AGR*4010 Special Studies in Agricultural Science II

course node page

The following description is for the course offering in Winter 2016 and is subject to change. It is provided for information only. The course outline distributed to the class at the beginning of the semester describes the course content and delivery, and defines the methods and criteria to be used in establishing the final grades for the course.
 

This special study option enables undergraduate students in semesters 5 through 8 to undertake specific projects in agricultural science. The topic of the special study will be examining tropical agricultural systems using Belize as a case study. Students will travel to Belize during Reading Week to study plant and animal systems in a tropical environment. There will be opportunities to visit agricultural enterprises and learn about the limitations of agri- business in a developing country. Environmental and socio-economic issues will also be studied.  Students are responsible for making appropriate arrangements with faculty member prior to registration for the course.

Instructors:

Teaching Assistant:

Credit Weight:

0.50

Course Level:

  • Undergraduate

Academic Department (or campus):

Department of Plant Agriculture

Campus:

Guelph

Semester Offering:

  • Winter

Class Schedule and Location:

Please refer to Web Advisor for class schedule and location.

Learning outcomes:

At the completion of the course, students will have:
  • improved literacy through research paper preparation
  • knowledge of growth and development of important tropical plant species
  • an advanced understanding of plant and animal systems in a tropical environment
  • an understanding of the environmental, economic and social limitations on agriculture in the tropics
  • a knowledge of how plants can be used for medicinal purposes
  • an appreciation of an interdisciplinary approach to tropical agricultural systems

Lecture Content:

Students will be oriented to international agriculture and travel. Specific reference will be made to Belize and similar regions in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Students will travel to several areas in Belize to study production of tropical crops, livestock production processing facilities, native flora and fauna. Rural development sustainability will be overriding themes during the trip.

Through a series of student lead presentations and discussions, students will gain an overview of tropical agriculture including flora, fauna, ecology, economy and history.

Labs & Seminars:

Students will be encouraged to attend/participate in seminars offered on campus relating to agriculture, rural development ecology, economies etc. in tropical environments and developing countries.

Course Assignments and Tests:

Timing Assignment or Test Contribution to Final Mark

Pre-Departure

Research Paper

15%

Pre-Departure

Seminar

10%

Post Travel

Diary of Trip

10%

Post Travel

Participation and Effort

10%

Post-Departure

Research Paper

35%

Post-Departure

Seminar

20%

 

Final examination:

There is no final examination scheduled for this course.

Course Resources:

Required Texts:

None.

Recommended Texts:

None.

Lab Manual:

Not required.

Other Resources:

Awe, J.J. 2005. The ancient Maya of Belize. Factory Book, Belize City, Belize

Field Trips:

Cost of the trip is estimated at $2350.00 CDN.  This amount covers all aspects of the trip including airfare, airport transfers, admission fees, transportation while in Belize, accommodations and some meals (depends on accommodations).

Additional Costs:

Students are required to pay for most of their meals. This cost is estimated at $200.00 Cdn.

Course Policies:

Grading Policies:

The penalty for late submission of research papers is 2% per business day. Missing a presentation date may result in a grade of zero for the assignment unless alternate arrangements suitable to the class and instructor can be made.

Course Policy on Group Work: 

All of the work will be on an individual basis except for creation of the blog which will be a team effort. Students are encouraged to share resources where appropriate especially to coordinate material for presentations.

Other Course Information:

University Policies

Academic Consideration

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons, please advise the course instructor in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the academic calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration:

Academic Misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community, faculty, staff, and students  to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.

University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection. Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the University Calenders:

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), formerly Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or visit the Student Accessibility Services website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/csd/.

Course Evaluation Information

Your ratings and comments are important.  Course evaluation data are used to assess and enhance the quality of teaching and student learning at the University of Guelph.  Student course ratings and comments are used as an important component in the Faculty Tenure & Promotion process, and as valuable feedback to help instructors improve their teaching effectiveness and to improve the delivery of the course.

Your responses will not affect your grade.  Course evaluation data are distributed to individual instructors after final grades have been submitted to the Registrar, following the completion of each academic semester.

Please be honest, respectful, constructive and thorough.  Instructors and review committees place great value on student course ratings and read all comments provided in course evaluations. It is helpful to provide comments on the strengths of the course, in addition to the areas for improvement.  Please refrain from personal comments unless they relate to teaching and learning.

Click here for the University of Guelph Course Evaluation System