Plant and Landscape Systems (PLAS)
Prerequisites: Junior standing in Plant Biology degree program
Required for graduation. Offered every Fall during the first 5 weeks. Pass/No Pass only.
Description: Development of an experiential portfolio and completion of an online survey as part of assessment activities.
Prerequisites: Must be a Plant and Landscape Systems major.
The course is required for all students in the Plant and Landscape Systems major regardless of when the major is declared.
Description: Group and individual activities to help discover career opportunities, improve academic success skills, identify beneficial co-curricular activities, and select appropriate internships.
Description: Introduction to a diverse range of plant and landscape systems and management strategies for balancing economic and environmental sustainability. Foundational principles of plant biology, landscape ecology, and environmental science explored within the context of these systems.
Online only
Description: The flora of the earth is constantly being re-distributed by natural and human forces. As plant species change locations, they affect ecosystems, but how? In this course, students will learn how invasive plants establish and spread in ecosystems and develop an understanding of their impacts on ecosystems from local to global scales.
Description: Introduction to careers, internships and co-curricular activities in turfgrass and landscape management.
Description: The biology of plants grown for food, feed, fuel, fiber and fun! Starting with natural and managed ecosystems and their interactions, the course then introduces how plants obtain and manage water and nutrients before giving a big picture view of carbon assimilation, metabolism and storage in terms of plant productivity and growth in variable environments. The way plants respond to endogenous and applied growth regulators as well as genetic signals is described, before considering the role of genetics in plant pest interactions and management.
Prerequisites: PLAS 131 or parallel
Description: Growth, development, morphology and staging of annual and perennial monocot and dicot plants produced for grain, forage and grazing. Evaluation of seed, grain and forage quality for plants of agronomic importance.
Prerequisites: PLAS 131 or parallel
Description: Horticulture plant morphology, physiology, cell anatomy and plant growth are explored through application of practices used in industry. Emphasis on intensive production systems appropriate to specialty and greenhouse grown horticultural plants
Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLAS 131 required.
Open to all majors and minors, except Agronomy or Horticulture.
Description: An exploration of plant morphology, physiology, and maturation with an emphasis on environmental, biotic, and human interactions within production and landscape systems. Not open to Agronomy or Horticulture majors or minors.
Description: Investigation into the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, in relation to their appropriate uses, protection, and vital roles or functions in broader plant-soil systems. Apply exercises such as discussion, evidence-based writing, assessment, planning, problem-solving, and presentations in relation to principles and practices involving all aspects of soils.
This course is a prerequisite for: AGEN 431, PLAS 431, AGST 431; AGST 354, SOIL 354, WATS 354; LARC 487, NRES 487; NRES 245, PLAS 245; NRES 319; PLAS 204; PLAS 269, SOIL 269; PLAS 327; PLAS 361, GEOL 361, NRES 361, SOIL 361, WATS 361; PLAS 366, SOIL 366; PLAS 453, LARC 453, SOIL 453; PLAS 455, AGRO 855, NRES 455, NRES 855, SOIL 455; PLAS 472, AGRO 872, NRES 472, NRES 872, SOIL 472, WATS 472
Description: Introductory course in home landscaping focusing on basic design elements and processes. Students prepare a program, analyze a dwelling and site, determine a phased budget, conceptualize a layout, and select detailed elements and techniques to implement a design for an actual residence.
Description: Values and processes in human landscapes and natural environments. Concepts and tools to understand the context of local and global environments and significant historical landscapes. Landscape as an indicator of aesthetic quality, design principles and processes as integrators of humans and nature, and the garden as a model for creating sustainable landscapes.
Description: An introduction to the naming, identification, and natural history of woody trees and shrubs in North American with emphasis on trees common to Nebraska. Covers morphology, natural site conditions, wildlife and human uses of woody trees and shrubs.
Description: The integration of crop and soil science, plant breeding, climatology and integrated pest management disciplines to develop and evaluate crop management strategies that make the most efficient use of natural resources such as solar radiation, water, and soil, as well as other external inputs utilized for field crop management.
Description: Identification, basic management and design uses of trees and shrubs for sustainable landscapes, with an emphasis on native plants and plants adapted to the Plains states. Emphasis is on live specimens in outdoor environments, supported by online resources.
Description: Characteristics of commercially available trees and shrubs used in urban landscapes. Compares differences among cultivars, design uses, and management issues using a combination of live specimens in outdoor environments and online resources.
Description: Identification of herbaceous plants with ornamental value in the landscape including native and introduced annuals, perennials, grasses and cultivars. Typical ecological associations, environmental tolerances and/or intolerance, cultural requirements, and design characteristics.
Prerequisites: 3 hrs biological sciences.
Description: Discovery of the biology of genes and the application of genetics principles to understand the control and inheritance of traits in families and populations. Focus is on animals and plants that are important in medicine, agriculture and nature. Learning emphasis is problem solving via online, instant feedback assessments, group discussion, experimental data analysis and context-based exams.
Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry.
Description: Plant breeding theory and technique. Application of genetic principles to plant improvement. Experience with breeding agronomic and horticultural plant species to illustrate plant mating systems and breeding principles.
Description: An overview of landscape systems for human intent. Includes seasonal and materials-specific BMPs for assessment, soil work, irrigation, plants and hardscapes, pests and diseases, using a combination of site visits, collaborations, and applied case studies.
Description: Laboratory covering turfgrass identification and management.
This course is intended for first or second year students.
Description: Learn introductory data science skills necessary to collect, manage, and analyze data. Gain the necessary skills to interpret and effectively communicate information derived from data.
Description: Principles basic to the establishment, management, and utilization of forage crops and pastures. Plant identification and selection, seeding, fertilization, irrigation, forage quality and utilization, hay and silage preservation, and grazing management. The role of forages and ranges in developing a sustainable agriculture.
Prerequisites: Permission.
PLAS/RNGE 240 recommended.
Description: Identification and description of two-hundred important wildland plants of North America. Characteristics of these plants evaluated in terms of management implications.
Prerequisites: PLAS 153
Description: Grassland ecology and management is relevant to students with education and career goals in managing natural resources in Nebraska and the Great Plains. About 50% of the land area in Nebraska is classified as grassland (or rangeland) and is the land type with the most opportunity for enhancing biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Applying ecological principles and social values to managing rangeland resources, students will develop a knowledge and appreciation for the various grassland management uses and techniques available to resource managers.
Description: Principles, interpretation, and emotional responses of floral design. Explored and practical experience in all aspects of flower arranging. Includes floral product identification, care, handling, marketing and critiquing of floral designs.
Prerequisites: PLAS 261
Description: Advanced styles of floral design, foliage plant care and retail shop layout, as well as practical business knowledge in managing a small business. Topics include personnel, advertising, sales and floral marketing.
Description: Graphic and oral presentation techniques for landscape design. Introduction to use of various media and technologies, including hand graphics and computer programs.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 267
Prerequisites: PLAS 153
Description: Current state-of-knowledge of soil and water management; impacts of water and wind erosion on soil productivity, and nutrient dynamics; soil management in response to the increased climate variability; improved management practices such as conservation tillage (i.e., no-till), cropping systems, cover crops, crop residue management, perennial systems, water management and irrigation; nutrient cycling; and soil quality and health.
Prerequisites: 3 hrs biological sciences.
Description: Impact of exotic species and invasive organisms: agricultural and medical emerging disease; predicting biological invasions; biological control; regulatory, monitoring, and control efforts; ecological impact.
Description: Overview of financial issues for agribusiness start-ups. Business funding specific to new enterprises. Case studies on financial practices for start-up firms.
Description: Introduction to the plant kingdom and to plants as biological organisms; structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs with emphasis on seed plants; the important processes and concepts of life cycles, evolution, and physiology.
PLAS/SOIL 153 recommended, but not required. This course includes an inter-collegiate Soil Judging contest that takes place in the North Central region of the United States during the course of the class, or a course-based undergraduate research experience.
Description: Apply fundamental knowledge to the description of soils in the field. Application of techniques employed in writing descriptions of soil morphology and in classifying and interpreting soils.
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Topics vary.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and completion of an internship contract. The internship contract is subject to approval by the department. Internships completed without a signed contract may not qualify for credit.
Pass/No Pass only; requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Professional experience in a plant, landscape or soil interest area. Experience may be with a business, government agency, organization, or a university research, extension, or teaching program.
Prerequisites: PLAS 267 or concurrent
Description: Materials, systems, and methods for constructing sustainable residential and small urban landscapes. Includes site grading, hardscapes, irrigation, lighting, ponds and water features, using a combination of guest speakers, site visits and online resources.
Description: The study of the structure and function of woody plants, with a focus on trees growing in temperate climates. Covers the basics of wood physiology in terms of the biological, physical, and chemical processes utilized by tree to function. The anatomy and morphology of trees with a focus on the impacts of tree maintenance to the structure and function of landscape trees.
Description: Globally diverse peoples are explored through culture, diets, food production systems, and environment with emphasis on the application of hydroponic plant production systems to address food needs that are culturally conscious. Hydroponic methodologies are investigated and prototypes are designed, built, and tested for proof of concept.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or permission
Description: Identification, environmental requirements, and sustainable care and management of herbaceous perennial and woody plants with both edible and aesthetic landscape value. Historical and human cultural ties or ethnobotanical traditions associated with the plants will be utilized for appropriate plant selection and use.
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Description: Covers practical application of the science of tree growth, development, and management in human dominated landscapes. Tree selection for varying landscapes and objectives, proper planting and pruning, identification and correction of tree defects, and working with tree pest issues.
Description: Introduction to physiological and developmental processes in plants. Topics include plant-water relations, photosynthesis, carbon metabolism and source-sink translocation, light responses, hormonal regulation during growth, development and environmental stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, flooding stress among others. Emphasizes the development of a broader knowledge of how crops respond to abiotic factors associated with changing climate through conceptual integration of physiological and molecular processes. Science communication skills and teamwork experience are developed through oral presentations and poster sessions.
Description: Using processes and problem-solving approach to identify and analyze common landscape management situations in commercial, public, and residential landscapes. Integrate design, environment, function, pest and disease, and existing management practices to produce recommendations.
Description: Why, when and how to prune ornamental landscape plants. Demonstrations and field opportunities on how to choose and how to use pruning tools correctly.
Description: The principles of range management within the ecosystem framework. Range improvement practices and grazing systems; plant control using biological, chemical and mechanical factors; prescribed burning; range seeding; range fertilization; and the integration of range with other forage resources.
Prerequisites: PLAS 131
Description: Fruit crop production principles and practices, both locally and from a global perspective. Experience with planting, pruning and layout of orchard, vineyard and small fruit crops, greenhouse propagation, and production practices.
Prerequisites: PLAS 131
Description: Growing conditions of specific perennial, annual, pot plants, cut flowers. How to schedule and cost account plant production. Care of post-production plants. Experience propagating and growing perennial, pot and bedding plants and cut flowers in the greenhouse.
Description: Methodology of plant production for seasonal ornamental and vegetable plants to meet the needs of the consumer horticulture industry. Supply procurement, product selection, asexual & seed propagation, young plant liners, plant culture & manipulation to meet qualities and market demand are explored. Crops are grown and marketed.
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153; MATH 102 or 103; two semesters chemistry (CHEM 105A and 105L, CHEM 106A and 106L, CHEM 109A and 109L, CHEM 110A and 110L) and WATS/GEOG/NRES 281
Description: Chemical and physical processes that influence the fate and transport of contaminants (inorganic, organic, microbial) in soil-water environments. Extent, fate, mitigation and impact of various sources of pollution. Remedial technologies used for environmental restoration of contaminated environments.
Prerequisites: PLAS 131
Description: Principles underlying the production of nursery crops. Propagation, crop scheduling, transplanting, handling, and transportation of nursery crops. Cultural considerations such as media, fertilizers, irrigation, and pest control.
Prerequisites: PLAS 153
Description: Explores nutrient behaviors in soil and factors affecting nutrient management. Students work on developing fertilizer plans for complex plant production systems that follow the right place, right amount, right source, right time philosophy and ensure production of healthy and nutritious plants, improve profits and enterprise sustainability, fulfill legal requirements, and protect soil and water quality.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 405
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior class standing.
Description: Explore sustainability challenges in plant and animal agricultural systems, assess current solutions, and identify opportunities for innovation. Research, develop, prototype, test, and pitch an innovative product, service, or technology for agriculture.
Prerequisites: PLAS/NRES/SOIL 279
This course includes a national- or regional-level inter-collegiate Soil Judging contest that takes place during the course of the class.
Description: Apply fundamental knowledge and improve field techniques to the description and interpretation of soils in the field. Application of techniques employed in writing descriptions of soil morphology and in classifying and interpreting soils.
Description: Introductory models for a startup business. Ideation, customer segments, value proposition, minimal viable product and market fit.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 301
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Topics vary.
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Topics vary.
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course
Description: Topics vary.
Prerequisites: Permission
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course
Description: Topics vary.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; PLAS 204 or 240 or 269; and completion of an internship contract. Internships completed without a signed contract not may qualify for credit.
Pass/No Pass only; requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Advanced internship in an agronomic enterprise. Must be a business, government agency, organization or university research, teaching, or extension program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing; PLAS 221 or PLAS 352 and completion of an internship contract. Internships completed without a signed contract may not qualify for credit
Pass/No Pass only; requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Advanced internship experience in a horticulture enterprise. Must be a business, government agency, organization or university research, teaching, or extension program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; PLAS 228 or PLAS 267; and completion of an internship contract. Internships completed without a signed contract not may qualify for credit.
Pass/No Pass only; requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Advanced professional experience in a landscape design and/or management enterprise. Experience must be with a business, government agency, organization, or a university research, extension, or teaching program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; PLAS 227 and completion of an internship contract. Internships completed without a signed contract may not qualify for credit.
Pass/No Pass only; requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Advanced internship experience in a turfgrass enterprise. Must be a business, government agency, organization, or university research, teaching or extension program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
Description: Scientific and research training and necessary soft skills for researchers, using grasslands as a study system. Provides individualized opportunities for engagement with scientific methods, which include experiential learning, acquisition and refinement of skills that enhance higher-learning opportunities, and increased marketability for future employment or postgraduate degrees.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; 12 hrs plant science; and permission.
Requires advance approval of plan of work and is to be under the supervision and evaluation of a Horticulture departmental faculty member. Oral and written reports are mandatory at the completion of this Independent Study.
Description: Individual or group projects in research, literature review, or extension of course work.
Prerequisites: Senior standing or higher, an ACE 1 written communication course, an ACE 2 oral communication course, and permission of instructor.
Description: Reading and critiquing, writing, and presenting scientific information. Use research data to compose a manuscript in standard scientific format, and prepare and present a poster to a general audience. Ethical issues in research and writing.
Description: Application, expansion, and integration of principles from agricultural, economic and social sciences into systems-level the development and management of cropping systems.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; 4 hrs ecology; and 4 hrs botany or plant physiology.
Description: Principles of plant physiology which underlie the relationship between plants and their physical, chemical and biotic environments. An introduction to the ecological niche, limiting factors and adaptation. An overview of the seed germination and ecology, plant and soil water relations, nutrients, plant energy budgets, photosynthesis, carbon balance and plant-animal interactions. An introduction to various field equipment used in ecophysiological studies.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; MATH 106; 4 hrs physics; physical or biological science major.
Description: Discussion and practical application of principles and practices of measuring meteorological and related variables near the earth's surface including temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, radiation and wind. Performance characteristics of sensors and modern data collection methods are discussed and evaluated.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, MATH 106 or equivalent, 5 hrs physics, major in any of the physical or biological sciences or engineering.
Description: Physical factors that create the biological environment. Radiation and energy balances of earth's surfaces, terrestrial and marine. Temperature, humidity, and wind regimes near the surface. Control of the physical environment through irrigation, windbreaks, frost protection, manipulation of light, and radiation. Applications to air pollution research. Instruments for measuring environmental conditions and remote sensing of the environment.
A previous class in genetics is highly recommended.
Description: The application of fundamental genetics principles in inheritance, gene mapping and DNA analysis to decision making by plant breeders with the goal of improving disease resistance in crop cultivars. Learning is structured by the genetics discovery story told in published research articles and the thinking process of plant breeders who will use these discoveries in their work.
Description: The application of basic science and technology by plant genetic engineering experts with the goal of teaming with plant breeders to improve disease resistance in crop cultivars. Learning is structured by the genetics discovery story told in published research articles and the thinking process of genetic engineers and plant breeders who will use these discoveries in their work.
A previous class in genetics is highly recommended.
Description: Basic steps required to produce genetically engineered crops, genetic engineering procedures used to develop current crops and innovations that will lead to future products, genetic engineering process and predicting how changes in different steps of the process influence the final crop, and application of genetic engineering technology to plan the development of new genetically engineered crops.
A previous class in Genetics is highly recommended.
Description: Application of classical and molecular genetic principles to the explanation of variation observed in plant families and populations. Interpretation of information gathered from whole plant trait observation and from molecular analysis. Relationships between crops and weeds. Examples from genetic studies on both crop and weed species are the basis of course.
Prerequisites: BIOS/PLPT 369 or one semester of introductory plant pathology.
Description: Pathogens, epidemiology, and control of diseases specific to turfgrass.
Prerequisites: 12 hours biological or agricultural sciences.
Description: The roles of woody plants in sustainable agricultural systems of temperate regions. Emphasis on the ecological and economic benefits of trees and shrubs in the agricultural landscape. Topics include: habitat diversity and biological control; shelterbelts structure, function, benefits and design; intercropping systems; silvopastoral systems; riparian systems; and production of timber and specialty crops. Comparison of temperate agroforestry systems to those of tropical areas.
Prerequisites: PLAS 215 or equivalent. Undergraduate students must be at the senior class level standing.
Description: Introduction to applied computational methods to analyze biological data, efficiently manipulate large data sets, and automate workflows. Learn strategies for assembling and analyzing data generated by modern high throughput sequencing platforms.
Description: Explore the management, environmental, economic, and social considerations of cover crops across a diversity of agricultural production systems and regions. Grow cover crops, measure benefits and tradeoffs, and apply knowledge to make management and policy recommendations.
Description: Identification, biology and ecology of weedy and invasive plants. Principles of invasive plant management by preventative, cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical means using an adaptive management framework. Herbicide terminology and classification, plant-herbicide and soil-herbicide interactions, equipment calibration and dosage calculations.
Prerequisites: Faculty Permission
Description: Application of plant biotechnology to answer biological questions. Development of writing and thinking skills with a working knowledge of plant biology and biotechnology. Learning in a lab focused setting to solidify skills used in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and computational biology.
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Description: Overview of the technical and sociocultural dimensions of global food insecurity.
Description: Principles and concepts of site-specific management. Evaluation of geographic information systems for crop production practices. Practical experience with hardware and software necessary for successful application of information affecting crop management.
This is a Great Plains IDEA course. Restricted to upper level undergraduate, graduate, or matriculated continuing education students.
Description: Permaculture means "permanent culture," and ..."is the conscious design and maintenance of cultivated ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of a natural ecosystem." [Bill Mollison] This course will explore a design/thinking methodology that seeks to provide our essential physical needs, food, water, shelter, energy, etc., while doing so in an environmentally friendly, sustainable manner.
Prerequisites: BIOC/BIOS/CHEM 431/831.
Description: Biochemical metabolism unique to plants. Relationships of topics previously acquired in general biochemistry to biochemical processes unique to plants. Biochemical mechanisms behind physiological processes discussed in plant or crop physiology.
Prerequisites: For PLAS/NRES 435: Senior standing. For AGRO/NRES 835: 12 hrs biological or agricultural sciences.
Description: Integration of principles of ecology, plant and animal sciences, crop protection, and rural landscape planning and management for sustainable agriculture. Includes natural and cultivated ecosystems, population and community ecology, nutrient cycling, pest management, hydrologic cycles, cropping and grazing systems, landscape ecology, biodiversity, and socioeconomic evaluation of systems.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Cost of travel required. Summer travel course with multi-state faculty. Farm visits to Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.
Description: Analysis of production, economics, environmental impacts, and social integration aspects of farms and farming systems
Prerequisites: CHEM 105A and CHEM 105L or CHEM 109A and 109L, and one of the following: PLAS 204 or ASCI 250.
Description: Identification and comparison of grain quality characteristics desired by livestock feeders, human food processors and industrial users, and methods used to measure these characteristics.
Description: Genetic development, production practices, and grain handling and storage procedures to deliver quality grain to livestock feeders, human food processors and industrial uses.
Prerequisites: 12 credits of agricultural or biological science, economics, or natural resources
Description: History of organic farming and horticultural systems, organic certification, nutrient and pest management in organic systems, planning organic enterprises including production and marketing, resilience of organic systems in ecological, economic, and social terms; future issues and potentials of organic food systems.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Description: Characteristics of Great Plains ecosystems, interrelationships of ecological factors and processes, and their application in the management of grasslands. Interactions of fire, vegetation, grazing animals and wildlife.
Prerequisites: PLAS 325 or equivalent.
Description: Principles of crop physiology and developmental morphology in relation to function, growth, development, and survival of perennial forage, range, and turf plants. The relationship of physiology and morphological development on plant use and management.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Description: Wildland plants that are important to grassland and shrubland ecosystem management and production. Distribution, utilization, classification, identification (including identification by vegetative parts), uses by Native Americans, and recognition of grasses, forbs, shrubs, exotic and wetland plants.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
NRES 220 or equivalent, recommended.
Description: Measurement and monitoring of the important vegetation and environmental factors used to develop management guidelines in grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands. Emphasis on using ecosystem monitoring protocols for assessment of wildlife habitat, fuels management for wild-land fire, livestock production, and watershed function. Requires field sampling and travel to local field sites.
AECN 201 recommended. Capstone course. All students required to participate in a one-week field trip in central or western Nebraska prior to beginning of fall semester. Therefore, students must notify instructor at time of early registration (Dates are given in class schedule.)
Description: Analyzing the plant and animal resources and economic aspects of pasturage. Management of pasture and range for continued high production emphasized.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or above.
Offered spring semester of even-numbered calendar years.
Description: Impact of climate and extreme climatic events on society and societal responses to those events. Global in scope and interdisciplinary.
PLAS/SOIL 153 recommended.
Description: Irrigation management and the selection, evaluation, and improvement of irrigation systems. Includes soil-water measurement, crop water use, irrigation scheduling, irrigation efficiency, measurement of water flow, irrigation systems, groundwater and wells, pumping systems, applying chemicals with irrigation systems, and environmental and water resource considerations.
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153
Description: Characteristics of soils in urban settings. Evaluation of soils intended for intensive human uses and strategies for their use. Identification of specific issues related to urban soils. Manipulation or remediation of soils subject to construction and other stresses.
Description: Learn state-of-the-art, scale-appropriate methods for growing and marketing specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers in field and high-tunnel production systems. Test innovative products and systems of your own design to gain a competitive advantage in local markets.
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153 or GEOL 101; CHEM 109A/L and CHEM 110A/L; CHEM 221 or CHEM 221A & CHEM 221L or 251.
Description: Chemical and mineralogical properties of soil components. Inorganic colloidal fraction. Structures of soil minerals as a means of understanding properties, such as ion exchange and equilibria; release and supply of nutrient and toxic materials; and soil acidity and alkalinity. Forms and functions of organic matter in soil.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Graduate student or permission
Description: A focus on the management of trees, parks, and green infrastructure in rural and urban communities. Perspectives from community planning, landscape architecture, urban forestry, natural resources, horticulture, and environmental policy. Development and implementation of green space and forest management plans encompassing societal needs and biological limitations in rural and urban communities.
Description: Survey of measurement techniques and principles used in characterizing the physical properties of soils. Includes analysis of experimental design and sources of experimental error. Techniques include: particle size analysis, soil water content, pore size analysis, field sampling techniques, soil strength, and saturated hydraulic conductivity.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Recommend having a strong science background, including courses from the agronomic, environmental, microbiology, engineering or medicine disciplines.
Description: Soil from a microbe's perspective-growth, activity and survival strategies; principles governing methods to study microorganisms and biochemical processes in soil; mechanisms controlling organic matter cycling and stabilization with reference to C, N, S, and P; microbial interactions with plants and animals; and agronomic and environmental applications of soil microorganisms.
PLAS 221 recommended
Description: History, breeding and production of cannabis for medicinal marijuana and hemp for fiber use when grown using a growth room, greenhouse, high tunnel and/or field. Clarification between scientific evidence and casual information.
Description: Processes, principles, and elements using plant materials as a key component of landscapes designed for human intent. Focus is on a systems approach, combining environmental attributes with functional needs to create aesthetic, functional, and sustainable landscapes for parks, commercial property, and residences using a combination of site visits and online resources.
Prerequisites: Permission
Description: Integration of ecological and environmental assessment, design process and management considerations to create detailed landscape plans for public, private, and commercial clients. Includes dream landscape project. Individuals and collaborative teams will develop concepts and details, conduct client meetings and studio critiques, and communicate graphically and verbally through presentations.
Prerequisites: PLAS 228
Description: Use processes and strategies to develop complete landscape management plans for public and/or private clients. Use data to evaluate and compare issues; make practical, science-based recommendations; and prepare cost estimates. Develop and present a complete landscape management plan for a public client.
Prerequisites: 6 hrs science or equivalent experience; 21 years of age or older
Proof of age is required.
Description: Origin, botany, historical and cultural significance of the grapevine and related species. Principles and practices of vineyard establishment, management and processing of grape products, importance and/or scope of grape and wine industry; global and local significance. Culinary applications, health, environmental and safety-related issues, business and industry relations and experience.
Description: Emphasis on applied soil physics. Discussion of theoretical principles followed by field and laboratory exercises and applications. Fluxes of water, solutes, air, and heat through the soil. Emphasis on water infiltration, water retention, other soil hydraulic properties. Components of soil water balance. Management of soil water.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Capstone course.
Description: Holistic approach to the selection and analysis of planning strategies for protecting water quality from nonpoint sources of contamination. Introduction to the use of methods of analyzing the impact of strategies on whole systems and subsystems; for selecting strategies; and for evaluating present strategies.
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153.
Description: Spatial relationship of soil properties on various parts of landscape typical of the Plains, causal factors, and predictions of such relationships on other landscapes. Grouping these properties into classes, naming the classes, and the taxonomy that results from this grouping. Application of a taxonomy to a real situation through making a field soil survey in a region representative of the Plains border, predicting land use response of various mapped units as it affects the ecosystem, and evaluating the effectiveness of the taxonomic system used in the region surveyed.
Prerequisites: 8 hrs biological sciences
Description: Development, structure, and function of tissues and organs of the higher plants. Relationships of structure to physiology and ecology of plants.
Prerequisites: Junior or above standing
Description: Seminar on current water resources research and issues in Nebraska and the region.
Description: The process of starting your own enterprise. Competitive environment, risk management, finance for business startups, funding, and business plan writing.
Prerequisites: Senior standing or graduate standing.
Description: Development converts rural landscapes into housing, roads, malls, parks, and commercial uses. This process fragments landscapes and changes ecosystem functions, drives up land prices, and pushes agriculture into more marginal areas.This multi-disciplinary, experiential course guides students in learning about the urbanization process, the impacts on landscapes, people, and the community, and the choices that are available to informed citizens.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Description: Topic varies and deals with different aspects of forage and/or range and/or livestock, turf and/or landscape grasses, natural habitats, and wetlands.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
A two-semester sequence. Students should select one credit hour the first semester and three credits the second semester. The first semester will be used for planning, topic selection, and identifying a project adviser. The second semester will be used to carry out the research project, prepare a written report, and possibly an oral presentation.
Description: Carry out and report on a research project.