Natural Science 0107 - Controversies in Agriculture

Is organic agriculture really better than conventional? Are pastured animals more effective than ones raised in a feedlot? What are the risks and advantages of GMO foods? There are many debated issues in the world of farming right now. In order to understand and evaluate these questions, we will look at the relevant principles from a variety of scientific disciplines. We will explore many natural science fields at an introductory level, such as soil chemistry, microbiology, insect, plant and animal biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology, all through the lens of farming. Our goal is to evaluate the effects these issues have on individual farms, human society, and the ecosystem of our planet. Students will learn how to take, read, and use a soil test, read and discuss primary research literature in order to produce short papers in these fields, and utilize the Hampshire Farm Center to see ways that these principles are influencing farm practices. The course will be taught by Jarrett Man, a Hampshire alum, and currently one of the owners of the Stone Soup Cooperative Farm in Hadley.

Physical and Biological Sciences Writing and Research Quantitative Skills In this course students are expected to spend six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.