining structure and metabolism of biomolecules, metabolic regulation, principles of molecular biology. prereq: Chem 1015, Bio 1009
HORT 2121 - Agricultural Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Chemical/biochemical foundation for agricultural disciplines. Concepts in organic, analytical, and biological chemistry. Chemistry, metabolism, and development of plants. Prerequisites: [CHEM 1015, CHEM 1017] or [CHEM 1061, CHEM 1065] *Note for those students considering graduate school - We highly recommend you consult your academic advisor for appropriate chemistry coursework.
ANSC 3011 - Statistics for Animal Science
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic statistical concepts. Develop statistical reasoning/critical thinking skills. Descriptive statistics, probability, sampling and sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, experimental design, linear correlation, linear regression and multiple regression. How to make sound arguments/decisions based on statistics when reviewing news articles or scientific publications with statistical content. Explore/draw conclusions from data using a basic statistical software package.
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Standard statistical reasoning. Simple statistical methods. Social/physical sciences. Mathematical reasoning behind facts in daily news. Basic computing environment.
ESPM 3012 - Statistical Methods for Environmental Scientists and Managers (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to statistical principles, foundations, and methods for examining data and drawing conclusions. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and regression modeling of relationships in environmental and natural resource science and management problems. prereq: Two yrs of high school math
AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Ecology/biology of invasive plant species (weeds). Principles of invasive plant management in agricultural/horticultural, urban, wetland, aquatic, and other non-cropland landscape systems, utilizing biological, cultural, and chemical means. Management strategies to design systems that optimize invasive plant management in terms of economic, environmental, and social impacts. prereq: 4005, [Bio 3002 or equiv], Soil 2125, [Agro 2501 or Hort 1011]
ESPM 3221 - Soil Conservation and Land-Use Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is designed to provide a local and global historical perspective of soil erosion (causes and consequences); develop a scientific understanding of soil erosion processes; and relates various soil conservation and land-use management strategies to real-world situations. Basics of soil erosion processes and prediction methods will be the fundamental building blocks of this course. From this understanding, we will discuss policies and socioeconomic aspects of soil erosion. Lastly, we will focus on effective land-use management using natural resource assessment tools. Case studies and real-world and current events examples will be used throughout the course to relate course material to experiences. prereq: SOIL 2125 or instr consent
AGRO 4605 - Strategies for Agricultural Production and Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Some of humanity's greatest challenges are related to agriculture. The human population continues to grow and food, fuel, and fiber production are critical to improving human lives around the world. In this course, students will learn the principles of crop production and apply those principles to address real-world agricultural challenges using quantitative tools and skills. Students will learn how to find, access, and use publicly available data to better make decisions in agriculture. Group activities will require students to synthesize information from peer-reviewed research and apply that information to practical problems. This class includes trips to field research plots to collect data, organizing it, and analyzing it to test hypotheses and solve problems. Discussions and labs will be interactive and will require individual and group-level critical thinking. prereq: 1101 or equivalent, [CHEM1015/17 or equivalent], SOIL1125 or equivalent], [jr or sr or grad student or instr consent]
PLSC 3005W - Introduction to Plant Physiology (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to physiological basis for effects of environment on plant growth/development. How to produce optimal plant growth. Experimental technique, data analysis, scientific writing. Lecture, readings, lab. Prerequisites: Biol 1009 or Hort 1001 and BioC 3021 or Hort 2100 or BioC 2011
PMB 3002 - Plant Biology: Function
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course explores a range of plant physiological processes, including how plants make and use food; acquire and use minerals; transport water and nutrients; and regulate growth and development in response to hormones and environmental cues, such as light quality. While this course is paired with the PMB 3005W Plant Function Laboratory, the courses do not need to be taken together or in a specific order. prereq: [1002 or 1009 or 2003 or equiv], [CHEM 1011 or one semester chemistry with some organic content]
PMB 3005W - Plant Function Laboratory (WI)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
In this lab course, students will use a variety of biological techniques to study plant structure and anatomy, plant physiology, cell biology, and plant growth. This includes topics related to climate change, plant adaptation, crop domestication, and genetic engineering. Includes hands-on laboratory activities and writing focus. While this course is paired with the PMB3002 lecture course, the courses do not need to be taken together or in a specific order. Prereq: BIOL 1009, BIOL 2003, or equiv.
FSCN 1011 - Science of Food and Cooking (PHYS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Souffles, custards, sauces, coffee brewing, candy making used to examine physics/chemistry of heat transfer, foams, gels, emulsions, extractions, crystallization.
FSCN 1102 - Food: Safety, Risks, and Technology (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to inherent risks/safety of food supply. Use of public policy and food technology to reduce risks. Microbiological, chemical, and environmental hazards, government/industry controls.
FSCN 1112 - Principles of Nutrition (TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course explores fundamental concepts of nutrition, nutrient functions, human nutritional requirements, and food sources. We will learn about evaluating nutrition information and food safety, and investigate the role of nutrition in chronic disease, public policy, and the environment. Nutrition is both a science and social science. This class involves social aspects, but mainly concerns the biochemistry and physiology of how food is processed in the body. The chapters on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and metabolism especially built on biology and physiology. Course topics include: 1. essential nutrients (macro-and-micro-nutrients) needed from the diet; 2. major functions of nutrients and physiological changes with deficiency or excess; 3. digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients; 4. weight management; 5. scientific method and nutrition; 6. life cycle issues; 7. food safety issues 8. nutrition for sports Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry
FSCN 2021 - Introductory Microbiology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: BIOL 1009, CHEM 1015
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
How microbes impact our world in deadly/life-saving ways. Roles of bacteria, fungi, and viruses as agents of human diseases; in food spoilage/food borne diseases; and in food preservation/health promotion. Preventing plant diseases, food/drug production, cleaning up oil spills. Genetic engineering.
ANSC 1511 - Food Animal Products for Consumers
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to the compositional variation, processing, selection, storage, cookery, palatability, nutritional value, and safety of red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Meets CFANS interdisciplinary requirement.
FSCN 3612 - Life Cycle Nutrition
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
FSCN 3612 focuses on nutritional requirements and common issues during different stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, childhood, adulthood, and aging. There are no required courses for this class; however, it is best to take a basic nutrition class beforehand, such as FSCN 1112 Principles of Nutrition or an equivalent.
FSCN 3614 - Nutrition Education and Counseling
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Effective communication and counseling skills are essential for all food and nutrition professionals, whether working in clinical, community, or food service settings. This course will teach necessary concepts and skills for entry-level dietitians, such as educational theory, basic counseling techniques, and health disparities and health literacy. You will develop skills and explore these concepts through application: by practicing in small group breakout sessions and by completing written assignments. You will also reflect on the nature of dietetics as a helping profession and your role in supporting clients who want to make lifestyle changes. There are no required prerequisites courses for FSCN 3614. However, it is recommended that students take an introductory nutrition course, such as FSCN 1112 (Principles of Nutrition) or equivalent in order to be prepared.
FSCN 3732 - Food Service Operations Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Planning, preparing, delivering, serving, managing foods served away from home.