Agriculture

The programs in Agriculture at College of the Desert are designed to serve both occupational and transfer students. Many courses primarily serve students who wish to enter an occupation after graduation. Courses are designed to provide practical experience, as well as academic background.

Students who wish to prepare for four-year colleges will find not only the necessary required transfer courses in English, science, mathematics, and related subjects available to them, but also departmental courses related to their majors. Students should see an Advisor for additional information and program planning regarding their major.

Advisors:

Jeff Place
jplace@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.862.1335

Eddie Vaca
evaca@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7384

Agriculture/Business (AGBU) 

AGBU 059A  Leadership   Units: 1

This course emphasizes basic principles of group and personal leadership for students within applied technology areas. Students study parliamentary procedure, organizational structure and meeting formats. Opportunities are provided for students to develop leadership skills, such as planning, communication, facilitation and problem solving through small group and formal meeting settings. In addition, concepts of personal leadership are explored including mission statements, defining roles, goal setting, time management, weekly planning and self-evaluation.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGBU 059B  Careers   Units: 1

This course emphasizes basic methods for enhancing one's success when seeking employment. Students study strategies for locating potential employers, completing applications, preparing resumes and interviewing techniques. Opportunities are provided for students to experience the interview process.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

Agriculture/Environmental Horticulture (AGEH)

AGEH 001  Horticulture   Units: 3

A general course in Environmental Horticulture with emphasis on nursery operations, landscaping, and turfgrass management. Topics include basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, container gardening and houseplants, plant identification, turfgrass installation and care, and survey of career opportunities.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C1                 CSU GE: B2                 IGETC: None

AGEH 001L  Horticulture Laboratory   Units: 1

This laboratory is the companion of AGEH 001. It is intended to provide an introduction to basic horticultural skills as well as direct experience with horticultural operations. Included are: plant propagation, tree and shrub pruning, transplanting, nursery practices, landscape practices, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment or prior completion of AGEH 001
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C1                 CSU GE: B3                 IGETC: None

AGEH 004  Turfgrass Management   Units: 2

This course introduces the basic turfgrass principles used in the maintenance of turfgrass areas. It covers the major factors in turfgrass management which control the quality of grass. Emphasis is placed on management practices used to produce a good turfgrass area in a desert environment.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 004L  Turfgrass Management Laboratory   Units: 1

This laboratory is intended to supplement AGEH 004 by providing laboratory and field experiences in turfgrass management subject areas.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AGEH 004 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 005  Ornamental Plant Identification   Units: 3

This course first acquaints the student with the principles of plant taxonomy and the descriptive language necessary to discuss plants accurately. It then goes on to introduce 240 species of perennials, interior plants, vine, ground covers, and succulents for California's low elevation deserts. Each plant is covered with respect to its identification, growth habits, culture, use, and pests. (C-ID AG-EH 108L)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 008  Landscape Management   Units: 3

This course prepares students to enhance the function and aesthetic value of public and private landscapes by applying appropriate management skills and techniques. Topics include planting, pruning, irrigation, soil fertility, turf, pest management, weed control, and landscape management business practices.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: AGEH 001
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 009  Landscape Planning & Design   Units: 3

The study and implementation of the art and science of landscape design, including principles of design, the design process, drafting, graphics, and presentation methods. Project emphasis is placed upon residential and small commercial sites. Course includes introduction to computer landscape design software programs. Emphasis is placed on residential and commercial properties landscape designs.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: AGEH 001 or AGPS 005
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 016  Arboriculture   Units: 2

This course addresses all aspects of tree care. Students learn the morphology, anatomy and physiology of trees. Topics include plant interactions with soil, air, water, and micro and macroorganisms; human intervention, including pruning, planting, climbing, fertilization, watering, pest control, vandalism and aesthetics. Class instruction prepares students for the International Arborists Certification Exam.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: AGEH 001 or AGPS 005
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 020  Landscape Construction   Units: 2

Covers the fundamentals of landscape construction, including soil preparation, paving and construction materials, hand and power tool use, turf and plant installation, plan reading, estimating and bid preparation.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: AGEH 001 or AGPS 005
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 024  Advanced Turfgrass Management   Units: 3

This course uses the basic principles of turfgrass science learned in the introductory turfgrass management courses; those principles are applied to golf course maintenance procedures. Golf course operational procedures for the desert environment are emphasized.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 027  Turfgrass & Landscape Pest Management   Units: 3

This course provides current state of the art and science of turfgrass and landscape pest management. The course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of disease, insect, and weed pests. Emphasis is placed on how to identify pests, where and why they occur, the damage that they may cause, life cycles of pests; cultural, chemical and other control measures designed to keep pest damage to a minimum.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 030  Landscape Equipment   Units: 2

This course covers principles and practices in the maintenance, operation and selection of equipment and power units used in the horticultural field.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 034  Golf Course Management   Units: 3

This course involves the maintenance and operation of golf courses. It includes the study of equipment, scheduling of maintenance, and directing the staff in the maintenance of golf courses. Heavy emphasis is placed in developing a basic understanding of the turfgrass principles required to produce a championship golf course.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 046  Landscape Irrigation Systems   Units: 2

This course provides the students with information necessary to design, install, and maintain landscape irrigation systems. Plan reading, design, materials, equipment, installation, troubleshooting, and cost estimating are addressed.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: MATH 060
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGEH 046L  Landscape Irrigation Systems Lab   Units: 1

This laboratory is intended to supplement the Landscape Irrigation Systems course (AGEH 046) by providing laboratory and field experiences in landscape irrigation subject areas.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AGEH 046 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

Agriculture/Plant Science (AGPS) 

AGPS 001  Soils & Plant Nutrition   Units: 4

This lecture and laboratory course covers soil derivation, classification, texture, structure, water movement and measurement, organic matter, microorganisms, sampling techniques, pH, salinity, reclamation and tillage. Also included are soil survey reports and maps, basic soil chemistry, essential plant nutrients, soil analysis, and fertilizers.(C-ID AG-PS 128L)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: MATH 060
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

AGPS 002  Entomology - General & Applied   Units: 4

This course is a study of insects including external and internal structures, major life systems, growth and development, classification, ecology, behavior, economic importance, and an overview of pest management. Suggested for Biological Science General Education Requirements.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C1                 CSU GE: B2, B3                 IGETC: 5B, 5C

AGPS 005  Plant Science   Units: 3

This course offers an opportunity to learn the basic structure and function of plants, their place in the world of human activity and the methods used to manipulate the botanical world to human advantage. Students can expect to be exposed to plant anatomy, morphology and physiology as well as such practical matters as plant propagation, pruning and fertilization. (C-ID AG-PS 106L)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 061
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C1                 CSU GE: B2                 IGETC: 5B

AGPS 005L  Plant Science Lab   Units: 1

This laboratory is the companion of AGPS 005. It is intended to provide an introduction to some biological science procedures as well as direct experience with horticultural operations. Included are: plant propagation, pruning, anatomy, morphology, taxonomic keys, transplanting and plant use and pesticides. (C-ID AG-PS 106 L)
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment or prior completion of AGPS 005
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C1                 CSU GE: B3                 IGETC: 5C

AGPS 032  Pesticide Laws & Regulations   Units: 2

This course covers state and federal laws regulating the use of pesticides and prepares students to take California's Certified Applicator examinations. Proper and safe methods of applying agricultural chemicals are discussed, along with procedures for calculating the amount of material needed. In addition, students study alternative pest control methods.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

Natural Resources (NR) 

NR 001L  Conservation of Natural Resources Lab   Units: 1

A laboratory designed to supplement the Conservation of Natural Resources course (NR 001) by providing laboratory and field experiences in environmental subject areas. Suggested for Biological Science General Education Requirements.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: NR 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C1                 CSU GE: B3                 IGETC: 5C

NR 003  Introduction to Wildlife Management   Units: 3

This course covers the principles of wildlife biology as related to wildlife management. Students will be introduced to basic skills involved in wildlife conservation, and develop an understanding of the relationships between wildlife, people and outdoor recreation. Subjects to be covered include basic ecological concepts, population dynamics, wildlife habitats and nutrition, wildlife identification and natural history, field methods, fish and game laws, and career opportunities.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: NR 001
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 004  Introduction to Ecosystem Management   Units: 3

This course covers ecological, socioeconomic, and institutional factors involved in the management of ecosystems. The history of ecosystem management, terminology, examples of successful and unsuccessful techniques, applications towards forest, chaparral, desert, and grassland management, and the interfacing of science, people, and governments for successful programs, along with job opportunities in public and private natural resources management agencies are discussed.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: NR 001
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 010  Wildland Fire Technology   Units: 3

This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the factors affecting wildland fire behavior, fire prevention, and the wildland fire suppression techniques. Wildland fire behavior safety is presented throughout the course. (Equivalent to FIRE 010.)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 017  Natural Resources Law Enforcement   Units: 3

This course provides information about enforcement of natural resources and wildlife laws in the United States and California. Topics include the relationships between Federal and State wildlife laws and regulations, laws as management tools, conservation of wildlife and other natural resources, review of State and Federal resource management agencies, law enforcement officer qualifications, duties and responsibilities, enforcement procedures, court systems, fines and forfeitures, hunter safety, public responsibilities, and preservation of the environment. (Equivalent to CJ 017.)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 020  GPS and Map Use   Units: 1

This course provides an overview of Global Positioning System and map use technology. Students utilize hand-held GPS units and learn to apply the basic functions. Students are provided with opportunities to learn application techniques.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 021  Introduction to GIS   Units: 3

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are software systems that allow users to integrate spatially related information from spreadsheets with smart mapping capabilities. In this course, students work with ESRI ArcGIS software to learn fundamental concepts of performing GIS tasks: identification and acquisition of GIS data; assessment of vector and raster systems, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems; georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS); spatial analysis and modeling with GIS. Students will also learn how GIS technology can be applied to many fields including environmental research, government, business, real estate, health care, urban planning, fire technology, agriculture, landscape design, anthropology, and more. (Equivalent to GIS 021.)(C-ID GEOG 155)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: AIS 005
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 050  Winter Birds   Units: 1

This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of bird taxonomy. Emphasis is placed upon the identification of birds that winter locally at the Salton Sea. Saturday field trips to the Salton Sea are required.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 051A  Migrant Birds - Fall   Units: 1

This course introduces students to the principles of bird taxonomy. Emphasis is placed upon the identification of birds that migrate south through our local mountains. Two Saturday field trips are required.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 051B  Migrant Birds - Spring   Units: 1

This course introduces students to the principles of bird taxonomy. Emphasis is placed upon the identification of birds that use local desert oases as stopover points during spring migration. Two Saturday field trips to local migrant "traps" are required.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 051C  Backyard Birds   Units: 1

This course introduces students to the principles of bird taxonomy. Emphasis is placed upon the identification of birds found in a typical Coachella Valley (desert) backyard. Two Saturday field trips to local sites are required. Students may choose the pass/no pass grading option.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 058  Reptiles of the Coachella Valley   Units: 1

This course provides students with a general overview of reptile life in the Coachella Valley region. Emphasis will be placed on the identification, family characteristics, and natural history of 26 local species. Two Saturday field trips are required.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 059  Careers in Natural Res & Agri Sciences   Units: 3

This course provides students with an overview of professions in Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences along with educational paths to become qualified for those occupations.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 321A  Map Layout & Presentation   Units: 0

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are software systems that allow users to integrate spatially related information from spreadsheets with smart mapping capabilities. In this course, students work with ESRI ArcGIS software to learn fundamental concepts of performing GIS tasks: identification and acquisition of GIS data; assessment of vector and raster systems, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems; georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Students will also learn how GIS technology can be applied to many fields including environmental research, government, business, real estate, health care, urban planning, fire technology, agriculture, landscape design, anthropology, and more. (Equivalent to GIS 321A.)
Noncredit Hours: 45                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

NR 321B  Editing & Analyzing Map Data   Units: 0

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are software systems that allow users to integrate spatially related information from spreadsheets with smart mapping capabilities. In this course, students work with Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software to learn fundamental concepts of performing GIS tasks: assessment of vector and raster systems, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems; (GPS); querying and editing spatial analysis and modeling with GIS. Students will also learn how GIS technology can be applied to many fields including environmental research, government, business, real estate, health care, urban planning, fire technology, agriculture, landscape design, anthropology, and more. Students will learn how to create web-based interactive maps and web applications using ESRI's ArcGIS Online platform. (Equivalent to GIS 321B.)
Noncredit Hours: 45                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: NR 321A or GIS 321A or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None