Graduate Catalog

2012-2013

PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Department Website: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pes

(575) 646-3405

esramire@nmsu.edu

R. Pratt, department head, Ph.D. (Purdue University) – plant breeding and genetics; S. Angadi, Ph.D. (University of Manitoba, Canada) – crop physiology; J. Ashigh, Ph.D. (University of Guelph- Ontario) – weed science; B.T. Bestelmeyer, Ph.D. (Colorado State University) – landscape and land use change; W. Boeing, Ph.D. (Louisiana State University) – aquatic ecology; P.W. Bosland, Regents Professor, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin, Madison) – chile breeding and genetics; C. S. Cramer, Ph.D. (North Carolina State University) – onion breeding and horticulture; D. DuBois, Ph.D. (University of Nevada) – atmospheric science; M.C. Duniway, Ph.D. (New Mexico State University) – agronomy; R. Flynn, Ph.D. (Auburn University) – soil and water quality; R.M. Goss, Ph.D. (University of Nebraska, Lincoln) – turf science; K. Grover, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University)- agronomy; S.J. Guldan, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota) – sustainable agriculture; S.F. Hanson, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison) – genetics and microbiology; R.J. Heerema, Ph.D. (University of California, Davis) – pecans; J. Idowu, Ph.D. (Cranfield University, United Kingdom) – agronomy and land management; B. Leinauer, Ph.D. (Hohenheim University, Germany ) – turfgrass; W. Lindemann, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota) – soil microbiology; K. Lombard, Ph.D. (New Mexico State University) – horticulture; M. Lucero, Ph.D. (New Mexico State University) – molecular biology and toxicology; M. Marsalis, Ph.D. (Texas Tech University) – forages; J.G. Mexal, assistant department head, Ph.D. (Colorado State University) – nursery and forest crops; H.C. Monger, Ph.D. (New Mexico State University) – pedology and environmental science; M. Monteros, Ph.D. (University of Georgia, Athens) – plant breeding and genetics; A. Nalim, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University) – plant pathology; G. Niu, Ph.D. (Chiba University, Japan) – horticulture; M.A. O'Connell, Regents Professor, Ph.D. (Cornell University) – plant biochemistry and molecular genetics; M. O'Neill, Ph.D. (University of Arizona) – agronomy; D.P.C. Peters, Ph.D. (Colorado State University) – landscape ecology and simulation modeling; G.A. Picchioni, Ph.D. (Texas A&M University) – plant-mineral relations; N. Puppala, Ph.D. (New Mexico State University) – plant breeding and genetics; I.M. Ray, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison) – alfalfa breeding and genetics; J. Schroeder, Ph.D. (University of Georgia) – weed science; C. Sengupta-Gopalan, Ph.D. (Ohio State University) – biochemical genetics; M.K. Shukla, Ph.D. (University of Agricultural Sciences Vienna, Austria) – environmental soil physics; R. St. Hilaire, Ph.D. (Iowa State University) – plant stress physiology and landscape horticulture; B. Stringam, Ph.D. (Utah State University)- biological and agricultural engineering; C. Steele, Ph.D. (King's College, University of London, United Kingdom) – range soils; M.E. Uchanski, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign) – vegetable physiology; A.L. Ulery, Ph.D. (University of California, Riverside) – environmental soil chemistry; A. Unc, Ph.D. (University of Guelph, Canada) environmental soil and water microbiology; S. J. Walker, Ph.D. (New Mexico State University) – horticulture; S. Yao, Ph.D. (Cornell University) – pomology/horticulture; J. Zhang, Ph.D. (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville) – cotton breeding, genetics, and genomics

DEGREE: Master of Science
MAJOR: Horticulture

DEGREE: Master of Science
MAJOR: Plant and Environmental Science

DEGREE: Doctor of Philosophy
MAJOR: Plant and Environmental Science

MINOR: Plant & Environmental Science
MINOR: Horticulture

More than ever, we are linked in an interconnected world: both in agriculture and sustainability of environmental systems. The department has programs in plant sciences, environmental science, soil science, water management, natural resources management, and turf management. Students trained in these areas are in demand for U.S. and international positions. This demand is at all levels of training – B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. Therefore, the course work and original research in Plant and Environmental Sciences leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy are designed for and have proven to be successful in preparing students for commercial companies, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and private production enterprises.

The student may emphasize study in several discipline areas described in the following pages. The agronomy section emphasizes sustainable crop production, plant-pest/disease/weed interactions, soil-water-plant relations, crop physiology, and breeding and genetics of cotton, alfalfa, maize and peanuts. The genetics section places special emphasis on genetic basis of agronomic or horticultural traits, applied bioinformatics, gene regulation and genomics. The environmental and soil science sections emphasize environmental quality and ecosystem services, bioremediation, recycling of organic wastes and wastewater, water use efficiency, soil-plant relations, soil-geomorphology and desert ecology, and the fertility, chemistry, physics, and microbiology of soils, including forest soils. The horticulture section emphasizes the creative use of plants by humans, and studies on the technical advancements in the husbandry of most economic commodity groups of fruits, vegetables, or ornamentals as well as managed turf. Emphasis may be in breeding and genetics of chile or onions, plant growth and development, nutrition, dormancy and cold hardiness, plant stress (water and/or salinity) response, fruit and vegetable physiology, forestry, and turfgrass.

Most students will be expected to complete a thesis. The research detailed in a thesis should be of a scope and quality to merit publication in a refereed journal. Depending on prior training and experience, a non-thesis option is available subject to approval by a departmental committee. The non-thesis option requires completion of a research project and paper of limited scope. In both the thesis and non-thesis options, suitability of the research project and resulting thesis or paper will be judged by the student's graduate committee. A minor is recommended and may be taken in chemistry, biology, molecular biology, environmental management, applied statistics, toxicology or other areas.

Prerequisite to major graduate work is completion of a curriculum essentially equivalent to that required by the department for the B.S. degree at New Mexico State University.

Qualifications for admission will be reviewed by the departmental graduate faculty. Applications should include a letter of interest. A 3.0 undergraduate grade-point average is needed for admission to study for the M.S. degree and a 3.3 grade-point average for Ph.D. studies. The department requires the GRE sores and three letters of recommendation, as well as the student's letter of interest as an admission requirement. Final acceptance requires that a graduate faculty member in the applicant's area of interest accept the student into their program.

A student planning a program leading to a Ph.D. must satisfy one of the following departmental requirements approved by the doctoral committee:

1. A thorough knowledge of a language other than English
2. A reading ability in two foreign languages
3. Reading ability in one foreign language and proficiency with a research tool
4. Reading ability in one foreign language and one semester of supervised teaching experience
5. Proficiency with a research tool and one semester of supervised teaching
6. Two semesters of supervised teaching

A number of graduate assistantships are available each year. Inquiries should be addressed to the department.

AGRONOMY

AGRO 450. Special Topics 1-4 cr.

Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Maximum of 4 credits per semester and a total of 9 credits toward a degree.

AGRO 462. Plant Breeding 3 cr.

Principles and practices involved with the genetic improvement of plants. Prerequisites: ANSC/AGRO/BIOL/HORT 305. Same as HORT 462.

AGRO 471. Plant Mineral Nutrition 3 cr.

Basic and applied aspects of plant requirements for soil-derived minerals and the processes whereby minerals are acquired, absorbed, translocated, and utilized throughout the plant. Prerequisite: EPWS/BIOL 314, or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor. Same as HORT 471 and EPWS 471.

AGRO 483. Sustainable Production of Agronomic Crops 3 cr. (2+2P)

Characteristics and objectives of sustainable agricultural systems with application to the production, utilization, and improvement of cereal grain, fiber, forage and oilseed crops. Corequisite(s): AGRO 365 or HORT 365.

AGRO 492. Diagnosing Plant Disorders 3 cr. (2+3P)

Systematic diagnosis of the physiological, pathological, and entomological causes of plant disorders. Prerequisites: EPWS 303 and EPWS 310. Same as EPWS 492 and HORT 492.

AGRO 500. Special Topics 1-4 cr.

Specific subjects and credits to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Maximum of 4 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits toward a degree.

AGRO 505. Research Orientation 3 cr. (2+3P)

Training in writing research proposals, presentation of research results, and interpretation of research results. Same as HORT 505, SOIL 505.

AGRO 506. Plant Genetics 3 cr.

Advanced treatment of the principles of classical genetics and heredity with emphasis on the nature and action of the gene including molecular analysis. Prerequisite: AGRO 305 or consent of instructor. CHEM 345 recommended. Same as HORT 506.

AGRO 511. Introduction to Weed Science (f) 4 cr.

Covers the principles of weed science with 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. Prerequisites: CHEM 111G and BIOL 190 or BIOL 211G, or consent of instructor. Same as EPWS 511.

AGRO 514. Soil-Plant Relationships 3 cr.

Physical, chemical, and biological soil environment as it affects plant and crop growth. Prerequisites: BIOL 314, SOIL 252. Same as HORT 514 and SOIL 514.

AGRO 515. Crop Physiology 3 cr.

Whole plant physiological processes as related to growth, development, yield, quality and post harvest physiology of crop plants within the environment of the crop community. Prerequisite(s): EPWS/BIOL 314 or consent of instructor. Crosslisted with: HORT 515

AGRO 516. Molecular Analysis of Complex Traits 3 cr.

Provide a comprehensive overview of molecular genetic analysis of complex phenotypes, including case histories/experiments in plants, animals and humans. Emphasize technological developments in DNA marker technologies and their application to molecular quantitative genetics. Explore the efficient application of these technologies in the future to complex genetic systems, breeding, and other areas of life sciences. Prerequisite: AGRO 305 or consent of instructor. Same as HORT 516.

AGRO 533. Environmental Physiology of Plants 3 cr.

Integral responses of plants and crop productivity to naturally occurring and modified environmental factors such as radiation, temperatures, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and air flow. Prerequisite: BIOL 314 or consent of instructor. Same as BIOL/HORT 533.

AGRO 590. Graduate Seminar 1 cr.

Review of current scientific literature in agronomy, horticulture, and soil science. Same as HORT/SOIL 590.

AGRO 595. Internship 1-6 cr.

Supervised professional on-the-job learning experience. Limited to Master of Agriculture candidates. Not more than 6 credits toward the degree. Same as SOIL 595.

AGRO 597. University Teaching Experience 1-3 cr.

Certain graduate students will be permitted to teach up to one-third of one AGRO/HORT/SOIL/ES course. The student will prepare and deliver lectures and will prepare, administer, and grade at least one examination. The professor in charge of the course will attend and evaluate the student's lectures. Consent of instructor required. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to Agronomy and Horticulture Graduate Students. Crosslisted with: HORT 597 and SOIL 597

AGRO 598. Special Research Programs 1-6 cr.

Individual investigations, either analytical or experimental. Maximum of 6 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits towards degree. Same as SOIL 598.

AGRO 599. Master's Thesis 0-88 cr.

Thesis.

AGRO 600. Doctoral Research 1-88 cr.

Research.

AGRO 609. Breeding for Plant Disease Resistance 3 cr.

A practically-oriented course of lectures and discussion on concepts and principles of breeding for disease and pest resistance. Labs familiarize students with preparation, quantification, and application of inoculum to hosts. Same as HORT 609.

AGRO 610. Advanced Crop Breeding 4 cr. (3+3P)

Applications of breeding principles to crop improvement. Emphasis on breeding methodologies using modern techniques, including biotechnology. Prerequisite: AGRO 462 or consent of instructor. Same as HORT 610.

AGRO 620. Instrumentation in Agronomy 3 cr.

Use of instruments used in research in all areas of agronomy including gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, neutron soil moisture probe, and other instruments. Same as HORT/SOIL 620.

AGRO 670. Biometrical Genetics and Plant Breeding 3 cr.

A statistical approach to gene action and population parameters as applied to plant improvement. Prerequisite: AGRO 462 or consent of instructor. Same as HORT 670.

AGRO 685. Plant Genetic Engineering 3 cr.

Analysis of plant genome structure and potential applications of emerging molecular techniques to the genetic improvement of plants. Prerequisites: HORT/AGRO 585 and AGRO/HORT 506 or CHEM 545, or consent of instructor. Same as HORT/BIOL 685.

AGRO 694. Doctoral Seminar 1 cr.

Current research discussions presented by doctoral level graduate students. Not more than 2 credits toward the degree. Prerequisite: doctoral level graduate students. Same as SOIL 694.

AGRO 696. Doctoral Proposal 1 cr.

Current research proposal written by doctoral level graduate students. Not more than 1 credits toward the degree. Prerequisite: doctoral level graduate students. Same as SOIL 696.

AGRO 697. University Teaching Experience 1-3 cr.

Certain graduate students will be permitted to teach up to one-third of one AGRO/HORT/SOIL/ES course. The student will prepare and deliver lectures and will prepare, administer, and grade at least one examination. The professor in charge of the course will attend and evaluate the student's lectures. Consent of instructor required. Crosslisted with: HORT 697 and SOIL 697

AGRO 698. Topics in Agronomy 1-6 cr.

Topics of current interest, designated by title and credit. Maximum of 6 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits toward a degree.

AGRO 700. Doctoral Dissertation 0-88 cr.

Dissertation.

Environmental science

E S 452. Geohydrology 3 cr.

Origin, occurrence, and movement of fluids in porous media and assessment of aquifer characteristics. Development and conservation of ground water resources, design of well fields. Prerequisite(s): C E 160 or GEOL 111G, and C E 231. Crosslisted with: GEOL 452 and C E 452

E S 459. Aquatic Ecology 4 cr.

Ecological functions of plant and animal communities in aquatic ecosystems with emphasis on chemical and physical properties, productivity, species interactions, population dynamics, and concepts for diagnosing problems and restoring aquatic ecosystems. Prerequisite(s): (E S,WLSC or BIOL 301), CHEM 112G, (MATH 142G or MATH 191G). Crosslisted with: WLSC 459

E S 460. Introduction to Air Pollution 3 cr.

An introduction to the physics and chemistry of tropospheric air pollution including sources of air pollution, local and long-range transport, instrumentation, regulatory requirements, control technology. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 215, CHEM 112, MATH 191.

E S 462. Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Contaminants 3 cr. (1+6P)

Theory, application, methodology, and instrumentation used in the sampling and analysis of environmental contaminants. Prerequisites: E S 256. Same as ENVE 462.

E S 470. Environmental Impacts of Land Use 3 cr.

Capstone course for the environmental science major. Case studies of environmental problems impacting land. Prerequisites: E S 256, E S 462, E S 370.

E S 599. Master's Thesis 1-88 cr.

Thesis Graded: Thesis/Disertation.

E S 700. Doctoral Dissertation 1-88 cr.

Dissertation Graded: Thesis/Disertation.

Genetics

GENE 450. Special Topics 1-3 cr.

Specific subjects to be announced in the schedule of classes. Maximum of 3 credits per semester and a total of 3 credits toward a degree. Consent of instructor required.

GENE 452. Applied Bioinformatics 3 cr.

Survey and application of publicly available bioinformatic tools that treat genomic DNA, cDNA, and protein sequences, RNA abundance, as well as tools that allow inference based on phylogenetic relationships. Prerequisites: AGRO/ANSC/BIOL/HORT 305 or GENE 315 and GENE 320, and BCHE 341, or BCHE 395.

GENE 486. Genes and Genomes 3 cr.

Extensive coverage of nuclear and organelle genome structure in plants and animals, genome restructuring including duplication, anueploidy, chromosome translocations and inversions, comparative genomics, and molecular systematics. Prerequisites: AGRO/ANSC/BIOL/HORT 305 or GENE 315, and GENE 320.

GENE 488. Gene Regulation 3 cr.

Extensive coverage of signal transduction processes and approaches used to monitor large scale changes in gene regulation and protein synthesis that occur during development and in response to environmental changes. Prerequisites: AGRO/ANSC/BIOL/HORT 305 or GENE 315.

HORTICULTURE

HORT 450. Special Topics 1-4 cr.

Specific subjects as announced in the Schedule of Classes. Maximum of 4 credits per semester and a grand total of 9 credits.

HORT 462. Plant Breeding 3 cr.

Principles and practices involved with the genetic improvement of plants. Prerequisites: ANSC/AGRO/BIOL/HORT 305. Same as AGRO 462.

HORT 465. Landscape Construction and Maintenance 4 cr. (3+2P)

Application of landscape design and construction principles to build and maintain residential, small commercial and selected public managed landscapes. Prerequisite(s): HORT 307 or consent of instructor.

HORT 471. Plant Mineral Nutrition 3 cr.

Basic and applied aspects of plant requirements for soil-derived minerals and the processes whereby minerals are acquired, absorbed, translocated, and utilized throughout the plant. Prerequisite: EPWS/BIOL 314, or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor. Same as AGRO/EPWS 471.

HORT 479. Advanced Turfgrass Science 3 cr.

Extensive reviews of turfgrass sciences including ecology, physiology, entomology, pathology, weed science, and soil science. Prerequisite: HORT 378 or consent of instructor.

HORT 484. Ornamental Plant Production and Management 4 cr. (3+3P)

Covers the principles and practices of greenhouse and nursery crop production and management. Greenhouse irrigation and water quality, fertilization, containers and media, lighting, CO2 enrichment, growth control, and crop scheduling. Prerequisite: HORT/AGRO 365 or consent of instructor.

HORT 485. Vegetable Crop Management 4 cr. (3+2P)

Physiological, environmental and cultural aspects of vegetable crop production. Corequisite(s): AGRO 365 or HORT 365, or consent of instructor.

HORT 488. Greenhouse Management 4 cr. (3+3P)

Principles and practices involved in greenhouse structures and construction, site considerations, covering materials, heating and cooling systems, greenhouse crop production techniques, and case studies. Prerequisite: HORT/AGRO 365 or consent of instructor.

HORT 492. Diagnosing Plant Disorders 3 cr. (2+3P)

Systematic diagnosis of the physiological, pathological, and entomological causes of plant disorders. Prerequisites: EPWS 303 and EPWS 310. Same as EPWS 492 and AGRO 492.

HORT 500. Special Topics 1-4 cr.

Specific subjects and credits to be announced in the Schedule of Classes . Maximum of 4 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits toward a degree.

HORT 505. Research Orientation 3 cr. (2+3P)

Training in writing research proposals, presentation of research results, and interpretation of research results. Same as AGRO/SOIL 505.

HORT 506. Plant Genetics 3 cr.

Advanced treatment of the principles of classical genetics and heredity with emphasis on the nature and action of the gene including molecular analysis. Prerequisite: AGRO 305 or consent of instructor. CHEM 345 recommended. Same as AGRO 506 and MOLB 506.

HORT 514. Soil-Plant Relationships 3 cr.

Physical, chemical, and biological soil environment as it affects plant and crop growth. Prerequisites: BIOL 314, SOIL 252. Same as AGRO/SOIL 514.

HORT 515. Crop Physiology 3 cr.

Whole plant physiological processes as related to growth, development, yield, quality and post harvest physiology of crop plants within the environment of the crop community. Prerequisite(s): EPWS/BIOL 314 or consent of instructor. Crosslisted with: AGRO 515

HORT 516. Molecular Analysis of Complex Traits 3 cr.

Provide a comprehensive overview of molecular genetic analysis of complex phenotypes, including case histories/experiments in plants, animals and humans. Emphasize technological developments in DNA marker technologies and their application to molecular quantitative genetics. Explore the efficient application of these technologies in the future to complex genetic systems, breeding, and other areas of life sciences. Prerequisite: AGRO 305 or consent of instructor. Same as AGRO 516.

HORT 533. Environmental Physiology of Plants 3 cr.

Integral responses of plants and crop productivity to naturally occurring and modified environmental factors such as radiation, temperatures, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and air flow. Prerequisite: BIOL 314 or consent of instructor. Same as AGRO/BIOL 533.

HORT 590. Graduate Seminar 1 cr.

Review of current scientific literature in agronomy, horticulture, and soil science. Same as AGRO/SOIL 590.

HORT 595. Internship 1-6 cr.

Supervised professional on-the-job learning experience. Limited to Master of Agriculture candidates. Not more than 6 credits toward the degree.

HORT 597. University Teaching Experience 1-3 cr.

Certain graduate students will be permitted to teach up to one-third of one AGRO/HORT/SOIL/ES course. The student will prepare and deliver lectures and will prepare, administer, and grade at least one examination. The professor in charge of the course will attend and evaluate the student's lectures. Consent of instructor required. Crosslisted with: AGRO 597 and SOIL 597

HORT 598. Special Research Programs 1-6 cr.

Individual investigations, either analytical or experimental. Maximum of 6 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits toward a degree. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

HORT 599. Master's Thesis 0-88 cr.

Thesis.

HORT 609. Breeding for Plant Disease Resistance 3 cr.

A practically-oriented course of lectures and discussion on concepts and principles of breeding for disease and pest resistance. Labs familiarize students with preparation, quantification, and application of inoculum to hosts. Same as AGRO 609.

HORT 610. Advanced Crop Breeding 4 cr. (3+3P)

Applications of breeding principles to crop improvement. Emphasis on breeding methodologies using modern techniques, including biotechnology. Prerequisite: AGRO 462 or consent of instructor. Same as AGRO 610.

HORT 620. Instrumentation in Agronomy 3 cr.

Use of instruments used in research in all areas of agronomy including gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, neutron soil moisture probe, and other instruments. Same as AGRO/SOIL 620.

HORT 670. Biometrical Genetics and Plant Breeding 3 cr.

A statistical approach to gene action and population parameters as applied to plant improvement. Prerequisite: AGRO 462 or consent of instructor. Same as AGRO 670.

HORT 685. Plant Genetic Engineering 3 cr.

Analysis of plant genome structure and potential applications of emerging molecular techniques to the genetic improvement of plants. Prerequisites: HORT/AGRO 585 and AGRO/HORT 506 or CHEM 545, or consent of instructor. Same as AGRO/BIOL 685.

HORT 697. University Teaching Experience 1-3 cr.

Certain graduate students will be permitted to teach up to one-third of one AGRO/HORT/SOIL/ES course. The student will prepare and deliver lectures and will prepare, administer, and grade at least one examination. The professor in charge of the course will attend and evaluate the student's lectures. Consent of instructor required. Crosslisted with: AGRO 697 and SOIL 697

SOIL

SOIL 450. Special Topics 1-4 cr.

Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Maximum of 4 credits per semester and a total of 9 credits towards a degree.

SOIL 456. Irrigation and Drainage 3 cr. (2+3P)

Principles and practices required for irrigation to exist as a permanent economy. Equipment and methods for measurement and control of water.

SOIL 472. Soil Morphology and Classification 4 cr. (2+2P)

Terminology used to describe soils. Soil classification systems of the world with emphasis on systems used in the United States. Theory of classification and taxonomy as applied to soils. Prerequisite: SOIL 252. Same as GEOG 472.

SOIL 476. Soil Microbiology 3 cr.

Nature and physiology of soil microorganisms, how they affect plant growth and recycle nutrients. Land farming, bioremediation and other environmental problems as influenced by soil microorganisms. SOIL 252 and BIOL 311 recommended. Same as BIOL 476.

SOIL 476 L. Soil Microbiology Laboratory 1 cr. (3P)

Enumeration of soil microorganisms, their activities, and transformations they mediate. Prerequisites: SOIL 476 or concurrent enrollment. Same as BIOL 476L.

SOIL 477. Environmental Soil Physics 3 cr.

A description of the physical characteristics of porous media including soil. Examination of processes describing the transport of water, chemicals, heat and gases through porous media with application to environmental quality, waste management, and crop production.

SOIL 477 L. Environmental Soil Physics Laboratory 1 cr.

Concurrent enrollment with SOIL 477 recommended. Hands on experience with techniques for characterizing soil physical properties such as particle size distribution, bulk density, water retention, hydraulic conductivity and solute transport. Demonstrations of field and laboratory techniques for measuring moisture content, soil water potential, gas/air flow and thermal conductivity. Prerequisite: SOIL 252.

SOIL 479. Environmental Soil Chemistry 3 cr.

Basic elements of soil chemistry including discussion of clay mineralogy, cation and anion exchange and the chemistry of problem (acid, saline and flooded) soils. Credit not given for both SOIL 424 and SOIL 479. Prerequisites: SOIL 252L or GEOL 360, or three semesters of chemistry. Same as GEOL 479.

SOIL 500. Special Topics 1-4 cr.

Specific subjects and credits to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Maximum of 4 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits toward a degree.

SOIL 505. Research Orientation 3 cr. (2+3P)

Training in writing research proposals, presentation of research results, and interpretation of research results. Same as AGRO/HORT 505.

SOIL 514. Soil-Plant Relationships 3 cr.

Physical, chemical, and biological soil environment as it affects plant and crop growth. Prerequisites: BIOL 314, SOIL 252. Same as AGRO/HORT 514.

SOIL 590. Graduate Seminar 1 cr.

Review of current scientific literature in agronomy, horticulture, and soil science. Same as AGRO/HORT 590.

SOIL 595. Internship 1-6 cr.

Supervised professional on-the-job learning experience. Limited to Master of Agriculture candidates. Not more than 6 credits toward the degree. Same as AGRO 595.

SOIL 597. University Teaching Experience 1-3 cr.

Certain graduate students will be permitted to teach up to one-third of one AGRO/HORT/SOIL/ES course. The student will prepare and deliver lectures and will prepare, administer, and grade at least one examination. The professor in charge of the course will attend and evaluate the student's lectures. Consent of instructor required. Crosslisted with: AGRO 597 and HORT 597

SOIL 598. Special Research Programs 1-6 cr.

Individual investigations, either analytical or experimental. Maximum of 6 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits toward a degree.

SOIL 600. Doctoral Research 1-88 cr.

Research.

SOIL 620. Instrumentation in Agronomy 3 cr.

Use of instruments used in research in all areas of agronomy including gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, neutron soil moisture probe, and other instruments. Same as AGRO/HORT.

SOIL 630. Advanced Soil Classification 3 cr.

Philosophy and organization of various soil classification systems, some international in scope, with emphasis on the new USDA system and classroom and field experience in using this system. Prerequisite: SOIL 472 or consent of instructor.

SOIL 640. Advanced Soil Microbiology 3 cr.

Advanced topics in soil microbiology and biochemistry, including carbon cycling, nitrogen cycling, humus formation and nature, and microbial-plant root interactions. Consent of instructor required.

SOIL 650. Advanced Topics 1-3 cr.

Colloquium on contemporary topics associated with agriculture, environmental science and engineering. Multidisciplinary topics will be chosen to encourage participation of students from diverse disciplines. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.

SOIL 651. Advanced Soil Chemistry 3 cr.

Advanced treatment of soil chemistry phenomena with emphasis on arid zone soils. Particular attention is given to reactions involved in environmental pollution and management of wastes. Prerequisite: SOIL 424 or SOIL 479

SOIL 652. Advanced Soil Physics 3 cr.

Advanced treatment of soil physics, modeling, includes working on an existing/new research project, modeling existing or new data, step by step guide on the use of some 1-D and 2-D models. Specific areas of specialization will be field scale variability of soil properties, water flow, solute transport, and plant water relations. Prerequisite(s): SOIL 477 and computer literacy; or consent of instructor.

SOIL 655. Moisture Heat Contaminant Transport Modeling 3 cr.

Provides clear coverage of the basic principles of heat, moisture and contaminant transport through porous media, and a step-by-step guidance and hands on application on the use of some spreadsheet based and physically based one-and two-dimensional transport models. A similar course does not exist in the college for students that can encourage them to pursue modeling as a means of solving vadose zone and groundwater contamination and remediation problems. Consent of instructor required. Pre/Corequisite(s): Graduate student with at least two 400.

SOIL 694. Doctoral Seminar 1 cr.

Current research discussions presented by doctoral level graduate students. Not more than 2 credits toward the degree. Prerequisite: doctoral level graduate students. Same as AGRO 694.

SOIL 696. Doctoral Proposal 1 cr.

Current research proposal written by doctoral level graduate students. Not more than 1 credit toward the degree. Prerequisite: doctoral level graduate students. Same as AGRO 696.

SOIL 697. University Teaching Experience 1-3 cr.

Certain graduate students will be permitted to teach up to one-third of one AGRO/HORT/SOIL/ES course. The student will prepare and deliver lectures and will prepare, administer, and grade at least one examination. The professor in charge of the course will attend and evaluate the student's lectures. Consent of instructor required. Crosslisted with: AGRO 697 and HORT 697

SOIL 698. Topics in Agronomy 1-6 cr.

Topics of current interest, designated by title and credit. Maximum of 6 credits per semester. No more than 9 credits toward a degree.