Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences (CSES)
J. L. Barrentine
Department Head
115 Plant Sciences Building
479-575-2354
E-mail: gfry@uark.edu
Web: http://www.uark.edu/depts/agronomy/index.html/
• Distinguished Professors Boyd, Oosterhuis
• University Professors Oliver, Talbert, Wolf
•
• Professors Bacon, Barrentine, Bourland, Counce, Daniel, Gbur, Longer, Mauromoustakos, Miller, Moldenhauer, Norman, Phillips, Purcell, Robertson, Rutledge, Smith, Stewart, West, Wilson
• Adjunct Professors Cress, Keisling, Rutger
• Visiting Professor Gealy
• Associate Professors Brye,
• Visiting Associate Professor Moore
• Research Associate Professor Mattice
• Assistant Professors Espinoza, Kelley, Savin, Sheng, Srivastava, Tingle
• Research Assistant Professors Anders, Gibbons, Mozaffari, Widick
• Adjunct Assistant Professor Sauer
Degrees Conferred:
M.S., Ph.D. (CSES)
Areas of Concentration: Crop sciences, soil sciences, and environmental sciences. Areas of specialization within these concentrations include plant breeding and genetics, biotechnology, environmental science, crop physiology, crop production, weed science, pesticide residue, seed technology, soil chemistry, soil classification, soil fertility, soil microbiology, and soil physics.
Primary Areas of Faculty Research: Environmental, soil, and water science (bioremediation, soil and water quality, microbial ecology, nutrient management, natural resource management using GIS); plant sciences (plant breeding and genetics, plant biotechnology, plant physiology, weed science).
Prerequisites to Degree Programs: While extensive undergraduate training in agriculture and physical and biological science is desirable, no specific prerequisites are required. Deficiencies in undergraduate major or prerequisites for advanced courses may be included in the student’s program.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree:
Thesis option: Minimum of 24 semester hours of course work as outlined by the student’s graduate advisory committee plus six semester hours of thesis credit. The student will be given an oral examination after the thesis is completed.
Non-Thesis M.S. option: Some students wishing to obtain an M.S. degree may be better served by a program that emphasizes additional course work in the environmental and crop sciences rather than the research thesis program. Students must be approved by the department’s Graduate Committee for admission into the non-thesis option before developing a program of study in concert with the student’s major adviser and his/her graduate advisory committee. A minimum of 33 hours of graduate-level course work is required, including a graduate statistics class, a communication course, preferably CSES 5103 (Scientific Presentation), a 3-hour research experience taken as CSES 502V (Special Problems Research) that requires the student to demonstrate scientific thinking, synthesizing, and writing skills, a minimum of 9 hours of graduate courses at the 5000 level or higher in the plant, soil, or other relevant sciences in addition to the communication (CSES 5103) and Special Problems Research (CSES 502V) courses, and an exit seminar.
The student will interact with his/her major adviser and graduate advisory committee in completing the agreed-upon course of study and must pass an oral and a written examination given by the advisory committee over all course work completed for the degree.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree: After a student has been admitted to the
The student must take candidacy examinations (prelims) in at least five fields of study after completing approximately two years of graduate study and at least one year before completing all other requirements. Preliminary examinations must be written and oral. Further details regarding requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree are available in the department office.
(CSES) CROP, SOIL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CSES400V Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Work on special problems in crop, soil and environmental sciences or related field.
CSES4013 Advanced Crop Science (Sp) Fundamental concepts of crop physiology, crop improvement, seed science, and crop production systems. Recitation 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CSES 2103.
CSES402V Special Topics (Irregular) (1-3) Studies of selected topics in crop, soil and environmental sciences not available in other courses.
CSES4043 Environmental Impact and Fate of Pesticides (Fa) Environmental issues associated with pesticide use, including fate of pesticides in the environment, ecological impact of pesticides, and exposure risks to humans. Course recommended for students who have 12 hours of biological and /or physical sciences or consent. Lecture 3 hours per week.
CSES4103 Plant Breeding (Even years, Fa) Basic principles involved in plant breeding programs to improve crop plants and seed programs. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: CSES 4100L. Prerequisite: ANSC 3123.
CSES4133 Weed Identification, Morphology, and Ecology (Fa) Study of weeds as economic pests occurring in both agricultural and nonagricultural situations and including poisonous plants and other specific weed problems. Gross morphological plant family characteristics which aid identification, habitat of growth and distribution, ecology, competition, and allelopathy are discussed. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours a week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CSES 2103 (or HORT 2003) and CSES 2003.
CSES4143 Principles of Weed Control (Sp) Advanced concepts and technology used in modern weed control practices and study of the chemistry and specific activity of herbicides in current usage. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L and CSES 2003.
CSES4224 Soil Fertility (Fa) Study of the soil’s chemical, biological and physical properties, and human modification of these properties, as they influence the uptake and utilization of the essential nutrients by plants. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CSES 2201L and CSES 2203.
CSES4234 Plant Anatomy (Sp) Advanced training in plant anatomy. Studying the structure, terminology, techniques and function associated with vascular plant anatomy. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: BOTY 1613/1611 or BIOL 1543/1541L.
CSES4253 Soil Classification and Genesis (Sp) Lecture and field evaluation of soil properties and their relation to soil genesis and soil classification with emphasis on soils of
CSES4803 Precision Agriculture (Odd years, Fa) Introduction to precision agriculture, benefits, spatial variability within a field, zone concept, site-specific management. Spatial data collection: sensors, GPS, yield monitoring, remote sensing. Knowledge discovery from data: data processing, neural networks, genetic algorithms, use of GIS. Decision support systems. Variable-rate technology: real-time and map-based systems, variable-rate machinery, smart controls. Evaluation: yield mapping, economic analysis. (same as BENG 4803). Prerequisite: MATH 1213 and junior standing.
CSES5001 Weed Science Practicum (Su) Training for membership on weed team, through participation. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
CSES5013 Crop Physiology (Odd years, Fa) Understanding and quantitative measurement of physiological processes, plant responses, and environmental parameters in relation to the production of crops. Prerequisite: BIOL 4304.
CSES5023 Weed Physiology and Herbicide Resistance in Plants (Odd years, Fa) The reproduction, growth, and development of weeds and the ecological factors affecting these processes; development and mechanisms of herbicide resistance, flow of herbicide-resistance genes; and development of herbicide-resistant crops. Corequisite: CSES 5020L Prerequisite: CSES 4143 and (BOTY 4304 or CHEM 5813).
CSES502V Special Problems Research (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Original investigations on assigned problems in agronomy. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
CSES5033 Plant Nutrition (Even years, Fa) Study of water uptake, ion absorption, translocation and metabolism in higher plants. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 4304 and CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L.
CSES504V Special Topics (Irregular) (1-4) Topics not covered in other courses or a more intensive study of specific topics in agronomy. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
CSES5053 Scientific Writing (Fa) Open to graduate students, especially those in agricultural and life sciences. The course will cover searching the scientific literature, writing theses, proposals, journal articles, and other scientific documents. Emphasis on style and techniques used in scientific publication. Lecture and workshop 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
CSES5103 Scientific Presentations (Sp, Fa) Experience in procedures required for professional presentations of scientific papers, seminars, posters; and research findings at meetings in conferences, and with discussion groups. Instruction in organization of materials, visual aids, and good speaking habits. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
CSES5124 Crop Molecular and Physiological Genetics (Even years, Sp) Study of genome organization and expression in agronomic and horticultural plants, with emphasis on genes regulating physiological processes. Lecture 3 hours, discussion 1 hour per week. AGRN 5013 and CHEM 5813 and CHEM 5843 are recommended but not required. Corequisite: HORT 5120D. Prerequisite: BIOL 4304 and BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3321L (or ANSC 3123).
CSES5204 Applied Math Methods in Life Sciences (Odd years, Fa) Methods of data presentation and mathematical descriptions of research data in the life sciences including graphical presentations, linear regression, growth equations, kinetics, transport equations, and compartmentalization. Analytical, numerical, and statistical approaches to the solution of research problems in life sciences will be emphasized. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: CSES 5200L. Prerequisite: MATH 2564 and AGST 4023.
CSES5214 Analytical Research Techniques in Agronomy (Even years, Fa) Preparation and analysis of plant and soil samples utilizing spectrophotometry, isotopes, and chromatographic separation methods. Additionally, measurements are made of photosyntheses, respiration, water relationships, light, and temperatures in whole plants. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: CSES 5210L. Prerequisite: BIOL 4304 and CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L.
CSES5224 Soil Physics (Sp) Physical properties of soils and their relation to other soil properties, growth of plants and transport of water, oxygen, heat, and solutes such as pesticides and plant nutrients. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CSES 5220L. Prerequisite: CSES 2203 and MATH 1203.
CSES5233 Plant Genetic Engineering (Even years, Sp) Topics will be covered in the field of in vitro plant biology, transgene genetics and crop genetic engineering. Concepts and applications of transgenic plant technology will be discussed, with the emphasis on the strategies for crop improvement and gene discovery. Lecture 3 hours.
CSES5243 Advanced Soil Fertility (Even years, Sp) An advanced consideration of the chemical, physical, and biological phenomena which influence the nutrient-supplying power of the soil. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CSES 4224.
CSES5264 Soil Microbiology (Odd years, Fa) A study of the microorganisms in soil and the biochemical processes for which they are responsible. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CSES 5260L. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L.
CSES5353 Advanced Hay and Silage Production (Fa) Advanced study of the principles of good hay and silage production. The course includes a detailed review of forage nutritive value followed by an in-depth discussion of the management of wilting forage crops, silage biochemistry, ensiling characteristics of various forages, silo management, spontaneous heating in hay and silage, dry matter loss, management of stored hay, and changes in forage quality that result from poor conservation of harvested forages. Prerequisites: CSES 3113, ANSC 3152 and ANSC 3151L. (Same as ANSC 5353)
CSES5453 Soil Chemistry (Even years, Sp) Application of the principles of chemistry to processes of agronomic and environmental importance in soils. Soil clay mineralogy, soil solution thermodynamics, structure and reactivity of humus, surface complexation and ion exchange, electro-chemical phenomena, and colloidal stability. Prerequisite: CSES 2203 and CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L.
CSES5543 Plant Genomics (Odd years, Fa) Plant genetics based on the study of whole genome sequence, transcriptome and proteome. Provides an overview of the principles and techniques of experimental and in silico genomics. Covers all areas of genome research including structural, comparative and functional genomics as well as proteomics. Prerequisite: CHEM 5843 or any graduate level genetics course.
CSES600V Master’s Thesis (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
CSES6113 Herbicide Behavior (Even years, Fa) Biochemistry, physiology and behavior of herbicides in plants, soils, and the environment. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: CSES 6110L. Prerequisite: CSES 4143 and BIOL 4304 and CHEM 3813.
CSES622V Advanced Topics in Soil Science (Sp, Fa) (1-6) Topics include doctoral-level concepts in soil physics, soil chemistry, and soil microbiology/biochemistry not considered in other soil science courses. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
CSES6253 Forage-Ruminant Relations (Odd years, Sp) Advanced chemical, physical, and botanical characteristics of forage plants, the dynamics of grazing, intake and digestion, and techniques of measuring forage utilization and systems analysis at the plant-animal interface. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: ANSC 3143 and CSES 3113. (Same as ANSC 6253)
CSES700V Doctoral Dissertation (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-18) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
(AGST) AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS
AGST400V Special Problems (Sp, Fa) (1-6) Work on special problems of agricultural statistics or related areas.
AGST4011 SAS Programming for Agricultural Sciences (Sp, Fa) An introduction to the SAS programming language with an emphasis on the reading and restructuring of data files, and the displaying of data in tabular and graphic forms. The course is taught using a hands-on approach.
AGST4023 Principles of Experimentation (Sp, Fa) Fundamental concepts of experimental and statistical methods as applied to agricultural research. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MATH 1203 or higher level.
AGST500V Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Individual investigation of a special problem in some area of statistics applicable to the agricultural, food, environmental, and life sciences not available under existing courses.
AGST5014 Experimental Design (Sp) Types of experimental designs, their analysis and application to agricultural research. Lecture 3 hours and laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGST 5010L. Prerequisite: AGST 4011 and (AGST 4023 or STAT 4003).
AGST504V Special Topics (Irregular) (1-4) Topics not covered in other courses or a broader-based study of specific topics in statistics and related areas. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGST5713 Applied Regression Analysis for Agricultural Sciences (Fa) Analysis of agricultural experiments which contain quantitative factors through regression procedures. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGST 4011 and (AGST 4023 or STAT 4003).
AGST5803 Case Studies in Biometry (Sp) Non-standard statistical problems arising in the agricultural, food, environmental, and life sciences. Prerequisite: STAT 5113 and STAT 5313 and either (AGST 5014 and AGST 5010L) or STAT 4373.
AGST5901 Statistical Consulting Process (Sp) Examines the components of statistical consulting with emphasis on the interpersonal aspects.
AGST5913 Statistical Consulting Practicum (Fa) Supervised statistical consulting. Prerequisite: STAT 5313 and AGST 5901 and either (AGST 5014 or STAT 4373).