The college offers several interdisciplinary courses that are relevant to all university students regardless of their major areas of study. Such courses utilize a cross-section of disciplines throughout the university, thereby providing students with greater academic exposure to current and universal problems. Because of the complexity of subject matter, the diverse expertise of faculty members is used often. Students will become familiar with the interdisciplinary approach to studying and will realize the necessity of amalgamating their educational experiences to focus on the total program.
The college offers interdisciplinary courses of fundamental subject matter in the departments of animal and poultry sciences, and dairy science, which are not restricted to a particular animal species through courses carrying the ALS prefix. These courses are listed as ALS courses under the two departments. Courses primarily designed for a particular animal species, including wildlife species, usually are taught within that particular subject matter department. Courses carrying the ALS prefix are taught by appropriate faculty members or teams of faculty members in more than one department. Academic programs of these departments are thus strengthened by providing professional faculty expertise in essential scientific disciplines that are of equal importance to all students, regardless of their animal species preference.
Other courses taught under the ALS prefix reflect subject matter of college-wide scope and significance which would not appropriately be listed under any one departmental prefix. Appropriate faculty members are selected from among all departments in the college to teach these courses. These courses are listed below.
1004: AGRICULTURE, THE ARTS & SOCIETY
Introduction to the relationships among agriculture, society, and the arts, all of which are integral components of civilization. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C) I, II.
1504: INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES
Concepts and issues important for early orientation of all students considering a career in agriculture and life sciences, and a review of state, national, and international agricultural issues will be covered in relation to majors in the College. (1H,1C) I.
1514: MICROCOMPUTERS IN AGRICULTURE
Microcomputer course designed primarily for agriculture students. Emphasis is put on learning the basic skills needed to solve agricultural problems with a microcomputer. Topics include: hardware, electronic spreadsheets, word processors, data base management systems, computer graphics, and communications. (1H,3L,2C) I,II.
2304: ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY & ANATOMY
Anatomy and physiology of domestic animals including cell, neural, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, and endocrine systems. Pre: BIOL 1106. (3H,3L,4C) I,II.
2404 (BIOL 2404): BIOTECHNOLOGY IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Introduction to the world-wide impact of biotechnology and molecular biology, including applications to plants, animals, and microorganisms. Explores basic concepts of genetic engineering, scientific and ethical issues, and public concerns related to biotechnology. Topics include: environmental release of genetically engineering organisms, bioremediation, safety of genetically engineered food products, transgenic plants and animals, gene therapy, and genetic screening. Pre: BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106, CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016. (3H,3C) II.
2504: ANIMALS IN SOCIETY
Overview of animal well-being and behavior, human-animal interactions, responsibilities to animals, animal care, behavior, disease and pain recognition and current topics concerning companion animals, domestic animals and wildlife. (2H,3L,3C) II.
2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3004: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN AGRICULTURE
Introduction to educational programs in vocational agriculture and extension. (1H,1C) I,II.
3014: LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS FOR PROFESSIONALS IN AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Designed to assist students in developing a knowledge and understanding of leadership theory and basic skills required to perform effectively in leadership positions within agricultural community situations. (3H,3C) I,II.
3104: ANIMAL BREEDING & GENETICS
Principles of genetics related to improvement of domestic farm animals. Molecular, cellular and physiological genetics, estimation of breeding values, selection, heritabilities, genetic correlations, relationships, in-breeding, heterosis, genetic abnormalities. Pre: BIOL 1106, MATH 1015. (4H,4C) I.
3204: ANIMAL NUTRITION & FEEDING
Characteristics, sources, digestion, absorption, and metabolism of water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Feedstuffs, diet formulation, and feeding systems for livestock and poultry. Pre: 2304, CHEM 1016 or CHEM 1036. (4H,4C) I,II.
3624: COMMUNICATING AGRICULTURE IN WRITING
Development of communication skills necessary to deal with the general public and audiences in the food, agriculture, and natural resources fields. Emphasis on writing and on creation of a portfolio including multiple types of written comunication. (3H,3C) I.
3634:COMMUNICATING AGRICULTURE IN SPEAKING
Development of strategies and techniques for effective oral communication in the professions related to food, agriculture, and natural resources. Emphasis on oral, visual, and interpersonal communication, as well as on group leadership and meeting management. (3H,3C) II.
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
4004: TEACHING ADULTS IN AGRICULTURE
Organizing classes, developing programs of instruction, and teaching techniques applicable to out of school groups in Agriculture. (2H,2C) II.
4014: INTRODUCTION TO COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
An overview of the Cooperative Extension Service as it applies to agriculture. Major areas discussed include history, organization, functional areas, responsibilities of local agents, and employment in extension. (3H,3C) I,II.
4024: MANAGING AGRICULTURAL SUPERVISED OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS
Major emphasis will be given to the agricultural teacher's responsibility for supervision of the supervised occupational experience program (SOEP). The course will emphasize the ownership project, the cooperative placement project, maintaining record books, and supervising the SOEP. (2H,2C) I,II.
4034: METHODS OF PLANNING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR AGRICULTURE
Course examines the procedures involved in the development of courses, curriculum, and instructional materials for educational programs in agriculture. Pre: 3004. (2H,3L,3C) I,II.
4054: INTERNSHIP IN COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Off-campus participation experience for those preparing to become extension agents in the Cooperative Extension Service. (6-16 credits) Variable credit course. I,II,III.
4234 (EDVT 4234): CURRICULUM FOR CAREER & OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION
Provides current and prospective career and occupational education teachers with research bases, resources, and available curricula for teaching content in the respective disciplines. Develops the ability to plan, manage, develop, and evaluate curricula. The prerequisite EDVT 2604 will be waived for agriculture education students. Pre: EDVT 2604. (3H,3C) I,II.
4244 (EDVT 4244): METHODS OF TEACHING IN CAREER & OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION
Developing instructional plans, delivering and evaluating instruction, and evaluating learner performance for career and occupational education. The prerequisite EDVT 4234 will be waived for agriculture education students. Pre: 4234. (3H,3C) I,II.
4254 (EDVT 4254): ADULT VOCATIONAL & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Theory, practices, and procedures involved in planning, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating adult education programs in Vocational and Technical Education. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in courses in teaching methods and curriculum required. (3H,3C) I.
4304: PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
Physiological mechanisms that control and affect reproductive processes in domestic animals, birds, humans, and selected other species. Pre: 2304. (3H,3L,4C) I,II.
4404 (NR 4404, UAP 4404): APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
An introduction to issues relating to international development. The course will focus on areas to help students better understand the interdependencies between countries and how institutions and organizations can foster effective working relationships on global projects of mutual interest between countries (1H,1C).I.
4504: NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Designed primarily to train elementary and secondary teachers, supervisors, and administrators in natural resource conservation. A three-week course. Emphasis is placed on soils, water, geology, forestry, wildlife, and marine life. Available for graduate credit except to agronomy, forestry, and wildlife majors. (3H,3L,4C) III.
4514: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP
Planned and supervised program involving the application of integrated pest management principles in a field situation. Variable credit course.
4524: FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Characteristics of extensive and intensive farming systems in developing countries. Comparison with U.S. small farming systems. Methods of multi-disciplinary team organization, informal team surveys, grouping farm households, and design and analysis of on-farm trials. Introduction of these methods into developing country and domestic research and extension systems. (3H,3C) I.
4554 (BIOL 4554): NEUROCHEMICAL REGULATION
Neurochemical transmission within the vertebrate brain will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical coding underlying the control of various behaviors and how these systems can be modified by various drugs or diet. Pre: 2304 or BIOL 3404, CHEM 2535. (3H,3C) II.
4574 (BIOL 4574): SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF BIRDS & MAMMALS
Animal behavior from the viewpoint of group organization during the life cycle of the organism. Emphasis is on adaptive mechanisms as they relate to the behavior-physiology-genetic interaction. Pre: BIOL 1106. (2H,2C) I.
4744 (EDVT 4744): METHODS, MATERIALS, & PRACTICES IN INSTRUCTION
Planning, using, evaluating classroom procedures; selection and organization of subject content and materials in vocational and technical education. (Max 6C). Consent required. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. Co: EDVT 4754.
4754 (EDVT 4754): INTERNSHIP IN EDUC
Planned program of clinical practice in education under the direction and supervision of a university supervisor and a selected practitioner. Recommendation of program area and successful completion of Professional Studies required. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
4884: YOUTH PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Organizational design of educational youth programs such as 4-H and FFA, including administrative planning, human resource development, recruitment, marketing, and budgeting. Pre: 4304. (3H,3C) II,III.
4964: FIELD STUDY/PRACTICUM
Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.
Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002
URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucdALS.html