Agriculture - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

Allan Hancock College's Agriculture Program is designed for students preparing for, or advancing in careers in agriculture. The agriculture program will prepare students for a wide variety of entry-level positions related to agribusiness and agricultural science with an emphasis on local career opportunities such as pest management and control, agronomy, environmental horticulture, soil science, orchard/vineyard management, sales and marketing, agriculture technology, farm management, greenhouse and nursery operations, agricultural inspection, plant and animal nutrition, and crop advising. Students will gain practical skills in effective communication, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership through hands-on learning and field trips to local agricultural operations. 

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

apply current agricultural industry standards, laws and regulations in the agricultural sciences or related fields.

assess and differentiate effects of agricultural activities in plant systems while describing alternative practices in order to make sound agricultural decisions that ensure the quality and success of a crop.

employ effective business skills using industry analysis, market trends, business plans and other standard agribusiness techniques, when presented with a farm or ranch management situation.

demonstrate knowledge of soils, fertilizers, plant nutrition, and current industry growing techniques and apply this understanding to successfully produce agricultural crops.

demonstrate basic worker safety practices.

Identify common insect and disease pests and use knowledge of pest life cycles to recommend pest prevention and management plans.

Demonstrate an understanding of crop plant biological functions and their application to successful commodity production.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

11 units
AG 125
Introduction to Soil Science
A study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, including plant nutrition and factors affecting the availability of nutrients. Composition, value, use and application of fertilizer materials and soil amendments will be covered. The course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for VEN 125.
  1. Advisories: CHEM 120
          AG 150
          Introduction to Agribusiness
          Provides a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry; an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system; management principles encountered in the day to day operation of an agricultural enterprise as they relate to the decision making process.
                    AG 161
                    Introduction to Plant Science
                    Introduction to plant science including structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth media, biological competitors, and post-harvest factors of food, fiber, and ornamental plants.
                    1. Advisories: BIOL 100
                    1. 5B - Biological Science
                    1. B2 - Life Science
                    2. B3 - Laboratory Activity

                        Spring Year 1

                        4 units
                        AG 130
                        Integrated Pest Management
                        A study of the various pests and diseases found in California vineyard, fruit, vegetable, nut and grain crops - emphasizing pest and disease identification, sampling and monitoring techniques, and control methods. Integrated pest management approaches will be emphasized, including the latest bio-control strategies, biotechnological advances, and disease modeling for risk management. Students will visit local vineyards and farms providing "hands-on" learning opportunities. Two separate lab sections will be offered in order to provide students the appropriate option for their agricultural field of interest.  Section I will be for the Viticulture focus, Section II will be for the Agriculture focus.
                        1. Prerequisite: VEN 102
                        2. Prerequisite: AG 161
                                Core Elective - Agriculture (Cert.)
                                Supervised employment extending classroom-based learning to an on-the-job learning environment relating to the student's career and educational goals. In addition, these work experiences improve the student's basic work skills and professional competencies by creating career awareness, improving work habits, and fostering positive workplace attitudes.
                                A scientific approach to the livestock industry encompassing aspects of animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and epidemiology. Emphasis on the origin, characteristics, adaptations and contributions of livestock to the modern agriculture industry. Field trips may be required.
                                Introduction to the history, definitions, concepts, principles and practices of sustainable agricultural systems. Includes an examination of case studies to connect sustainable agriculture principles to actual farming practices.
                                The botany, taxonomy, and development of major fruit, vine, and nut crops in California including variety selection, production practices including site selection establishment, fertilization, pollination, irrigation, harvest, storage, processing, marketing, pest management, and pruning.

                                Basic mechanical skills in woodworking, cold metal, electricity, plumbing, concrete, and project construction skills as related to farm maintenance and repair. Development of hand and power tool skills as well as emphasis on safety practices for all mechanical areas. Shop safety. 

                                General course in environmental horticulture with emphasis on nursery operations, landscaping, turf management, and floral industries including: basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, container gardening and houseplants, floral design, plant identification, turfgrass installation and care, and survey of career opportunities.
                                The study of principles and practices of the selling process: selling strategies and approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector will be explored. Students will gain experience through role-play, formal sales presentations, and job shadowing. The course content is organized to give students an in-depth understanding of the factors and influences that affect the agribusiness industry on a day-to-day basis.
                                Plant propagation and production practices with emphasis on nursery operations including sexual and asexual reproduction, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, plant pest and disease control; structures and site layout; preparation and use of propagating and planting mediums; use and maintenance of common tools and equipment; regulations pertaining to plant production. Laboratory required.
                                Introduction to insects and mites of economic importance to agriculture. Covers the morphology, taxonomy, identification, life cycles, hosts, habitat relationships and control methods for insects of economic importance. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.
                                Introduction to the classification, identification and life cycles of common and poisonous weeds in California which are detrimental to cultivated crops, grasslands, animals and humans. Management practices to prevent and control weed population establishment will be covered. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.
                                This course will prepare students to take the Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) exam as given by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Students will study pest management, pesticide labels and applications, safety, equipment, laws and regulations. Additional emphasis will be placed on exam categories based on student need.

                                This course will provide an introduction to fertilizers and plant nutrition. Essential nutrients for plant development will be studied as well as deficiency symptoms and methods of correcting for these deficiencies. Fertilizer and other soil amendments will be studied as well as the proper management and application methods for these products. This course is not open to students who have completed or are enrolled in VEN 126.

                                The science of animal nutrition; the fundamentals of digestion and absorption in both ruminants and non-ruminants are discussed. The nutritive value of feedstuffs as they relate to the formulation of animal rations will be emphasized. Laboratory required. Field trips may be required.

                                Fall Year 2

                                Core Elective - Agriculture (Cert.)
                                Supervised employment extending classroom-based learning to an on-the-job learning environment relating to the student's career and educational goals. In addition, these work experiences improve the student's basic work skills and professional competencies by creating career awareness, improving work habits, and fostering positive workplace attitudes.
                                A scientific approach to the livestock industry encompassing aspects of animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and epidemiology. Emphasis on the origin, characteristics, adaptations and contributions of livestock to the modern agriculture industry. Field trips may be required.
                                Introduction to the history, definitions, concepts, principles and practices of sustainable agricultural systems. Includes an examination of case studies to connect sustainable agriculture principles to actual farming practices.
                                The botany, taxonomy, and development of major fruit, vine, and nut crops in California including variety selection, production practices including site selection establishment, fertilization, pollination, irrigation, harvest, storage, processing, marketing, pest management, and pruning.

                                Basic mechanical skills in woodworking, cold metal, electricity, plumbing, concrete, and project construction skills as related to farm maintenance and repair. Development of hand and power tool skills as well as emphasis on safety practices for all mechanical areas. Shop safety. 

                                General course in environmental horticulture with emphasis on nursery operations, landscaping, turf management, and floral industries including: basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, container gardening and houseplants, floral design, plant identification, turfgrass installation and care, and survey of career opportunities.
                                The study of principles and practices of the selling process: selling strategies and approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector will be explored. Students will gain experience through role-play, formal sales presentations, and job shadowing. The course content is organized to give students an in-depth understanding of the factors and influences that affect the agribusiness industry on a day-to-day basis.
                                Plant propagation and production practices with emphasis on nursery operations including sexual and asexual reproduction, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, plant pest and disease control; structures and site layout; preparation and use of propagating and planting mediums; use and maintenance of common tools and equipment; regulations pertaining to plant production. Laboratory required.
                                Introduction to insects and mites of economic importance to agriculture. Covers the morphology, taxonomy, identification, life cycles, hosts, habitat relationships and control methods for insects of economic importance. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.
                                Introduction to the classification, identification and life cycles of common and poisonous weeds in California which are detrimental to cultivated crops, grasslands, animals and humans. Management practices to prevent and control weed population establishment will be covered. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.
                                This course will prepare students to take the Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) exam as given by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Students will study pest management, pesticide labels and applications, safety, equipment, laws and regulations. Additional emphasis will be placed on exam categories based on student need.

                                This course will provide an introduction to fertilizers and plant nutrition. Essential nutrients for plant development will be studied as well as deficiency symptoms and methods of correcting for these deficiencies. Fertilizer and other soil amendments will be studied as well as the proper management and application methods for these products. This course is not open to students who have completed or are enrolled in VEN 126.

                                The science of animal nutrition; the fundamentals of digestion and absorption in both ruminants and non-ruminants are discussed. The nutritive value of feedstuffs as they relate to the formulation of animal rations will be emphasized. Laboratory required. Field trips may be required.

                                Core Elective - Agriculture (Cert.)
                                Supervised employment extending classroom-based learning to an on-the-job learning environment relating to the student's career and educational goals. In addition, these work experiences improve the student's basic work skills and professional competencies by creating career awareness, improving work habits, and fostering positive workplace attitudes.
                                A scientific approach to the livestock industry encompassing aspects of animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and epidemiology. Emphasis on the origin, characteristics, adaptations and contributions of livestock to the modern agriculture industry. Field trips may be required.
                                Introduction to the history, definitions, concepts, principles and practices of sustainable agricultural systems. Includes an examination of case studies to connect sustainable agriculture principles to actual farming practices.
                                The botany, taxonomy, and development of major fruit, vine, and nut crops in California including variety selection, production practices including site selection establishment, fertilization, pollination, irrigation, harvest, storage, processing, marketing, pest management, and pruning.

                                Basic mechanical skills in woodworking, cold metal, electricity, plumbing, concrete, and project construction skills as related to farm maintenance and repair. Development of hand and power tool skills as well as emphasis on safety practices for all mechanical areas. Shop safety. 

                                General course in environmental horticulture with emphasis on nursery operations, landscaping, turf management, and floral industries including: basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, container gardening and houseplants, floral design, plant identification, turfgrass installation and care, and survey of career opportunities.
                                The study of principles and practices of the selling process: selling strategies and approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector will be explored. Students will gain experience through role-play, formal sales presentations, and job shadowing. The course content is organized to give students an in-depth understanding of the factors and influences that affect the agribusiness industry on a day-to-day basis.
                                Plant propagation and production practices with emphasis on nursery operations including sexual and asexual reproduction, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, plant pest and disease control; structures and site layout; preparation and use of propagating and planting mediums; use and maintenance of common tools and equipment; regulations pertaining to plant production. Laboratory required.
                                Introduction to insects and mites of economic importance to agriculture. Covers the morphology, taxonomy, identification, life cycles, hosts, habitat relationships and control methods for insects of economic importance. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.
                                Introduction to the classification, identification and life cycles of common and poisonous weeds in California which are detrimental to cultivated crops, grasslands, animals and humans. Management practices to prevent and control weed population establishment will be covered. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.
                                This course will prepare students to take the Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) exam as given by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Students will study pest management, pesticide labels and applications, safety, equipment, laws and regulations. Additional emphasis will be placed on exam categories based on student need.

                                This course will provide an introduction to fertilizers and plant nutrition. Essential nutrients for plant development will be studied as well as deficiency symptoms and methods of correcting for these deficiencies. Fertilizer and other soil amendments will be studied as well as the proper management and application methods for these products. This course is not open to students who have completed or are enrolled in VEN 126.

                                The science of animal nutrition; the fundamentals of digestion and absorption in both ruminants and non-ruminants are discussed. The nutritive value of feedstuffs as they relate to the formulation of animal rations will be emphasized. Laboratory required. Field trips may be required.