Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems (BS)

Program Overview

The University of Connecticut's Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems program offers a BS degree with specializations in Environmental Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture, and Turfgrass Science. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship, preparing graduates for careers in sustainable plant and soil management. Students gain practical experience through laboratory exercises, field trips, internships, and research projects, developing skills in sustainable production, pest management, and resource utilization.

Program Outline

University of Connecticut: Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems (BS)

Degree Overview

Overview:

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems (SPSS) focuses on the scientific and practical aspects of sustainable plant production, offering three distinct specializations:

• Environmental Horticulture: Emphasizes practices for producing ornamental crops in controlled environments and managed landscapes.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Equips graduates with skills in sustainable food production and management practices within agroecology principles.
• Turfgrass Science: Prepares individuals for careers in the management of turfgrasses for various purposes, including recreational, athletic, and aesthetic settings.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory exercises, field trips, internships, and student-driven research projects. Students gain practical experience and refine their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Objectives:

• Prepare graduates for successfulcareers in sustainable plant and soil management.
• Develop a deep understanding of the biological, ecological, and cultural practices of sustainable plant production and use.
• Foster critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills for effective collaboration and professional success.
• Instill an awareness and commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource utilization.

Outline

Program Structure:

• The core curriculum (20 credits) provides a strong foundation in plant science, soil properties, environmental impacts, sustainable pest management communication, plant physiology, and general writing requirements.
• Students choose one of the three concentrations:
• Environmental Horticulture (24 credits):
Focuses on greenhouse production, plant propagation, pest and disease control, plant selection, gardening practices, and sustainable urban landscaping.
• Sustainable Agriculture (23-28 credits): Explores environmentally-conscious farming methods, agroecology principles, organic food production, soil fertility, integrated pest management, internship experiences.
• Turfgrass Science (23-28 credits): Delves into the management, maintenance, cultivation, and pest control of various turfgrasses for diverse applications, from golf courses to sports fields and parks.

Individual Module Descriptions:

• Environmental Horticulture: Courses cover greenhouse technology, propagation techniques, pest and disease control in horticulture, weed ecology and management, herbaceous and woody ornamental plants, plant materials for specific uses, vegetable gardening, urban landscape sustainability, plant tissue culture, and nursery production.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Courses include agroecology principles and practices, organic vegetable production, sustainable food production in developed nations, soil fertility management, integrated pest control, and field study internships.
• Turfgrass Science: Courses focus on advanced turf management practices, soil fertility management for turfgrasses, turfgrass identification, insect and weed management in turf, design and construction of athletic fields, and internship opportunities.
• Core Courses: Cover fundamental principles in plant biology or botany, general chemistry or introductory quantitative analysis for environmental sciences, soil properties and processes, plant pathology, introductory ecology, written and oral communication skills.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

• Individual course assessments may include: examinations, quizzes, presentations, written assignments (e.g., essays, reports, case studies), laboratory exercises, field reports, participation in discussions and group projects.
• Program-level evaluations may utilize: student portfolios showcasing their work and skills development, comprehensive examinations, final capstone projects, faculty assessments of student performance and progress throughout the course of study.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessments typically focus on evaluating students' understanding of:

• Scientific concepts, theories, principles
• Technical skills and procedures
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Written and oral communication proficiency
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute effectively in group projects
• Application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios

Teaching

Teaching Methods and Approaches:

• Lectures: Instructors provide foundational knowledge, explain key concepts and theories, and facilitate interactive discussions.
• Laboratories and field trips: Hands-on activities, experiments, field observations, and practical exercises reinforce theoretical understanding and develop technical skills.
• Independent student projects and research: Under faculty guidance, students engage in in-depth investigations of specific topics and apply knowledge to real-world problems.
• Guest lectures and seminars: Industry experts, professionals, or researchers share their experiences, perspectives, and cutting-edge advancements in the field.

Faculty:

The program boasts faculty members who are highly qualified, passionate about their areas of expertise, and committed to providing a stimulating, supportive learning environment. They bring extensive research experience, industry knowledge, and pedagogical skills to nurture students' academic growth.