APS Agronomy and Agricultural Mechanics

Description: Designed to acquaint students with standard industry practices and emergency procedures and develop an awareness of job hazards. Students will prepare for a CPR/First Aid exam and receive some bulk handling equipment training (forklift/skid steer).

Description: A complete course in gasoline engine operation. It consists of operational theory and nomenclature including the internal components and its air, fuel, lubrication, and cooling system. This course will emphasize small and multi-cylinder gas and diesel engines.

Description: Students will be exposed to the basic principles of agricultural equipment including power trains, hydraulics, fuel systems and electricity. Alternative devices will be studied.

Description: An orientation into the safe operation of tractors, combines, balers, skid loaders, and other common farm equipment. Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to safely operate several types of equipment.

Description: Develop fundamental skills and procedures for oxy/acetylene, arc, and wire feed welding in flat position. Included will be basic blueprint interpretation and weld symbols, with metal cutting and preparation techniques.

Description: (Pre req: AEQ 1203 or equivalent) Develop skills in vertical, horizontal and overhead position arc and wire feed welding. Plasma Arc Cutting and a small assigned construction project are included. Use of a spool gun and TIG equipment will be introduced.

Description: Introduction to Nebraska state electrical law and the National Electric Code as they pertain to the working electrician.

Description: Fundamentals of DC electricity as applied to series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Diagnosis and troubleshooting of circuits with test equipment.

Description: Fundamentals of AC electricity including alternating current theory, waveform quantities and characteristics, and network analysis. Diagnosis and troubleshooting simple circuits with proper test equipment.

Description: The course will primarily focus on grain harvest operations. Grain combine setup and operation will be emphasized. Students will gain an understanding of factors influencing harvest efficiency including estimating harvest losses. Combine yield monitor operation will also be included.

Description: Learning basic tools and techniques of carpentry as it would pertain to a farm and ranch, including selection, use and maintenance of hand and power tools; selection of wood construction materials; construction of joints; application of finishes; and using these basic skills to follow a plan in the construction of a functional project.

Description: A course to provide career based training for a commercial applicator of pesticides, fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals. A foundation for the safe and effective use of agricultural chemicals will be emphasized. Students will gain experience and knowledge in the calibration, operation and maintenance of agricultural chemical application equipment. Preparation for obtaining a commercial pesticide applicator license will be included.

Description: Basic study of hydraulic concepts, applications, and operation as applied to power equipment systems. This class also includes study of the diagnosis of power equipment with the emphasis on hydraulic problems.

Description: (Pre req: AEQ 1313 or equivalent) Students will develop skills using a spool gun and TIG welding, and additional arc and wire feed welding on a wide variety of metals. The second eight weeks is devoted toward preparation for American Welding Society certification.

Description: A study of economic principles and principles of operation, adjustments, repair, maintenance, and tune-up of farm vehicles (automotive, tractors, and powered farm equipment vehicles).

Description: A comprehensive overview of precision farming techniques used in crop production including: GPS systems and applications; yield monitors and map interpretation; grid/zone soil sampling and soil sensors; remote sensing techniques; variable-rate equipment and strategies, and GIS software utilization.

Description: Prerequisites: AEQ 1501, AEQ 1503, AEQ 1513. Fundamentals of mechanized irrigation systems focusing on center-pivot components. Technical service and operation will be emphasized. Application of industrial electrical components and controls.

Description: A study of cost effective maintenance programs for agriculture power equipment. Included is nomenclature, operational theory, adjustment and maintenance of agriculture gasoline and diesel engines. Lab includes the disassembly of a diesel engine.

Description: Prerequisite: AEQ 2213. Students will develop advanced metal-working skills with AC aluminum TIG welding, additional wire feed welding with aluminum, and programmable welding with development of programming, service, and equipment maintenance. Further skills will include basic use of metal lathe and precision measurement. The second eight weeks will include preparation for American Welding Society (AWS) aluminum certification (D1.2), a second opportunity for AWS steel certification (D1.1), and some small welding project planning and construction.

Description: (Pre req: approval by Academic Lead) The apprenticeship provides job experience in your field of study at an approved work location. Official agreements are entered into between the student, employer, and the college. The internship must last a minimum of 8 weeks averaging at least 40 hours per week. A written journal of daily work activities plus a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation are required upon completion. Students must submit a list of learning objectives prior to the apprenticeship and include discussion of these within their presentation. The student and employee will also complete a survey at the conclusion of the apprenticeship.

Description: Prerequisites: AEQ 1501, AEQ 1503, AEQ 1513. Students will complete the Reinke Platinum PLUS Certified Technician training program. The course is an on-line training program developed by Reinke with integrated exams at the end of each training module. Students will be expected to complete the training sessions on their own time; however, faculty assistance will be available. To receive a Pass for the course, students must meet performance standards established by Reinke.

Description: Students will be exposed to the great diversity of careers that support the agricultural industry. Educational requirements to prepare for these agricultural careers will also be explored.

Description: Invasive plants can be found nearly everywhere on Earth. The flora of our planet is constantly being redistributed by either natural or human forces. The change in locations of plant species has affected, and continues to affect, ecosystems around the world. In this course, students will learn how invasive plants are able to establish in regions outside of their native range. Students will develop an understanding of the importance of invasive plants at the global scale and learn how species, which are fairly being in on ecosystem, can have significant negative impacts in others. The focus will be on how and why invasive plants become established and their impacts on ecosystems.

Description: This is the first course of a 3-course sequence that integrates students into the crop production on NCTA's farm laboratory. Students will work as a team to develop a crop management plan for one of NCTA's crop fields. The plan will include actual production practices, budgeting and marketing of the harvested crop. Crop planting and harvest will be conducted by the students and possibly some ag chemical applications. Due to farm size limitations, the practicum courses will be limited to just Agronomy majors.

Description: Students will develop a global understanding of the food, feed, and fiber system. Crop production strategies to maximize yield and quality while sustaining resources and the environment will be emphasized. Principles of crop growth and deelopment, pest management and technology for crop production will be covered.

Description: This course is designed for students to gain experience in handling conditions on the farm daily. Students will receive hands on experience.

Description: Laboratory activities dealing with physical, biological and chemical properties of soils that support plant growth.

Description: A study of soil formation and the chemical, physical and biological properties of soils through a combination of lecture and lab learning activities. The course will emphasize soil conditions that affect crop growth. Management strategies to sustain long-term soil health and crop productivity will be covered.

Description: A study of our natural resources with special emphasis on soil and water management including land classification, conservation practices, and protection methods used to conserve our natural resources, plus the role of government agencies in Natural Resource Management.

Description: This course is the second of a three course sequence that will be required for all agronomy majors. The 3-course practicum sequence will provide another direct assessment of the agronomy program learning outcome of "applying economically sound and environmentally sustainable agriculture crop production practices." The practicum courses will also increase student utilization of the college's farm laboratory.

Description: An introduction to the history, definitions, principles, practices, and innovations of agricultural production in urban and pre-urban settings.Topics will include urban farming systems including traditional and emerging systems such as controlled environment and hydroponics, animal systems in urban settings, urban food systems, community gardens, policies regarding urban agriculture, food access and security, urban agriculture's role in community and society, agricultural marketing in urban setting, and sustainable urban agricultural best practices.

Description: This course will provide students the opportunity to develop their "intercultural knowledge and competence" and "information literacy" skills and abilities. It will also include group activities to help formulate career goals, improve academic success skills, develop a resume and select and appropriate internship.

Description: Instructor permission required for enrollment. The course will provide agricultural experiential learning activities that meet the specific needs of the academic program pursued. Learning experiences will emphasize hand's-on activities in the field or laboratory that reflects the student's chosen career. Experiences will be designed collaboratively between NCTA and any collaborating partners. Credit hours for the experience will be awarded to match the experience and meet requirement designated in the Credit Hour Policy.

Description: This course will cover all principles of agronomy to prepare students to compete in crops judging contests that operate under the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) contest guidelines.

Description: Individual or group projects in research, literature review, or extension of course work under the supervision and evaluation of a Major faculty member who is willing and available to contract with the student. (Pre req: Approval of project by Instructor, Academic Lead, and Advisor)

Description: A course that studies the most common Nebraska Wildlife species that are managed for harvest throughout the state. The habitat requirements and management techniques for each wildlife species will be covered. Current wildlife habitat support programs will be reviewed.

Description: This is the third of a 3-course sequence that integrates students into the crop production of NCTA's farm laboratory, Students will work as a team to develop a crop management plan for one of NCTA's irrigated crop fields. The plan will include actual production practices, budgeting and marketing of the harvested crop. Crop planting and harvest will be conducted by the students and possibly some ag chemical applications. Due to farm size limitations, the practicum courses will be limited to just Agronomy majors.

Description: A study of materials, techniques, and design used for farm and ranch facilities. Lab time will include the construction of Ag building, fences, and facilities on the NCTA campus.

Description: An introduction to the history, definitions, principles, and practices of organic food production. Topics include soil husbandry, integrated pest management, farming systems including diversified vegetables, perennial fruit, agronomic field crops, meat, egg, and milk production, organic certification, and marketing.

Description: A course of study designed to enable students to successfully obtain their CDL with all necessary endorsements. This course of study targets agricultural employees and producers. It is not intended for those seeking fulltime employment as commercial truck drivers. (Pre req: Must be a full time NCTA student)

Description: Dynamics of essential plant nutrients in the soil environment. Sustainable and profitable fertility management of agronomic and horticultural crops will be emphasized. Characteristics of the fertilizer materials, fertilizer application methods and fertilizer rate calculations will be covered.

Description: Identification of plant pests, including morphology and life cycles of selected insects, weeds and diseases. Pest control methods will include chemical, physical, mechanical, cultural and biological techniques. Application of integrated pest management will be stressed.

Description: Efficient irrigation management strategies of agronomic crops. Irrigation techniques, irrigation scheduling, equipment selection, and water use regulations will be covered. Sustainable utilization of our water resources will be emphasized.

Description: Integration of principles of crop and soil science, plant breeding, climatology and integrated pest management in the development ad evaluation of crop management practices. Students will be able to apply economically sound and environmentally sustainable crop production strategies in the Great Plains.

Description: The Farm Beginnings Program consists of a series of sessions offered throughout the year by Nebraska Extension with cooperation from NCTA. The sessions focus on alternative agriculture and cover a variety of topics, including building networks, goal setting, whole farm planning, building your business plan, marketing, business and farm management and financials management. In addition to learning first-hand from successful farmers, participants will develop their own business plan as they progress through the course.

Description: Overview of global relationships in agriculture and natural resources that affect Nebraska, the United States, and the world. Emphasis on gaining perspectives of the social, technological, economic, environmental, and political issues impacting the world food system.

Description: This course will cover all principles of agronomy to prepare students to compete in crops judging contests that operate under the North American College and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) contest guidelines.

Description: (Pre req: approval by Division Chair) The internship provides job experience in your field of study at an approved work location. Official agreements are entered into between the student, employer, and the college. The internship must last a minimum of 8 weeks averaging at least 40 hours per week (NOTE: students must honor length agreed upon by employer). A written journal of daily work activities plus a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation are required upon returning form internship. Students must submit a list of learning objectives prior to the internship and include discussion of these withing their presentation. The student and employer will also complete a survey at the conclusion of the internship.

Description: This course is designed to culminate the student's experience in their APS or AMS program and will focus on tying together functional aspects of a farm, ranch, or entrepreneurial venture. The class will culminate with a workable business plan, understand the legal and regulatory environment of their proposed enterprise, and be ready to move into formation. Included in this plan will include facility design, applicable management plans, and a complete financial package for the proposed operation that will include a cash flow, net worth, one year and three year budget, and what-if analysis. This course allows students an opportunity to integrate tools learned in their respective program.

Description: Individual or group projects in research, literature review or extension of course work under the supervision and evaluation of a Major faculty member who is willing and available to contract with the student. The student will present his/ her independent study proposal to the Major Division Chair and faculty for their approval. (Pre req: Approval of project by Instructor, Advisor, and Division Chair)