Agriscience Courses
Principles of Agriscience is a one-Carnegie unit course that can be taught as an enhancement course or as the foundation course for the four-credit diversified agriculture program. All students must complete principles of agriscience before being allowed to enroll in the core and specialty courses of the program. The course serves as an introduction to the sciences, technologies, and applied practices of the progressive agriculture/agriscience industry. Emphasis is on an active learning environment enriched with technology- and science-based applications. The course focuses on providing an opportunity for students to explore the different fields of the agricultural sciences and develop foundational skills and knowledge needed for advancement in other courses and programs. Principles of agriscience is recommended for students in Grades 9 or 10. The course carries one Carnegie unit of credit that can count as a science elective credit for high school graduation.
Diversified Agriculture Animals Core curriculum is a one-Carnegie unit course within the four-credit diversified agriculture program. All students must complete the principles of agriscience course before being allowed to enroll in the diversified agriculture animals core course. The course is a culmination of in-depth study in the production, management, and evaluation of livestock based upon intended use. The course also addresses livestock facilities and management and guides students to research current issues in animal agriculture. Emphasis is on an active learning environment enriched with technology and hands-on, science-based applications.
Diversified Agriculture Mechanization Core curriculum is a one-Carnegie unit course within the diversified agriculture pathway All students must successfully complete the principles of agriscience prerequisite course before being allowed to enroll in the diversified agriculture mechanization core course. Emphasis in this pathway is centered on teaching advanced skills in mechanization as they apply to various aspects of an agricultural work environment. Students will attain advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as electricity, welding and fabrication, hydraulics and pneumatics, and the management and operation of agricultural equipment. Focus is on an active learning environment enriched with technology, engineering, and math-based applications.
Diversified Agriculture Plants Core curriculum is a one-Carnegie unit course within the four-credit diversified agriculture pathway. All students must successfully complete the principles of agriscience prerequisite course before being allowed to enroll in the diversified agriculture plants core course. This course is centered on agricultural plant growth, production, and management and harvesting. The course provides an opportunity for students to go in-depth regarding plant production in various areas of agriculture, from food and fiber crops, to forestry, landscape, and ornamental horticulture and alternative fuel crops.
Diversified Agriculture Poultry Science course is a one-credit course within the diversified agriculture pathway. Students must earn four credits within the diversified agriculture pathway to be a completer. All students must complete principles of agriscience before being allowed to enroll in poultry science. Content in this course includes competencies in poultry production, anatomy and physiology, genetic makeup, reproduction, and hatchery management. Upon completion of this course, students will have learned the basic roles and functions of a career in poultry science and will have gained basic skills required of an entry-level worker in a poultry facility.
Diversified Agriculture Veterinary Science course is a one-credit course within the diversified agriculture pathway. Students must earn four credits within the diversified agriculture pathway to be a completer. All students must complete the principles of agriscience course before being allowed to enroll in veterinary science. Veterinary science is focused on providing a knowledge base of veterinary medicine for students interested in careers as a veterinarian, veterinarian technician or assistant, or other occupations within the animal industry. This course highlights the basics of the profession, safety in the workplace, animal diseases, handling and restraint, care and grooming, clinical and surgical procedures, and client relationships within a practice. Emphasis is on an active learning environment enriched with technology, business simulations, and math-based applications.
Student Prerequisites For students to experience success in the program, the following student prerequisites are suggested:
C or higher in English (the previous year), C or higher in high school-level math (last course taken or the instructor can specify the level of math instruction needed),Instructor approval and TABE reading score (eighth grade or higher)
Or TABE reading and math score (eighth grade or higher), Instructor approval