Agricultural Sciences

Agricultural Sciences
MHHS Ag Sciences Pathways A

Agricultural Sciences classes prepare students for hundreds of careers in animal science, plant science, natural resources, biotechnology, mechanics, and business. Agriculture is Wisconsin’s number one industry in terms of dollars generated and overall employment. Agricultural Sciences classes also build strong foundations for careers in related fields - such as medicine, biology, construction, etc. Community leadership training is a strong component of the Agricultural Sciences curriculum. 


Classes recommended for first year Agricultural Sciences students include Veterinary Science I, Veterinary Science II, Agricultural Mechanics I, Agricultural Mechanics II, Horticulture I, Agricultural Welding I, Agricultural Welding II and Natural Resources. 

Preparing for Post-Secondary Education and Careers: Students pursuing Agricultural Sciences careers will need to enroll in post-secondary educational programs after graduation.  These programs are offered through four-year majors in the University of Wisconsin System and one and two-year degrees within the Wisconsin Technical College System.  Additional opportunities are available at UW-Madison Short Course and various trade unions and company apprenticeships.  See the Student Services Office or Agricultural Sciences instructors for details.


Science Elective Credit: Veterinary Science I, Horticulture I, and Biotechnology count as high school science elective courses. 



Dual College Credit: Plant Science, Animal Science, Biotechnology, Agricultural Sciences Research - Gas Metal Arc Welding, and Agricultural Sciences Research - Shielded Metal Arc Welding are college courses taught at Mt. Horeb High School.  There are no costs for students. Students are awarded an official college transcript after completion of the course from the technical college. The credits (3 for each course) are transferable to all schools within the Wisconsin Technical College System. Additionally, Plant Science and Animal Science (3 credits each) are transferable to  UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls. Other four-year University of Wisconsin System campuses may accept the credits upon review.  Other out-of-state campuses (both four-year and technical colleges) may consider the credits upon review. 


UW-Madison Credit By Exam – Animal Science 101 – 4 Credits: The UW-Madison Animal Science Department offers exams to students enrolled at UW-Madison, who want to earn credit for Animal Science 101. The exam is offered after SOAR in the summer (late August) before a student starts in the program.   These exams are only for incoming freshmen who have taken substantial animal science courses in high school and who desire to establish college credits for Animal Science 101.  Students will need to score 80% to earn the 4 UW-Madison credits. See Ms. Allen for high school course sequencing; exam study materials; and details associated with registering for the exam.

Agricultural Mechanics I: 0352 

0.5 credit 

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 

Students learn a wide variety of hands-on skills. Much of the class work is performed in the Agricultural Mechanics Lab. Units of study include Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics; Project Planning; Working with Portable Power Tools; Painting; Metalworking; Machinery Safety; Tool Fitting; Stick Welding, Oxy-Acetylene Torch Heating and Cutting; Wire Feed Welding; Working with Electricity; Plumbing, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems; Using Concrete and Masonry; Rope Work; and Agricultural Structures. 

Agricultural Mechanics II: 0355 

0.5 credit 

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Agricultural Mechanics I with 

grade C or better or consent of instructor 

Students build on skills learned in Ag Mechanics I and are encouraged to bring mechanics projects of their Diesel Power and Principles of Operation; Machine Maintenance; Farmstead Planning; Agricultural Structures; Using Concrete and Masonry: CNC Plasma Cutting; and Safe Tractor Operation and Driving Skills. 

Horticulture I: 0350 

0.5 credit science elective 

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 

Students use the MHHS Greenhouse to manage and grow food crops, native species, houseplants, herbs, and flowering annual plants while studying plant science. Units of study include Introduction to Plant Science; Fundamentals of Soil Science; Understanding Plant Growth; Propagating Plants; Hydroponics, and Genetic Engineering in plants. Students are encouraged to bring greenhouse projects home at the end of the semester. A plant sale, open to the community, is held in conjunction with the class. This course also counts as high school science elective credit. 

Horticulture II: 0349 

0.5 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Horticulture I 

Students are introduced to the plant industry through a wide variety of plant study topics and work in the MHHS Greenhouse. Units of study include Growing Greenhouse Crops; Landscape Design, Maintenance, and Construction: Urban Forestry: and Turfgrass Science. Field trips include visits to area greenhouses and horticultural businesses. Students are encouraged to bring greenhouse projects home at the end of the semester. A plant sale, open to the community, is held in conjunction with the class. Other projects include growing hydroponic food crops (lettuce and microgreens) for local food distribution programs. 

Natural Resources: 0363 

0.5 credit 

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 

Students learn basic concepts and applications in natural resources protection and management. Units of study include History and Concepts in Natural Resources; Forestry, Soil Conservation and Land Use Planning; Water and Wetlands; Fish Biology; Wildlife Management; and Outdoor Recreation. Field trips are taken outdoors to perform labs and practice plant and animal identification. Students use the Aquaculture Lab to grow game fish for release in local lakes and streams.

Agricultural Welding I: 0266 

0.5 credit 

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Agricultural Mechanics I for 9th graders 

Students learn and practice fundamental welding skills using the torch, stick, wire feed, and TIG processes. Most class work is hands-on Units of study include Safety and Stick Welding; Welding Design; Oxy- Acetylene Processes; Special Materials; Wire Feed Welding; TIG Welding; and other Metal Work. 

Agricultural Welding II: 0448 

0.5 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Agricultural Welding I and consent of instructor 

Students will complete a rigorous performance-based curriculum including mastery of stick, wire feed and TIG welding using a variety of materials and advanced fabrication methods including CNC plasma cutting. Students are encouraged to engage in fabrication and repair projects. 

Veterinary Science I: 0360 

0.5 credit science elective 

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 

Students learn fundamental principles of Veterinary Science. Units of study include Understanding the Role of Animals in Society; Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals; Meeting Nutritional Needs of Animals; Understanding Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology in Animals; Diagnosing and Treating Animal Diseases; and Dissecting a Fetal Pig. This course also counts as high school elective science credit. 

Veterinary Science II: 0364 

0.5 credit 

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Veterinary Science I with grade B or better or consent of instructor 

Students learn the elements of companion animal care and clinical practice. Units of study include Introduction to Companion Animals and Small Animal Care; Caring for Small Animals; Caring for Equines; Animal Behavior and Restraint; Clinical and Laboratory Procedures; Veterinary Practice Management and Client Relations. Students will have the opportunity to Job Shadow practicing veterinarian(s) in a clinical setting. 

Biotechnology: 0274 

0.5 credit science elective 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Biology I grade of B or better or consent of instructor 

This course is team-taught with the Science Department and counts as high school science elective credit. Students completing this course have the opportunity to earn three college credits (see information about “Dual Credit” on page 16). The course provides a broad introduction to the biotechnology industry, including applications in agriculture, health care, environmental science, and forensic science. Students learn principles and lab skills essential to the biotechnology industry. Units of study include Introduction to the Biotechnology Industry; Understanding Basic Molecular Biology; Using the Biotechnology Lab; Lab Procedures in DNA Restriction Analysis (DNA Fingerprinting); Introduction to Genetic Engineering; Lab Procedures in Genetic Engineering; and Analyzing Environmental and Societal Issues in Biotechnology. Learning activities include numerous hands-on experiences throughout the semester including an off-site required lab at an area biotechnology business. Field trips are taken to area biotechnology businesses. 

Plant Science: 0344 

0.5 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Horticulture I with grade C or better 

Students completing this course have the opportunity to earn three college credits (see information about “Dual Credit” on page 16). Major units of study include Plant Morphology and Growth; Plant Chemistry; and Field Crop Production. Developing agronomic management skills are emphasized including plant identification, pest management, and crop enterprise budgeting. The MHHS Greenhouse and area farms are used extensively for class instruction and practice.  

Animal Science: 0348 

0.5 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Veterinary Science I with grade C or better 

Students completing this course will earn three college credits (see information about dual credit) and is an excellent preparation for UW-Madison Credit by Exam Animal Science 101 opportunity. Major course segments include introduction to Large Animal Science (dairy, beef, sheep, swine, goats); Animal Breeds and Selection; Animal Physiology; Animal Nutrition; Animal Genetics and Reproduction; Livestock Management; and Animal Products for Human Consumption. 

Agricultural Sciences Research: 0335 

0.5 credit 

11th, 12th 

Prereq: consent of instructor and B or better as listed below 

Agricultural Research is designed to give students, pursuing post-secondary instruction in Agricultural Sciences in the university or technical school system, added preparation to be successful. Students choose a guided study curriculum from the following list: 

* Dual Credit (3 credits)


Supervised Agricultural Experience Co-op: 1502/2502 

1 or 2 credits 

12th 

Prereq: Plant Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Mechanics II, Agricultural Welding II, or concurrent enrollment 

This program is for students pursuing careers in agriculture - including production agriculture, horticulture/landscaping, agribusiness, natural resources, agricultural mechanics, and biotechnology/ life sciences. Students will be released a maximum of 2 class hours per day to work in a supervised agricultural experience placement at a local agribusiness. Students will be placed based on Agricultural Sciences classes taken, other agricultural experience, and career exploration goals. 

Youth Apprenticeship 

Agricultural Sciences Pathway or STEM-Biotechnology Pathway 

1 credit 

11th, 12th 

The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program integrates school-based and work-based learning. Youth Apprenticeship students will continue taking classes at their high school while working as an apprentice at a participating business. Students will be enrolled in a technical class related to their Youth Apprenticeship program. These courses may be offered at either their high school or off campus. Entry into a Youth Apprenticeship program requires an application process. See your school's career coordinator, Agricultural Sciences instructor, or school counselor to guide you through this process. Refer to the Youth Apprenticeship Page.