Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies is exempt from the Dickinson State University’s course numbering system due to common course numbering in agriculture within the North Dakota University System.
AGEC 142 – Agricultural Accounting 3
An introduction to the preparation of farm records and financial statements for use in business analysis. Fall
AGEC 244 – Introduction to Agricultural Marketing 3
A study of the agricultural marketing system to include cash marketing, commodity futures trading, branded products merchandising and the interrelationships of the government and international trade. Pre-requisite: Permission of the instructor. Fall
AGEC 246 – Introduction to Agricultural Finance 3
Provides background in farm and agri-business credit use and evaluation. Discussion of specific financial conditions on farms and in agri-business. Spring
AGEC 342 – Introduction to Agricultural Management 3
Economic and managerial concepts related to farm or agri-business production process development or cost data, enterprise analysis, organization, and management of production inputs. Pre-requisite: AGEC 246 – Introduction to Agricultural Finance or permission of the instructor. Spring
AGEC 374 – Cooperatives 3
Theory, practice, and evaluation of cooperatives including principles, management, marketing, finance, taxes, legal issues, and adjusting to change. Offered on Demand
AGEC 375 – Applied Agricultural Law 3
Study of laws affecting agriculture and agri-business including property ownership, financial relations, and environmental regulation. Offered on Demand
AGEC 387 – Commodity Futures and Options 3
Fundamental and technical aspects of the futures market including charting, trends and signals, and the use of options. Students conduct simulated trades to get a feel for hedging and speculation. Skills are developed to allow students to use futures and options in developing their personal marketing plans. Pre-requisite: AGEC 244 – Introduction to Agricultural Marketing or permission of the instructor. Spring
AGRI 115 – Agriculture Math 2
Students will apply practical math skills to master mathematical concepts intrinsic to producing, processing, and marketing agricultural products. Spring
AGRI 118 – Agriculture Leadership Practicum 1
Active participation in Ag Club will enhance leadership, employment, and organizational skills. The student will be exposed to competition in salesmanship, employment interview, career planning, and crop and livestock production. May be repeated to earn eight semester hours with two accepted as electives toward graduation with A.A.S. degree. Fall, Spring
AGRI 280 – Computers in Agriculture 3
An introduction to the vast array of computer technology, internet usage, and software directly related to agriculture. Specialized agriculture software (herd management, financial, crop, mapping, decision aiding, etc.) will be presented through demonstrations, student usage, or visitations to software company web sites. Fall
AGRI 391 – Junior Seminar 2
Junior Seminar, combined with the subsequent Agriculture Seminar, will afford the student the opportunity to “experience” the application of their technical, communication, and organizational skills in the development, investigation, reporting, and presentation of an undergraduate research/investigation project. Students are expected to select a project, research existing information, design their investigation, author the introduction and procedures and seek funding, if applicable. The project should critically investigate an issue or problem in agriculture, natural resource management or agri-business in which the student has an intrinsic interest and/or potential career opportunity. Fall
ARSC 114 – Introduction to Animal Science 3
An introduction to the recommended management and production practice for food producing animals. Fall
ARSC 123 – Feeds and Feeding 3
Principles of feeding livestock including digestive systems, nutrient requirements, nutrient characteristics, and sources utilized in the formulation of balanced rations. Fall
ARSC 160 – Equine Nutrition 2
This class is designed to develop an understanding of the factors involved in meeting the nutritional needs of horses in various stages of development or performance. This is a practical approach to nutrition. Fall
ARSC 161 – Equine Business Management 2
Since the equine world is now big business, students must approach training or breeding operations as a business. Students will study the forms of business, income tax considerations, develop a business plan, insurance considerations, liability programs, records, hobby versus a business, agreements and contracts. Fall
ARSC 162 – Equine Reproduction 2
Students will study the reproductive tract, hormone control, the signs of heat, breeding methods, semen evaluation, and management of the breeding herd. Fall
ARSC 163 – Equine Health and Diseases 2
Students will develop an understanding of health requirements and care of horses. Vaccination schedules, deworming and preventative measures are explored. The student will also study diseases, wound care, basic first aid, unsoundness and sources of unsoundness. Fall
ARSC 164 – Equine Behavior, Ground Work and Safety 2
This class includes understanding mental capacity, motivation, and reactions of horses to different training techniques. Proper restraining procedures to protect the horse and handler are explored. Imprinting training for a foal is discussed. A safety program will be designed to breeding or training operation. Fall
ARSC 220 – Livestock Production 3
General production and management of major meat animal species. Topics include: production systems, feeding, facilities, health economics, and marketing. Spring
ARSC 236 – Rangeland Vegetation & Communities 3
Identification of commonly occurring plants of the upper Midwest, including taxonomy, important ecological and management relationships of plants. The subsequent effect on rangeland health and evaluation thereof will also be studied. Fall
ARSC 247 – Processing of Meat Animal Carcasses 3
Processing of meat animal carcasses into National Association of Meat Purveyors (NAMP) wholesale and retail cuts. Offered on Demand
ARSC 260 – Introduction to Equine Studies 2
A review of evolution, historical roles of the horse, breeds, and the modern day equine industry. Introduction of anatomy, physiology, selection, nutrition, health care, and stable design/management. Spring
ARSC 261 – Basic Equitation & Horsemanship 2
Grooming, saddling, bridling, mounting, balanced seat, and coordination of the riding aids will be addressed. Two two-hour laboratory’s. Enrollment priority will be given to Equine Studies Major/Minor/Certificate students. Fall
ARSC 262 – Equine Anatomy and Selection 2
Students will study the parts and functions of different systems of the horse. This is not a veterinary anatomy class. It is designed to give the layperson a good understanding of form to function selection. Spring
ARSC 263 – Stallion Management 2
This course will cover selection, promotion, semen evaluation, insurance, handling and care. Spring
ARSC 265 – Equine Marketing 2
Students will study methods of marketing horses. Methods of marketing a breeding program will be covered, as well as preparing and marketing the individual horse. Pre-requisite: ARSC 161 – Equine Business Management. Spring
ARSC 267 – Equine Facility Management 2
This course covers the care of horses in a stable environment. Students will look at the duties of a stable manager and methods of managing an equine facility. Pre-requisite: ARSC 164 – Equine Behavior, Ground Work and Safety. Fall
ARSC 268 – Basic Horse Training 2
Focus on the behavioral management and training of your horses. Information on the natural behaviors and instincts of horses, their responses to external stimuli, their means of communication and classical learning principles will be applied by students to modify the behavior of their assigned project horse in a supervised environment. Fall
ARSC 297A – Equine Training Techniques I 2
This class is designed to teach the student the fundamentals of training a horse to be soft, supple and responsive. It will teach the student how to use the entire body to guide a horse and how to become part of the horse instead of just a passenger. Pre-requisite: ARSC 164 – Equine Behavior, Ground Work and Safety. Fall, Spring
ARSC 297B – Equine Training Techniques II 2
This class will be a continuation of ARSC 297A – Equine Training Techniques I. The students will do more advanced supplying and softening exercises to get the horse ready for a performance event. Pre-requisite: ARSC 297A – Equine Training Techniques I. Fall, Spring
ARSC 336 – Introduction to Range Management 3
Principles of range management which include plant identification, range evaluation, and range improvement. Co-requisite: ARSC 236 – Rangeland Vegetation & Communities. Fall
ARSC 362 – Equine Physical Care 2
A laboratory course designed to teach students about equine management and husbandry skills equivalent to modern horse care practices. Care topics include responsibilities of ownership, nutrition, health care and housing. Offered on demand.
ARSC 364 – Equine Facilities & Event Management 2
Experience in facilities operation, animal care and management responsibilities with emphasis on barn and event management. Further emphasis will be placed on muckling, general maintenance of arena, paddocks and stable. Offered on demand.
ARSC 368 – Advanced Horse Training 2
Behavioral management and training of young horses which is job specific with focus on the usefulness of horses. Further emphasis will be placed on natural behaviors and means of communication. Pre-requisite: ARSC 268 – Basic Horse Training. Spring
ARSC 436 – 12 Month Livestock-Pasture-Forage Management Planning 1-3
Utilize management strategies based on biological requirements of plants and ecosystem to provide for animal nutritional requirements for each of the 12 months. Expectation is for participants to design a grazing/forage plan for an actual ranch. Spring
ARSC 445 – Problems in Livestock Management 2-4
Course will cover selected problems in livestock production common to class members and not covered in other animal science courses. Courses may be repeated for an additional two credits. Pre-requisite: ARSC 220 – Livestock Production. Fall
ARSC 453 – Rangeland Resources Watershed Management 3
Study of the management of physical/biological settings and processes along with human activities on water and watersheds considering preventative and restorative strategies in a natural resource rangeland setting. Spring even numbered years.
ARSC 456 – Range Habitat Management 3
Capstone course to include specific techniques and systems approaches to maintenance and improvement of rangeland ecosystems. Spring odd numbered years.
ARSC 458 – Rangeland Ecology 3
Grazing processes and systems and their effects on plants and herbivores and landscape will be covered. Basic ecological terms and processes also will be covered. Practical implications of ecology will include current topic discussions and presentations. Spring
ARSC 463 – Physiology of Reproduction 4
Anatomy, physiology, and endocrinology of reproduction in mammals. Extensive oral and written communication experience. Offered on Demand
ARSC 464 – AI Training 1
Demonstration and utilization of the latest technology in large animal reproductive management. Technical training including AI certification, pregnancy diagnosis and estrous control. Spring
ARSC 470 – Applied Ruminant Nutrition 3
Practical application of animal nutrition and feeds and feeding will be emphasized in this class through theory, computer ration balancing, and practical problem solving. The class will focus on advanced nutrition and feeding of beef cattle with sheep and non-ruminant horse also receiving some attention. Pre-requisite: ARSC 123 – Feeds and Feeding. Spring
ARSC 480 – Conflict of Resolution in Agriculture 1
This course will build on conflicting dilemmas that face different stake holders for the use of our nations grassland. It will challenge students to critical thinking about the role of policy makers, the nature of cooperation, social responsibility in the use of our natural resources in the rangeland regions of the country. Spring
ARSC 491 – Agriculture Seminar 1-6
Students will critically analyze and propose research-based solutions to problems related to agricultural issues concerning natural resources, business/marketing and/or integrated management. Pre-requisite: Senior standing. ARSC 491 course is a writing intensive and capstone course. Spring
ASM 125 – Fabrication and Construction 2
Introduction to materials, methods, and tools used in fabrication, installation, and maintenance of agricultural production and processing facilities. Offered on demand
ASM 155 – Agriculture Welding 3
Principles and operation of oxyacetylene, electrode, and wire feed welding including safety, electrode selection, making welds on common materials, brazing, and cutting with labs on new and repair projects. Fall, Spring
ASM 253 – Small Engines 2
Principles, maintenance, trouble shooting, and overhaul of small engines. Includes two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Offered on demand
ASM 255 – Advanced Welding 2
Includes use of MIG welder and plasma arc torch; also includes hard surfacing, brazing welding cast iron, aluminum, stainless and spring steel, and out-of-position welding. Pre-requisite: ASM 155 – Agriculture Welding. Fall, Spring
ASM 378 – Machinery Principles and Management 3
Principles of agricultural machinery manufacture, sales, operation, and management. Topics include selection, replacement, operation, application, and maintenance. Offered on demand
HORT 270 – Horticulture Science 3
Principles of plant classification, structure, function, growth, propagation, culture, and the use of horticultural crops. Covers vegetable and fruit production in the home garden, growing flowers and planting flower beds, and landscaping principles and materials. Spring
H&CE 241 – Leadership and Presentation Techniques 3
Development of youth leadership professionals in educational settings; methods, principles, and practices in organizing, developing, conducting and evaluating community-based student organizations and student leadership programs. Fall
H&CE 281 – Early Experience 1
Field-based experience in a middle or high school educational setting. Provides an opportunity to observe and interact with students, teachers, and administrators. Site options include schools and extension office. Cross-listed with SEED 298 – Pre-Professional Experience: Secondary. Fall, Spring, Summer
PLSC 110 – World Food Crops 3
Scientific principles of crop growth, worldwide production, management alternatives, and processing for domestic and international consumption. Spring
PLSC 225 – Principles of Crop Production 3
This course emphasizes the scientific principles and practices of modern crop production. Specific methods to produce field crops successfully are introduced, as well as emerging production strategies in industrial and developing nations. Pre-requisite: PLSC 110 – World Food Crops or equivalent. Fall
PLSC 323 – Principles of Weed Science 3
Introduction to biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical weed control, characteristics of weeds and their identification, pesticides application and dissipation. Spring
PLSC 380 – Applied Arc GIS 3
Concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies and their application in precision agriculture and natural resource management will be studied. Students will work with ArcGIS and related GIS software packages to answer practical questions with GIS. Pre-requisite: CSCI 101 – Introduction to Computers or AGRI 280 – Computers in Agriculture. Fall (Cross listed with GEOG 380)
PLSC 480 – GPS/GIS II 3
Field and projects utilizing Geographical Information Systems & Global Positioning System Technology. Pre-requisite: PLSC 380 Applied Arc GIS or appropriate GIS experience. Spring
PLSC 486 – Forages and Forage Systems 3
Provides an in depth discussion of forage crops and their management including the use of forages in rotations with grain and seed crops. Emerging production practices for forages are described. Pre-requisite: ARSC 336 – Introduction to Range Management; PLSC 225 – Principles of Crop Production. Fall
SOIL 210 – Introduction to Soil Science 4
Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils as related to use, conservation, and plant growth. Fall
SOIL 321 – Soil Management and Conservation 3
Principles and practices of soil management and conservation planning in relation to erosion, tillage systems, crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality. Pre-requisite: SOIL 210 – Introduction to Soil Science or permission of instructor. Spring, odd numbered years
SOIL 322 – Soil Fertility and Fertilizers 3
Principles of plant nutrition and soil nutrient availability, soil testing, fertilizer recommendations and management. Marco nutrient emphasis. Pre-requisite: SOIL 210 – Introduction to Soil Science or permission of instructor. Spring, even numbered years
VETS 339 – Animal Health 3
Principles of animal health; prevention, sanitation, chemotherapy, immunology, disease symptoms, and management. Pre-requisite: ARSC 114 – Introduction to Animal Sciences or permission of the instructor. Spring
AGRI 292, 492 – Experimental Course 1-4
A unique class, designed by the instructor and/or department, not currently listed in the University catalog. An experimental course may be offered for a maximum of two semesters. After that time, the course must be either assigned an appropriate, permanent course number and formally listed in the University catalog, or its usage must be discontinued.
AGRI 293, 493 – Peer Tutoring 1-6
Students may earn credits tutoring. Tutors are needed every semester in almost all academic areas. Interested students should contact Student Support Services. (Maximum eight credits may be applied to graduation.)
AGRI 294, 494 – Independent Study, Undergraduate Research 1-6
INDEPENDENT STUDY: An individualized study not listed as a regular course in the University catalog. Content, etc., to be determined by instructor and student. Fall, Spring, Summer
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: Research topic must be approved prior to registration by instructor. Written analysis of research activities required at end of semester.
AGRI 295, 495 – Service Learning 1-6
Credit may be granted for certain extra-curricular activities for which there is a direct connection and correlation between the activity and the academic objectives of a specific course in the University catalog. The appropriateness of the activity and subsequently awarding of academic credit will be at the discretion of the appropriate departmental chair.
AGRI 296, 496 – Study Tours 1-6
Provides students the opportunity to make an extensive trip to a location either inside or outside the United States, which will subsequently provide the student with life experiences that relate directly to a specific academic discipline. Not available in all departments. Available at departmental and discipline discretion only.
AGRI 297, 497 – Agriculture Management Internship, A, B, C; Externship; Cooperative Education 1-6
Student will be placed in an off-campus company or agency which will provide the student with specific activities what will demonstrate the correlation between academic study and an actual work experience. The number of credits will be determined by the length of the internship and the hours worked. Fall, Spring, Summer
AGRI 299, 499 – Special Topics, Readings 1-6
SPECIAL TOPICS: A uniquely-designed advanced topics course within a specific discipline. Course content and other related academic requirements to be determined by the instructor. Requires approval by department chair.