The agriculture science courses in Texas provide an extensive variety and sequencing to better prepare students for the future.
The Agriscience Magnet Program (AMP) offers courses in 6 different systems/pathways.
The Agriscience Magnet Program (AMP) offers courses in 6 different systems/pathways.
AGRISCIENCE MAGNET PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Principles of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (1 credit)
Course #8261A
Grade: 9 - 12
Description: This is the gateway course that introduces new students of the Agriscience Magnet Program to the areas of study within the program. This year long course focuses on teaching principles and concepts of agriscience using a variety of settings such as the classroom, biology laboratory, production greenhouse, aquaculture ponds, engineering laboratory, livestock project centers, etc. Students learn a foundation of knowledge in livestock production, food processing, plant production, agricultural mechanics, environmental systems and agribusiness practices. This is the fundamental course to the 7 areas of study within the AMP.
Practicum in Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (2 or 3 credits)
Course #8287A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: The practicum course is a paid or unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster. The practicum is designed to give students supervised practical application of knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experiences such as employment, independent study, internships, assistantships, mentorships or laboratories. Student must pass a safety test with 100% mastery.
AGRIBUSINESS PATHWAY
Professional Standards in Agribusiness (1/2 credit)
Course #8279A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to leadership development, agricultural career opportunities and industry expectations. This course primarily focuses on leadership, communication, employer-employee relations and problem solving as they relate to agribusiness.
Agricultural Leadership, Research, and Communications (1 credit)
Course #8274A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Agricultural Leadership, Research and Communications will focus on challenging Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) students to use higher level thinking skills, develop leadership abilities, employ standard research principles, and communicate agricultural positions effectively with all stakeholders.
Agribusiness Management and Marketing (1 credit) Dual Credit option through Palo Alto College
Course #8280A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to agribusiness management and marketing, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course is designed to provide a foundation to agribusiness management and the free enterprise system. Instruction includes the use of economic principles such as supply and demand, budgeting, recordkeeping, finance, risk management, business law, marketing and careers in agribusiness.
ANIMAL SCIENCE PATHWAY
Small Animal Management (1/2 credit)
Course #8069A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements and industry expectations. Suggested small animals which may be included in the course of study include, but are not limited to, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, avian, dogs and cats.
Livestock Production (1 credit)
Course #8265A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students will acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems and the workplace and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements and industry expectations. Animal species to be addressed in this course may include, but are not limited to, beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats and poultry.
Equine Science (1/2 credit)
Course #8266A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to equine science, career opportunities and industry expectations. Suggested equine which may be included in the course of study are horses, donkeys and mules.
Veterinary Medical Applications (1 credit)
Course #8267A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. Topics covered in this course include veterinary practices as they relate to both large and small animal species.
*Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 certification may be obtained.
Advanced Animal Science (1 credit) Dual Credit option through Palo Alto College
Course #8269A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course examines the interrelatedness of human, scientific, and technological dimensions of livestock production. Instruction is designed to allow for the application of scientific and technological aspects of animal science through field and laboratory experiences.
* This course may be taken as an Advanced Science on the Foundations Graduation Plan.
APPLIED AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING PATHWAY
Agriculture Mechanics & Metal Technologies (1 credit)
Course #8283A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural and technical agricultural systems, career opportunities and industry expectations and certifications. This course is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural mechanics as it relates to safety and skills in tool operation, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, fencing, concrete and metal working techniques.
Agricultural Equipment Design & Fabrication (1 credit)
Course #6772A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students will attain knowledge and skills related to the design and fabrication of agricultural equipment. This course is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural equipment design and fabrication.
Agricultural Structures Design & Fabrication (1 credit)
Course #8282A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge; acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural and technical agricultural systems and the industry; and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, industry certifications and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural mechanics as it relates to safety and skills in tool operation, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, fencing, concrete and metal working techniques.
Agriculture Power Systems (2 credits)
Course #8284A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural and technical agricultural systems, career opportunities and industry expectations and certifications. This course is designed to develop an understanding of power and control systems as related to energy sources, small and large power systems and agricultural machinery.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES PATHWAY
Wildlife, Fisheries and Ecology Management (1 credit)
Course #8263A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to natural resources, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course examines the management of game and non-game wildlife species, fish and aquacrops and their ecological needs as related to current agricultural practices.
* Texas Hunter Education Certification and/or Texas Boater Education Certification may be obtained.
Energy and Natural Resource Technology (1 credit)
Course #8066A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire advanced technical knowledge and skills related to environmental service systems and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. This course e is designed to allow for the application of science and technology to measure environmental impacts resulting from production agriculture through field and laboratory experiences.
Advanced Energy and Natural Resource Technology (1 credit)
Course #6771A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to energy and natural resources and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. This course is designed to explore the interdependency of the public and natural resource systems related to energy production. In addition, renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices will be explored.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY
Food Technology and Safety (1 credit)
Course #8262A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to value-added and food processing, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course examines the food technology industry as it relates to food production, handling and safety.
Food Processing (1 credit)
Course #8268A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to value-added and food processing, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course focuses on the food processing industry with special emphasis on the handling, processing and marketing of beef, pork, lamb, goat and chicken.
PLANT SCIENCE PATHWAY
Horticultural Science (1 credit)
Course #8275A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain technical skills and knowledge related to horticulture systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of common horticultural management practices as they relate to food and ornamental plant production.
Landscape Design and Management (1/2 credit)
Course #8077A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to horticultural systems and the workplace and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of landscape design and management techniques and practices.
Turf Grass Management (1/2 credit)
Course #8070A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students must attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to horticultural systems and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of turf grass management techniques and practices.
Floral Design (1 credit) - Dual Credit option through Palo Alto College
Course #8278A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain technical skills and knowledge related to horticulture systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop students' ability to identify and demonstrate the principles and techniques related to floral design, as well as, develop an understanding of the management of floral enterprises.
* This course may be substituted for the Fine Arts credit requirement.
* Texas Master Florist certification may be obtained.
Advanced Floral Design (1 credit)
Course #8463A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: In this course, students build on the knowledge from the Floral Design course and are introduced to more advanced floral design concepts, with an emphasis on specialty designs and specific occasion planning. This course focuses on building skills in advanced floral design and providing students with a thorough understanding of the design elements and planning techniques used to produce unique specialty floral designs that support the goals and objectives of a specific occasion or event. Furthermore, an emphasis on budgetary adherence and entrepreneurship equips students with many of the necessary skills needed for success in floral enterprises.
* Texas Master Florist certification may be obtained.
Advanced Plant and Soil Science (1 credit)
Course #8277A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students explore how plant and soil science is the basis for many other fields of science. Investigations, laboratory practices and field exercises will be used to develop an understanding of current plant and soil science. This course is designed to prepare students for careers in the food and fiber industry.
* This course may be taken as an Advanced Science on the Foundations Graduation Plan.
Principles of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (1 credit)
Course #8261A
Grade: 9 - 12
Description: This is the gateway course that introduces new students of the Agriscience Magnet Program to the areas of study within the program. This year long course focuses on teaching principles and concepts of agriscience using a variety of settings such as the classroom, biology laboratory, production greenhouse, aquaculture ponds, engineering laboratory, livestock project centers, etc. Students learn a foundation of knowledge in livestock production, food processing, plant production, agricultural mechanics, environmental systems and agribusiness practices. This is the fundamental course to the 7 areas of study within the AMP.
Practicum in Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (2 or 3 credits)
Course #8287A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: The practicum course is a paid or unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster. The practicum is designed to give students supervised practical application of knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experiences such as employment, independent study, internships, assistantships, mentorships or laboratories. Student must pass a safety test with 100% mastery.
AGRIBUSINESS PATHWAY
Professional Standards in Agribusiness (1/2 credit)
Course #8279A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to leadership development, agricultural career opportunities and industry expectations. This course primarily focuses on leadership, communication, employer-employee relations and problem solving as they relate to agribusiness.
Agricultural Leadership, Research, and Communications (1 credit)
Course #8274A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Agricultural Leadership, Research and Communications will focus on challenging Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) students to use higher level thinking skills, develop leadership abilities, employ standard research principles, and communicate agricultural positions effectively with all stakeholders.
Agribusiness Management and Marketing (1 credit) Dual Credit option through Palo Alto College
Course #8280A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to agribusiness management and marketing, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course is designed to provide a foundation to agribusiness management and the free enterprise system. Instruction includes the use of economic principles such as supply and demand, budgeting, recordkeeping, finance, risk management, business law, marketing and careers in agribusiness.
ANIMAL SCIENCE PATHWAY
Small Animal Management (1/2 credit)
Course #8069A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements and industry expectations. Suggested small animals which may be included in the course of study include, but are not limited to, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, avian, dogs and cats.
Livestock Production (1 credit)
Course #8265A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students will acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems and the workplace and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements and industry expectations. Animal species to be addressed in this course may include, but are not limited to, beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats and poultry.
Equine Science (1/2 credit)
Course #8266A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to equine science, career opportunities and industry expectations. Suggested equine which may be included in the course of study are horses, donkeys and mules.
Veterinary Medical Applications (1 credit)
Course #8267A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. Topics covered in this course include veterinary practices as they relate to both large and small animal species.
*Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 certification may be obtained.
Advanced Animal Science (1 credit) Dual Credit option through Palo Alto College
Course #8269A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course examines the interrelatedness of human, scientific, and technological dimensions of livestock production. Instruction is designed to allow for the application of scientific and technological aspects of animal science through field and laboratory experiences.
* This course may be taken as an Advanced Science on the Foundations Graduation Plan.
APPLIED AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING PATHWAY
Agriculture Mechanics & Metal Technologies (1 credit)
Course #8283A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural and technical agricultural systems, career opportunities and industry expectations and certifications. This course is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural mechanics as it relates to safety and skills in tool operation, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, fencing, concrete and metal working techniques.
Agricultural Equipment Design & Fabrication (1 credit)
Course #6772A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students will attain knowledge and skills related to the design and fabrication of agricultural equipment. This course is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural equipment design and fabrication.
Agricultural Structures Design & Fabrication (1 credit)
Course #8282A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge; acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural and technical agricultural systems and the industry; and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, industry certifications and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural mechanics as it relates to safety and skills in tool operation, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, fencing, concrete and metal working techniques.
Agriculture Power Systems (2 credits)
Course #8284A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural and technical agricultural systems, career opportunities and industry expectations and certifications. This course is designed to develop an understanding of power and control systems as related to energy sources, small and large power systems and agricultural machinery.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES PATHWAY
Wildlife, Fisheries and Ecology Management (1 credit)
Course #8263A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to natural resources, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course examines the management of game and non-game wildlife species, fish and aquacrops and their ecological needs as related to current agricultural practices.
* Texas Hunter Education Certification and/or Texas Boater Education Certification may be obtained.
Energy and Natural Resource Technology (1 credit)
Course #8066A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire advanced technical knowledge and skills related to environmental service systems and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. This course e is designed to allow for the application of science and technology to measure environmental impacts resulting from production agriculture through field and laboratory experiences.
Advanced Energy and Natural Resource Technology (1 credit)
Course #6771A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to energy and natural resources and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. This course is designed to explore the interdependency of the public and natural resource systems related to energy production. In addition, renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices will be explored.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY
Food Technology and Safety (1 credit)
Course #8262A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to value-added and food processing, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course examines the food technology industry as it relates to food production, handling and safety.
Food Processing (1 credit)
Course #8268A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students acquire technical knowledge and skills related to value-added and food processing, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course focuses on the food processing industry with special emphasis on the handling, processing and marketing of beef, pork, lamb, goat and chicken.
PLANT SCIENCE PATHWAY
Horticultural Science (1 credit)
Course #8275A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain technical skills and knowledge related to horticulture systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of common horticultural management practices as they relate to food and ornamental plant production.
Landscape Design and Management (1/2 credit)
Course #8077A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to horticultural systems and the workplace and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of landscape design and management techniques and practices.
Turf Grass Management (1/2 credit)
Course #8070A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students must attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to horticultural systems and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop an understanding of turf grass management techniques and practices.
Floral Design (1 credit) - Dual Credit option through Palo Alto College
Course #8278A
Grade: 10 - 12
Description: Students attain technical skills and knowledge related to horticulture systems, career opportunities and industry expectations. This course is designed to develop students' ability to identify and demonstrate the principles and techniques related to floral design, as well as, develop an understanding of the management of floral enterprises.
* This course may be substituted for the Fine Arts credit requirement.
* Texas Master Florist certification may be obtained.
Advanced Floral Design (1 credit)
Course #8463A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: In this course, students build on the knowledge from the Floral Design course and are introduced to more advanced floral design concepts, with an emphasis on specialty designs and specific occasion planning. This course focuses on building skills in advanced floral design and providing students with a thorough understanding of the design elements and planning techniques used to produce unique specialty floral designs that support the goals and objectives of a specific occasion or event. Furthermore, an emphasis on budgetary adherence and entrepreneurship equips students with many of the necessary skills needed for success in floral enterprises.
* Texas Master Florist certification may be obtained.
Advanced Plant and Soil Science (1 credit)
Course #8277A
Grade: 11 - 12
Description: Students explore how plant and soil science is the basis for many other fields of science. Investigations, laboratory practices and field exercises will be used to develop an understanding of current plant and soil science. This course is designed to prepare students for careers in the food and fiber industry.
* This course may be taken as an Advanced Science on the Foundations Graduation Plan.
