The ecology of plant, microbe, and human interactions in plant diseases, from wilderness to industrial farms. Epidemics, traditional farming, environmental impacts and sustainability issues. Ways in which agriculture, particularly plant production and plant disease management, change ecosystems. Independent project.

Participants will work under the direction of USDA Farm Service Agency personnel, providing assistance to the farm loan process, participating in government assistance programs, and working with USDA FSA outreach.

Tropical regions of the world, their environment and classification; influence of climate, population, and socio-economic conditions on agriculture; major crops and cropping systems of sub-humid tropics; introduction to dry land agriculture; importance of rainfall and irrigation on productivity; green revolution; desertification; present and future research needs of region, and state of agricultural technology.

This course includes in-class lectures, field trips, design studio and a hands-on field component, to offer students a deepened and applied practice in permaculture design process and techniques. The course culminates with students developing a permaculture design and community engagement process.

Pre-professional work experience related to some area of the equine, food crops, and green industries.

Upper-level project for students who have completed intro courses in biology/botany, soils and/or entomology.

Sustainable food and farming students will learn about organic weed control by exploring various systems and approaches to weed management to reduce losses to crop yield and quality.

Sophomore-level educational project with a faculty member related to some area of the equine, food crops, and green industries.

Students gain experience in teaching in introductory level (100-200) courses. Students will be expected to demonstrate specific competencies related to labs and assisting students; lead review sessions; gain experience in all aspects of teaching a Stockbridge School class.

Independent work related to some area of the equine, food crops, and green industries.