agriculture Courses 

Course Title: Agricultural Biology (P)

Course Number: 0039-0040

Grade Level: 10-11

Elective/Required: Required

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: Integrated Math 1

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “D” Science

Course Description:  A study of agriculture biology is basic to all students regardless of their educational goals, it is especially important to students interested it an agriculture career. This course is designed as an introductory course in living systems for the college preparatory student. The course is designed around the State of California’s academic standards for biology. Major areas of study include cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and structure and function of living things. Leadership skills are taught through participation in FFA.

Course Title: Agricultural Mechanics 1, 2, 3, 4 (P)

Course Number: 0052-0053, 0054-0055, 0056-0057, 0058-0059

Grade Level: 9-12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: None

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  This course is designed to give students a strong foundation in basic farm shop skills. Tools, materials, and safety will be reviewed with each unit. Proper skills involving hand tools will be stressed. The beginning course in agricultural mechanics includes woodworking, metals, rope work, cutting and welding, etc. Small, individual projects are developed and built. The advanced courses (2-4) are designed to provide a deeper understanding of Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, arc and oxy-acetylene welding, cutting, and project construction, as well as small engine repair and maintenance. Following completion of the Agricultural Mechanics 1 course, instruction in the advanced courses in the sequence includes advanced welding techniques as well as project construction. Leadership skills are taught through participation in FFA.

Course Title: Animal and Plant Physiology (P)

Course Number: 0007-0008

Grade Level: 9-10

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: None

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  The application of advanced scientific technology and knowledge is increasing at a rate second only to the need for well-trained and educated individuals in all areas of agricultural sciences. The objectives of the course are as follows:

1. To develop an appreciation of agricultural sciences.

2. To incorporate scientific methods, biological principles, and modern agricultural practices.

3. To create an awareness of the importance of agricultural sciences.

4. To prepare students for college level entry in the various disciplines of agricultural science.

This course is intended to successfully prepare those students who plan on majoring in agricultural sciences or related fields of occupational endeavor. Leadership skills are taught through participation in FFA

Course Title: Plant and Soil Science

Course Number:  0086-0087

Grade Level: 11-12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites:   Animal and Plant Physiology

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  This course covers the fundamentals of plant and soil science, the factors that influence crop production, integrated pest management, laboratory skills, basic research and the role of plants in the ecosystem. FFA instruction and participation, and projects (supervised Agricultural Experience Programs) are an integral part of the class. The goals of the course are to provide the basic knowledge and skills necessary for an entry-level position in the Agricultural Industry, and to provide the basic background knowledge necessary for an entry level college course in plant science. 

Course Title: Floral Design (P)

Course Number: 8878-8879

Grade Level: 11-12

Elective/Required:  Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: Plant and Soil Science

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual and Performing Arts

Course Description:  Ornamental Horticulture/Floral Design is a course designed for students who have a sincere interest in the nursery and/or floral industry. This course is designed to provide students with skills and technical knowledge for entry into the horticulture/floral industry. Activities will include designing with fresh flowers, holiday arrangements, personal flower, flower processing, sales, greenhouse and nursery crop production, landscape design and construction and care of outdoor landscaped areas. Leadership skills will be taught through participation in FFA.

Course Title: Agriculture Construction and Technology 2

Course Number: 8955-8956

Grade Level: 10-12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: Agriculture Mechanics 1

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  Ag Tech 2 is the concentrator course to the AgriTech pathway, which covers Agriculture technology from construction, irrigation systems, and mechatronics. AgriTech Irrigation Technologies is an introduction to the irrigation industry with integrated mathematical content. Students master irrigation systems for soil and plant science, drainage systems, wells, pumps, and drive systems, as well as design, install and maintain an irrigation system.  Students learn about Agriculture related careers. Coursework is project-based, developing teamwork and project management skills.  Students demonstrate responsibility for personal, occupational safety on the job site. All students will be members of the FFA. 

Course Title: Agriculture Construction and Technology 3 (P) 

Course Number: 8982-8983

Grade Level: 11-12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: AgriTech Irrigation Technologies

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective (pending)

Course Description:  This course is an Introduction to industrial automation and control systems. This course focuses on theory and application of electrical, mechanical, and fluid power systems as it relates to industrial manufacturing. Students will gain knowledge about AC and DC electricity, electrical schematics, relay logic, motor control circuits, programmable logic controllers, hydraulic/pneumatic actuators, and industrial safety. In addition to learning about industrial automation and control systems, students will develop their leadership skills through practicing discipline, taking on projects and learning how to resolve conflicts. Further leadership will be taught through the FFA.

Course Title: Agricultural Business 2

Course Number: 0214/0215

Grade Level(s): 10-12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 Credits

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description: Agricultural Business 2 is the second year concentrator course for the Ag Business Pathway. This course provides a comprehensive framework to learn about the concepts of sales and marketing focused on Ag Industries. This includes an introduction to the four Ps—product, price, place, and promotion. Other essential topics, such as marketing research and target market identification, are also covered. Focus will be placed on “soft skills” which focuses on interpersonal skills needed for the workplace within the Ag Industry. Students will develop a supervised agriculture experience (SAE) business plan and implement it to gain leadership, record keeping, and general industry experience. Students will use the SAE to integrate the skills they have learned from both Ag Business 1 and this course to market their product or plan to their peers, campus staff, and Ag industry partners.

Course Title: Agriculture Business 3

Course Number: 0216/0217 

Grade Level(s):  11-12th 

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits:  Year/10 Credits

Prerequisite(s):  Ag Business 2 or agriculture concentrator course

Course Description: Throughout the duration of the course students will learn how agriculture business is conducted internationally and the various issues that involve the agriculture industry. Students will understand the agriculture practices as it relates to the seven continents of the world. Students will become familiar with farming practices and cultural practices as it relates to animal welfare, food safety, and technology. Student will study how agriculture business is conducted exploring concepts such as currency, importing and exporting products/ commodities, and NAFTA. While learning about international agriculture business students will be able to learn and research about common agriculture issues that affect the world on a daily basis. Following the Ag Business 2 course students will also be able to continue their SAE projects continue to develop leadership skills through FFA participation.

Course Title: Agriculture Communication and Leadership 

Course Number: Pending

Grade Level(s):  11-12th 

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits:  Year/10 Credits

Prerequisite(s):  Agriculture concentrator course

Course Description: This course is a continuation and final course of the Ag Business pathway. This course provides advanced agriculture students with instruction on leadership and communication skills with a focus on opportunities in the agriculture industries. Topics will include communication research, verbal and written communications, journalism, mass media, agriculture policy and human relations. Other topics may include problem solving and decision making and teamwork skills focusing primarily on enhancing leadership skills. An essential part of this course will be leadership activities and Supervised Agriculture Experience Programs. The appropriate use of technology and industry-standard equipment is an integral part of this course. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have acquired entry-level skills for employment and be prepared for postsecondary education.