(Administered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering)
Stewart Melvin, Head of Department University Professors: Baker
Professors: Bern, Bundy, Hurburgh, L. Johnson, Kanwar, Melvin, Misra
Professors (Adjunct): Quick
Professors (Collaborators):Colvin, Deboer, Laflen
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus):
H. Johnson
Professors (Emeritus): Beer, Bekkum, Bockhop, Buchele, Hazen, Hoerner, Hull, Keeney, Lovely, Mangold, Marley, Meyer, Pedersen, Smith
Associate Professors: Anderson, Batchelor, Glanville, Greiner, Harmon, Hoff, Mickelson, Schwab, Tim, Xin
Assistant Professors: Birrell, Briggs, Brumm, Freeman, Lorimor, Powers-Schilling, Richard, Steward
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Shahan
Assistant Professors (Emeritus): M. Boyd
Instructors (Adjunct): P. Boyd, Zmolek
Undergraduate Study
The Department of Agricultural and
Biosystems Engineering offers the bachelor of science degree with a major in agricultural systems technology (see College of Agriculture, Curricula).
The curriculum prepares men and women for careers requiring integration and application of agricultural and mechanical technology, physi- cal and biological sciences, and business to manage human and natural resources, envi- ronmental systems, and systems for produc- ing, processing, and marketing food and other biomaterials worldwide. Graduates have the ability to apply science and technology to problems related to agriculture and manage complex agricultural systems for sustainability. They are able to communicate effectively, have problem-solving skills and awareness of environmental issues. Graduates have devel- oped team building skills and computer profi- ciency. Graduates find careers with agricultur- al machinery industries; environmental organi- zations; governmental agencies; farm builders; grain, feed, seed, fertilizer, and chemical com- panies; or in production agriculture.
The Department of Agricultural and
Biosystems Engineering offers a minor in agri- cultural systems technology which may be earned by completing a minimum of 15 credits of agricultural systems technology courses, with a maximum of 6 credits of 100- and 200- level courses and at least two credits in 400- level courses. Students may select courses to provide emphasis in areas such as:
1. Machine and energy management, 2. Livestock production systems, 3. Soil and water resource management, 4. Electrical systems,
5. Grain operations
6. Environmental systems technology. For undergraduate curriculum in agricultural systems technology leading to the degree of bachelor of science, see College of
Agriculture, Curricula.
Visit our departmental website at www.ae.iastate.edu
Graduate Study
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering offers courses for nonmajor graduate credit in agricultural sys- tems technology for students taking major work in other departments, and cooperates in the interdepartmental program in professional agriculture. A minor in agricultural systems technology is offered.
Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 420, 425, 435, 460, 462, 474, 475, 476, 490, 493, 496.
Courses Primarily for Undergraduate
Students
AST 110. Experiencing Agricultural Systems Technology. (0-2) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: AST majors only.
Laboratory-based, team oriented experiences in a spectrum of topics common to the practice of agri- cultural systems technology. Report writing, intern- ships, careers, industry visits.
AST 115. Technology Problems with
Computational Laboratory. (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Math 140 (can be taken concurrently).Solving tech - nology problems and presenting solutions through technical reports. Graphing and curve-fitting. Use of SI units. Significant digits. Solutions of technology problems using spreadsheet software. Data collec - tion and analysis.
AST 120. Introduction to Renewable Resources.
(Same as Agron 120, A Ecl 120, Env S 120, For 120.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Overview of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural resources in an ecosys- tems context. History and organization of resource management. Concepts of integrated resource man- agement.
AST 210. Fundamentals of Agricultural Systems Technology. (3-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 115, Math 140, 142. Introduction to problem solving related to sys- tems in agricultural power and machinery, environ- mental and natural resources, structures and animal environment, and electrical circuits. Basic energy and force laws, definitions, and units.
AST 215. Computer-aided Graphics Applications.
(1-2) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: 115. Computer-aided graph- ics for agricultural systems using AutoCAD and other software. Computer modeling and documentation of two- and three-dimensional geometries. Drawing organization and interfacing with other software. Integration of CAD graphics with reports, presenta- tions, and other media.
AST 297. Work Experience in Agricultural Systems Technology. Cr. 1 to 2. F.S.SS. Prereq: AST major and approval of adviser required prior to commencing work experience. Work experience must be related to career objectives. Written report and oral presentation required on the work experi- ence. A maximum of 4 credits of 297 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for gradua - tion.
AST 298. Cooperative Education in Agricultural Systems Technology. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Sophomore classification in AST and approval of cooperative coordinator. All cooperative education students must register for this course prior to com- mencing each work period.
AST 324. Soil and Water Conservation Management. (2-0) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: Math 140.
Introduction to engineering principles applied to the planning of erosion control systems, water control structures, water quality management, drainage and irrigation systems, and farm water resource develop- ment.
AST 326. Conservation Surveying and Design.
(0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 324.
Agricultural surveys for field area measurement and mapping. Handbook design of drainage systems and farm water control structures. Layout of conservation structures.
AST 330. Agricultural Machinery and Power Management. (2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Math 140, 142. Selection, sizing, and operational principles of tractors and machinery systems. Cost analysis and computer techniques applied to planning and man- agement of agricultural machine systems. Principles, operation, and application of power sources.
AST 333. Precision Farming Systems.(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. (web-based course spring semester) Prereq: Math 140, junior or senior classification.Geographic information systems and global positioning systems. Sampling strategies for precision farming. Building prescriptions and recommendations. Systems for precision farming, equipment, software uses, legal and social issues, and economics.
AST 335. Tractor Power. (3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: 210, Math 140, 142. Theory and construction of tractor engines, mechanical power trains and hydraulic sys- tems. Introduction to traction, chassis mechanics, and hydraulic power.
AST 337. Fluid Power Systems for Agriculture.
(1-3) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 210, 335.
Fundamental hydraulic principles. Hydraulic fluid properties. Function and performance of pumps, valves, actuators, lines, and accessories. Operation and maintenance of hydraulic systems.
AST 358. Small Power Equipment. (1-2) Cr. 2. F.S. Principles of operation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of small internal-combustion engines and asso- ciated equipment.
AST 360. Electric Power and Electronics for Agriculture. (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 115, A E 271, Math 140, Physics 106 or 111. Basic electricity. Electrical safety, wiring, 3-phase service, controls, and motors for agricultural applications.
Programmable controller applications. Planning light- ing and electrical systems.
AST 362. Preservation of Grain Quality. (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Math 140. Principles and management for grain preservation. Grain drying and dry grain stor- age. Psychrometrics. Fan and airflow. Grain handling methods and system planning. Grain quality mea- surement, end-use value analysis, high-moisture preservation.
AST 373. Animal Production Systems. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 210. Response of animals to the thermal environment. Environmental systems for animal pro - duction. Water, feed handling and waste manage- ment systems. Planning confinement facilities for swine, poultry, beef and dairy production systems.
AST 397. Internship in Agricultural Systems Technology. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Sophomore clas- sification in AST and approval of adviser. A super- vised work experience in an approved learning set- ting with application to agricultural systems practices and principles.
AST 398. Cooperative Education in Agricultural Systems Technology. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification in AST and approval of cooperative coordinator. All cooperative education students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
AST 403. Senior Seminar. (1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Senior classification. Development of professional- ism and ethics. Career search; resume and cover let- ter preparation; interviews. Oral and written commu- nication applications.
AST 420. Land Drainage and Irrigation. (2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus. Offered Fall 2003. Prereq: 324, Agron 154. Technical, economic, and environmental aspects of the planning and management of farm field drainage and irrigation systems. Application of theory from engineering, soil science, and plant sci - ence to the solution of real-world problems. Designed for master of agriculture program. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 425. Impacts of Agriculture on Water Quality.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: One of the following: 324, Agron 154, Math 140. Relationship between agricul- ture and water quality; chemical use; erosion and conservation tillage; water quality monitoring tech- niques; animal waste and water quality; nonpoint source pollution; management systems to reduce chemical leaching to groundwater. Nonmajor gradu - ate credit.
AST 435. Agricultural Safety. (1-3) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 115. Fundamentals of safety, injury collection, analy- sis and investigation, risk assessment, fault tree anal - ysis, and hazard communications applied to agricul- tural operations. Exploration of noise, indoor air quali- ty, chemicals, machinery, fire, and confined space hazards identification and injury prevention interven - tions. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 460. Agricultural Electronics. (1-3) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 360. Electronics to sense, monitor, and control processes in power and machin- ery, grain operations, animal environment, and natu - ral resources. Semiconductors, digital logic circuits; speed, pressure, position, temperature, and moisture sensors; electrohydraulics; programmable logic con - trollers. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 462. Post-Harvest Grain Technology. (2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus, offered F. 2001 - S. 2003. Prereq:
6 credits in agricultural or biological science, 3 credits in math. Grain drying and high-moisture preservation methods with emphasis on corn. Psychrometrics. Fans and airflow. Grain handling methods and sys - tem planning, corn milling, soybean processing. Designed for master of agriculture program. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 474. Livestock Housing Systems. (2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus, offered F. 2002. Prereq: 6 credits in agricultural or biological science, 3 credits in math.
Properties of moist air, effects of environment on animal performance, principles of environmental con- trol, feed handling systems, manure management alternatives, and planning total systems. Designed for master of agriculture program. Credit in only one of 373 or 474 may be used for graduation. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 475. Manure Management Systems for Livestock Production. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. (web-based course) Prereq: 6 credits in agricul- tural or biological sciences, Math 140. Livestock manure production, properties, collection, transport, storage, treatment and utilization. Regulations and environmental impacts. Systems for nutrient man- agement and odor abatement. Practical design crite - ria and procedures for planning livestock manure handling systems. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 476. Planning Agricultural Structures and Farmstead Systems. (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 373.
Layout and organization of farmstead systems. Planning farm shops, machine sheds, crop storage structures, livestock production buildings, and manure management systems. Analysis of building plans and calculating building costs. Building materi- als including timber, concrete and steel; construction methods and structural analysis. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 490. Independent Study. Cr. 1 to 3. Prereq: Junior or senior classification, permission of instruc - tor. A maximum of 4 credits of 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for gradua - tion. Nonmajor graduate credit.
A. Animal Environment/Air Quality C. Computer Operations E. Electrical/Electronics G. Grain Operations H. Honors
I. Safety and Human Factors K. Bioprocessing
L. Livestock Production Systems M. Machine Systems
N. Energy
S. Soil and Water Resources T. Structures/Buildings W. Waste Management
AST 493. Workshop in Agricultural Systems Technology. Cr. 1. Offered as demand warrants.
Prereq: Permission of instructor. Nonmajor graduate credit.
A. Environment and Structures B. Waste Management C. Computer Operations D. Electricity and Electronics E. Metals Fabrication F. Grain Operations G. Safety and Human Factors H. Water Quality
I. Erosion Control
J. Tractor Power and Machine Systems K. Swine Production Systems
AST 496. Agricultural Systems Analysis and Planning. (1-4) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 12 credits in AST and senior classification in agriculture. Student teams prepare oral and written reports on term projects involving analysis and planning of systems for agri- culture. Team projects include problem solving, solu- tion evaluation, cost analysis, and use of computer decision-aid and computer graphics to prepare plans and reports. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 498. Cooperative Education in Agricultural Systems Technology. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Senior classification in AST and approval of cooperative coordinator. All cooperative education students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
Agronomy
Steven L. Fales, Chair of Department Distinguished Professors: Fehr, Hallauer
Professors: I. Anderson, P. Anderson, Arritt, Barnhart, Blackmer, Campbell, Cianzio, Cruse, Evangelou, Fales, Fenton, Gutowski, Hartzler, Horton, Killorn, Lee, Loynachan, Miller, Moore, Mullen, Owen, Peterson, Sandor, Schnable, Tabatabai, Takle, Taylor, Whigham, Yarger
Professors (Collaborators):Hatfield, Jaynes, Karlen, Kaspar, Lamkey, Palmer, Shoemaker
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): Black, Bremner, Frey, Pesek, Russell, Shaw
Professors (Emeritus):Anderson, Atkins, Benson, Burris, I. Carlson, R. Carlson, George, Green, Hodges, Imsande, Keeney, Larson, Pearce, Schafer, Schaller, A. Scott, Shibles, Shrader, Skrdla, Stritzel, H. Thompson, L. Thompson, Troeh, Voss, Wedin, Woolley
Associate Professors: Brummer, Dekker, Knapp, Liebman, Mallarino, Manu, Peterson, Salvador, Sawyer, M. Thompson, Westgate, Wiedenhoeft
Associate Professors (Adjunct):Wang
Associate Professors (Collaborators):
Cambardella, Grant, Kelling, Laird, Logsdon, Moorman, Olson, Pollak
Assistant Professors: Al-Kaisi, Becraft, Bhattacharyya, Burras, Delate, Farnham, Gibson, Goggi, Gu, Halverson, Henning, Jannink, Muenchrath, Polito
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Borges, Heuchelin, Todey
Assistant Professors (Collaborators):
Gardner, Guan, Prueger, Sauer, M. Scott, Widrlechner
Instructors: Ziegler
You can get additional departmental informa- tion at our website: http://www.agron.ias- tate.edu
Undergraduate Study
For undergraduate curriculum in agronomy, see College of Agriculture, Curricula.
The Department of Agronomy provides a cur- riculum for students interested in crop sci- ence, soil science, agricultural meteorology and environmental science.
Students selecting agronomy as a major will elect an option in general agronomy, environ- mental science, or science.
Graduates have the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for efficient and sustain- able production of food, feed, and fiber. They have a broad understanding of the role and diversity of plants, soils, and climates of the world. Graduates are skilled in communica- tions, critical thinking, problem solving, and working effectively with others. Students develop these skills in our required courses. They understand the ethical, cultural, and envi- ronmental dimensions of issues facing profes- sionals in agriculture and natural resources.
An agronomy major prepares students for employment in agricultural business and industry, agricultural service organizations, crop production and soil management, envi- ronmental and natural resource management, farm management, and governmental agen- cies. Graduates pursue careers in the seed, fertilizer, and agricultural chemical industries as field agronomists, crop and soil manage- ment specialists, research technicians, sales and marketing specialists, and production managers. State and federal agencies employ agronomists as extension specialists, county extension directors, environmental and natural resource specialists, research associates, soil surveyors, soil conservationists, and in regula- tory agencies as plant, food, and grain inspec- tors. Additional areas of work open to agronomists include integrated pest manage- ment, land appraisal, agricultural finance, turf- grass management, and the home lawn care industry.
The department offers a minor in agronomy. Students are required to complete an approved minor program that includes Agron 114, 154, 212, 354, and 6 additional credits, of which a minimum of 3 credits must be at the 300+ level. A minimum of 15 credits in agron- omy must be earned at Iowa State for both the minor and the major. Students work with an agronomy advisor to select courses in crops, soils, and meteorology that are appro- priate to their career goals. A list of approved courses is available from an agronomy advisor. Students can also design a strong basic sci- ence education in crop science, soil science, agricultural meteorology, or biotechnology to prepare themselves for science-based jobs, graduate study, or for research careers.
Graduate Study
The department offers the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy, with majors in agricultural meteorology; crop production and physiology with optional specializations in seed science and weed science; plant breed- ing; and soil science with specialization in soil chemistry, soil fertility, soil management, soil microbiology and biochemistry, soil morpholo- gy and genesis, or soil physics. Minor work is offered for students with majors in other departments. A M.S. nonthesis option is avail- able for students desiring a general degree program with additional coursework and a written creative component substituting for thesis research. The nonthesis option is not intended to prepare students for entering a Ph.D. program.
Graduates have a broad knowledge base ger- mane to their area of study. They are trained to integrate and apply knowledge to different situations. Students develop skills in scientific reasoning, organization, and logical presenta- tion of ideas.
A master of science degree in agronomy designed for the continuing education of pro- fessional agronomists is offered by the depart- ment. The program is taught at a distance using computer-based instructional media. It is a nonthesis degree requiring completion of a written creative component.
The department cooperates in the interdepart- mental program in professional agriculture; interdepartmental majors in ecology and evo- lutionary biology, genetics, MCDB (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology), plant physiology, sustainable agriculture, and water resources.
Prerequisite to major work in this department is completion of an undergraduate degree pro- gram with emphasis on agronomic, biological, and physical sciences. The foreign language requirement, if any, for the Ph.D. degree is established on an individual basis by the pro- gram of study committee appointed to guide the work of the student.
Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 306, 334, 342, 351, 351L, 354, 356, 402, 402I, 404, 406, 421, 434, 473, 473I, 485, 493.
Courses Primarily for Undergraduate
Students
Agron 105. Leadership Experience. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Staff. A participatory experience in activities or com- pletion of a course that enhances the development of leadership and group-dynamic skills. See adviser for departmental requirements.
Agron 110. Professional Development in Agronomy: Orientation. (1-0) Cr. R. F. Pogranichniy. Orientation to college life, the profession of agrono- my, and the agronomy curriculum.
Agron 114. Principles of Agronomy. (2-3 to 4 indi - vidualized study). Cr. 3. F.S. Mullen. A foundation course in crop production and soil management prin- ciples for the basic agronomic crops. Includes intro - ductory concepts of plant, soil, tillage, pest, environ- mental, and sustainable aspects of crop production.
Agron 120. Introduction to Renewable Resources.
(Same as A Ecl 120, AST 120, Env S 120, For 120.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Overview of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural resources in an ecosys- tem context. History and organization of resource management. Concepts of integrated resource man- agement.
Agron 154. Fundamentals of Soil Science. (2-2 to 4 individualized study) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Chem 163.
Manu. Introduction to physical, chemical, and biologi- cal properties of soils, their formation, classification, and distribution. Use of soil survey and computer databank information in balancing agronomic, eco- nomic, and environmental concerns in soil manage- ment. Credit for only one of 154, 155, or 156 may be applied toward graduation, not both.
Agron 155. Soils for Horticultural Scientists. (2-2 to 4 individualized study) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Chem 163. Restricted to students in Horticulture. Manu. Physical, chemical and biological properties of natural and manufactured soils. Use of soil information when producing plants on natural and manufactured soils. Credit for only one of 154, 155, or 156 may be applied toward graduation.
Agron 156. Soils for Urban Use. (2-2 to 4 individual- ized study) Cr. 3. F.S. Restricted to students outside the College of Agriculture. Manu. Fundamental prop- erties of soils and their application to urban settings. Development of a site plan for area of land using data from soil survey and computerized data bank