Agriscience Curriculum

This survey course provides students with a foundational immersion into the diverse sectors of modern Agriscience. Students will engage in technical skill-building and knowledge acquisition across five primary pillars: Plant Science, Animal Science, Natural Resources, Agricultural Engineering, and Leadership. Through laboratory-based experiences and field observations, students explore the vast professional landscape of the industry, ranging from the artistry of Floriculture and Landscape Design to the technical rigors of Equine Studies, Aquaculture, and Conservation. This course emphasizes the role of Ag-Science in global sustainability and prepares students to select specialized pathways for advanced study. 

Agriculture I
 

This elective-driven course empowers students to architect their own academic journey through the diverse sectors of the agricultural industry. Utilizing a modular curriculum, students select a course within one of the four primary pathways of agricultural instruction: Plant Science, Animal Science, Natural Resources & Environmental Science, or Agricultural Mechanics each quarter. Throughout the year, students navigate a rigorous blend of core requirements and elective modules tailored to their specific career ambitions and agriculture interest. Beyond the laboratory, students are expected to engage in the complete agricultural education experience by assuming leadership roles within the FFA and engineering a personalized Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. 

Agriculture II

This class focuses on the behavior, communication, and training styles for all animals, both companion and livestock species. Students will study how animals communicate with each other and how humans can replicate those same communication techniques. There will also be a heavy focus on the different ways to train an animal. This course will allow students to train different animal species firsthand.

Animal Behavior & Training (A)

This class focuses on the behavior, communication, and training styles for all animals, both companion and livestock species. Students will study how animals communicate with each other and how humans can replicate those same communication techniques. There will also be a heavy focus on the different ways to train an animal. This course will allow students to train different animal species firsthand. Students enrolled in this course will be required to complete a training project, which will focus on training an animal of their choice. Students will also complete additional ECE coursework, which will enhance the course, as well as complete differentiated assessments.

UConn ECE Animal Behavior & Training 

The reproductive systems of animals, including physiology, controls, and management techniques, will be investigated. Breed evaluation based on conformation, pedigree, and production standards will be covered, as well as breeding systems for various species. 

Animal Breeding & Genetics

This course provides hands-on experience to provide students with many of the skills necessary for a career in the equine care and management industry. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: equine behavior and training, hoof anatomy and care, equine health management, emergency preparation and first aid, equine equipment, nutrition, common management practices, and equine industry careers.

Equine Health Management

This “hands-on” course integrates the instruction of skills and knowledge in the care and management of dogs, cats, pocket pets, and reptiles/amphibians. Concentration will be on grooming, training, and management skills in the pet industry. Students will be expected to handle and care for live animals. Students in this course work closely with the animals in the small animal lab.

Intro to Companion Animals (A)

This “hands-on” course integrates the instruction of skills and knowledge in the care and management of dogs, cats,  pocket pets, and reptiles/amphibians. Concentration will be on grooming, training, and management skills in the pet industry. Students will be expected to handle and care for live animals. Students enrolled in this course are required to complete coursework showcasing field experience in the companion animal field, following UConn ECE guidelines, and complete various ECE coursework assignments. Students will also complete differentiated assessments.

UConn ECE Intro to Companion Animals 

This course will focus on the production of animal agriculture. Students will learn the breeds, care, management, and business implications of production animal science. Students will have “hands-on” opportunities in the large animal facility, laboratory, and on farm sites. 

Production Animal Science

The course will focus on the production and care of specialty animals. Students will learn about the care, management, and business opportunities of species such as bison, ostrich, emus, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, and honey bees. Students will have hands-on opportunities in the laboratory and on farm sites.

Specialty Animal Production (A)

This introductory level course will focus on animal care in the home, laboratory, veterinary practice, and on the farm. Health terminology, equipment operation, methods of identification, and important veterinary body systems will be covered. Students will investigate the different careers in the veterinary industry and participate in hands-on labs that enrich the unit topics.

Veterinary Science I (A)

This introductory level course will focus on animal care in the home, laboratory, veterinary practice, and on the farm. Health terminology, equipment operation, methods of identification, and important veterinary body systems will be covered. Students will investigate the different careers in the veterinary industry and participate in hands-on labs that enrich the unit topics. Students enrolled in the Honors class will complete differentiated assessments and showcase knowledge of 25 parasites that can affect animal species. 

Veterinary Science I (H)

This advanced-level course will focus on animal diseases, immunology, microbiology, veterinary math, parasitology, and natural/global biosecurity issues. Students enrolled in this course will also focus on various clinical skills through hands-on labs.

Veterinary Science II (A)

This advanced-level course will focus on animal diseases, immunology, microbiology, veterinary math, parasitology, and natural/global biosecurity issues. Students enrolled in this course will also focus on various clinical skills through hands-on labs. Students enrolled in the Honors section will complete differentiated assessments and showcase knowledge of 30 abbreviations and medical terminology that can assist in the care of animals. Students will also complete an additional project demonstrating their understanding of the veterinary industry that will run the course of the semester.

Veterinary Science II (H)

This course is designed to cover the anatomy and physiology of horses. The course will include an in-depth look into the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, and digestive systems. Topics to be covered include organs, their functions, diseases of the systems, system health checks, and maintaining organ system health. The course will provide a great deal of hands-on experience. Labs will include working with live animals, guest speakers, and field trips.

Equine Science I: Anatomy and Physiology

This course involves the knowledge and skill application of building systems, including construction safety, electrical, plumbing, masonry, roofing systems, and planning a design of agricultural systems. This class will include "hands-on" laboratory exercises involving the construction of these agricultural systems, as well as repair and maintenance. Emphasis will be on equipment identification, safety procedures, and skill development.

Building Systems

Planning, construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings of wood, metal, and masonry will be covered in this course. Some of the topics studied and applied will include: shop and machine safety, proper tool purpose and use, site selection, building materials, foundations, building techniques, and planning. Actual building construction will be practiced.

Agricultural Structures and Building Technology

This course concentrates on skills and knowledge of small power equipment used in the landscape, nursery, and forestry industries, including two-cycle and four-cycle engines. Chainsaws, lawn mowers, and snow blowers are typical applications. Students will learn how engine systems and their components work and how to troubleshoot issues within them. A small equipment Briggs and Stratton engine will be completely disassembled and reassembled in this course as part of the curriculum.

Small Equipment Repair and Maintenance

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop basic welding skills. Welding Safety, Arc Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding (GMAW), Oxy-acetylene Torch Cutting and Welding, and Plasma Cutting will be covered. Students will complete a variety of projects that will aid in mastering these skills.

Welding and Metal Fabrication

This course is designed to teach students how to safely operate tractors and provide students with the confidence to become competent and safe operators when driving and handling a tractor and other agricultural equipment. In addition, students will learn how to perform a pre-operation safety check, perform basic maintenance on equipment, hitch implements, and safely operate a variety of implements. Implements to be used with tractor operation include plough, cultivator, and loader buckets. Students will also learn how to operate and safely and skillfully maneuver a tractor with a manure spreader and hay wagon hitched. Implements to be used with skid steer operation include loader bucket, snow plow, forklift, landscape rake, brush cat, auger, and backhoe.

Tractor Driving & Ag Equipment Operation

This course is designed to give students an overview of the aquaculture industry, possible career opportunities within the industry, and common practices utilized. Aquariums and commercial aquaculture equipment in the Aquaculture laboratory will be utilized to study the design and operation of aquaculture systems and aquaculture water quality maintenance. Identification of fresh and saltwater fish and their biology will be studied, as well as production methods practiced within the industry specific to commonly farmed species.

Aquaculture I

This course provides a continued overview of the aquaculture industry started in Aquaculture I. Aquariums and commercial aquaculture equipment, both in the classroom and aquaculture laboratory, will be utilized to study the design and operation of aquaculture systems and water quality in various areas of the aquaculture industry. Students enrolled in this course will also be responsible for maintaining the school’s aquaculture lab on a weekly basis.

Aquaculture II

This course is designed to explore the extensive field of oceanography, focusing on the four main branches of ocean geography, ocean chemistry, ocean physics, and movement and marine biology. Students will start the course by learning about the history of the ocean and how it formed. The course will take an in-depth look at technology used in ocean exploration, and students will work hands-on with some of the technology currently utilized in ocean exploration. As the course moves into exploring the four main branches of marine science, we will cover topics such as water chemistry, ocean acidification, waves, tides, currents, tectonic plates, sea floor sediments, marine ecosystems, marine species, and more!

Marine Science (A)

This course is designed to explore the extensive field of oceanography, focusing on the four main branches of ocean geography, ocean chemistry, ocean physics, and movement and marine biology. Students will start the course by learning about the history of the ocean and how it formed. The course will take an in-depth look at technology used in ocean exploration, and students will work hands-on with some of the technology currently utilized in ocean exploration. As the course moves into exploring the four main branches of marine science, we will cover topics such as water chemistry, ocean acidification, waves, tides, currents, tectonic plates, sea floor sediments, marine ecosystems, marine species, and more! This course is designed to align with UConn’s MARN 1002/1003 course. Students enrolled in this course are required to complete coursework showcasing experience in marine science according to UConn ECE guidelines and complete various ECE coursework assignments. Students will also complete differentiated assessments.

Marine Science ECE

This hands-on course will emphasize the development and marketing of campgrounds, nature centers, parks, sanctuaries, and hiking trails. Topics will include: identification of community needs; laws and regulations; and equipment and facilities. In addition, outdoor recreation activities such as GPS navigation, orienteering, and boating will be covered. 

Recreational Service Management

This course will emphasize wildlife identification, laws pertaining to species, and the development, maintenance, and control of habitats. In addition, predator/prey relationships, endangered species concerns, and the relationship between society and wildlife will also be studied and researched. 

Wildlife Management

This course introduces flower arrangement as an art form, emphasizing historical background, artistic principles, color harmony, and the care of perishable media. Students develop foundational skills in constructing bows, boutonnieres, multi-flower corsages, mound/round arrangements, and bud vases. The course covers the identification of 50 common industry plants, tool maintenance, and essential business skills, including one-to-one customer sales. 

Floral Art

This course introduces flower arrangement as an art form, emphasizing historical background, artistic principles, color harmony, and the care of perishable media. Students develop foundational skills in constructing bows, boutonnieres, multi-flower corsages, mound/round arrangements, and bud vases. The course covers the identification of 50 common industry plants, tool maintenance, and essential business skills, including phone and one-to-one customer sales. A core component of this ECE course is a student-led capstone project where students assume full responsibility for managing a large-scale floral fundraiser. Students will act as shop managers, developing a comprehensive marketing plan and advertising campaign, performing market research, and placing wholesale flower orders. Additionally, students will oversee the entire production cycle, including design construction, delivery logistics, and the implementation of digital and manual payment systems.

UConn ECE Floral Art  

This course develops advanced floriculture design skills and practices. Students construct and evaluate floral arrangements based on the principles and elements of design, focusing on triangle arrangements, tribute pieces, and wedding designs. Students identify 150 common foliage and flowers, manage customer relations, perform pricing calculations, and create business marketing materials. The course culminates in a professional portfolio and a final assessment based on NOCTI Floriculture lab criteria. 

Advanced Floral Art

This course develops advanced floriculture design skills and practices. Students construct and evaluate floral arrangements based on the principles and elements of design, focusing on triangle arrangements, tribute pieces, and wedding designs. Students identify 150 common foliage and flowers, manage customer relations, perform pricing calculations, and create business marketing materials. ECE students will establish a floral design business and record all orders, expenses, and income from the business. The course culminates in a professional portfolio. In addition to standard floral operations, students in the Advanced ECE course will spearhead the Graduation Floral Capstone. This real-world business simulation requires students to function as a professional floral firm. Students are responsible for the end-to-end management of graduation-related floral needs. Students will be solely responsible for the logistical coordination of wholesale procurement and vendor relations, and will oversee the production of specialized items and their setup for graduation. 

UConn ECE Advanced Floral Design (AP/ECE) 

This course focuses on the science and practice of horticulture, plant propagation, and culture. Students will develop knowledge and skills to apply basic concepts of plant structure, growth, and function to horticulture industry situations. The effectiveness of integrated pest management and the impact of new technologies on the horticulture industry and environment will also be discussed and tested. Students will practice skills and test theories using the educational landscape, greenhouse, Agriscience lab, and floral lab.

Fundamentals of Horticulture (A)

This course focuses on the science and practice of horticulture, plant propagation, and culture. Students will develop knowledge and skills to apply basic concepts of plant structure, growth, and function to horticulture industry situations. The effectiveness of integrated pest management and the impact of new technologies on the horticulture industry and environment will also be discussed and tested. Students will practice skills and test theories using the educational landscape, greenhouse, Agriscience lab, and floral lab. The ECE course is affiliated with the University of Connecticut. Students who pass the course with a 70 or higher will earn college credit and receive an official transcript from the University of Connecticut upon request.

Fundamentals of Horticulture (H/ECE)

This course will focus on the skills of designing a landscape and developing a successful business. Emphasis will be on plant selection, identification, design principles, and drawing technique. Students will become proficient in drawing, designing, and cost estimation practices. Students will gain hands-on experience selecting plant material, utilizing principles of design, and installing interior and exterior landscapes.

Landscape Design

This course will involve the skills and knowledge of maintaining quality landscapes. Students will learn and demonstrate shrub and tree pruning, landscape fertilization, and proper irrigation. Weed, insect, and disease control of landscape areas will be covered. Students will learn to operate common landscape equipment, including chainsaws, lawn mowers, power blowers, and utility vehicles. Students will earn OSHA certification for safe equipment operations.

Landscape Maintenance and Equipment Operation

This course explores the fascinating world of plant breeding and biotechnology, focusing on the principles and practices essential for improving crop yield, quality, and sustainability. Students will delve into the genetic mechanisms underlying plant traits, learn about cutting-edge biotechnological tools, and examine the ethical and environmental implications of genetic modification in agriculture. Students will participate in hands-on laboratory experiments that evaluate plant genetic traits, hybrids, and genetically modified organisms (GMO's). Students will also research the biotechnology industry and evaluate trends for the future of plant breeding and biotechnology.

Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (a)

This advanced course in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology offers a comprehensive exploration of genetic principles and biotechnological applications in crop improvement. Students will engage with cutting-edge research, hands-on experiments, and in-depth discussions to deepen their understanding of plant genetics, breeding methods, and the ethical considerations surrounding biotechnology in agriculture. By delving into topics such as genome editing, plant tissue culture technology, and sustainable biotechnology practices, students will gain valuable insights into the future of agriculture and the potential impacts of genetic engineering. Students will participate in hands-on laboratory experiments, as well as research about different topics related to the plant breeding and biotechnology career field.

Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (H)

This advanced-level course is designed to enhance the agribusiness knowledge and skills needed in such areas as: economic principles, budgeting and record keeping for personal and business finances, money management, and risk management. It also involves the use of cash flow and enterprise analysis to understand the use of labor, capital, and marketing strategies, as well as investment possibilities, insurance, loans, and credit. An awareness and understanding will lead to the application of agriculture marketing and sales and business plan development. Event planning and agriculture tourism are integrated as subsets of this course. 

Agribusiness & Marketing

This hands-on course investigates food processing, distribution, and marketing. Topics will include: food microbiology, food processing and engineering, biotechnology with foods, toxicology, regulations, and safe handling of foods. Students will learn about topics through lab-based activities performed in our food science lab. Students will understand the use of sensory evaluation, nutrition label development, new food product development, and food processing in the agriculture industry. 

Food Science & Safety

This course is designed to allow students to explore the principles of sustainable agriculture for all aspects of production, including animal, crop, and food production. Students will study a variety of topics surrounding sustainable food and farming, including vegetable production, community agriculture programs, CSA structures, farmers' markets, raising sheep and goats sustainably, composting, meat processing, hydroponic and aquaponic operations, urban farming, and how to develop a sustainable production for the region we are located in. Students will also learn about how locally produced food can safely enter our food system. Students will be exposed to a variety of local and sustainable practices used on different local operations, including but not limited to organic, conventional, and natural productions. Students will develop an understanding of local agriculture through field trips and guest speakers from the local and state community in order to share their production practices. Both the land and the large animal facility will be utilized as lab space. 

Sustainable Agriculture