Plant diseases and their effects on food supplies and human history. Biology of pathogens that cause plant diseases, pesticide use, disease resistance, biological control, and diseases that threaten important world crops. (Gen.Ed. BS) (Formerly MICROBIO 170, PLSOILIN 160).

Introduction to principles of soil fertility and crop management by organic procedures which are contrasted and evaluated against conventional chemical methods of farming. A science course. (Gen. Ed. BS)

First in a four course equine management series. This course will introduce students to the UMass Hadley Farm. Students will work in the barn four mornings each week and attend lecture one morning each week. Basic equine/stable management skills will be demonstrated, as well as a detailed overview of the management of the equine facility. Student work ethics and skills will be evaluated, as well as understanding of lecture topics.

First in a four course equine management series. This course will introduce students to the UMass Hadley Farm. Students will work in the barn four mornings each week and attend lecture one morning each week. Basic equine/stable management skills will be demonstrated, as well as a detailed overview of the management of the equine facility. Student work ethics and skills will be evaluated, as well as understanding of lecture topics.

First in a four course equine management series. This course will introduce students to the UMass Hadley Farm. Students will work in the barn four mornings each week and attend lecture one morning each week. Basic equine/stable management skills will be demonstrated, as well as a detailed overview of the management of the equine facility. Student work ethics and skills will be evaluated, as well as understanding of lecture topics.

Highly interactive and participatory introduction to the Sustainable Food and Farming major, focused on academic preparation, internships and careers. Especially for first year students and transfers into the major.

How insects solve their problems of maintenance, survival, reproduction, etc., and how entomologists apply this knowledge in managing them. Other topics include insect evolution, plant and insect interactions, biodiversity and conservation of insects, behavior, and insect pest management. Emphasis on various insect models (e.g., Drosophila) as they relate to major research in biology.

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.

An introduction to the theory, technique and practice of skills required as an equine care technician to prepare horses for daily work, competition, and formal turnout/presentation. Wide range of horses, including foals, yearlings, two-year olds, broodmares, stallions, and equitation horses. Emphasis on sound business management practices, including record keeping, horse sales, personal safety, and professionalism.

This course will cover the various aspects of phytoremediation - the use of plants (both natural hyper-accumulators and transgenic) and their associated microbes with the purpose of environmental clean-up of contaminated soil, sediments and water. Various strategies for phytoremediation of a wide range of toxic pollutants, both organic and elemental, with a special emphasis on toxic metals will be discussed.