Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Agriculture and Life Sciences Division within the College of Natural Applied Sciences will offer the Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (SAFNR) Program with two tracks to create leaders and professionals for the next generation needed to address challenges which are closely tied to the global food systems, nutrition and human health, energy security, climate change, as well as agricultural enterprises, using sustainable approaches. The goal of the program therefore, will include educating students and developing and disseminating science-based information to promote sustainable agricultural production, healthy living, and natural resource management that is appropriate for the Western Pacific Region. Courses are offered by faculty from the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Health, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the Marine Laboratory, the Water & Environmental Research Institute, and the sponsored programs. Students can expect to (1) learn how to form place-based, robust research questions pertaining to agricultural and natural resources, food, nutrition, and health with an emphasis in the island nations of the Pacific; (2) conduct needed educational and service projects in Western Pacific Island communities; (3) obtain the knowledge and skills needed for sound scientific inquiry and professional practice; and (4) formulate a solid understanding of and commitment to professional ethics.
Upon successful completion of the Program, students will:
Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, synthesize and summarize issues in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food, nutrition and natural resources.
Demonstrate competence in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis in agricultural science, food and nutrition science, as well as the natural resources.
Be able to write technical scientific reports and articles.
Be up to date with current topics and research activities related to sustainable agriculture, food and natural resource sciences in the academic literature as well as in practice the island communities.
Be ableto conceive, conduct, and report original research results.
Apply knowledge and technical skills learned in SAFNR in order to solve contemporary sustainability challenges in tropical systems.
Applicants must first meet all University of Guam's requirements.
Application packages are first evaluated by the SAFNR Admissions and Recruitment Committee who then present their recommendation to the Program Chair. Upon approval by the Program Chair, the applicant is admitted to the program.
SAFNR Program Requirements:
CNAS Graduate Program applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a completed application
by July 1 for the Fanuchånan/Fall semester and by December 1 for the Fañomnåkan/Spring semester. Reviews and decisions for applications received
after this deadline, are at the program's discretion and not guaranteed.
For matriculating into Graduate Certificate Programs, a certificate advisor must be identified/ selected for acceptance into the SAFNR program. Graduate Certificate Program advisors are:
Once admitted by the SAFNR program, SAFNR graduate students are expected to:
The SAFNR is built around two component disciplines (Tracks): Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources, and of Food and Nutrition. Applicants are expected to have backgrounds related to at least one of these disciplines. Related backgrounds are broadly defined. Students who do not possess these background courses will be advised to take key undergraduate courses as part of their program. For example, for Sustainable Agriculture, related disciplines include all the sub-disciplines of biology and other life sciences, such as biochemistry, or genetics; the health sciences; and agricultural, animal, and plant sciences. Disciplines related to Natural Resources-include the natural sciences, particularly the earth sciences, tropical ecosystem, and atmospheric sciences. Disciplines related to Nutrition and/or Food Science include human nutrition, food preparation and processing, health science, food chemistry, food safety, and microbiology. Relevant disciplines also include; applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Applicants with other backgrounds, especially with interdisciplinary training or experience, who have completed the prerequisites listed below or can provide other evidence of their ability to successfully complete the core course requirement will be considered as well.
The two tracks of the program will cover the following topics:
The following topics will be covered in the Track of Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources:
The following topics will be covered in the Track of Food and Nutrition:
Within the first semester following SAFNR program acceptance, students must choose and be accepted by a faculty advisor with expertise in their selected sub-discipline. In consultation with his/her advisor, each student must select a discipline track that he/she will follow for the remainder of their academic program: 1) Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources, and 2) Food and Nutrition as described below. Subsequently, the student's individual program is developed by the student and his/her advisor and monitored by the advisor and the student's advisory committee. Final program approval requires endorsement by the Program Chair and CNAS Dean, with subsequent approval by the Director of Graduate Studies.
The University of Guam’s graduate SAFNR Program is designed to produce graduates equipped with essential knowledge and skills. It fosters a commitment to the highest standards of professional integrity in research and application of Agricultural and Natural Resources as well as Food and Nutrition to matters of public interest.
Among the core courses which are courses: Advanced Statistical Methods (BI/EV-507, 4 credit hours), Seminars on current topics (AL 691, 1 credit hour), Bio-logical Literature & Scientific Writing (BI/EV 503, 2 hours). These core courses equip students with quantitative skills for rigorous experimental design and, interpretation as well as rigorous training in, scientific writing. Students take all four of these core courses, irrespective of which track they choose for their concentration. This suite of courses, thus equips students with the essential knowledge and skills from each of the two discipline tracks that define the SAFNR program.
Up to 3-credits of Thesis (AL-695) can be earned to prepare his/her Thesis proposal. Students will earn the remaining Thesis (AL-695) credits after his/her proposal is presented and approved.
The CORE curriculum for ALL TRACKS consists of four courses totaling 13 credit hours:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
BI503 | BIOLOGICAL LITERATURE AND SCIENTIFIC WRITING + Survey of biological literature as an assist in thesis and manuscript preparation
in the areas of writing, proofreading, literature citation, figure and table preparation.
Two hours of lecture weekly.
|
2 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
EV503 | BIOLOGICAL LITERATURE AND SCIENTIFIC WRITING + Survey of biological literature as an assist in thesis and manuscript preparation
in the areas of writing, proofreading, literature citation, figure and table preparation.
Two hours of lecture weekly.
|
2 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
BI507 | ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS + An advanced course in applied statistical methods as used in the biological and environmental
sciences stressing the design and analysis of experimental and observational studies.
Lectures will be 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MA385 or equivalent.
|
4 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
EV507 | ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS + An advanced course in applied statistical methods as used in the biological and environmental
sciences stressing the design and analysis of experimental and observational studies.
Lectures will be 4 hours per week. Prerequisites: MA385 or equivalent.
|
4 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
AL691 | SEMINAR AND CURRENT TOPICS + This course is graduate seminar course that combines formal student presentations
with invited presentations by faculty and community members involved with agriculture
and life sciences and related subjects. The course consists of 1-hour sessions each
week throughout the semester.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
AL695 | THESIS + The ALS 695 Thesis course is a final course of the SAFNR graduate program. This course
is designed to give the student field and research experience within the UOG Research
and Extension framework to complete and defend Thesis work. UOG faculty-directed projects
are designed for individual students. The student is required to complete two 3-credit
courses (i.e. 135 hours for 3 credits) directed research during their last two semesters.
Prerequisite: Instructor's consent.
|
1 - 6 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
For the Sustainable Agriculture & Natural Resources track, students must choose minimum of 9 credit hours from the following courses:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL443G | TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL AGRICULTURE + This course provides students with knowledge of Agricultural sustainability through
the practice of technologies that efficiently utilize resources that aim to improve
and sustain soil and water quality and quantity. Students will gain knowledge of the
technologies for improving sustainability on agriculture operations, conservation
practices that mitigate degradation of soil and water utility in agricultural operation
through sustainable management. Students will learn management strategies and technologies
that aim to obtain optimum agricultural production, reduce negative environmental
impacts, and sustain natural resources. The course meets for three hours of lecture
and three hours of laboratory weekly. AL443L/G is the laboratory portion of AL443/G
and MUST be taken concurrently. Corequisite: AL443L/G. Prerequisites: MA161A, AL211,
AL281 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL443L/G | TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL AGRICULTURE LABORATORY + This course provides students with knowledge of agricultural sustainability through
the practice of technologies that efficiently utilize resources that aim to improve
and sustain soil and water quality and quantity. Students will gain knowledge of the
technologies for improving sustainability on agriculture operations, conservation
practices that mitigate degradation of soil and water quality in agricultural operations
through sustainable management. Students will learn management strategies and technologies
that aim to obtain optimum agricultural production, reduce negative environmental
impacts, and sustain natural resources. Laboratories will be conducted three hours
weekly, and will consist of field activities, field trips, and guest lectures. AL443L/G
is the laboratory portion of AL443/G and MUST be taken concurrently. Corequisite:
AL443/G. Prerequisites: MA161a, AL211, AL281, or consent of instructor.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
EV512 | ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ECONOMICS- MANAGEMENT-LAW + This course equips students with the fundamental elements of microeconomic theory,
concepts of environmental economics, techniques of environmental management, and elements
of environmental law that are essential for efficient and sustainable conservation,
allocation, and management of natural resources, as well as the rational evaluation
and effective maintenance of environmental safety and quality.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
AL536 | ADVANCES IN SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE + This course is intended to cover the recent advance in sustainable aquaculture research,
development and application, including culture system, aquaculture nutrition, reproductive
biology, genetic selective breeding, health management, production techniques, aquatic
environmental management, seafood processing technology, off commercially important
aquaculture species. It is also designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the molecular
techniques currently used in aquaculture research, with emphasis on some applications
in developing a sustainable aquaculture in the tropical regions. Prerequisite: AL136
or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
EV561 | URBAN LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT + This course focuses on the integration of ecological theory with vegetation management
and includes aspects of horticulture, landscape design, recreation studies, planning
and financial management. This course emphasizes the use and management of indigenous
and introduced vegetation in the public landscape and explores both scientific and
philosophical ideas on reasons for undertaking certain practices.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL566 | AGROECOLOGY FOR ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY + Agroecology is the science of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design
and management of sustainable food/agricultural production systems. The lecture topics
include comparing structural and functional differences between natural ecosystems
and agroecosystems with an emphasis on the tropical islands. The students study the
resource-conservation and diversification of plant materials for agricultural sustainability.
This course is offered to graduate students who have interested in studying plant,
soil, and natural resource science, environmental science, agricultural and food bio-security,
socio- and human ecology and general biological sciences. This course includes three
hours of lecture weekly. Prerequisite: BI100 or AL101 or AL102, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL570 | SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS + This course covers farm animal products and provides a general overview of the livestock
and poultry industry, relative to biological concepts such as genetics, nutrition,
reproduction and disease prevention. This includes biotechnology along with environmental
challenges. Prerequisites: AL-211 AND AL-211L, and/or Instructors Consent.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL581 | PRINCIPLE OF PLANT NUTRITION + This course covers plant metabolism and the assimilation of nutrients, their functions
in plant and their contributions to plant growth and crop production. The course presents
a wide range of topics which cut across the boundaries of soil sciences, plant physiology
and biochemistry, as well as some of the ecological conditions pertaining to the tropical
and humid environments. Prerequisites: CH102 and CH103.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
For the Food & Nutrition track, students must choose minimum of 9 credit hours from the following courses:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
BI419G | BIOCHEMISTRY + This course covers the principles of protein chemistry and enzyme nomenclature, catalysis,
kinetics and control. It includes three hours of lecture weekly. The lab, BI/CH419L,
MUST be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: CH310a, CH311, CH310b and CH312; or concurrent
enrollment. Corequisite: BI/CH419L.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
CH419G | BIOCHEMISTRY + This course covers the principles of protein chemistry and enzyme nomenclature, catalysis,
kinetics and control. It includes three hours of lecture weekly. The lab, BI/CH419L,
MUST be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: CH310a, CH311, CH310b and CH312; or concurrent
enrollment. Corequisite: BI/CH419G/L.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
AL439G | COMMUNITY NUTRITION + This course applies knowledge gained from nutrition across the lifespan to nutrition
education. Concepts in nutrition education, community programming, and public health
are introduced. It is designed for the student who desires to promote health and nutrition
with community groups using community nutrition concepts and strategies. Students
taking this course for graduate credit will have additional. requirements. Prerequisites:
AL330 or consent of instructor. ED300 recommended, not required.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL445G | FOOD CHEMISTRY + This course focuses on the chemical and functional properties of food constituents.
Students learn the effects of processing and storage on the stability of chemical
components, nutrition values, and quality of foods. Prerequisite: BI157/157L and BI158/158L
or CH102/102L and CH103/103L. Corequisite: AL445G/L.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL505 | NUTRITIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY + This is a 3-credit course that explores the complex relationships between diet and
the major diseases of Western civilization, such as cancer and atherosclerosis. Topics
that will be covered include: research strategies in nutritional epidemiology; methods
of dietary assessment (using data on food intake, biochemical indicators of diet,
and measures of body size and composition); reproducibility and validity of dietary
assessment methods; nutrition surveillance; and diet-disease associations. Prerequisites:
BI/EV507.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL542 | ADVANCED FOOD SAFETY + This course covers biological, chemical, and physical agents of foodborne diseases
and provides a farm-to-fork perspective overview of food safety, including the fundamental
principles, laboratory and analytical methods, risk assessment and hazard analysis,
safe operations and technology, and food safety topics, issues, and regulations. Prerequisites:
BI157, BI-157L, BI158, BI158L, BI124, BI124L, BI125, BI125L, BI110, BI110L, BI225,
BI225L and AL342.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL539 | PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION + This course covers farm animal products and provides a general overview of the livestock
and poultry industry, relative to biological concepts such as genetics, nutrition,
reproduction and disease prevention. This includes biotechnology along with environmental
challenges. Prerequisites: AL439/G and AL430.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Beyond the core courses, each student must complete at least 11 credit hours from the elective courses related to his or her selected area of concentration and agreed upon by his or her advisor. Elective courses should be selected upon consultation with the thesis committee to support the chosen research track. See General requirements for research thesis. Research thesis in SAFNR program are expected to make an original contribution to the selected sub-discipline and reflect mastery of the knowledge and skills required to successfully pursue of advanced study and research in the aforementioned science degree program.
Students are to choose a minimum of 11 credit hours from the following list or any graduate courses with advisor’s recommendation:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL443G | TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL AGRICULTURE + This course provides students with knowledge of Agricultural sustainability through
the practice of technologies that efficiently utilize resources that aim to improve
and sustain soil and water quality and quantity. Students will gain knowledge of the
technologies for improving sustainability on agriculture operations, conservation
practices that mitigate degradation of soil and water utility in agricultural operation
through sustainable management. Students will learn management strategies and technologies
that aim to obtain optimum agricultural production, reduce negative environmental
impacts, and sustain natural resources. The course meets for three hours of lecture
and three hours of laboratory weekly. AL443L/G is the laboratory portion of AL443/G
and MUST be taken concurrently. Corequisite: AL443L/G. Prerequisites: MA161A, AL211,
AL281 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL443L/G | TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL AGRICULTURE LABORATORY + This course provides students with knowledge of agricultural sustainability through
the practice of technologies that efficiently utilize resources that aim to improve
and sustain soil and water quality and quantity. Students will gain knowledge of the
technologies for improving sustainability on agriculture operations, conservation
practices that mitigate degradation of soil and water quality in agricultural operations
through sustainable management. Students will learn management strategies and technologies
that aim to obtain optimum agricultural production, reduce negative environmental
impacts, and sustain natural resources. Laboratories will be conducted three hours
weekly, and will consist of field activities, field trips, and guest lectures. AL443L/G
is the laboratory portion of AL443/G and MUST be taken concurrently. Corequisite:
AL443/G. Prerequisites: MA161a, AL211, AL281, or consent of instructor.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL451G | AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT + This course examines the role of the manager in the organization and operation of
the farm or agri-business. Will cover developing conservation plans, farm business
plans, and enterprise budget, as well as other business planning and financial management
tools. Prerequisites: MA115 or higher and AL351 or BA110.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
MI501 | PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF MICRO + This course provides a comprehensive overview of the cultures and societies of the
Micronesian area. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing or Senior Level or Consent of Instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
EV535 | TROPICAL CLIMATE & CLIMATE VARIABILITY + This course is a study of the climate of the world's tropical regions. Natural variations
in rainfall are studies. Mechanisms for short-term fluctuations and long-term changes
including El Niqo, La Niqa, Quasi-biennial stratospheric oscillations, and the ice
ages are presented. Also discussed is what constitutes an optimal climate, and whether
or not an ice age is worse than a warmer world. Prerequisites: BI412G, EV511, BI/EV503,
or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
EV510 | ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: BIOLOGY/ECOLOGY + This course covers concepts of biology needed for further studies in environmental
science. Ecological and biological principles are presented including an introduction
to ecosystem ecology. Human impacts on the environment on a global and local scale
are discussed. Three hours of lecture weekly.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY |
AL481G | ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE + This course uses the principles of soil science with practical demonstrations to study
the relationships among contemporary agriculture, natural resources and the environment.
It gives an overview of management techniques for erosion control and soil and water
conservation with focus on rill and interrail erosion. This course also discusses
non-point source pollution and control practices involving disposal of organic wastes
on agricultural and forestlands. This course will also equip students with skills
useful for environmental assessment and soil contaminants analysis. Techniques used
for bioremediation of contaminated soils and how soil can be managed to filter out
contaminants will be introduced. The course has three hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: AG380, MA161a and two Chemistry Courses (CH102,
CH103) or BI100
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL481L/G | ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE LABORATORY + This is the laboratory section of AL481. Concurrent enrollment in AL481 is required.
This course meets for three hours of laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: AL/NS380 and
MA161a or higher.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
HS405G | EPIDEMIOLOGY + This course offers as overview of epidemiology and the epidemiology approach to problems
of health and disease. The major principles and methods of epidemiology are presented
together with many of the applications of epidemiology to public health and clinical
practice. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
EV506 | PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF MICRONESIA + This course is a study of the origin and characteristics of the physical environments
and biogeography of Micronesia through an analysis of physical geographic elements,
their patterns of distribution, interrelationships, and problems. Prerequisites: Graduate
standing or senior level.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
MI514 | HEALTH AND HUMAN ADAPTATION IN MICRONESIA + Primarily rooted in medical anthropology, this course uses a multidisciplinary approach
to look at the status of health and human adaptation in Micronesia. By using specific
examples of disease patterns, adaptation is looked at as an evolutionary process as
well as synchronically. Strong emphasis is placed on the changing map of health and
disease, generally in the Pacific and specifically in the Micronesian Islands. Along
with medical anthropology, ideas and methods from related fields such as medical geography
and epidemiology have also been incorporated into course materials. Following a broad
overview of medical anthropology with introductions to its related fields, ideas and
concepts central to health and adaptation will be presented, followed by case studies
from Micronesia and the Pacific. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL563 | MGMT & RECYCLING OF ORGANIC WASTE + This course focuses on various management practices and technologies dealing with
handling, storage, and conversation of animal waste and plant by-products to useful
energy, animal feed, and fertilizer. Recycling and processing methods such as drying
rendering, composting, fermentation, extruding, and bio-gas pro- duction are also
covered. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. This course focuses on various management
practices and technologies dealing with handling, storage, and conversion of animal
waste and plant by- products to useful energy, animal feed, and fertilizer. Recycling
and processing methods such as drying, rendering, composting, fermentation, extruding,
and bio- gas production are also covered. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL698 | INTERNSHIP IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES + The internship course provides students with opportunities to work in the academic
and professional areas of their interest under the supervision of the expert in the
field. For the internship course, a AL698 Student Contract Form needs to be signed
by Student, Course Instructor, Student's Advisor, Chair of the graduate program, Dean
of the college, and Supervisor of the participating party such as another academic
institution, a government agency, a private business, or a non-profit organization
engaged in activities that relate to sustainable agriculture, food, nutrition, and
natural resources. Each credit (1 credit) requires 40 hours of job training per semester
and the 3-credit internship course requires 120 hours. Students may take up to a maximum
of six credit hours for completion of the program.
|
1 - 3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
AL691 | SEMINAR AND CURRENT TOPICS + This course is graduate seminar course that combines formal student presentations
with invited presentations by faculty and community members involved with agriculture
and life sciences and related subjects. The course consists of 1-hour sessions each
week throughout the semester.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
AL692 | TEACHING/RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP + This course provides practical educational experience in graduate Sustainable Agriculture,
Food, and Natural Resources' courses. PREREQUISITE: INSTRUCTOR'S CONSENT.
|
1 credit hour | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Students are required to take a minimum of 33 credit hours to graduate from the SAFNR program. A thesis with a satisfactory grade point average of 3.0 or higher will confer the Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (SAFNR).
The Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (SAFNR) also offers a Graduate Certificate to students who have successfully completed a total of 15 credit hours with a satisfactory grade point average of 3.0 or higher in one of these four concentration areas:
The CORE requirements for all Graduate Certificate Programs:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL691 | SEMINAR AND CURRENT TOPICS + This course is graduate seminar course that combines formal student presentations
with invited presentations by faculty and community members involved with agriculture
and life sciences and related subjects. The course consists of 1-hour sessions each
week throughout the semester.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Selection of courses for each concentration area will be determined by the Student, Advisor, and one additional committee member of the programs, and approved by the Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Science. Courses recommended for each concentration are listed below, yet not limited these courses.
Minimum of 14 credit hours
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL566 | AGROECOLOGY FOR ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY + Agroecology is the science of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design
and management of sustainable food/agricultural production systems. The lecture topics
include comparing structural and functional differences between natural ecosystems
and agroecosystems with an emphasis on the tropical islands. The students study the
resource-conservation and diversification of plant materials for agricultural sustainability.
This course is offered to graduate students who have interested in studying plant,
soil, and natural resource science, environmental science, agricultural and food bio-security,
socio- and human ecology and general biological sciences. This course includes three
hours of lecture weekly. Prerequisite: BI100 or AL101 or AL102, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
Choose one of the following:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL443G | TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL AGRICULTURE + This course provides students with knowledge of Agricultural sustainability through
the practice of technologies that efficiently utilize resources that aim to improve
and sustain soil and water quality and quantity. Students will gain knowledge of the
technologies for improving sustainability on agriculture operations, conservation
practices that mitigate degradation of soil and water utility in agricultural operation
through sustainable management. Students will learn management strategies and technologies
that aim to obtain optimum agricultural production, reduce negative environmental
impacts, and sustain natural resources. The course meets for three hours of lecture
and three hours of laboratory weekly. AL443L/G is the laboratory portion of AL443/G
and MUST be taken concurrently. Corequisite: AL443L/G. Prerequisites: MA161A, AL211,
AL281 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL481G | ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE + This course uses the principles of soil science with practical demonstrations to study
the relationships among contemporary agriculture, natural resources and the environment.
It gives an overview of management techniques for erosion control and soil and water
conservation with focus on rill and interrail erosion. This course also discusses
non-point source pollution and control practices involving disposal of organic wastes
on agricultural and forestlands. This course will also equip students with skills
useful for environmental assessment and soil contaminants analysis. Techniques used
for bioremediation of contaminated soils and how soil can be managed to filter out
contaminants will be introduced. The course has three hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: AG380, MA161a and two Chemistry Courses (CH102,
CH103) or BI100
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL451G | AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT + This course examines the role of the manager in the organization and operation of
the farm or agri-business. Will cover developing conservation plans, farm business
plans, and enterprise budget, as well as other business planning and financial management
tools. Prerequisites: MA115 or higher and AL351 or BA110.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Choose one of the following:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
EV561 | URBAN LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT + This course focuses on the integration of ecological theory with vegetation management
and includes aspects of horticulture, landscape design, recreation studies, planning
and financial management. This course emphasizes the use and management of indigenous
and introduced vegetation in the public landscape and explores both scientific and
philosophical ideas on reasons for undertaking certain practices.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL563 | MGMT & RECYCLING OF ORGANIC WASTE + This course focuses on various management practices and technologies dealing with
handling, storage, and conversation of animal waste and plant by-products to useful
energy, animal feed, and fertilizer. Recycling and processing methods such as drying
rendering, composting, fermentation, extruding, and bio-gas pro- duction are also
covered. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. This course focuses on various management
practices and technologies dealing with handling, storage, and conversion of animal
waste and plant by- products to useful energy, animal feed, and fertilizer. Recycling
and processing methods such as drying, rendering, composting, fermentation, extruding,
and bio- gas production are also covered. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Choose one of the following:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL570 | SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS + This course covers farm animal products and provides a general overview of the livestock
and poultry industry, relative to biological concepts such as genetics, nutrition,
reproduction and disease prevention. This includes biotechnology along with environmental
challenges. Prerequisites: AL-211 AND AL-211L, and/or Instructors Consent.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL536 | ADVANCES IN SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE + This course is intended to cover the recent advance in sustainable aquaculture research,
development and application, including culture system, aquaculture nutrition, reproductive
biology, genetic selective breeding, health management, production techniques, aquatic
environmental management, seafood processing technology, off commercially important
aquaculture species. It is also designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the molecular
techniques currently used in aquaculture research, with emphasis on some applications
in developing a sustainable aquaculture in the tropical regions. Prerequisite: AL136
or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Minimum of 14 credit hours
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL566 | AGROECOLOGY FOR ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY + Agroecology is the science of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design
and management of sustainable food/agricultural production systems. The lecture topics
include comparing structural and functional differences between natural ecosystems
and agroecosystems with an emphasis on the tropical islands. The students study the
resource-conservation and diversification of plant materials for agricultural sustainability.
This course is offered to graduate students who have interested in studying plant,
soil, and natural resource science, environmental science, agricultural and food bio-security,
socio- and human ecology and general biological sciences. This course includes three
hours of lecture weekly. Prerequisite: BI100 or AL101 or AL102, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL698 | INTERNSHIP IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES + The internship course provides students with opportunities to work in the academic
and professional areas of their interest under the supervision of the expert in the
field. For the internship course, a AL698 Student Contract Form needs to be signed
by Student, Course Instructor, Student's Advisor, Chair of the graduate program, Dean
of the college, and Supervisor of the participating party such as another academic
institution, a government agency, a private business, or a non-profit organization
engaged in activities that relate to sustainable agriculture, food, nutrition, and
natural resources. Each credit (1 credit) requires 40 hours of job training per semester
and the 3-credit internship course requires 120 hours. Students may take up to a maximum
of six credit hours for completion of the program.
|
1 - 3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Choose one of the following:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
EV561 | URBAN LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT + This course focuses on the integration of ecological theory with vegetation management
and includes aspects of horticulture, landscape design, recreation studies, planning
and financial management. This course emphasizes the use and management of indigenous
and introduced vegetation in the public landscape and explores both scientific and
philosophical ideas on reasons for undertaking certain practices.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
Choose one of the following:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL481G | ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE + This course uses the principles of soil science with practical demonstrations to study
the relationships among contemporary agriculture, natural resources and the environment.
It gives an overview of management techniques for erosion control and soil and water
conservation with focus on rill and interrail erosion. This course also discusses
non-point source pollution and control practices involving disposal of organic wastes
on agricultural and forestlands. This course will also equip students with skills
useful for environmental assessment and soil contaminants analysis. Techniques used
for bioremediation of contaminated soils and how soil can be managed to filter out
contaminants will be introduced. The course has three hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: AG380, MA161a and two Chemistry Courses (CH102,
CH103) or BI100
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL481L/G | ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE LABORATORY + This is the laboratory section of AL481. Concurrent enrollment in AL481 is required.
This course meets for three hours of laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: AL/NS380 and
MA161a or higher.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
OR
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL581 | PRINCIPLE OF PLANT NUTRITION + This course covers plant metabolism and the assimilation of nutrients, their functions
in plant and their contributions to plant growth and crop production. The course presents
a wide range of topics which cut across the boundaries of soil sciences, plant physiology
and biochemistry, as well as some of the ecological conditions pertaining to the tropical
and humid environments. Prerequisites: CH102 and CH103.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
Minimum of 14 credit hours
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL439G | COMMUNITY NUTRITION + This course applies knowledge gained from nutrition across the lifespan to nutrition
education. Concepts in nutrition education, community programming, and public health
are introduced. It is designed for the student who desires to promote health and nutrition
with community groups using community nutrition concepts and strategies. Students
taking this course for graduate credit will have additional. requirements. Prerequisites:
AL330 or consent of instructor. ED300 recommended, not required.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL445G | FOOD CHEMISTRY + This course focuses on the chemical and functional properties of food constituents.
Students learn the effects of processing and storage on the stability of chemical
components, nutrition values, and quality of foods. Prerequisite: BI157/157L and BI158/158L
or CH102/102L and CH103/103L. Corequisite: AL445G/L.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL451G | AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT + This course examines the role of the manager in the organization and operation of
the farm or agri-business. Will cover developing conservation plans, farm business
plans, and enterprise budget, as well as other business planning and financial management
tools. Prerequisites: MA115 or higher and AL351 or BA110.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL539 | PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION + This course covers farm animal products and provides a general overview of the livestock
and poultry industry, relative to biological concepts such as genetics, nutrition,
reproduction and disease prevention. This includes biotechnology along with environmental
challenges. Prerequisites: AL439/G and AL430.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL542 | ADVANCED FOOD SAFETY + This course covers biological, chemical, and physical agents of foodborne diseases
and provides a farm-to-fork perspective overview of food safety, including the fundamental
principles, laboratory and analytical methods, risk assessment and hazard analysis,
safe operations and technology, and food safety topics, issues, and regulations. Prerequisites:
BI157, BI-157L, BI158, BI158L, BI124, BI124L, BI125, BI125L, BI110, BI110L, BI225,
BI225L and AL342.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
Minimum of 14 credit hours
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
AL536 | ADVANCES IN SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE + This course is intended to cover the recent advance in sustainable aquaculture research,
development and application, including culture system, aquaculture nutrition, reproductive
biology, genetic selective breeding, health management, production techniques, aquatic
environmental management, seafood processing technology, off commercially important
aquaculture species. It is also designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the molecular
techniques currently used in aquaculture research, with emphasis on some applications
in developing a sustainable aquaculture in the tropical regions. Prerequisite: AL136
or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
AL542 | ADVANCED FOOD SAFETY + This course covers biological, chemical, and physical agents of foodborne diseases
and provides a farm-to-fork perspective overview of food safety, including the fundamental
principles, laboratory and analytical methods, risk assessment and hazard analysis,
safe operations and technology, and food safety topics, issues, and regulations. Prerequisites:
BI157, BI-157L, BI158, BI158L, BI124, BI124L, BI125, BI125L, BI110, BI110L, BI225,
BI225L and AL342.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
AL451G | AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT + This course examines the role of the manager in the organization and operation of
the farm or agri-business. Will cover developing conservation plans, farm business
plans, and enterprise budget, as well as other business planning and financial management
tools. Prerequisites: MA115 or higher and AL351 or BA110.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Choose one of the following:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
EV508 | SCIENTIFIC COMPETENCE AND INTEGRITY + This course examines historical, philosophical, methodological, ethical, and moral
aspects of scientific thought and practice in the context of both historical and contemporary
issues in natural and environmental science. Readings and discussions are built around
classical examples such as the scientific controversy over Continental Drift and Plate
Tectonics as well as contemporary environmental issues, ranging from global concerns
such as climate and sea level change, to local public concerns such as solid waste
management and the safety of tap water. The central objective of the course is to
develop the skills and habits of sound critical thinking essential to the progress,
ethical practice, and moral application of science.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
BI508 | SCIENTIFIC COMPETENCE AND INTEGRITY + This course examines historical, philosophical, methodological, ethical, and moral
aspects of scientific thought and practice in the context of both historical and contemporary
issues in natural and environmental science. Readings and discussions are built around
classical examples such as the scientific controversy over Continental Drift and Plate
Tectonics as well as contemporary environmental issues, ranging from global concerns
such as climate and sea level change, to local public concerns such as solid waste
management and the safety of tap water. The central objective of the course is to
develop the skills and habits of sound critical thinking essential to the progress,
ethical practice, and moral application of science.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Choose one of the following:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
OR
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
BI540 | ICHTHYOLOGY + This course is a survey of the classification and morphology of fishes with emphasis
on local forms. It includes three hours of lecture weekly. The lab, BI440L, MUST be
taken concurrently. Prerequisite: BI157-157L and BI158-158L or equivalent. Corequisite:
BI440L.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
BI540L | ICHTHYOLOGY LABORATORY + This course is the laboratory portion of BI540G and MUST be taken concurrently. The
course consists of one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: BI157-157L
and BI158-158L or equivalent. Corequisite: BI540G.
|
1 credit hour | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
OR ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
For more information on Graduate certificate please refer to the program's website or email at safnr@triton.uog.edu.