Agronomy (BAS)

Summary

Agronomy provides broad training in the crop and soil sciences. Agronomy involves the science of growing plants in agriculture settings to provide consumers with food, fuel, fiber, and feed stocks. The BAS program provides students with an applied understanding of plant science, plant physiology, crop development, management, weed science, seed technologies, soils, and crop production systems with precision agriculture integrated into many areas as part of a holistic agroecosystem. The crop production areas consist of selection, planning, management, harvesting, and marketing. Areas of soil science include fertility, conservation, soil ecology, and conservation. In addition, courses in farm machinery, buildings and structures, farm management, farm accounting, farm business analysis, and farm business reorganization provide a broad-based program of study. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Applied Science

Major Credits

80

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Required General Education

Study of biological processes at the organismal level including a survey of life forms (viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), their evolution, and ecology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Prereq: C or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or C or higher in CHEM 104

Prerequisites: "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-04

Math Requirement - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-04

Basic concepts of trigonometry as preparation for college level mathematics and science course work. Topics include concepts of algebra (real numbers, functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions), trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, applications of trigonometry, and analytic geometry.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 112 with "C" (2.0) or better.

Goal Areas: GE-04

This course will cover topics of precalculus mathematics. Topics covered will include functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, trigonometric functions, circular functions, vectors and complex numbers, induction, series and probability.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Math Placement Table in this section, or grade of P in MATH 098.

Goal Areas: GE-04

Major Common Core

This course covers animal production history and economic impact, breeddevelopment, animal anatomy and physiology, animal production features, growth and lactation physiology, environmental animal production factors and animal research. This course also provides a comprehensive introduction to thefundamental principles of animal science based on biological and scientific aspects of animals that serve mankind.

Prerequisites: none

This course includes the study of the management and production of forages,grasses for harvested and grazed production. Subject areas will include varietals selection, planting, calculating yields, production costs, growth management, harvesting techniques and marketing techniques. The forage management will focus on legume and grass production, it will include emphasis on establishment, winter survival, fertilization, cutting management, forage storage and variety selection.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers agronomy principles for crop growth in the upper Midwest. The course covers the components of plant growth, seed quality, plant structures, plant development, plant classification, maturity systems and seeding rates. Corn and soybean production will be the main crops being discussed. The lab component will include activities in seed germination, staging of plant growth, stem, root, and flower structures.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include both the technical an practical information that should be of assistance to a student who will farm or go into the fertilizer business. The course deals with the basic soil-plant relationships and the effects of fertility. Detailed information of soil test results will be covered. Materials from the Certified Crop Advisor program will be used.

Prerequisites: BIOL 104, GEOL 104

Principles of the study of relationships between organisms and the environment. Topics include flow of energy and materials, organism-level interactions, growth and evolution of populations, and community ecology. Field trips to prairie, lake, stream, and forest communities, training in data collection and analysis, use of equipment, and report writing. Lab included.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105 and BIOL 106 or consent

Biology of plants including unique features of plant cells, life histories, metabolism, anatomy, physiology, and ecology. The course empathizes plants' remarkable adaptations to their environments, their diversity, and the vital roles they play in ecological interactions. For biology and environmental science majors and minors. Lab included.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105 and BIOL 106 or consent

This course considers the characteristics and identification of noxious and common weeds and weed seeds, methods of control, evaluation of herbicide performance and tolerance to herbicides. Topics on herbicide characteristics, formulations and application methods will be taken into account in determining the most economic method of weed control.

Prerequisites: BIOL 146

Lecture/laboratory course that presents an integrated view of plant biology, crop science, ecology, sustainability and current issues in biotechnology. Course focuses on issues of global concern such as sustainable food production, cropping techniques, climate change responses, pest management and herbicides, resistance, biofuels, genetically modified crops, molecular pharming, and tissue culture. Fall.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105, BIOL 106

This is a lecture course introducing students to major federal environmental laws and regulations. Discussions include the cause(s) that prompted the enactment of various environmental legislation as well as intent and implementation of the legislation. Both Federal and State of MN environmental statutes will be discussed.

Prerequisites: none

Choose 4 Credit(s).

An introduction to the multidisciplinary field of soil science and fertility. The course will examine the basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Further topics will explore soil genesis, soil health and management, and their relationships to crop production. Field trips and lab activities will be used to explore key concepts, with emphasis on examples relevant to the soils of southern Minnesota. Local field trips included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-10

An introduction to the multidisciplinary field of soil science and fertility. The course will examine the basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Further topics will explore soil genesis, soil health and management, and their relationships to crop production. Field trips and lab activities will be used to explore key concepts, with emphasis on examples relevant to the soils of southern Minnesota. Local field trips included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-10

Major Restricted Electives

Plant Science - Choose 10 - 11 Credit(s).

Students will study management practices in the production of corn and soybeans, the economic and environmental aspects of soil damage systems, nutrient management recommendations for nitrogen and phosphorus, and current topics in the agronomy field. In the lab portion of the course, students will learn about grading crop samples and plant genetics.

Prerequisites: BIOL 146, BIOL 246

This class examines the effects of natural and human-induced changes in climate on terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The course focuses on the science behind global change issues that have biological, social, and economic implicatons.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 215 or consent

Plant functions such as water relations, mineral nutrition, translocation, metabolisms, photosynthesis, photorespiration, fat and protein metabolism, respiration, growth and development, phytohormones, reproduction and environmental physiology. Lab included. (One semester organic chemistry is recommended.)

Prerequisites: BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 217, one semester organic chemistry recommended.

This course will introduce students to the principles and practices of weed science. Lecture will cover topics including weed biology and ecology, an introduction to weed management techniques and methodologies, factors affecting weed control, and environmental issues associated with weed management. Course material will highlight weed management in cropping systems, non-row crop and right-of-ways, natural areas, and aquatic habitats. The laboratory component of the course will focus on weed identification, crop/weed competition, application techniques including effective herbicide use and current weed control practices.In addition to the the prerequisites listed, BIOL 217 is strongly recommended.

Prerequisites: BIOL 215, BIOL 217

Soil Science - Choose 11 - 12 Credit(s).

Soil ecology will focus on the genesis and classification of soils, the physical properties of soil as they relate to habitat formation, niches, interactions that exist among soil organisms, human impact on soil systems relative to population pressures and management practices. Lab included.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 215, or consent

This course examines the dynamic nature of soils including the processes that control formation and degradation, anthropogenic impacts, spatial distribution across landscapes, and links among soils and other components of the earth system. A combination of lectures and hands-on exercises in field and laboratory settings are utilized to explore the complex interactions between soils and landscapes.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines basic concepts and components of soils, factors that influence formation and degradation, soil as a natural resource for ecosystems and societies, and the importance of soil conservation to restore functions that reduce erosion, improve water quality and quantity, mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and increase agricultural productivity to feed an expanding population. Students will gain hands-on experience in field and laboratory settings to assess soil quality and quantity, investigate site-specific and landscape-scale impacts to soils, and develop management strategies to protect and improve soils in urban and agricultural systems.

Prerequisites: none

Biogeochemical processes specific to soil and engineered sediments, including applications of solubility, adsorption/desorption, ion exchange, oxidation/reduction, acidity, alkalinity. Discussion of problems related to environmental degradation, plant nutrition, soil genesis, and element cycling (e.g. P, N, C). Structural chemistry, origin/identification of crystalline soil clay minerals, and soil organic matter will be covered in context with the mechanisms for reactivity in the soil environment. Prerequisites or instructor consent.

Prerequisites: GEOL 104, and CHEM 191 or CHEM 201

Spatial Science - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

This course objectives includes basic understanding of precision agriculture high tech equipment and strategies. Students will gain an understanding of the hardware, software and management strategies of precision agriculture. Areas of study will include GIS, GPS, remote sensing, differential correction, yield monitoring, and grid mapping. Farmworks software will be incorporated into the course.

Prerequisites: none

The course will be an introduction to the analysis of spatial data using the concept of a geographic information system (GIS). Content of the course will be, to a great extent, based on the NCGIA core curriculum with assignments tailored to the data and software available within the department such as ArcGIS.

Prerequisites: none

Agribusiness - Choose 20 Credit(s).

This course covers the basic and advanced principles and techniques used in selling agricultural merchandise and services. Agricultural Sales has taken on increased importance in recent years. The introduction of new products and services has magnified the need for technically competent knowledgeable sales personnel. Roleplaying and advanced, in-depth sales presentations will be done in class. Students will also be required to make an industry visit and write appropriate letters. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY.The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course is an introduction to agricultural economics. Economic concepts of the food, fiber, and fuel industry will be explored though problem solving exercises and graphical analysis. Consumer and business behavior will be analyzed under various market and regulatory conditions, with major focus spent on determining changes to equilibrium of aggregate supply and demand curves. Both microeconomic and macroeconomic factors will be defined and discussed in relation to global and local agribusiness value chains, including many factors affecting farmers in the American Midwest. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers major aspects of agribusiness from financial managementthrough financial problem solving, analysis, and planning. Students will applyeconomic and financial concepts by creating balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, inventory controls, and budgets. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a computerized farm supply business simulation. Students will also develop management skills needed to be an effective agribusiness manager. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers the principles of agricultural commodity marketing, includingcash, forward, futures, and options contracts. Economic impacts on supply, demand, and equilibrium pricing for commodities will be explored. Students will participate in simulated marketing transactions and track local and terminal market pricing. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY.The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers strategies of commodity marketing of agricultural products. Students will apply marketing principles in various market situations. Students will work with forward contracts, basis contracts, futures contracts, and option strategies in agriculture commodities. Students will develop market plans for agribusiness marketing and input needs. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers farm estate planning and law topics with direct application toproduction agriculture. Topics include federal and state estate tax laws and theirimpact on the transfer of agriculture property. Estate planning options such as wills, life insurance and trusts will be explored. Other topics include farm partnerships and corporations, agricultural legal case studies, basic contracts, legal land descriptions, fence regulations, animal legalities, water rights, bankruptcy, gifting, and liability issues. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This seminar will provide students the opportunity to self-direct studies in agricultural technology in their areas of interest. Technologies to be considered could include but are not limited to, plant protection, precision farming, application industries, livestock equipment, biotechnologies, financial resource management, sustainable agriculture, environmental impacts of agriculture, agricultural workforce, and agricultural production. Some organized events will be part of this course. The major emphasis will be self-directed learning.THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

Major Unrestricted Electives

Internship - Choose 1 - 11 Credit(s).

Experience in applied biology according to a prearranged training program for a minimum of five 40-hour weeks.

Prerequisites: Consent

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 16 Credits

An introduction to the multidisciplinary field of soil science and fertility. The course will examine the basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Further topics will explore soil genesis, soil health and management, and their relationships to crop production. Field trips and lab activities will be used to explore key concepts, with emphasis on examples relevant to the soils of southern Minnesota. Local field trips included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-10

Study of biological processes at the organismal level including a survey of life forms (viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), their evolution, and ecology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.

Prerequisites: none

Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-04

Spring - 15 Credits

Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Prereq: C or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or C or higher in CHEM 104

Prerequisites: "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Biology of plants including unique features of plant cells, life histories, metabolism, anatomy, physiology, and ecology. The course empathizes plants' remarkable adaptations to their environments, their diversity, and the vital roles they play in ecological interactions. For biology and environmental science majors and minors. Lab included.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105 and BIOL 106 or consent

Second Year

Fall - 16 Credits

This course covers animal production history and economic impact, breeddevelopment, animal anatomy and physiology, animal production features, growth and lactation physiology, environmental animal production factors and animal research. This course also provides a comprehensive introduction to thefundamental principles of animal science based on biological and scientific aspects of animals that serve mankind.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers agronomy principles for crop growth in the upper Midwest. The course covers the components of plant growth, seed quality, plant structures, plant development, plant classification, maturity systems and seeding rates. Corn and soybean production will be the main crops being discussed. The lab component will include activities in seed germination, staging of plant growth, stem, root, and flower structures.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-04

This course will include both the technical an practical information that should be of assistance to a student who will farm or go into the fertilizer business. The course deals with the basic soil-plant relationships and the effects of fertility. Detailed information of soil test results will be covered. Materials from the Certified Crop Advisor program will be used.

Prerequisites: BIOL 104, GEOL 104

Principles of the study of relationships between organisms and the environment. Topics include flow of energy and materials, organism-level interactions, growth and evolution of populations, and community ecology. Field trips to prairie, lake, stream, and forest communities, training in data collection and analysis, use of equipment, and report writing. Lab included.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105 and BIOL 106 or consent

Spring - 16 Credits

This course covers the basic and advanced principles and techniques used in selling agricultural merchandise and services. Agricultural Sales has taken on increased importance in recent years. The introduction of new products and services has magnified the need for technically competent knowledgeable sales personnel. Roleplaying and advanced, in-depth sales presentations will be done in class. Students will also be required to make an industry visit and write appropriate letters. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY.The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course includes the study of the management and production of forages,grasses for harvested and grazed production. Subject areas will include varietals selection, planting, calculating yields, production costs, growth management, harvesting techniques and marketing techniques. The forage management will focus on legume and grass production, it will include emphasis on establishment, winter survival, fertilization, cutting management, forage storage and variety selection.

Prerequisites: none

This course considers the characteristics and identification of noxious and common weeds and weed seeds, methods of control, evaluation of herbicide performance and tolerance to herbicides. Topics on herbicide characteristics, formulations and application methods will be taken into account in determining the most economic method of weed control.

Prerequisites: BIOL 146

This seminar will provide students the opportunity to self-direct studies in agricultural technology in their areas of interest. Technologies to be considered could include but are not limited to, plant protection, precision farming, application industries, livestock equipment, biotechnologies, financial resource management, sustainable agriculture, environmental impacts of agriculture, agricultural workforce, and agricultural production. Some organized events will be part of this course. The major emphasis will be self-directed learning.THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

Third Year

Fall - 16 Credits

This course is an introduction to agricultural economics. Economic concepts of the food, fiber, and fuel industry will be explored though problem solving exercises and graphical analysis. Consumer and business behavior will be analyzed under various market and regulatory conditions, with major focus spent on determining changes to equilibrium of aggregate supply and demand curves. Both microeconomic and macroeconomic factors will be defined and discussed in relation to global and local agribusiness value chains, including many factors affecting farmers in the American Midwest. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers major aspects of agribusiness from financial managementthrough financial problem solving, analysis, and planning. Students will applyeconomic and financial concepts by creating balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, inventory controls, and budgets. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a computerized farm supply business simulation. Students will also develop management skills needed to be an effective agribusiness manager. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers the principles of agricultural commodity marketing, includingcash, forward, futures, and options contracts. Economic impacts on supply, demand, and equilibrium pricing for commodities will be explored. Students will participate in simulated marketing transactions and track local and terminal market pricing. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY.The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers farm estate planning and law topics with direct application toproduction agriculture. Topics include federal and state estate tax laws and theirimpact on the transfer of agriculture property. Estate planning options such as wills, life insurance and trusts will be explored. Other topics include farm partnerships and corporations, agricultural legal case studies, basic contracts, legal land descriptions, fence regulations, animal legalities, water rights, bankruptcy, gifting, and liability issues. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 13 Credits

This course covers strategies of commodity marketing of agricultural products. Students will apply marketing principles in various market situations. Students will work with forward contracts, basis contracts, futures contracts, and option strategies in agriculture commodities. Students will develop market plans for agribusiness marketing and input needs. THIS COURSE IS FOR BAS AGRONOMY MAJORS ONLY. The course does not apply toward any College of Business majors, certificates, or minors. The course serves as a counterpart to a South Central College course for ease of transfer.

Prerequisites: none

Fourth Year

Fall - 14 Credits

This is a lecture course introducing students to major federal environmental laws and regulations. Discussions include the cause(s) that prompted the enactment of various environmental legislation as well as intent and implementation of the legislation. Both Federal and State of MN environmental statutes will be discussed.

Prerequisites: none

Lecture/laboratory course that presents an integrated view of plant biology, crop science, ecology, sustainability and current issues in biotechnology. Course focuses on issues of global concern such as sustainable food production, cropping techniques, climate change responses, pest management and herbicides, resistance, biofuels, genetically modified crops, molecular pharming, and tissue culture. Fall.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105, BIOL 106

Spring - 14 Credits

Policies

Admission to Major is automatic for the Agronomy BAS.

Residency requirement for the Major. At least 50% of courses 300 level and up that are required for the major must be taken at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

P/N Grading Policy. All courses leading to a major must be taken for letter grades. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the chairperson of the department.

In addition to the specific requirements of the major, all university requirements must be met for graduation. This includes 120 credits of coursework, 40 credits of upper-division courses (including those in the major).