Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies is exempt from the Dickinson State University’s course numbering system due to common course numbering in agriculture within the North Dakota University System

AGEC 142 – Agricultural Accounting 3
An introduction to the preparation of farm records and financial statements for use in business analysis. Fall

AGEC 244 – Introduction to Agricultural Marketing 3
A study of the agricultural marketing system to include cash marketing, commodity futures trading, branded products merchandising and the interrelationships of the government and international trade. Pre-requisite: Permission of the instructor. Fall

AGEC 246 – Introduction to Agricultural Finance 3
Introduction to Agricultural finance; Provides background in farm and agri-business credit use and evaluation. Discussion of specific financial conditions on farms and in agri-business. Spring

AGEC 342 – Introduction to Agricultural Management 3
Economic and managerial concepts related to farm or agri-business production process development or cost data, enterprise analysis, organization, and management of production inputs. Pre-requisite: AGEC 246 – Introduction to Agricultural Finance or permission of the instructor. Spring

AGEC 374 – Cooperatives 3
Theory, practice, and evaluation of cooperatives including principles, management, marketing, finance, taxes, legal issues, and adjusting to change. Fall

AGEC 375 – Applied Agricultural Law 3
Study of laws affecting agriculture and agri-business including property ownership, financial relations, and environmental regulation. Spring

AGEC 387 – Commodity Futures and Options 3
Fundamental and technical aspects of the futures market including charting, trends and signals, and the use of options. Students conduct simulated trades to get a feel for hedging and speculation. Skills are developed to allow students to use futures and options in developing their personal marketing plans. Pre-requisite: AGEC 244 – Introduction to Agricultural Marketing or permission of the instructor. Spring

AGRI 115 – Agriculture Math 2
Students will apply practical math skills to master mathematical concepts intrinsic to producing, processing, and marketing agricultural products. Fall

AGRI 118 – Agriculture Leadership Practicum 1
Active participation in Ag Club will enhance leadership, employment, and organizational skills. The student will be exposed to competition in salesmanship, employment interview, career planning, and crop and livestock production. May be repeated to earn eight semester hours with two accepted as electives toward graduation with A.S. degree. Fall, Spring

AGRI 280 – Computers in Agriculture 3
An introduction to the vast array of computer technology, internet usage, and software directly related to agriculture. Specialized agriculture software directly related to agriculture. Specialized agriculture software (herd management, financial, crop, mapping, decision aiding, etc.) will be presented through demonstrations, student usage, or visitations to software company web sites. Fall, Spring

AGRI 391 – Junior Seminar 2
Junior Seminar, combined with the subsequent Senior Seminar, will afford the student the opportunity to “experience” the application of their technical, communication, and organizational skills in the development, investigation, reporting, and presentation of an undergraduate research/investigation project. Students are expected to select a project, research existing information, design their investigation, author the introduction and procedures and seek funding, if applicable. The project should critically investigate an issue or problem in agriculture, natural resource management or agri-business in which the student has an intrinsic interest and/or potential career opportunity. Fall

ARSC 114 – Introduction to Animal Sciences 3
An introduction to the recommended management and production practice for food producing animals. Fall

ARSC 123 – Feeds and Feeding 3
Principles of feeding livestock including digestive systems, nutrient requirements, nutrient characteristics, and sources utilized in the formulation of balanced rations. Fall

ARSC 220 – Livestock Production 3
General production and management of major meat animal species. Topics include: production systems, feeding, facilities, health economics, and marketing. Spring

ARSC 160 – Equine Nutrition 2
This class is designed to develop an understanding of the factors involved in meeting the nutritional needs of horses in various stages of development or performance. This is a practical approach to nutrition. Fall

ARSC 161 – Equine Business Management 2
Since the equine world is now big business, students must approach training or breeding operations as a business. Students will study the forms of business, income tax considerations, develop a business plan, insurance considerations, liability programs, records, hobby versus a business, agreements and contracts. Pre-requisite: ARSC 160 – Equine Nutrition. Fall

ARSC 162 – Equine Reproduction 2
Students will study the reproductive tract, hormone control, the signs of heat, breeding methods, semen evaluation, and management of the breeding herd. Pre-requisite: ARSC 160 – Equine Nutrition. Fall

ARSC 163 – Equine Health and Diseases 2
Students will develop an understanding of health requirements and care of horses. Vaccination schedules, deworming and preventative measures are explored. The student will also study diseases, wound care, basic first aid, unsoundness and sources of unsoundness. Fall

ARSC 164 – Equine Behavior, Ground Work and Safety 2
This class includes understanding mental capacity, motivation, and reactions of horses to different training techniques. Proper restraining procedures to protect the horse and handler are explored. Imprinting training for a foal is discussed. A safety program will be designed to breeding or training operation. Fall

ARSC 165 – Beginning Horse Training 1
This course will give the student a sound foundation of the fundamentals of training a horse. Students will learn from a hands-on approach of both round pen work and beginning training of 2-3 year old colts. Spring

ARSC 247 – Processing of Meat Animal Carcasses 3
Processing of meat animal carcasses into National Association of Meat Purveyors (NAMP) wholesale and retail cuts. Fall

ARSC 260 – Introduction to Equine Studies 2
A review of evolution, historical roles of the horse, breeds, and the modern day equine industry. Introduction of anatomy, physiology, selection, nutrition, health care, and stable design/management. Spring

ARSC 261 – Stallion Management 2
This course will cover selection, promotion, semen evaluation, insurance, handling and care. Pre-requisite: ARSC 162 – Equine Reproduction. Spring

ARSC 262 – Equine Anatomy and Selection 2
Students will study the parts and functions of different systems of the horse. This is not a veterinary anatomy class. It is designed to give the layperson a good understanding of form to function selection. Spring

ARSC 265 – Equine Marketing 2
Students will study methods of marketing horses. Methods of marketing a breeding program will be covered, as well as preparing and marketing the individual horse. Pre-requisite: ARSC 161 – Equine Business Management. Spring

ARSC 267 – Equine Facility Management 2
This course covers the care of horses in a stable environment. Students will look at the duties of a stable manager and methods of managing an equine facility. Pre-requisite: ARSC 164 – Equine Behavior, Ground Work and Safety. Fall

ARSC 297A – Fundamentals of Centered Riding I 2
This class is designed to teach the student the fundamentals of training a horse to be soft, supple and responsive. It will teach the student how to use the entire body to guide a horse and how to become part of the horse instead of just a passenger. Pre-requisite: ARSC 164 – Equine Behavior, Ground Work and Safety. Spring

ARSC 297B – Fundamentals of Centered Riding II 2
This class will be a continuation of ARSC 297A – Fundamentals of Centered Riding I. The students will do more advanced supplying and softening exercises to get the horse ready for a performance event. Pre-requisite: ARSC 297A – Fundamentals of Centered Riding I. Spring

ARSC 336 – Introduction to Range Management 3
Principles of range management which include plant identification, range evaluation, and range improvement. Fall

ARSC 336L – Introduction to Range Management Planning Lab 2
Course involves completing an actual Range Management Plan for a ranching operation, including planning maps, soils inventory, initial stocking rates based on NRSC guidelines and establishing a biologically sound rotation plan. A combination of field work, range tours, and class work will be utilized in this course to compliment the co-requisite ARSC 336 – Introduction to Range Management course. Co-requisite: ARSC 336 – Introduction to Range Management. Fall

ARSC 445 – Problems in Livestock Management 2-4
Course will cover selected problems in livestock production common to class members and not covered in other animal science courses. Courses may be repeated for an additional two credits. Fall

ARSC 458 – Grazing Ecology 3
Grazing processes and systems and their effects on plants and herbivores. Spring

ARSC 463 – Physiology of Reproduction 4
Anatomy, physiology, and endocrinology of reproduction in mammals. Extensive oral and written communication experience. Spring

ARSC 464 – AI Training 2
Demonstration and utilization of the latest technology in large animal reproductive management. Technical training including AI certification, pregnancy diagnosis and estrous control. Spring

ARSC 470 – Applied Ruminant Nutrition 3
Practical application of animal nutrition and feeds and feeding will be emphasized in this class through theory, computer ration balancing, and practical problem solving. The class will focus on advanced nutrition and feeding of beef cattle with sheep and non-ruminant horse also receiving some attention. Pre-requisite: ARSC 123 – Feeds and Feeding. Spring

ARSC 491 – Seminar 1-6
Students will critically analyze and propose research-based solutions to problems related to agricultural issues concerning natural resources, business/marketing and/or integrated management. Pre-requisite: Senior standing. Spring

ASM 125 – Fabrication and Construction 2
Introduction to materials, methods, and tools used in fabrication, installation, and maintenance of agricultural production and processing facilities. Fall

ASM 155 – Agriculture Welding 3
Principles and operation of oxyacetylene, electrode, and wire feed welding including safety, electrode selection, making welds on common materials, brazing, cutting, with labs on new and repair projects. Fall, Spring

ASM 253 – Small Engines 2
Principles, maintenance, trouble shooting, and overhaul of small engines. Includes two-stroke and four stroke engines. Taught as needed.

ASM 255 – Advanced Welding 2
Includes use of MIG welder and plasma arc torch; also includes hard surfacing, brazing welding cast iron, aluminum, stainless and spring steel, and out-of-position welding. Pre-requisite: ASM 155 – Agriculture Welding. Fall, Spring

ASM 378 – Machinery Principles and Management 3
Principles of agricultural machinery manufacture, sales, operation, and management. Topics include selection, replacement, operation, application, and maintenance. Spring

HORT 270 – Horticulture Science 3
Principles of plant classification, structure, function, growth, propagation, culture, and the use of horticultural crops. Covers vegetable and fruit production in the home garden, growing flowers and planting flower beds, and landscaping principles and materials. Spring

H&CE 241 – Leadership and Presentation Techniques 3
Development of youth leadership professionals in educational settings; methods, principles, and practices in organizing, developing, conducting and evaluating community-based student organizations and student leadership programs. Fall

H&CE 281 – Early Experience 1
Field-based experience in a middle or high school educational setting. Provides an opportunity to observe and interact with students, teachers, and administrators. Site options include schools and extension office. Cross-listed with SEED 298 – Pre-Professional Experience: Secondary. Fall, Spring, Summer

PLSC 110 – World Food Crops 3
Scientific principles of crop growth, worldwide production, management alternatives, and processing for domestic and international consumption. Spring

PLSC 225 – Principles of Crop Production 3
This course emphasizes the scientific principles and practices of modern crop production. Specific methods to produce field crops successfully are introduced, as will emerging production strategies in industrial and developing nations. Pre-requisite: PLSC 110 – World Food Crops or equivalent. Fall

PLSC 323 – Principles of Weed Science 3
Introduction to biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical weed control, characteristics of weeds and their identification, pesticides application and dissipation. Spring

PLSC 380 – Introduction to GIS/GPS 2
Concepts of Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, Remote Sensing and related technologies and their application in precision agriculture and natural resource management will be studies. Pre-requisite: CSCI 101 – Introduction to Computers or AGRI 280 – Computers in Agriculture. Fall

SOIL 210 – Introduction to Soil Science 4
Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils as related to use, conservation, and plant growth. Fall

SOIL 321 – Soil Management and Conservation 3
Principles and practices of soil management and conservation planning in relation to erosion, tillage systems, crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality. Pre-requisite: SOIL 210 – Introduction to Soil Science or permission of instructor. Spring, odd number years

SOIL 322 – Soil Fertility and Fertilizers 3
Principles of plant nutrition and soil nutrient availability, soil testing, fertilizer recommendations and management. Marco nutrient emphasis. Pre-requisite: SOIL 210 – Introduction to Soil Science or permission of instructor. Spring, even numbered years

VETS 339 – Animal Health 3
Principles of animal health; prevention, sanitation, chemotherapy, immunology, disease symptoms, and management. Pre-requisite: ARSC 114 – Introduction to Animal Sciences or permission of the instructor. Spring

AGRI 292, 492 – Experimental Course 1-4
A unique class, designed by the instructor and/or department, not currently listed in the University catalog. An experimental course may be offered for a maximum of two semesters. After that time, the course must be either assigned an appropriate, permanent course number and formally listed in the University catalog, or its usage must be discontinued.

AGRI 293, 493 – Peer Tutoring 1-6
Students may earn credits tutoring. Tutors are needed every semester in almost all academic areas. Interested students should contact Student Support Services. (Maximum eight credits may be applied to graduation.)

AGRI 294, 494 – Independent Study, Undergraduate Research 1-6
INDEPENDENT STUDY: An individualized study not listed as a regular course in the University catalog. Content, etc., to be determined by instructor and student. Fall, Spring, Summer
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: Research topic must be approved prior to registration by instructor. Written analysis of research activities required at end of semester.

AGRI 295, 495 – Service Learning 1-6
Credit may be granted for certain extra-curricular activities for which there is a direct connection and correlation between the activity and the academic objectives of a specific course in the University catalog. The appropriateness of the activity and subsequently awarding of academic credit will be at the discretion of the appropriate departmental chair.

AGRI 296, 496 – Study Tours 1-6
Provides students the opportunity to make an extensive trip to a location either inside or outside the United States, which will subsequently provide the student with life experiences that relate directly to a specific academic discipline. Not available in all departments. Available at departmental and discipline discretion only.

AGRI 297, 497 – Agriculture Management Internship, A, B, C;
Externship; Cooperative Education 1-6
Student will be placed in an off-campus company or agency which will provide the student with specific activities what will demonstrate the correlation between academic study and an actual work experience. The number of credits will be determined by the length of the internship and the hours worked. Fall, Spring, Summer

AGRI 299, 499 – Special Topics, Readings 1-6
SPECIAL TOPICS: A uniquely-designed advanced topics course within a specific discipline. Course content and other related academic requirements to be determined by the instructor. Requires approval by department chair.
READINGS: Readings in educational and various specific professional publications and journals related to a specific academic discipline. Requires approval by department chair.