Undergraduate Agri Services and Development Courses

AGSD 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in Agriculture Services and Development. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, aid in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective.

AGSD 1110. Introduction to Agricultural Services & Development. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the careers, opportunities, and skills needed within the agricultural services professions. Topics will include agricultural education, agricultural extension, agricultural industries, and general agriculture.

AGSD 2306. Introduction to Mechanical Agriculture. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Introduction to current and emerging topics and industry related to agricultural mechanization and the use of mechanical principals in agricultural settings. Includes safe facility practices, construction practices, electrical energy, precision agriculture, nanotechnology, theory of the fusion of metals, efficiency of internal combustion engines, and other mechanical technology-related subjects.

AGSD 2307. SAE Development in Agricultural Education. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will foster information assimilation, critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to successfully manage a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) or any business that uses generally accepted accounting principles and business management knowledge and skills. Information, concepts and skills applied in this course will provide a foundational knowledge to be used in the implementation of recordkeeping practices in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE).

AGSD 2308. Western Metal Art and Craftsmanship. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course will present the history behind custom handcrafted western articles to include belt buckles, spurs, bits, signs, leather working and other related equipment in the manner necessary to develop an appreciation of the craftsmanship necessary while also produce western art products of their own. Primary focus will be placed upon CNC design and leather working. Other areas of emphasis will include metallurgy, soldering, brazing, working with various silvers, brass, copper and other nonferrous metals. Final polishing, etching, engraving and finishing will be addressed covering all the necessary elements for a beginning craftsman to produce an object of art. Prerequisite: AGSD 2306.

AGSD 2311. Applied Agricultural Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Collection and computer analysis of data and records related to production agricultural enterprises. Problem-solving techniques related to the areas of animal science, agronomy, agricultural business, and agricultural mechanization are stressed.

AGSD 2330. History and Philosophy of the Cooperative Extension Service. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the Cooperative Extension Service, the philosophy of Cooperative Extension, and Extension’s role within the Land-Grant system. History, organization, program areas, and guiding principles of Cooperative Extension are discussed in detail.

AGSD 3101. Analysis of Agricultural Occupations. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

A course to advance student understanding of professional occupations in agriculture and the professional and technical competencies required.

AGSD 3301. Advanced Agricultural Power Units. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Investigation of modern power systems on agricultural equipment, agricultural safety, internal combustion operation, preventative maintenance and general servicing of tractor systems, hydraulics, and powertrain operations. Prerequisite: Sophomore classification.

AGSD 3302. Agricultural Sales and Services. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Application of successful selling. Principles and practices in providing farm and ranch operations with agricultural materials, supplies, equipment, and services. Seller aspects involved in the marketing of farm and ranch products by farm-related agribusinesses. Career opportunities and preparation in agricultural sales and services will be explored.

AGSD 3306. Lab Techniques in Agricultural Mechanics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

The development of mechanical laboratory skills used in the teaching of agriculture with emphasis on electrical, construction, and environmental topics. Laboratory management and maintenance for effective teaching will also be emphasized. Lab fee: $2.

AGSD 3307. Premier Leadership in Agriculture. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Study and application of leadership skills related to agricultural education in middle/secondary agricultural education programs.

AGSD 3318. Land Surveying and Soil/Water Conservation Practices. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Surveying principles including leveling, total station, laser levels, and mapping as applied to agriculture. The utilization of GPS in the agricultural industry. Planning and development of structures for surface water and waste water management. Lab fee $10.

AGSD 3325. Agricultural Electrical Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Elements of: electric current generation and transmission, agricultural applications of electric heating, lighting and power, wiring, motors, and power rates. Also includes National Electrical Code and maintenance of air conditioning and cooling systems. Lab fee $16.

AGSD 3326. Precision Agricultural Equipment Management and Operation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course provides an overview of current precision agriculture technologies, mapping methods, equipment operation, equipment setup, and equipment troubleshooting. Students can expect to be engaged in equipment operation in a broad range of agricultural experiences that deal with current precision equipment and techniques.

AGSD 3329. Farm Utilities. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Farm water supply, sewage disposal, heating and ventilating system, farm refrigeration and farmstead layouts. Lab fee $6.

AGSD 3330. 4-H and Youth Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of 4-H and Youth Development programs within the Cooperative Extension Service. Volunteer management and guiding principles of the 4-H and Youth Development program will be discussed. Information, concepts and skills applied in this course will provide a foundational knowledge to be used in the implementation of developing and/or managing a 4-H and Youth Development program within the Cooperative Extension System.

AGSD 3340. Agricultural Field Machinery. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

Principles of construction, operation, adjustment, calibration, and repair of agricultural tillage, planting, cultivating, spraying, fertilizing, and harvesting machinery. Laboratory activities include set-up of new equipment, wear analysis and repair of used equipment, calibration of equipment, and field operations. Lab fee $12.

AGSD 3380. Formulation of Agriculture & Food Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the past and present development of agriculture and food policy at the state and national levels. Topics include a history of the legislative process, current agricultural issues, and the place of agriculture in the American political system.

AGSD 4086. Problems in Agricultural Services. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

Independent study in an area of specialization. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit when topics differ. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

AGSD 4185. Seminar. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

A review of current problems and developments in agricultural services; professional opportunities and responsibilities; individual investigations and reports. Prerequisite: Senior classification.

AGSD 4302. Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

The mechanical processes used in the processing and storage of grains, forages, nuts, and other agricultural products along with factors important to maintaining product quality during storage and processing. Lab fee $6.

AGSD 4305. Agricultural Mechanical Services. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Applications of advanced phases in agricultural mechanics. The course will emphasize the organization, management, service, and use of equipment in all areas of agricultural mechanics. Prerequisite: Senior classification Lab fee: $2.

AGSD 4306. Agricultural Mechanical Services and Instruction. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Field-based applications of agricultural mechanics instruction. This course will emphasize the organization, management, service, and use of equipment in all areas of agricultural mechanics instruction. Prerequisite: AGRI 2301 OR AGRI 2304 Lab fee: $2.

AGSD 4307. Program Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of curriculum and programmatic management for all aspects of the secondary/middle school agricultural science and technology program. Topics include pre-employment laboratories, work-based learning, advisory committees, supervised agricultural experience programs, new program development/ implementation, foundations of agricultural education, program activism, and incorporating Agricultural Science and Technology into the total school curriculum.

AGSD 4310. Leadership Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Field-based experiences designed to develop leadership ability for teaching, entrepreneurship, and conducting adult and youth organizations. Includes systems of record keeping. Lab fee: $2.

AGSD 4320. Agriscience Course Building. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Field-based experiences are provided in a school setting where students will prepare and deliver units of instruction for middle school and secondary programs; develop unit and daily lesson plans, reports; manage curriculum issues; examine various models of instruction; implement brain-based teaching and learning techniques, analyze classroom management strategies, and demonstrate competencies in effective teaching practices. Prerequisite: EDUC 3321, EDUC 4331, EDSP 4361 and READ 3351 Lab fee $2.

AGSD 4325. Agriculture Safety and Health. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Protecting agricultural workers and the general public in our age of technological and scientific advancement has become one of the most challenging and rewarding career fields. This online agricultural safety and health class will prepare you to respond to these needs, to analyze hazardous agricultural and rural public health situations, to develop and implement safety programs, and apply governmental regulations associated with production agriculture.

AGSD 4326. National Agricultural Education Outreach Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An in-depth course designed to give students hands-on experience with developing a national agricultural education outreach program. Student will be required to travel to the National FFA Convention in the fall semester to deliver the program at the National FFA Convention. Students will need to submit an application for course enrollment. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

AGSD 4330. Agricultural Extension and Industry Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Agricultural extension in agriculture and the agriculture industry. Objectives include organization, methods, and program building. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

AGSD 4350. Animal Related Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Specialized feeding, training, and fitting livestock for sales and advertising. Specialized topics in identifying, selecting, and evaluating poultry and poultry products, horses, and dairy and dairy products. Prerequisites: Senior classification and AGRI 1419 Lab fee: $2.

AGSD 4355. Mexican Agricultural Relations. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 6 Hours).

A study of international agricultural technology, educational methodology, and diverse cultural activities related to Mexico. A required one-week trip at student's expense to Mexico will be one of the requirements necessary to meet the course objectives. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of the instructor.

AGSD 4383. Internship in Classroom Teaching in Agricultural Services and Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 9 Hours).

This internship includes supervised, field-based activities in public school classrooms. Major emphasis is placed on the development of instructional strategies and professional practices designed to improve teaching performance. Students are required to conduct a reflective analysis of their teaching performance. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: admission to the Teacher Education Program and approval of department head. Field experience fee $50.

AGSD 4390. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Deals with selected topics in Agricultural Services and Development. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: approval of department head.

AGSD 4601. Clinical Teaching. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 16 Hours).

Twelve weeks or equivalent of off-campus supervised clinical teaching in an Agricultural Science and Technology Program in selected public schools in Texas. Prerequisite: Senior classification.

AGSD 4684. Internship. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 12-16 Hours).

The student will complete an approved supervised work experience with an agricultural service organization or related industry. Prerequisites: Senior classification and advisor approval. Lab fee: $2.