Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biology New Mexico State University

Welcome Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major: Agricultural Biology

The agricultural biology coursework prepares you for a variety of careers in the biological sciences and agriculture. You will develop your curriculum with an academic adviser to attain your individual goals. Many will pursue advanced degrees in the sciences or prepare for admittance to professional schools (medical, dental, etc.). A diverse program is offered with five separate options that allow you to tailor your program for careers in the commercial sector, such as agricultural consulting, and pest management, or for careers with the county, state, or federal agencies, such as research technicians, inspectors, and extension agents.

We offer one major and several options: Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science coursework prepare students for a variety of careers in the biological sciences and agriculture.

Options:

• Applied Biology/Preprofessional
• Applied Microbiology
• Entomology
• Environmental Biology
• Pest Biology and Management
• Agricultural Biology Degree Requirements

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Research

The majority of the agricultural ecosystems in which department members work are considered regional specialty crops and are responsible for significant economic contributions to the state.

Left unresolved, biotic plant, urban, and livestock pests significantly reduce income, yields, product quality, marketability, and quality of life. Solutions for biotic pest threats are rarely permanent due to continued changes in hosts, pest adaptability, new plant pest introductions, and the inclusion of evolving genetic research.

Several of New Mexico’s most economically viable crop systems are grown in only a few other areas of the country with few, or no other institutions involved in providing solutions to our regional pest problems.

Teaching

The education of department undergraduate and graduate students benefits greatly from faculty research directives, as do commercial agriculture and urban communities. Department research laboratories employ approximately 65 students in positions that encompass all the departmental research disciplines including molecular-based plant protection programs and applied research.

The diversity and in-depth research experience adds significantly to not only the academic side of a student’s formal education but also enhances that student’s ability to compete for numerous career positions. Faculty research experiences continually find their way into the classroom where current pest management issues are incorporated into lectures.

The career outlook for department graduates remains strong. Few universities are able to provide the diversity of crop, urban, and livestock protection skills to which Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science graduates are exposed.

Fall 2021 Teaching Plans

Detailed information about upcoming Fall 2021 courses, including course description and schedules, are as listed:

EPWS 1110 (Applied Biology)

Instructor: Dr. Erik Lehnhoff

3 Credits

Introduction to applied biology and ecology focusing on insects, plants and pathogens in natural areas, crops and urban settings. EPWS 1110L is strongly recommended to take in the same semester.

Course will be offered face-to-face.

EPWS 1110L (Applied Biology Lab)

Instructor: Dr. Erik Lehnhoff

1 Credit

Study of applied biology and ecology of insects, plants and pathogens in natural areas, crops, and urban settings. EPWS 1110 strongly recommended to take in the same semester.

Course will be offered face-to-face.

EPWS 302 (General Entomology)

Instructor: Dr. Scott Bundy

4 Credits

An introduction to the biology and classification of insects. Lecture covers life histories, classification, ecology and behavior of insect orders and families. Laboratory focuses on identification of insect orders and families.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2610G, or BIOL 2110G.

Course will be offered face-to-face.

EPWS 310 (Plant Pathology)

Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Creamer

4 Credits

Causes and methods of prevention and treatment of diseases in plants.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2610G, or BIOL 2110G.

Course will be offered face-to-face.

EPWS 311 (Introduction to Weed Science)

Instructor: Dr. Brian Schutte

4 Credits

Principles of weed science, with emphasis on characteristics of invasive plants, methods of integrated weed management, and current issues impacting weed management. Identification of local weeds. Cross-listed with: AGRO 311.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1215G, and BIOL 2110G.

Course will be offered online with asynchronous meetings.

EPWS 325V (Insects, Humans, and the Environment)

Instructor: Dr. Scott Bundy

3 Credits

Overview of the interactions of the world's largest group of organisms with humans. Emphasizing the role of insects in the development of human cultures, including health, food and fiber production, art, music, and environmental issues; with discussions of the historic, present-day, and future impacts in underdeveloped, developing, and developed civilizations.

Course will be offered via two sections. One section will be offered face-to-face. A second section will be offered online.

EPWS 380V (Science & Society)

Instructor: Dr. Stephen Hanson

3 Credit

Analysis and evaluation of how human activities affect the earth's environment or ecosystems. Several examples, from global issues to local issues will be studied in detail. Current science and the intersection of science and public policy will be discussed in relation to problems like world population, agricultural productivity, deforestation, medical advances, and future prospects for the environment.

Two sections of this course will be offered. The first section will be offered face-to-face. The second section will be a mini-master course that will be online with synchronous meetings.

EPWS 447 (Seminar)

Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Randall

1 Credit

Organization and techniques for the oral presentation of research information.

Course will be offered online with synchronous meetings.

EPWS 492 (Diagnosing Plant Disorders)

Instructor: Dr. Soum Sanogo

3 Credits

Systematic diagnosis of the physiological, pathological, and entomological causes of plant disorders. Same as AGRO 492 and HORT 492.

Prerequisites: EPWS 303, EPWS 310.

Course to be offered face-to-face.

EPWS 502 (General Entomology)

Instructor: Dr. Scott Bundy

4 Credits

An introduction to the biology and classification of insects. The lecture covers life histories, classification, ecology and behavior of insect orders and families. The laboratory focuses on the identification of insect orders and families.

Prerequisite(s): Either BIOL 2610G or BIOL 2110G.

Course to be offered face-to-face.

EPWS 511 (Introduction to Weed Science)

Instructor: Dr. Brian Schutte

4 Credits

Covers the principles of weed science with an emphasis on characteristics of invasive plants, methods of integrated weed management, and current issues impacting weed management. Includes identification of local weeds. Research paper required for graduate credit. Cross-listed with: AGRO 511.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1215G and BIOL 2110G.

The course will be offered online with asynchronous meetings.

EPWS 525 (Scientific Writing)

Instructor: Dr. Brian Schutte

3 Credits

Students will learn to improve their writing skills so that their manuscript preparation process is more efficient and productive. Students will also gain experience in peer review. Cross-listed with: AGRO 525, HORT 525, and SOIL 525.

The course will be offered as a hybrid course.

EPWS 551 (Special Topics) (M02)

Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Creamer 4 Credits

Causes and methods of prevention and treatment of diseases in plants.

Course will be offered face-to-face.

EPWS 551 (Special Topics) (M20)

Instructor: Dr. Erik Lehnhoff

Course will be offered as a hybrid course.