COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

In accordance with Public Law Number 1 approved January 20, 1966, better known as the University Law, and Certification No. 13 of the Council of Higher Education, dated September 11, 1968, the College of Agricultural Sciences is the unit within the Mayagüez Campus where formal teaching, research, and extension in agriculture are integrated.  The three functions are mutually complementary and are included under a central scheme of three-dimensional organization that includes the Faculty of Agriculture, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Agricultural Extension Service.

 

A management team, including the Dean and Director of the College of Agricultural Sciences, the Associate Dean and Assistant Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Associate Dean and Assistant Director of the Agricultural Extension Service, and the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture imparts direction to the plans and programs of the College of Agricultural Sciences.  The Coordinator of International Programs in Agriculture adds a new dimension to the College of Agricultural Sciences.

AREAS OF STUDY

 

Formal university teaching in the field of agriculture started in Puerto Rico in 1911 with the establishment at Mayagüez of the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.  The Faculty of Agriculture is responsible for higher learning in the agricultural sciences and its basic function is performed at three different levels.  The emphasis is on the Bachelor's program, but it includes a non-degree program in Pre-Veterinary and graduate studies at the Master's level.

 

At the undergraduate level, the Faculty of Agriculture offers programs of studies leading to the Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences in various options.  Students are trained in all areas related to the science and art of modern agriculture, as well as in the knowledge and abilities to express themselves.  In addition, the student is provided with opportunities for the development of an analytical, critical, and reflective mind.

 

In order to accomplish these aims, the Faculty of Agriculture offers eleven programs or options leading to the Bachelor's degree: 

(1)     Agribusiness,

(2)     Agricultural Economics, 

(3)     Agronomy-Crops,

(4)     Agronomy-Soils,

(5)     Animal Industry,

(6)     Crop Protection,

(7)     Education in Agricultural Extension,

(8)     General Agriculture,

(9)     Horticulture,

(10)  Mechanical-Agricultural Technology, and 

(11)  Vocational Agriculture Education,

 

In addition, the Faculty offers a non-degree program of study in Pre-Veterinary for those students who will be pursuing studies in Veterinary Medicine.

 

The Faculty follows an interdisciplinary approach in its programs of study, which in addition to the various specialties in the agricultural sciences, encompass teaching in the natural sciences, social sciences, the humanities, and languages.  The goal of formal teaching is to prepare the scientists and professionals needed in Puerto Rico for the development and progress of its agriculture and of its rural areas, and to provide them with the knowledge and competence essential to their field of specialization as well as with the indispensable background in sociohumanistics and the positive attitudes necessary to serve the country well.  The first year of study is the same for all the options in the Faculty of Agriculture, with the exception of the Pre-Veterinary Program.  From the second year on, the student takes the required courses and the professional electives of his or her fields of specialization.  All the programs require the student to enroll at the end of the third year of study in a summer practicum under the supervision of a professor of the department.

 

The Faculty of Agriculture also offers graduate courses leading to the Master of Science Degree.  The student is able to specialize in one of the following disciplines:  (1) Agronomy-Crops, (2) Agronomy-Soils, (3) Horticulture, (4) Crop Protection, (5) Animal Industry, (6) Agricultural



Economics, and (7) Food Science and Technology.  For information regarding these programs, the Graduate Studies Catalog of the Mayagüez Campus should be consulted.

 

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

 

 

The Agricultural Experiment Station was originally established in 1910 as a private entity of the Sugar Producer's Association of Puerto Rico.  In 1914 it was transferred to the Government of Puerto Rico.  With the Jones Act of 1917 the Agency became part of the Department of Agriculture and Labor, and it was given the name of "Insular Experiment Station".

 

In 1933, and in accordance with Joint Resolution No. 3 of the Legislature of Puerto Rico, the Experiment Station was transferred to the University of Puerto Rico.  This transfer was made in accordance with the spirit of the Hatch Act approved in 1887, and by virtue of the laws supplementing it, which were extended to Puerto Rico in 1931.

 

The role of the Agricultural Experiment Station is to provide the scientific and technological base necessary for the total development of the agricultural and rural sectors of Puerto Rico, in accordance with public policies and agricultural priorities of the local Department of Agriculture.  As part of its functions, the Experiment Station also conducts agro-industrial research dealing with the processing of agricultural products, the preservation of fresh and processed food products, the development of high quality rums, and the solution of problems related to the conservation of environmental quality.  In each field, activities are developed in both basic and applied research.

 

The Station has central offices and research activities at the two main research centers, Mayagüez and Río Piedras.  In addition to the main Research Centers, the Agricultural Experiment Station has six substations with a total area of more than 2,000 acres of land distributed in different geographical and ecological zones of Puerto Rico.  The centers at Adjuntas and Corozal are in the central, humid and mountainous region.  These at Lajas and Fortuna are in the dry, flat and coastal southern region.  The center at Isabela is in the semi arid region of the northwest and at Gurabo is in the humid northern region of the island of Puerto Rico.  This wide distribution allows the evaluation of different crops and animal systems in the ecological zones where they are better adapted.

 

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE

 

The Agricultural Extension Service was established in Puerto Rico in 1934 through an understanding between the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Puerto Rico.  Its basic aims are to aid in maintaining a prosperous agriculture, improve the quality of family life, and provide an adequate orientation and guidance for youth and for community resources development.

 

The informal education role of the Extension Service is developed through four main programs: 

(1)     Educational Programs in Agriculture, Marketing and Natural Resources,

(2)     Home Economics and Nutrition,

(3)     Youth and 4-H Clubs, and the

(4)     Community Resources Development.

 

This administrative unit of the College of Agricultural Sciences has two main offices located at Mayagüez and Río Piedras, and five regional offices located in municipalities within the five agricultural regions of Puerto Rico (San Juan, Arecibo, Mayagüez, Ponce and Caguas).  In addition, its 69 local offices fulfill its educational functions by serving the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico.  In each of the areas served by the Agricultural Extension Service, a citizen's committee cooperates with the professional personnel in the preparation and development of annual work plans for the agency, which correspond to the needs of the Puerto Rican people.

 

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS IN AGRICULTURE

 

The Office of International Programs in Agriculture adds a fourth dimension to the role of the College of Agricultural Sciences.  The office administers a number of training and research programs in tropical agriculture, mainly through the use of external funds provided to the University by international agencies, particularly by the Agency for International Development (AID).  The Mayagüez Campus is one of the two land grant universities in the tropics, and the only one where Spanish is the native language (although the English language is also used intensively).  For this and other reasons, the Campus provides a unique setting, and to some extent is in a privileged position, to serve as an international center for studies, training and research in the field of agriculture.

 

INTEGRATION OF ROLES

 

The programmatic and administrative integration of formal agricultural teaching, research, and extension allows the College of Agricultural Sciences to use its human and physical resources to a maximum capacity.

 

 It provides for the full participation of its professors, scientists, and specialists in more than one role, in accordance with the needs, interests, and values of the diverse clientele in agriculture and the rural sector served by the College of Agricultural Sciences.

 

MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COLLEGE

 

The primary mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences is to help Puerto Rico realize its maximum potential for agricultural development and to contribute to the solution of many social, economic, environmental and cultural problems of concern to the people of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Region and the USA.  The vital development mission is carried out thorough the three closely related functions of formal higher education, research and extension.

 

The formal higher education program of College of Agricultural Sciences conducted through the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences are concerned with the education of young men and women to serve in the Puerto Rico growing and increasingly complex agricultural industry. The curricula for the different fields of study are structured to provide the business, technological and basic science education necessary for graduates to meet the ever changing needs of the diverse and highly specialized agriculture and related business and industries.

 

Instructional programs provide a strong foundation into the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, and economics, which support curricula in agricultural sciences and food sciences and technology.  The faculty trained in the basic and applied sciences pertaining to agriculture and related areas consists of scholars whose contributions to instruction, research and cooperative extension are recognized well beyond the reaches of this university.

 

In order to accomplish these aims, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences offers programs of options leading to the Bachelor’s Degree: 1) General Agriculture, 2) Agronomy-Crops, 3) Agronomy-Soils, 4) Horticulture, 5) Animal Industry,         6)Crop Protection,  7)Agribusiness,                   8) Agricultural Education Teacher preparation, 9) Agricultural Extension Education,               10) Agricultural Economics, and 11) Mechanical Agricultural Technology.  In addition the Faculty offers a non-degree program of study in Pre-Veterinary Sciences for those students who will be pursing studies in veterinary medicine.

 

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences also offers graduate courses and programs leading to the Master of Science Degree.  Through that program and courses the students are able to specialize in the following discipline:                1) Agronomy-Crops, 2) Agronomy-Soils,          3) Animal Industry,  4) Agricultural Economics, 5) Agricultural Education, 6) Agricultural Extension Education, 7) Crop Protection,          8) Food Sciences and technology,                      9) Horticulture.  For more information regarding these programs, refer to the Graduate Studies Bulletin of Information.

 

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

 

The Co-op Program offers all qualified students majoring in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Soil Sciences, Animal Industry, Crop Protection, Horticulture, Mechanical Technology in Agriculture and General Program in Agricultural Sciences, an opportunity to enhance their academic preparation, acquire valuable work experience, and explore career options.  Through this program, students alternate terms of full-time study with term of full-time paid employment.  The work experiences are supervised jointly by a


mentor in the cooperating institution (private business or government agency) and a Faculty member.  A fundamental purpose of cooperative education is to give students the opportunity to learn under real-world conditions.

 

Student eligibility

 

To be eligible for the Coop-program, students most meet the following minimum requirements.

-2.5 GPA

-completed 2 years of study

-certain courses are pre-requisites by some employers

 

Employment participation

 

The coop organization commits, through a written agreement, to ensure student workplace learning and to evaluate the student’s work experience. While in coop work experience periods, students are considered as actual employees of the hiring organization. These include:

-student is considered an employee of the hiring organization and subject to policies and laws that   relate to other employees.

-student receives compensation in the form of

  wages for work performed.

     -student is under the supervision of the employer and performs work assigned by it.

     -Employers make hiring decisions.

 

The Plan

 

-The work periods are integrated with the curriculum, do not occur previous to the initial school term or after the final school term has been completed.

-The student must be registered in the cooperative education course assigned and will receive six (6) credit hours in free electives for a minimum of two (2) work experiences, one of which must take place during a regular semester.

 

GENERAL PROGRAM IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

(Interdepartmental Program)

 

The great diversity of crop and animal enterprises that characterize the island's agriculture requires professionals well prepared for identification and solve the multiple and varied problem which commonly affect agricultural enterprises, rural life, and economics and social development.

 

The curriculum for the Agricultural Sciences General Program is primarily designed to prepare students for employment as agronomists or professional agriculturists.  Students that graduate from this program may work in positions that require a broad general knowledge and skills in agricultural sciences.

 

In contrast with programs in Vocational Agricultural Education and Agricultural Extension, that has a general focus, the General Program in Agricultural Sciences offer greater opportunities for studying the technical aspects of agriculture.  The student of the General Program, if interested, may also take electives in Agricultural Education or Extension Programs.  A three-credit summer practice is required as part of the curriculum. 

 

Students that graduate from this program may work in positions that require a broad general knowledge of agricultural sciences.

 

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

 

CURRICULUM: 

GENERAL PROGRAM IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

(Interdepartmental Program)

FIRST YEAR

 

First Semester

 

Number                   Course                     Credits

 

*ENGL 3---        First year course in

                            English                              3

*SPAN 3101       Basic Course in Spanish   3

*MATH 3171    Pre-Calculus I                   3

 CHEM 3001      General Chemistry            4

 PLSC 3005         Fundamentals of Crop

                            Production

                                Or

 ANIN 3005        Fundamentals of Animal

                            Science                              4

 PHED ----          Basic Course in Physical

                            Education                           1        

                                                                     18      

Second Semester

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English                3

*SPAN 3102           Basic Course in Spanish                    3

*MATH 3172        Pre-Calculus II                                   3

 CHEM 3002          General Chemistry                             4

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science

Or

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

Production                                           4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

                                Education                                            1 

                                                                                           18

 SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                                 3

 BIOL 3435             Elementary Botany                             4

 CHEM 3061          Fundamentals of Organic

Chemistry and

Biochemistry I                                    4

 ECON 3021           Principles of Economics I                   3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          3                                                                                             

                                                                                           17

Second Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in English 3

 PHCS 3091            Elements of Physics                            3

 PHCS 3092            Elements of Physics Laboratory         1

 CHEM 3062          Fundamentals of Organic

Chemistry and Biochemistry II          4

 AGED 3005           Agricultural Orientation                      1

 BIOL 4015             General Zoology                                 3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          3

                                                                                           18

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 BIOL 3300             Genetics                                              3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective Course in Social

                                Sciences                                                3

 CROP 4006           Tropical Plant Pathology                    3

 AGRO 3005          General Soils                                       3

 ANIN 4005            Veterinary Physiology                        3

 CROP 4008           Agricultural Entomology                     3                                                                                            

                                                                                            18

Second Semester

 

 AGMT 4015         Agricultural Machinery I                    3

 BIOL 3770             General Microbiology                         3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective Course in Social

Sciences                                               3

 HORT 4009           Horticultural Crops                             3

 ANIN 4010            Animal Feeding and Nutrition             4

 

ELECTIVES           **Electives                                   2

                                                                                    18

SUMMER SESSION

 

 ****                       Summer Practicum                        3

FOURTH YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 HUMA ----            ***Elective Course in

Humanities                                    3

 PLSC 4005             Physiological Principles of

Crop Production                          3

 AGEC 4019           Introduction to Farm

                                Management                                 3

                                ***** ----Seminar                         1

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                    6

                                                                                    16

 

Second Semester

 

 HUMA ----            ***Elective Course in

Humanities                                    3

                                ***** ----Seminar                         1

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                  12

                                                                                    16

 

Total Credits required for program:  142

 

    *          Refer to the Academic Regulations section for information on Advanced Placement.

   **        Minimum requirements of electives.  The General Agriculture Program requires a minimum of 26 credits in elective courses. 

                At least 14 of these credits should be professional electives chosen among the course offerings of the Faculty of Agriculture, with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty.  The twelve remaining courses correspond to free electives.

  ***       Elective courses in the Social Sciences and Humanities will be chosen from among the offerings of the corresponding department with the approval of the Dean of Agriculture.

 ****      Students may enroll in Summer Practice in any Department of the Faculty of Agriculture with the consent of the Department Director.

*****    Students should enroll in seminars in the same department in which they take their Summer Practice.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY

 

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology offer programs to obtain a degree in Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences with majors in Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness. Students majoring in Agricultural Economics must take courses in principles of agricultural economics, farm management, marketing of agricultural products, farm finance, economic theory and statistics.  Electives may be taken in related courses. Students desiring careers in the Agribusiness option may take electives in business management.

 

The programs in agricultural economics prepare students for advanced training in agricultural economics and for careers in finance and credit, agribusiness and farm management, and public and private agencies that serve agriculture. The Department also offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (see Graduate Bulletin of Information).

 

Department Sponsored Organizations

 

The Agricultural Economist Students’ Association, an affiliate of the American Agricultural Economics Association – student section, was established in 1984.

 

 

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

 

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS CURRICULUM

 

SUMMARY OF CREDITS IN PROGRAM

 

General education courses                 60

Faculty requirements                           27

Departmental requirements                43           

Free electives                                        12

                Total                                       142

FIRST YEAR

 

First Semester

 

  Number                 Course                                 Credits

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in

                                English                                   3

*SPAN 3101           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3171        Pre-Calculus I                         3

 CHEM 3001          General Chemistry                 4

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production

or

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science                                    4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                1

                                                18

Second Semester

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English    3

*SPAN 3102           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3172        Pre-Calculus II                        3

 CHEM 3002          General Chemistry                  4

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science

Or

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

Production                              4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                1

                                                                              18

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

 BIOL 3435             Elementary Botany                 4

 ECON 3021           Principles of Economics I       3

 AGED 3005           Agricultural Orientation          1

 MATH 3049         Mathematical Analysis for

Management Sciences             3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                              3

                                                                               17

Second Semester

                       

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

 PHCS 3091            Elements of Physics               3

 PHCS 3092            Elements of Physics

                                Laboratory                              1

 ECON 3022           Principles of Economics II      3

 AGEC 3005           Principles of Agricultural

Economic Analysis                 3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                              3

                                                                              16

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ECON 3091           Micro-economic Theory         3

 AGEC 4007           Marketing of Agricultural

Products                                 3

 AGRO 3005          General Course in Soils           3

 MSTA 3101          Applied Statistics I                 3

 BIOL 4015             General Zoology                     3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

Sciences                                   3

                                                                               18

Second Semester

 

 ECON 3092           Macro-economic Theory        3

 AGEC 4028           Agricultural Finance                3

 AGMT 4015         Agricultural Machinery I        3

 PLSC 4005             Physiological Principles in

Crop Production                    3

 MSTA 3102          Applied Statistics II                            3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

                                Sciences                                   3

                                               18

SUMMER SESSION

 

 AGEC 4005           Summer Practicum                  3

     Or

AGEC 4997             Supervised Professional Occup.

                                Exp. for Coop Students

FOURTH YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 HUMA ----            ***Elective Course in

                                Humanities                              3

 AGEC 4025           Seminar                                   1

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                              12

                                                                                16

 

Second Semester

 

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                              3

 AGEC 4019           Farm Management and Accounting        3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                              12

                                                                                18

 

Total credits required for program:  142

 

   *Refer to the Academic Regulations section for    information on Advanced Placement.

 **Minimum requirements in electives.  The Department of Agricultural Economics requires a minimum of 30 credits in elective courses.  At least 12 should be in professional electives chosen from among Department offerings or from related areas.  Also, 6 elective credits should be taken from offerings of other departments in the Faculty of Agriculture.  In both cases, courses must be selected with the consent of the Director of Agricultural Economics.  The remaining 12 credits are free electives.

***The elective courses in Social Sciences and Humanities will be selected with the consent of the Director of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology.

 

AGRI-BUSINESS CURRICULUM

 

SUMMARY OF CREDITS IN PROGRAM

General education courses                 60

Faculty requirements                           27

Departmental requirements                42

Free electives                                        12

                Total                                       141

FIRST YEAR

 

First Semester

 

  Number                 Course                                Credits

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English    3

*SPAN 3101           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3171        Pre-Calculus I                         3

 CHEM 3001          General Chemistry                  4

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production

Or

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science                                    4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                               1

                                                                               18

Second Semester

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English    3

*SPAN 3102           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3172        Pre-Calculus II                        3

 CHEM 3002          General Chemistry                  4

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science

Or

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production                              4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                1

                                                                               18

 

 

 

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

 BIOL 3435             Elementary Botany                 4

 ACCO 3005           Elementary Accounting I        4

 ECON 3021           Principles of Economics I       3

 AGED 3005           Agricultural Orientation          1

 MATH 3049         Mathematical Analysis for

Management Sciences             3

                                                                               18

 

Second Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

 PHCS 3091            Elements of Physics               3

 PHCS 3092            Laboratory for Elements of

Physics                                  1

 ECON 3022           Principles of Economics II      3

 ACCO 3006           Elementary Accounting II       4

 MSTA 3101          Applied Statistics I                 3

                                                                               17

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 SOSC 3121            An Intro. to the Study of the

Social Sciences                       3

 AGEC 4007           Marketing of Agricultural

Products                                 3

 AGRO 3005          General Soils                           3

 BIOL 4015             General Zoology                     3

 ELECTIVES          ****Electives in Agricultural

Sciences                                  3

 ELECTIVES          **Professional Electives         3

                                                                               18

 

Second Semester

 

 SOSC 3122            An Intro. to the Study of the

Social Sciences                       3

 AGEC 4028           Agricultural Finance                3

 AGMT 4015         Agricultural Machinery I        3

 PLSC 4005             Physiological Principles of

Crop Production                    3

 ELECTIVES          Free Electives                          3

 ELECTIVES          **Professional Electives         3

                                                                                18

 

SUMMER SESSION

 

 AGEC 4005           Summer Practicum                  3

      Or

AGEC 4997            Supervised Professional Occup.

                                Exp. for Coop Students

 

 

FOURTH YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 GERH 4006           Introduction to Organizations             3

 AGEC 4025           Seminar                                                1

 ELECTIVES          ***Elective course in

Humanities                                          3

 ELECTIVES          ****Electives in Agricultural

Sciences                                              3

 ADMI 4001           Business Law I                                    3

 ELECTIVES          **Professional Electives in

Business Adm. Faculty                       3

                                                                                          16

 

Second Semester

 

 ELECTIVES          Free Electives                                      3

 AGEC 4019           Farm Management and Accounting        3

 ELECTIVE            ***Elective course in

Humanities                                          3

 ELECTIVE            Free Electives                                      6

                                                                                           15

 

             Total Credits required for program:  141

 

   *           Refer to the Academic Regulations section for information on Advanced Placement.

  **         Minimum required credits in electives.  A minimum of 9 credits as professional electives, to be taken among the offerings of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, the Department of Economics of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business Administration.  At least 3 credits must be taken in this last College.

 ***        A minimum of 6 credits as electives in Humanities must be taken among the offerings of the Department of Humanities with the consent of the Director of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology.

****       A minimum of 6 credits must be taken as electives in agricultural sciences, among the offerings of the different departments of the Faculty of Agriculture, except the Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology and Agricultural Education Departments.

 

DEPARTMENTAL FACULTY

 

CARMEN I. ALAMO GONZALEZ, Assistant Researcher (Agricultural Economics) ,M.S., 1988, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.

 

MARIANO ANTONI PADILLA, Researcher (Agricultural Economics), M.A., 1981, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Ad-Honorem.

 

MYRNA COMAS PAGAN, Assistant Specialist of Extension (Agricultural Economics),  M.S., 1990, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.

 

VIVIAN CARRO FIGUEROA, Associate Researcher (Rural Sociology), M.A., 1976, University of London.

 

MILDRED CORTES PEREZ,  Assistant Researcher (Agricultural Economics), M.A. 1995, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

 

FLOR M. DELGADO PHILIPPI, Associate Professor, M.B.A., 1983, Louisiana State University.

 

RESTITUTO DEYNES SOTO, Specialist of Extension (Agricultural Economics), M.S., 1975, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.

 

EDNA DROZ LUBE,  Associate Researcher (Rural Sociology), 1962, University of California, Stanford.

 

JORGE FERNANDEZ CORNEJO, Adjunct Professor (Agricultural Economics), 1990, Ph.D., University of Delaware.

 

GLADYS M. GONZALEZ, Professor, Ph.D., 1984, University of Missouri, Columbia.

 

JORGE A. GONZALEZ SOTO, Professor, Ph.D., 1986, University of Missouri, Columbia, J.D., 1995, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.

 

MADELINE MENDOZA MALDONADO, Associate Specialist of Extension (Agricultural. Economics), M.S., 1988, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

 

LUIS R. MEJIA MAYMI, Assistant Specialist of Extension (Agricultural Economics) M.S., 1986, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.

 

JUAN ORTIZ LOPEZ,  Associate Researcher (Agricultural Economics), M.S., 1984, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.

 

ROOPCHAND RAMGOLAM, Professor, Ph.D., 1974, Louisiana State University, Ad Honorem.

 

JOSE L. TROCHE DUCOT, Associate Researcher, M.S., 1984, University of Puerto Rico.

 

COURSES OF INSTRUCTION

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY

 

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

 

AGEC 3005.  PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

Introduction to the field of agricultural economics, with emphasis on the aspects of production.  Includes study of the use of economic principles in agricultural production and of supply and demand, and elementary notions of policy making.

 

AGEC 3007.  INTRODUCTION TO THE USE OF MICROCOMPUTERS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES. Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one hour of practice per week.  Prerequisite:  Consent of the Director of the Department.

 

Basic concepts in the use and operation of microcomputers; software packages for word processing, data base management, and spread sheets.  Information on software packages for agriculture.

 

AGEC 3015.  AGRICULTURAL LAW.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

Analysis of different aspects of law relevant in the agribusiness decision-making process.

 

AGEC 4005.  SUMMER PRACTICUM IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS.  Three credit hours.  Six weeks duration. Prerequisite:  Consent of the Director of the Department and twelve credits in Agricultural Economics.

 

Practical scientific work and field experience, or its equivalent, in any of the various phases of agricultural economics.

 

AGEC 4006.  INTRODUCTION TO CONSUMER ECONOMICS.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  ECON 3021 or AGEC 3005.

 

An examination of topics that illustrate the ways in which consumers make decisions.  Emphasis is given to the use of economic principles with respect to use of credit, and the purchase of food, housing, medical plans, education, automobiles, insurance, recreation, and other consumption items.

 

AGEC 4007.  MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite:  ECON 3021 or AGEC 3005.

 

A general comprehensive study of agricultural products marketing institutions, functions and problems, with emphasis on the Puerto Rican situation.  Includes study of supply and demand, market structures, prices, and marketing costs at the various levels of the distribution process.

 

AGEC 4008.  AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES.  Two credit hours.  Two hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite: ECON 3021.

 

Fundamental features of the cooperative movement, with emphasis on farmers cooperatives.  Includes aspects of principles, organization, management, problems, limitation and accomplishments of agricultural cooperatives.

 

AGEC 4009.  COOPERATIVE ENTERPRISES.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

Study of economic and social principles of cooperativism and their implication for development.  Discussion of the functioning of different types of cooperatives, including legal aspects.

 

AGEC 4015.  INTRODUCTION TO RESOURCE ECONOMICS.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite:  ECON 3021 or AGEC 3005.

 

      Undergraduate Bulletin of Information 2000-2001
 
Introduction to the application of economic and political science concepts to problems in the use of natural resources including water, land, forest, and marine resources.  Emphasis is given to concepts of regional growth, to the impact of urban development, and the process of public decision-making in the area of natural resources.

 

AGEC 4016.  INTRODUCTION TO FARM APPRAISAL.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

Study of the factors that affect the value of farm land, principles and methods of farm appraisal, and preparation of appraisal reports.

 

AGEC 4017-4018.  SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS.  One to three credit hours.  One to three work periods per week.  Prerequisite:  Consent of the Department Director.

 

Problems in any of the various phases of agricultural economics will be assigned or may be selected, subject to the approval of the professor in charge.

 

AGEC 4019.  FARM MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite:  ECON 3021 or AGEC 3005.

 

Use of economic principles and farm records in the organization and management of a farm business.  Includes methods of keeping and analyzing farm records, farm inventory, income and net worth statements, receipts and expenses records, production records, income tax returns; use of economic principles and of records in budgeting; and analysis of aspects of the problems of risk and uncertainty in agriculture.  Emphasis is placed on decision-making.

 

AGEC 4025.  SEMINAR.  One credit hour.  One meeting per week.  Prerequisites:  Consent of the Director of the Department and twelve credits in Agricultural Economics.

 

Reports and discussions of problems, observation and recent research.  Written and oral reports are required.

 

AGEC 4026.  INTRODUCTION TO RURAL SOCIOLOGY.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

Scientific study of rural society, its population, structure and social processes.  Emphasis is given to the rural area of Puerto Rico.

 

AGEC 4028.  AGRICULTURAL FINANCE.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  ECON 3021 or AGEC 3005.

 

Study of the methods and problems in financing the farm business, with emphasis on the aspects of credit.  Includes study and analysis of credit requirements, institutions, types and effects.

 

AGEC 4029.  AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite: AGEC 4019.

 

Managerial concepts.  Application of economic principles.  Analytical techniques and decision making procedures in agribusiness.  Planning, organization, financial analysis and control; human relations.  Case studies, discussion, and work problems involving actual managerial situations.

 

AGEC 4997.  SUPERVISED PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR COOP STUDENTS.  Three to six credit hours.  A minimum of two practice periods is required, one of them in a semester.  Prerequisites: Consent of the Director of the Department and to be a Coop program student.

 

Practical experience in agricultural economics and agribusiness management in cooperation with the private sector or government.  To be jointly supervised by the academic department, the Coop program coordinator, and an official from the cooperating entity. A written report will be required upon completion of each work period.

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

 

The Agricultural Education Department offers a program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with majors in Agricultural Education or Extension Education. These programs prepare students for teaching agriculture and agricultural extension, and also for educational and public relations work related to agriculture in federal and state agencies, business, commerce, and industry.  Employment in these positions requires agricultural experience, preparation in basic sciences and technical agriculture, and understanding of the principles and techniques of the teaching-learning process, and the ability to work with people.

 

Graduates of this department may qualify to teach vocational agriculture upon completion of the program of study which includes supervised teaching (courses EDAG 4018-4019) and other courses required for certification to teach in the school system of Puerto Rico. Those who register for courses EDAG 4018-4019, must have a cumulative grade average of 2.00 or better, approval of the head of the department, and in addition may be required to take certain physical and psychological examination or meet other criteria for admission. Students majoring in Extension Education may qualify to enter extension and other related educational and public service jobs.

 

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

 

SUMMARY OF CREDITS IN PROGRAM

General education courses                 60

Faculty requirements                           33

Departmental requirements                19

Professional electives                         18

Free electives                                        12

                                                                142

FIRST YEAR

 

First Semester

 

  Number                 Course                           Credits

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in

                                English                                    3

*SPAN 3101           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3171        Pre-Calculus I                         3

 CHEM 3001          General Chemistry                  4

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production

or

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science                                    4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                1

18

Second Semester

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English    3

*SPAN 3102           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3172        Pre-Calculus II                        3

 CHEM 3002          General Chemistry                  4

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science   

or

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production                              4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                1

                                                                               18

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

 BIOL 3435             Elementary Botany                 4

 ECON 3021           Principles of Economics I       3

 BIOL 4015             General Zoology                     3

 AGED 3005           Agricultural Orientation          1

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

Sciences                                   3

                                               17

Second Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

 PHCS 3091            Elements of Physics               3

 PHCS 3092            Elements of Physics

                                Laboratory                              1

 AGRO 3005          General Soils Course               3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

Sciences                                  3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                              4

                                                                               17

 

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 AGMT 4015         Agricultural Machinery I        3

 CROP 4006           Tropical Plant Pathology        3

 ANIN 4005            Veterinary Physiology            3

 AGEC 4019           Introduction to Farm

                                Business Administration        3

 AGED 4005           Methods in Teaching

                                Vocational Agriculture            3

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                              3

                                                                               18

 

Second Semester

 

 PLSC 4005             Physiological Principles of

Crop Production                    3

 AGED 4006           Curriculum Development       3

 AGED 4007           Organization and

                Administration in Vocational Agriculture                               3

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                              3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                              6

                                                                               18

FOURTH YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ANIN 4036            Farm Animal Diseases                        3

 AGED 4018           Teaching Practice I                              3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          12

                                                                                            18

Second Semester

 

 CROP 4008           Agricultural Entomology                      3

 AGED 4015           Youth Organization and Programs        3

 AGED 4017           Agricultural Education Seminar           1

 AGED 4019           Teaching Practice II                              3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          8

                                                                                            18

 

Total Credits required for program:  142

  *            Refer to the Academic Regulations section for information on Advanced Placement.

 **          Minimum requirements in electives:  The Agricultural Education Program requires a minimum of 18 of these credits to be selected from the courses offered by the Agricultural Science Faculty  or by the Division of Extension and the remaining 12 credits are free electives.

***         The electives in Social Sciences and Humanities require authorization of the Director of the Agricultural Education Department.

 

 

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION CURRICULUM

 

SUMMARY OF CREDITS IN PROGRAM

General education courses                 60

Faculty requirements                           51

Departmental requirements                13

Professional electives                           6

Free electives                                        12

                                                                142

FIRST YEAR

 

First Semester

 

  Number                 Course                                 Credits

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English    3

*SPAN 3101           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3171        Pre-Calculus I                         3

 CHEM 3001          General Chemistry                  4

 

 

PLSC 3005              Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production

or

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal Science        4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                             1

                                                                                            18

 

Second Semester

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English                 3

*SPAN 3102           Basic Course in Spanish                      3

*MATH 3172        Pre-Calculus II                                    3

 CHEM 3002          General Chemistry                              4

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal Science       

or

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop Production      4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                            1

                                                                                            18

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in English 3

 BIOL 3435             Elementary Botany                             4

 ECON 3021           Principles of Economics I                   3

 AGRO 3005          General Soils Course                           3

 AGED 3005           Agricultural Orientation                      1

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

Sciences                                               3

                                                                                           17

Second Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in English 3

 PHCS 3091            Elements of Physics                            3

 PHCS 3092            Elements of Physics Laboratory         1

 BIOL 4015             General Zoology                                 3

 HORT 3005           Plant Propagation                                3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

Sciences                                               3

                                                                                           16

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 CROP 4006           Tropical Plant Pathology                    3

 ANIN 4005            Veterinary Physiology                        3

 EXAG 4005           Extension Philosophy and

                                Objectives                                          3

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                                          3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          6

                                                                                          18

 

 

Second Semester

 

 PLSC 4005             Physiological Principles of Crop

Production                                         3

 AGMT 4015         Agricultural Machinery I                    3

 AGED 4015           Youth Organization and Programs      3

 EXAG 4006           Extension Teaching Methods and

Techniques                                         3

 AGRO 4037          Soil Fertility and Fertilizers                3

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                                          3

                                                                                           18

 

SUMMER SESSION

 

 EXAG 4007           Summer Practice                                  3

FOURTH YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ANIN 4036            Farm Animals Diseases                       3

 CROP 4008           Agricultural Entomology                     3

 AGEC 4007           Marketing of Farm Products               3

 AGEC 4026           Introduction to Rural Sociology          3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          6

                                                                           18

 

Second Semester

 

 EXAG 4009           Extension Education Seminar             1

 HORT 4009           Horticultural Crops                              3               

 HORT 4008           Vegetable Gardening                            3

 AGEC 4019           Introduction to Farm Management     3

 ELECTIVES          **General Electives                             6

                                                                                           16

 

              Total credits required for program:  142

 

  *            Refer to the Academic Regulations section for information on Advanced Placement.

 **          Minimum requirements in electives:  The Agricultural Extension Program requires a minimum of 18 credits in elective courses. At least 6 of these credits should be professional electives chosen among the course offerings of the Faculty of Agriculture, with the approval of the Director of the Department.  The remaining 12 credits are free electives.

***         The electives in Social Sciences and Humanities require authorization of the Director of the Agricultural Education Department.

 

 

DEPARTMENTAL FACULTY

 

DAVID PADILLA VELEZ,  Associate Professor, Ph.D., 1993,  The Ohio State University.

 

LUIS F. SILVA GUERRERO, Professor, Ph.D., 1988, Cornell University.

 

JOSE A. VILLAMIL FREYTES, Professor, Ph.D., 1978, University of Connecticut.

 

JUAN F. GONZALEZ, Instructor, MS, 1985, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

 

 

COURSES OF INSTRUCTION

 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

 

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

 

AGED 3005.  AGRICULTURAL ORIENTATION.  One credit hour.  One hour of lecture per week.

 

A survey of the general goals, functions and policies of the main agricultural organizations working in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the objectives of the College of Agricultural Sciences, thus guiding the student in the selection of courses and field of specialization.

 

AGED 3006.  INTRODUCTORY INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  AGED 3005.

 

Study and discussion of world agriculture and food production issues including factors such as:

geographical characteristics, cultural issues, and political, social and economic problems.  Special attention is given to agricultural production in developing countries and the tropics.

 

AGED 4005. METHODS IN TEACHING VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite: Junior standing.

 

This course is intended to help students develop a sound philosophy of all-day instruction in vocational agriculture.  It emphasizes the preparation of annual teaching calendars, job analyzing, the learning process, methods and techniques of teaching, lesson planning and the evaluation of learning.

 

AGED 4006.  CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite: AGED 4005.

 

Curriculum planning theory and practices.  Problems and principles in curriculum development.  Defining goals and objectives.  Selecting appropriate curriculum designs, and planning curriculum implementation and evaluation.

 

AGED 4007.  ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION  IN  VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  AGED 4005.

 

The Vocational Education Act:  general rules and regulations for the administration and functioning of Vocational Agriculture Department, and the qualification and duties of the teachers of vocational agriculture.

 

AGED 4008.  SUPERVISED OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  AGED 4005.

 

Principles, practices and procedures to planning, programming, implementing and evaluating comprehensive supervised farming programs and supervised occupational experience programs.  Emphasis will be given to purpose of farm and off farm occupational experience programs.  Analysis of home farm and off farms employment experience opportunities and program planning and supervision.

 

AGED 4009.  TEACHING YOUNG AND ADULT FARMERS.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite:  AGED 4005.

 

Principles and practice of planning, organizing, promoting, implementing and evaluating young adult farmer courses. Emphasis will be given to the decision-making approach, selection of methods and techniques, lesson planning, class management and evaluation techniques.

 

AGED 4015.  YOUTH ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMS.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

History, philosophy, importance, objectives, and work programs of youth organization.  Advisors,

 

function, and characteristics, planning programming, implementation, and evaluation of the organization work program, with emphasis in F.F.A., 4-H, and young farmers.

 

AGED 4016.  AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA IN TEACHING VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

 

Philosophical and psychological implication of the use of audiovisual media in teaching.  Location, selection, and evaluation of the audiovisual material for teaching purposes.  Planning, designing and preparation of audiovisual material to teach vocational agriculture.  Practice in the operation and management of audiovisual equipment and a media center.

 

AGED 4017.  SEMINAR.  One credit hour.  One hour of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  Nine credits in agricultural education or agricultural extension.

 

Discussion of problems related to the development of instructional programs in vocational agriculture; planning, organization, development, follow-up, evaluation, related legislation and trends.

 

AGED 4018-4019.  TEACHING PRACTICE I AND II.  Three credit hours per semester.  One hour of lecture and six hours of laboratory work per week, each semester.  Prerequisite:  AGED 4005, AGED 4006.  Co-requisite:  AGED 4007.

 

Supervised observation of vocational agriculture teaching.  Full time participatory experience of trainees in all phases of the work of vocational agriculture teachers.

 

AGED 4025. EVALUATION OF STUDENTS IN VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE.  Three credit hours. Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  AGED 4005.

 

Principles, criteria, procedures and techniques employed in the evaluation of the performance of students  in Vocational Agriculture.

 

AGED 4026.  SUPERVISION IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  Consent of the Director of the Department.

 

Theories, principles and practice pertaining to supervision in agricultural extension and vocational agriculture; factors that influence needs, philosophies, and types of supervision at the local, regional, state and national levels; training, responsibilities, personal traits and duties of the supervisor.

 

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

 

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

 

AGEX 4005.  EXTENSION PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

This course is designed to familiarize students with the organization, philosophy, and objectives of the Agricultural Extension Service.

 

AGEX 4006.  TEACHING METHODS AND TECHNIQUES IN EXTENSION.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

This course covers the various educational methods used by the extension service.  The students will participate in the major activities of the extension work in the district in cooperation with the local agent of the Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service.

 

AGEX 4007.  SUMMER PRACTICUM IN EXTENSION.  Three credit hours.  Six weeks duration.

 

The student is required to report to an agricultural extension work under the guidance of an Agricultural Extension agent.  A plan of the work to be observed and practiced, and where it is to be carried out, must be approved by the student's counselor.  Evaluation will be done by the counselor, in close coordination with the County Agent and the District Supervisor, whenever possible.

 

AGEX 4008.  SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN EXTENSION.  One to three credit hours.  One to three research periods per week.  Prerequisite:  AGEX 4005.

 

The student selects and studies an area of extension of his interest, and reports the findings.

AGEX 4009.  SEMINAR IN EXTENSION EDUCATION.  One credit hour.  One hour of lecture per week.  Prerequisite:  AGEX 4005.

 

Discussions of problems related to program planning development, rural development, farm home development, or other phases of extension work.  Areas to be discussed are selected at the beginning of the course.

 

AGEX 4015.  INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATION.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

Principles and practices in communications; skills and knowledge for person to person, group, and mass communication; panel and group discussions.  Practical exercises.

 

AGEX 4016.  GROUP DYNAMICS AND LEADERSHIP.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.

 

Discussion of the research and theory in the study of small groups with emphasis on motivational forces involved, and the leadership function in the attainment of the group goals.

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

 

 

The program of Mechanical Technology in Agriculture, administered by the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department for students of agriculture emphasizes the practical application of engineering principles to the problems encountered in modern farming.  In pursuing this objective, all of the major divisions of the agricultural engineering field are considered: farm power and machinery, soils and water management, farm structures and environmental control, rural electrification, and agricultural products processing.

 

The first year of the Mechanical Technology in Agriculture Curriculum is the same as that prescribed in most of the other undergraduate curriculums in the College of Agricultural Sciences; specialization gradually begins during the second year.  The student, in consultation with his advisor, selects 12 credits of professional electives during the last two years of his program.  The professional electives are chosen from the course offerings of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department and related areas.  The student also selects 12 credits of free electives to refine curricular balance in accordance with his particular interests.  During the summer between the third and fourth year, the student participates in a summer field practice which is administered in cooperation with the various government agencies and private industries.

 

Most of the agricultural activities in Puerto Rico need to be effectively mechanized in order to be economically viable and profitable.  As a result of a continuing process of agricultural mechanization, there has been an increasing demand for graduates of the Mechanical Technology in Agriculture program.

 

PROGRAM OF STUDY

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE CURRICULUM

 

FIRST YEAR

 

First Semester

 

  Number                 Course                              Credits

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in

                                English                                    3

*SPAN 3101           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3171        Pre-Calculus I                         3

 CHEM 3001          General Chemistry                  4

 BIOL 3435             Elementary Botany                 4

 AGED 3005           Agricultural Orientation          1

                                                                               18

Second Semester

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in English    3

*SPAN 3102           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3172        Pre-Calculus II                        3

 CHEM 3002          General Chemistry                  4

 BIOL 4015             General Zoology                     3

 PHED ----              Physical Education Elective    1

                                                                                17

                                                                            SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

ECON 3021            Principles of Economics I       3

MATH 3049          Mathematical Analysis for

Management Sciences             3

GEEG 3011            Engineering Graphics I            2

PLSC 3005              Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production                              4

ELECTIVES           **Elective                               3

                                                                               18

 

Second Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in

                                English                                    3

 COMP 3057          Computer Fundamentals        3

 PHCS 3091            Elements of Physics               3

 PHCS 3092            Elements of Physics

                                Laboratory                              1

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science                                    4

 AGRO 3005          General Soils                           3

                                                                              17

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 AGEC 4019           Introduction to Farm

                                Management                           3

 AGMT 4009         Agricultural Power                  3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

Sciences                                  3

 PLSC 4005             Physiological Principles of

Crop Production                    3

 CIEG 4005             Agricultural Surveying            3

 AGEC 4007           Marketing of Agricultural

Products                                  3

                                                                               18

Second Semester

 

 AGMT 4015         Agricultural Machinery I        3

 AGMT 4005         Farm Electrification                3

 SOSC ----               ***Elective course in Social

                                Sciences                                  3

 AGMT 4028         Farm Service Buildings           3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                              6

                                                                               18

SUMMER SESSION

 

AGMT 4008          Summer Field Practice            3

      Or

AGMT 4990           Supervised Professional Occup.

                                  Exp. for Coop Students

            

FOURTH YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 AGMT 4029         Agricultural Products

Processing                               3

 AGMT 4035         Soil and Water Management               4

 AGMT 4036         Seminar in Mechanized

Agriculture                                          1

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                                          3

 PHED ----              Physical Education Elective                1

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          6

                                                                                           18

 

Second Semester

 

 AGEC 4028           Agricultural Finance                            3

 AGMT 4037         Seminar in Mechanized

Agriculture                                          1

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                                         3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          9

                                                                                           16

 

          Total credits required for this program:  143

 

  *            Refer to the Academic Regulations section for information on Advanced Placement.

 **          The Program in Mechanical Technology in Agriculture requires a minimum of 24  credits in elective courses.  In these 24 credits are included twelve credits in Professional electives selected from the offerings of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and related areas and with the authorization of the Director of the Agricultural Engineering Department.  The other twelve credits are free electives.

***         The electives in Social Sciences and Humanities require authorization of the Director of the Agricultural Engineering Department.

 

DEPARTMENTAL FACULTY

 

RAFAEL DAVILA, Extension Specialist, Ph.D., 1984, Cornell University.

 

CARMEN GONZALEZ, Extension Assistant Specialist, M.S.C., 1985, Michigan State University.

 

ERIC HARMSEN, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., 1989, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

CAROL HARPER, Associate Professor, Ph.D., 1991, Colorado State University.

 

JAVIER HUERTAS, Assistant Researcher, M.S. Ch.E., 1996, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

 

HECTOR O. LOPEZ, Extension Assistant Specialist, M.E.M., 1998, Texas A & M.

 

FRANCISCO MONROIG, Instructor, M.S., 1998, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

 

LUIS R. PEREZ ALEGRIA, Professor, Ph.D., 1987, Pennsylvania State University.

 

FERNANDO PEREZ MUÑOZ,   Associate Professor, Ph.D., 1996, Iowa State University.

 

EDWIN RIOS VILLANUEVA, Instructor, M.S. 2000. University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

 

FELIX R. RIVERA NEGRON, Associate Researcher, M.S.C., 1976, Purdue University.

 

YOOSEF  SHAHABASI, Professor, Ph.D., 1979, Michigan State University.

 

COURSES OF INSTRUCTION

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

 

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

 

AGEG 4045.  FIELD PRACTICE IN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Six weeks of practice during summer.  Prerequisite:  Fourth year student.

 

Field experience in agricultural engineering during the summer session at the end of the fourth year of studies.  The course will be offered in cooperation with governmental agencies or private industry.  A written report is required.

 

AGEG 4046.  SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  AGRO 3005, CIEG 4005 and GEEG 4015.

 

Agricultural hydrology; analysis and design of erosion and flood control structures; terraces, waterways, dams, reservoirs, spillways, and drop inlets; land leveling and smoothing.

 

AGEG 4047.  AGRICULTURAL POWER ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  GEEG 4011 and MEEG 4045.

 

Application of mechanics and thermodynamics to problems of energy conversion and transmission in agricultural production and processing; correlation of principles of design, engine characteristics, and basic configuration of tractive and stationary power units.

 

AGEG 4048.  AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES DESIGN.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  GEEG 3011, GEEG 4012 and ANIN 3005.

 

Functional and structural design of farm buildings; materials, cost estimates, and specifications.

 

AGEG 4049.  SEMINAR IN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING.  One credit hour.  One hour of seminar per week.  Prerequisite:  AGEG 4045.

 

Oral reports and general discussion of the experiences and observations gathered during the summer field practice.  Revision and discussion of current research and developments in Agricultural Engineering.

 

AGEG 4056.  AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  GEEG 4012, GEEG 4015, and PLSC 3005.

 

Design and functional, mechanical, and economic analysis of selected machines and combination of machines used in agricultural production and processing.

 

AGEG 4057.  RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  ELEG 4005 and ANIN 3005.

 

Electrical and electronic fundamentals applied to agricultural production and rural living; selection, installation, and operation of electrical equipment for agricultural applications.

 

AGEG 4058.  AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  ANIN 3005, MEEG 4045, and ELEG 4075.

 

Thermodynamic principles related to agricultural engineering processes and operations; properties of air and air-vapor mixtures; refrigeration; solar radiation; environmental requirements for plants, animals, and agricultural products.

 

AGEG 4059.  AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY SYSTEMS ANALYSIS.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  GEEG 3025 and PLSC 3005.

 

Analysis of current agricultural machinery systems; adaptation and planning for sequential operations; machinery for unique and alternate production and harvesting systems; operational management.

 

AGEG 4065.  AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  AGRO 3005, CIEG 4005 and GEEG 4015.

 

Soil-water-plant relationships, consumptive use, application efficiencies; salinity problems, pumps and pumping.  Principles of design, construction, operation, and maintenance of agricultural drainage and irrigation systems.

 

      Undergraduate Bulletin of Information 2000-2001
 
AGEG 4066.  AGRICULTURAL PROCESS ENGINEERING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  ELEG 4075 and MEEG 4045.

 

Engineering elements in agricultural products processing and materials handling; thermodynamics and mass transfer principles applied to agricultural processes.

 

AGEG 4990.  SELECTED TOPICS.  One to three credit hours.  One to three hours of lecture per week.

 

Selected topics in Agricultural Engineering.  Topics will vary according to the needs and interests of the students and the faculty.

 

AGEG 4996.  AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS.  Two to four credit hours.

 

Supervised projects in areas of agricultural engineering. A written report is required.

AGMT 4005.  FARM ELECTRIFICATION.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  PHCS 3172, or PHCS 3152, or PHCS 3091.

 

Application of electrical energy to agricultural production and rural living.  Fundamentals of selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical farm equipment; safety rules and regulations.

 

AGMT 4006.  WOOD SHOP PRACTICES.  Two credit hours.  One hour of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.

 

Selection, care and use of hand power tools, shop skills including farm carpentry pipe fitting, cold metal work, tool fitting and painting, and farm shop safety.

 

AGMT 4007.  METALWORKING AND WELDING.  Two credit hours.  One hour of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.

 

Shop skills including hot metal work, soldering and sheet metal work, electric arc welding, and oxyacetylene welding and cutting; organization and management of the farm shop.

 

AGMT 4008.  SUMMER FIELD PRACTICE.  Three credit hours.  Six weeks duration.  Prerequisite:  Consent of the Director of the Department.

 

Practical field experience in agricultural engineering activities, covering a minimum of six weeks during the Summer Session at the end of the student's Junior year.  The course will be administered in cooperation with appropriate government agencies and organizations of private industry.  A satisfactory written report will be required.

 

AGMT 4009.  AGRICULTURAL POWER.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  PHCS 3171, or PHCS 3151, or PHCS 3091.

 

Sources, measurement, transmission, and economic application of mechanical power on the farm; principles of construction and operation of various types of farm power units, with particular emphasis on internal combustion engines; classification, selection, operation, and maintenance of farm tractors.

AGMT 4015.  AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY I.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  PHCS 3171, or PHCS 3151, or PHCS 3091.

 

Principles of construction and operation, maintenance procedures, power relationships, and economic utilization of the main tillage, planting, cultivating, and other related agricultural machinery.

 

AGMT 4017.  SAFETY IN AGRICULTURE.  Two credit hours.  Two hours of lecture per week.

 

Principles of personnel and property protection as applied to agricultural operations and use of agricultural machinery, with emphasis on the development of a philosophy of safety as a basis for effective accident prevention; a critical review and analysis of agricultural accidents in Puerto Rico.

 

AGMT 4018.  COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IN AGRICULTURE.  Two credit hours.  Two hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite: MATH 3172.

 

Introductory course to computer technology and programming using BASIC language, with emphasis on  applications to agriculture.

 

AGMT 4019.  FARM DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  AGRO 3005.

 

Principles of irrigation and drainage of farm lands.  Drainage systems, sources of water supply, water quality.  Irrigation distribution systems: through gravity, sprinkler or trickle.

 

AGMT 4025.  AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY II.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  AGMT 4009 and AGMT 4015.

Further study of agricultural machinery, covering fertilizing, pest control, harvesting, feed processing, and other agricultural machines, including those recently developed; principles of construction and operation, power relationships, maintenance procedures, and economic utilization.

 

AGMT 4026.  DAIRY MECHANICS.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  ANIN 3005 and (PHCS 3171, or PHCS 3151, or PHCS 3091).

 

Construction, installation, operation, and management of mechanical equipment used in dairy enterprises.

 

AGMT 4028.  FARM SERVICE BUILDINGS.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  ANIN 3005 and GEEG 3011 and (PHCS 3091 or PHCS 3151 or PHCS 3171).


Functional requirements and planning; materials of construction; construction principles and procedures, with particular reference to the major types of farm service building.

 

AGMT 4029.  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS PROCESSING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  PHCS 3091 or PHCS 3151 or PHCS 3171.

 

Unit operations, equipment, techniques, and processes used in handling and preparing farm products for marketing, utilization, or storage.

 

AGMT 4035.  SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT.  Four credit hours.  Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  AGRO 3005 and CIEG 4005.

 

Soil-water plant relationships:  principles and practice of irrigation and drainage of farm lands; land improvement by means of mechanical procedures, or structures for soil and water management and conservation.

 

AGMT 4036-4037.  SEMINAR IN MECHANIZED AGRICULTURE.  One credit hour per semester.  One meeting per week each semester.  Prerequisite:  AGMT 4008 or consent of the Director of the Department.

 

Oral reports and discussion concerning experiences and observations gathered during the summer field practice.  During the second semester, emphasis will be on a review and


discussion of current developments, in the field of agricultural engineering.

 

AGMT 4038.  AGRICULTURAL HYDROLOGY.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  PHCS 3171, or PHCS 3151, or PHCS 3091.

 

The hydrologic cycle, including weather elements and climate, precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, infiltration, and run-off as related to soil and water management and control.

 

AGMT 4039.  AGRICULTURAL WASTE MANAGEMENT.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  AGRO 3005.

 

Characteristics of agricultural wastes; environmental impact, biological processes; pollution problems and controls; agricultural wastes management systems; legal and economic aspects.

 

AGMT 4990.  SUPERVISED PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR COOP STUDENTS.  Three to six credit hours.  A minimum of two practice periods is required, one of them in a semester.  Prerequisite: Consent of the Director of the Department and to be a Coop program student.

 

Practical experience in Mechanical Technology in Agriculture in cooperation with the private sector or government.  To be jointly supervised by the academic department, the Coop program coordinator, and an official from the cooperating entity.  Written reports will be required upon completion of each work period.

 

AGMT 4991.  SPECIAL PROBLEMS.  One to three credit hours.  One to three hours of lecture per week.

 

Problems pertaining to the applied and technical aspects of Agricultural Engineering related to the agriculture of Puerto Rico.  Conferences, library research, laboratories, or field trips will be assigned on an individual basis.

 

AGMT 4992.  SPECIAL PROBLEMS.  One to three credit hours.  One to three hours of lecture per week.

 

Problems pertaining to the applied and technical aspects of Agricultural Engineering related to the agriculture of Puerto Rico.  Conferences, library studies, laboratories or field trips will be assigned on an individual basis.

 

ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE COURSES

 

AGEG 5990.  SELECTED TOPICS.  One to three credit hours.  One to three hours of lecture per week.

 

      Undergraduate Bulletin of Information 2000-2001
 
Selected topics in Agricultural Engineering.  Topics will vary according to the needs and interest of the students and the faculty.

 

AGMT 5005.  EQUIPMENT FOR APPLICATION OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.

 

A detailed study of modern techniques and equipment for the application of chemicals for pest control and other uses in agriculture.

 

AGMT 5006.  PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT FOR POWER FARMING.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisites:  AGMT 4009 and AGMT 4015.

 

General principles of agricultural mechanization, with particular reference to the economic and managerial aspects of the application of power and machinery to modern farming; farm work simplification in agricultural systems.

 

AGMT 5007.  ADVANCED SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  AGMT 4035.

 

Advanced topics and special problems in the field of soil and water management and control, with particular reference to drainage, irrigation, and watershed management.

 

AGMT 5015.  DRIP IRRIGATION:  PRINCIPLES AND MANAGEMENT.  Three credit hours.  Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite:  AGRO 3005 or consent of the Director of the Department.

 

Principles of drip irrigation, system and components, soil and water relations, tensiometer principle and installation, chemigation, clogging and filtration, system layouts, automation, problem shooting, and field evaluation.

 

AGMT 5017.  AGROCLIMATOLOGY.  Three credit hours.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite: fifth year student, or graduate, and consent of the Director of the Department.

 

Climatology related to environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural production in precipitation, evaporation, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, crop production, irrigation and drainage, crop protection, agronomy, animal science, agricultural technology, and remote data acquisition systems.

 

AGMT 5991.  SELECTED TOPICS.  One to three credit hours.  One to three hours of lecture per week.

 

Selected topics in Agricultural Engineering.  Topics will vary according to the needs and interests of the students and the faculty.

 

AGMT 5995.  PROBLEMS IN MECHANIZED AGRICULTURE.  One to three credit hours.  One to three research periods per week.

 

Problems pertaining to the applied and less technical aspects of Agricultural Engineering as related to the agriculture of Puerto Rico.  Conferences, library laboratory and/or field work on an assigned problem, on an individual basis, with complete written report required.

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF

AGRONOMY AND SOILS

 

The Agronomy and Soils Department offers academic programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with the majors in Agronomy and Soil Sciences.  The Department is the academic and administrative unit of the College of Agricultural Sciences dealing with teaching and research in the areas of crop management, crop physiology, mineral nutrition, plant breeding, forage and pasture management, soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil classification, soil physics and soil conservation.

 

The first two years of studies are the same for all students in the Agronomy and Soil Sciences programs.  Starting in the third year, students begin taking professional electives of their major.  The Agronomy major requires 15 credits of professional electives, while the Soil Sciences major only requires 6 credits.  Both majors require a three credits summer practicum.  The Department also offers a study program leading to the degree of Master in Science with majors in Agronomy and Soils Sciences (see Graduate Studies Bulletin of Information).

 

 

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

 

CURRICULUM IN AGRONOMY

 

FIRST YEAR

 

First Semester

 

  Number                 Course                                 Credits

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in

                                English                                    3

*SPAN 3101           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3171        Pre-Calculus I                         3

 CHEM 3001          General Chemistry                  4

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production

or

 ANIN 3005           Fundamentals of Animal Science      4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                1

                                                                               18

 

Second Semester

 

*ENGL 3---            First year course in

                                English                                    3

*SPAN 3102           Basic Course in Spanish         3

*MATH 3172        Pre-Calculus II                        3

 CHEM 3002          General Chemistry                  4

 ANIN 3005            Fundamentals of Animal

                                Science   

or

 PLSC 3005             Fundamentals of Crop

                                Production                              4

 PHED ----              Basic Course in Physical

Education                                1

                                                                               18

SECOND YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in English 3

 BIOL 3435             Elementary Botany                             4

 CHEM 3061          Fundamentals of Organic

Chemistry and Biochemistry I            4

 AGRO 3005          General Soils                                       3

 ECON 3021           Principles of Economics I                   3

                                                                                          17

Second Semester

 

 ENGL 3---             Second year course in English 3

 PHCS 3091            Elements of Physics                            3

 PHCS 3092            Elements of Physics Laboratory         1

 CHEM 3062          Fundamentals of Organic

Chemistry and Biochemistry II          4

 BIOL 4015             General Zoology                                 3

 AGED 3005           Agricultural Orientation                      1

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          3

                                                                                            18

THIRD YEAR

 

First Semester

 

 BIOL 3300             Genetics                                              3

 HUMA ----            ***Elective course in

Humanities                                          3

 PLSC 4005             Physiological Principles of Crop

Production                                         3

 AGRO 4037          Soil Fertility and Fertilizers                3

 ELECTIVES          **Electives                                          6

                                                                                           18

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