Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Preparation (1 of 2): Crop Protection - 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.

The Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Preparation (1 of 2): Crop Protection certificate of achievement program is designed for students preparing for or advancing in careers in crop protection and pest control. It prepares students for a wide variety of entry-level positions related to pest identification, prevention, control methods and applications of crop protection materials. This first of two stackable certificates provides students with the foundational courses which, when built upon by completion of the second certificate in Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Preparation (2 of 2): Production Systems, will meet the requirements to qualify to take the Pest Control Adviser licensing exam. The program emphasis is on local career opportunities such as pest management and control, agronomy, farm management, greenhouse and nursery operations, agricultural inspection, and crop advising. This program will adequately prepare students for advanced studies in many agricultural science fields including: Crop Protection, Crop Science, Agricultural Science, Fruit Science, Vegetable Science or Sustainable Agriculture.

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.

identify plant pathogens, insects and weed species and assess the economic impact of pest infestations to determine the proper course of action for treatment and control.

utilize integrated pest management strategies and techniques to sustainably prevent and control pathogen, insect and weed populations.

demonstrate working knowledge of plant physiological processes that affect crop production.

demonstrate knowledge of pesticide modes of action and the biology of host-pest interactions in order to make effective and sustainable pest management decisions.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

12 units
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
      AG 164
      Weed Science
      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.
      1. Corequisite: AG 161
      2. Corequisite: BIOL 100
              BIOL 100
              Introductory Biology

              An introduction to the concepts of biology. Designed for majors in fields other than biological science, the course investigates the nature of science, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biodiversity. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 3 hours weekly.

              1. Advisories: ENGL 514
                  1. Category 1: Natural Sciences

                    Spring Year 1

                    12 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
                            AG 162
                            Agricultural Plant Pathology
                            A study of the nature and causes of disease in plants, with particular emphasis on agricultural commodities. This course will cover disease cycles, symptoms, host-parasite interactions, disease development in relation to the environment, methods of prevention, and methods of control such as cultural, chemical and biological. Industry-based field trips and/or guest speakers will be used to exemplify classroom knowledge.
                            1. Corequisite: AG 161
                            2. Corequisite: BIOL 100
                                    AG 163
                                    Economic Entomology
                                    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.
                                    1. Corequisite: BIOL 100