Riverland Community College

This course provides an orientation into the profession of agricultural sciences. Combining theoretical and practical knowledge, students investigate plants, the principles and practices of crop production and management, precision farming, sustainability, biotechnology, marketing and sales related to agriculture. A special emphasis on real-world, innovative problem solving will provide students with a background to further specialize in producing and improving food crops. Important current societal issues related to modern agriculture are discussed throughout.

(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course investigates the formation, classification, and composition of soils, with emphasis on environmental quality, chemical and physical properties affecting growth and nutrition of plants.  Management principles and practices are used to increase productivity and conserve soil and water resources for agronomic crops.

(3 Cr – 2 lect 1 lab)

Crop production and management practices for soybean, corn and other crops of economic importance to the region are analyzed.  The class emphasizes management practices including cover crops, crop rotation, conservation tillage and cultivation.  Plant characteristics related to growth, development, pests and diseases are examined.  Problem solving is stressed related to local conditions to maximize yields.  An emphasis is placed on sustainable agriculture practices.  Students apply and practice skills in a farm setting.

(4 Cr – 2 lect, 2 lab)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the principals and applications of those principals in animal science. Instruction will address the topics relevant to the production of farm animals as well as a clear understanding of the scientific nature of animal science.  By utilizing differentiated instruction, students will be given an opportunity for an in-depth study of the species of their choice. In the last few decades, profound changes have taken place in animal agriculture. This course will address those changes as well as look to the future of the industry. Included in the course will be information on how to feed, manage, breed and care for animals. Instruction will be applicable to traditional production species as well as companion and non-traditional species.

(3 Cr – 3 lect)

This course provides students with a foundation in agribusiness management.  Employers desire a combination of technical and business management skills in potential employees.  This course includes the study of critical agribusiness skills and their application in the agribusiness industry.

(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Students are introduced to basic concepts, theories, operations, tools, and applications of precision agriculture, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).  The precision agriculture component of this course studies how the productivity of a field is optimized by agronomic inputs based on real-time data variability found within a field.  Operating principles of electronic equipment used in precision agriculture along with basic diagnosis of common equipment malfunctions are introduced.  GIS concepts, map projections and coordinate systems, basic data models, data sources and types, operations and processing, and GIS analysis and spatial modeling are introduced.  Principles of GPS and how these systems operate to improve accuracy are included in the course.    

(4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This course is the second semester of a two-semester course sequence in general biology. Topics include evolutionary biology, a survey of biological diversity, animal structure and function, plant structure and function, and ecology. This course includes laboratory exercises and experimentation that illustrate core principles covered in the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 1091. MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This course is the first semester of a two-semester course sequence in general biology. Topics include the scientific method, characteristics of life, biological chemistry, cell and membrane structure and function, enzymes, metabolism, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, the structure of DNA, and protein synthesis. This course includes laboratory exercises and experimentation that illustrate core principles covered in the course. CHEM 1121 or 1201 or 1210 is recommended prior to taking this course. MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 2/CT); (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This is a laboratory science course covering the principles of general, organic and biological chemistry with emphasis on chemical applications in biological systems.  Topics include the scientific method, atomic theory, chemical bonding, organic functional groups, biological chemicals, and metabolic processes.

      MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab)

This is a laboratory science course for students not intending to major in chemistry or science.  Topics include atomic theory, and structure, chemical bonding, chemical accounting (mass and volume relationships), acids and bases, as well as an introduction to organic and biological compounds.

MnTC (Goal 3/NS, and 10/PE); (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This course introduces the basic principles and methods of economics and then applies them to national income accounts, aggregate supply and demand, business cycles, economic growth and monetary and fiscal policy. There will be a special emphasis on international trade and the global economy. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is an introductory college writing course designed to help students develop effective writing skills for college level work.  Students learn to generate ideas and organize them into unified, coherent essays.  Methods of instruction vary, but most sections combine individual conferences and peer review with regular class meetings.  Prerequisites:  A grade of C or higher in ENGL 0960 or appropriate placement score.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the worldwide effects of human occupancy of the earth and the influences of location on human behavior.  Topics include patterns in spaces, cultural influences, and means of livelihood, political spaces and human effects on the environment.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is an introduction of basic statistical methods including sampling, analyzing a research study, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing of means and proportions, Chi-square, analysis of variance, correlation, and regression. The use of statistical software is included in this course. College-level reading ability in English is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: Math 0660 or appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. MnTC (Goals 4/MA and 2/CT); (4 Cr - 4 lect, 0 lab)

This course covers the basics of college level algebra emphasizing understanding of the basic principles through investigation. The topics covered range from a basic algebra review to exploration of linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions along with a study of rational expressions, inverse relations, function operations, complex numbers, and systems of equations. Prerequisites: Math 0670 with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. MnTC (Goals 4/MA and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the student to fundamental ethical principles developed throughout the history of philosophy through the study of classical and modern writings. Students are encouraged and challenged to apply such principles to contemporary issues. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is an introductory course covering basic physics concepts and laws that govern everyday physical phenomena. This course is intended for students with no previous physics experience. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat, waves, and electricity. Students will learn to apply basic physics principles through problem solving and laboratory experiments. Prerequisites:  MATH 0660 (Intermediate Algebra I) or appropriate placement score.

 MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 2/CT); (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)   

This course focuses on the nature, dimensions, causes, and characteristics of selected social problems in modern society. The sociological perspective and critical thinking will be emphasized in examining theories, research, and programs for the prevention and reduction of social problems. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of public communication including individual and group presentations.  This course emphasizes audience analysis, organization, content development including topic selection and speaking ethics.  Students will prepare and deliver a variety of both individual and group presentations and demonstrate an ability to apply research from diverse sources.  Students should expect to reduce speech apprehension and develop self-confidence in their ability to communicate in public.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)