Link to College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Website here: http://www.canr.uconn.edu
In 1862, Congress passed the Morrill Land Grant Act providing grants of federal land to each state. Funds from the sale of these lands were used in establishing a college teaching agriculture and related subjects in each state. Subsequent federal acts have enlarged the responsibilities of these colleges. Today they continue to serve agriculture and society in many ways through a variety of educational programs. The University of Connecticut is the land-grant university in Connecticut. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers instruction at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Research and experimental work is carried on through the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station. Educational and service programs are conducted throughout the State by the Cooperative Extension System. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is supported by both federal and state appropriations and contributions from the private sector.
The College maintains livestock, greenhouses, forested lands, gardens, orchards, and other related operations to supplement and enhance instruction, research, and service programs. The Northeastern Research Center for Wildlife Diseases, the Center for Environmental Health, the Water Resources Center, and the Food Marketing Policy Center are also integral parts of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The following departments offer undergraduate instruction in the College:
Agricultural and Resource Economics, Animal Science, Natural Resources
Management and Engineering, Nutritional Sciences, Pathobiology, and Plant
Science. The Directory of Courses section of this Catalog describes
the course offerings of these departments. Other courses are offered under
the departmental listing Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The four-year curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science degree.
Admission Requirements. See Admission to the University and New England Regional Student Program.
Scholarships. Over $200,000 in scholarships and awards are available to students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Faculty Advisors. Faculty advisors are assigned to students upon entry into the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources according to a student's major and area of special interest. Advisors assist students in the selection of appropriate courses and help them develop an individualized program of study for the Baccalaureate that will meet educational and career goals.
Plan of Study
Students should work closely with their advisors to review requirements,
recommended courses, and career goals. Each student should prepare a tentative
plan of study, outlining all courses, with an academic advisor as early
as possible, but in no case later than at the start of the junior year.
A final plan of study, approved by the major advisor and the department
head, must be filed with the Degree Auditor no later than the end of the
fourth week of classes of the semester in which a student expects to graduate.
General Education Requirements
All students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources must
meet the University-wide General Education Requirements (GER) as described
in the Appendix of this Catalog. Students must select approved courses
to meet requirements.
36 Credit 200-Level Requirement for All Majors
Students in all majors in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources must successfully complete at least 36 credits of 200-level courses in or relating to their major. Courses for this 36 credit group may be taken from specific major requirements (as listed below for some majors), or may be selected according to a student's individual educational and career goals. This group of courses must:
Agriculture and Natural Resources
This individualized major is designed for students who want broad training
in agriculture and natural resources. Students and their advisors work
together to develop a personalized program of study according to a student's
educational and career goals.
Agriculture and Natural Resources majors do not have to meet specific course requirements, but must complete the 36 credit, 200-level requirement as approved by advisor and department head.
Agronomy
Agronomy, in the Department of Plant Science, is the study of soils
and land use and the production and management of turf and field crops.
A thorough knowledge of the relationship between soils and the growth of
plants is the basis for environmentally sound practices and efficient land
use.
The turfgrass concentration in Agronomy is designed to provide students
basic and applied knowledge in turfgrass science. Students completing the
program will be able to apply their skills toward the management of lawns,
golf courses, athletic and recreational fields, roadsides, sod farms, erosion
control projects, and other areas where turfgrass is utilized. Formal courses
in turfgrass science and related topics will be complemented with hands-on
training in the establishment, management, and maintenance of turf for
various purposes.
Agronomy majors must pass the following courses:
The curriculum includes courses in cooperating departments within the University. Technical knowledge and practical skills are emphasized through Cooperative Education and other employment opportunities either domestically or internationally.
Species emphasized in the animal science curriculum include beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and companion and laboratory animals. Individualized programs of study may be developed to emphasize pre-veterinary medicine, animal breeding and genetics, animal physiology, animal nutrition, animal behavior, laboratory animal management, animal product technology, pre-graduate training, teaching, or production and management of livestock, poultry and companion animals.
Animal Science majors must pass the following courses:
One course in
Environmental Science
The major in Environmental Science is based in the physical and biological
sciences, but also includes course work in selected areas of the social
sciences. The major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree, and may be adopted
by students in either the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This curriculum offers a comprehensive
approach to the study of environmental problems, including not only a rigorous
scientific background, but also detailed analyses of the social and economic
implications of environmental issues. The complexity and interdisciplinary
nature of environmental science is reflected in the core requirements of
the major. These courses, assembled from several different academic departments
representing two colleges, provide both breadth and depth, preparing students
for careers that deal with environmental issues, and for graduate study
in environmental science and related fields.
Because of the structure of the curriculum, all Environmental Science majors follow similar programs during the first two years. Students should decide before the end of their fourth semester on the concentration they wish to pursue for the remainder of their undergraduate program. The diversity of courses required for this degree mandates that students plan their curriculum carefully to meet the minimum requirements of the school in which they are registered. An appropriate advisor will be assigned at the time a concentration is declared. Undecided students should consult with the Director of the Environmental Science program in either the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The University of Connecticut offers other means for students to pursue environmental interests, which may be more appropriate than the Environmental Science major for some students. In the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the departments of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Natural Resource Management and Engineering, and Plant Science offer majors and options for students interested in the environment.
Environmental Science majors must pass the following core requirements:
A. 100's Level Course Work (49-52 credits)
Environmental Policy and Law
Select one course from:
Resource Economics (Resource Economics, CANR) - Students must pass the following courses: ECON 218(Q), ARE 257, ARE 297. Additionally, students must pass at least two of the following: ARE 238, 255(W), 285, 215C
Environmental Health (Animal Science, CANR) - Students must pass courses in the categories listed:
Environmental Biology (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, CLAS) - All students must take EEB 293S. In addition, they must select at least one course from each of the following groups.
Environmental Geoscience (Geology, CLAS) - Students must pass
the following:GEOL 212, 252, 253
Marine Science (Marine Science, CLAS) - Students are required
to complete four courses from the following list, but with no more than
two courses from a single group.
Soil Science (Plant Science, CANR) - Students must pass the following
courses:PLSC 205, 250, 259C
In addition, students must select two courses from the following: NRME
260Q/260P, PLSC 253(W), 258, 372, 375, 377, 378
Horticulture
The Department of Plant Science provides instruction in the horticultural
areas of floriculture, fruit and vegetable crops, and ornamental horticulture.
Curricular options for horticulture majors are Horticultural Commerce and
Professional Horticulture. Horticulture has an important role in maintaining
high-quality diets and enhancing environmental quality through the aesthetic
and functional uses of plants. Career options include leadership positions
in federal, state and local governments, public and private gardens, the
Cooperative Extension System, education, research, and a variety of horticultural
industries. Students planning to pursue graduate study should obtain a
comprehensive background in the biological and physical sciences.
Horticulture majors must pass the following courses:
Landscape Architecture majors must pass the following courses:
Landscape Architecture courses offered during the third semester (PLSC
255: Landscape Design Drawing, and PLSC 275; Landscape Design). Students
who do not meet these requirements may want to consider other majors including
Horticulture or the turf option in Agronomy.
A minor in Landscape Design is offered by the Department of Plant Science.
For details, please refer to the section entitled Landscape Design Minor.
Natural Resources
Natural Resources, offered by Natural Resources Management and Engineering,
is a field concerned with understanding and managing the many natural systems
in agriculture, forestry, wildlife, watersheds and other terrestrial and
aquatic ecosystems. The primary focus is productivity of renewable natural
resources to benefit society's economic and social well-being including:
(1) fundamental biophysical relationships; (2) causes and effects of ecosystem
exploitation and destruction; (3) changes and effects on ecosystems due
to management for increased production or improved quality; and (4) economic
and ethical considerations in managerial and policy decisions. Electives
permit emphasis on a wide variety of interest and provide a strong liberal
education as a basis for life-long learning.
The major provides basic preparation for careers in one of the natural resources professions or fields of applied science. Such careers deal with the allocation, utilization and management of the diverse resource base. Employment opportunities are found in the private sector or with local, state or federal government agencies.
Students who are interested in a research career in a specific area, such as forestry, water, wildlife, fisheries or soil and water conservation, should plan on earning an advanced degree.
Natural Resources majors must pass the following courses:
Dietetic Program. The Didactic Program in Dietetics, offered
through the Department of Nutritional Sciences, is approved by the American
Dietetic Association (ADA) for students preparing to become Registered
Dietitians. Students concurrently complete requirements for a Bachelor
of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences and ADA course requirements for
the Didactic program in Dietetics. After completion of required courses
the students are eligible to apply for a Dietetic Internship or AP4. Students
preparing to become Registered Dietitians are required to pass courses
listed in the Didactic Program, complete a Dietetic Internship or AP4,
and pass the ADA Registration Examination. Students need to keep abreast
of changes in requirements by consulting with the dietetics program director
in Nutritional Sciences. Dietetic Internships and AP4's are competitive
programs to which interested students may apply during their senior year.
Students in the Dietetic Program are encouraged to obtain practical experience
and to develop an area of concentration in clinical nutrition, community
nutrition, or food service management.
Nutritional Biochemistry is a program dealing with organ, cellular,
and subcellular levels of nutrition. It provides training for careers in
research or medicine and meets the entrance requirements for medical schools.
Graduates often conduct research in food companies, drug companies, and
pursue graduate education, medical education, or other allied health degrees
(eg, physical therapy, dentistry).
Food Science is a program dealing with the control of chemical, physical, and microbiology changes in food during production, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, preparation, and utilization. Graduates often work in product development, quality assurance, and pursue graduate education.
Nutrition Fundamentals provides a broad background in nutrition, which allows more flexibility in career goals. This option includes Community Nutrition, and Food Service Management. Community Nutrition students enroll in more social science courses to enhance their ability to assist individuals, families, and private and public agencies and to evaluate and address nutritional needs in the community setting. Food Service Management includes more management courses. Field experiences are usually part of the Food Service Management and Community Nutrition options.
Nutritional Sciences majors must successfully complete the following courses:
Students can prepare to enter veterinary medical schools or medical schools. Pathobiology majors also pursue careers in biotechnology, biomedical sciences, para-veterinary medicine, and many diverse laboratory and research positions in health fields and agriculture and natural resources.
Pathobiology majors must pass the following courses:
Resource Economics majors do not have to meet specific course requirements, but must complete the 36 credit, 200-level requirement as approved by advisor and department head.
Double Major Option. Students may elect to complete requirements for two major fields of study offered by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. A student selecting this option must submit a Double Major Declaration form indicating primary and secondary majors. This declaration must include a tentative plan of study and requires approval by the advisors and department heads for both respective major areas of study and the Associate Dean. Once an approved declaration has been submitted to the Degree Auditor, the student must complete the requirements for both majors in order to graduate. Withdrawal of the Double Major Declaration requires the approval of the Associate Dean. The student's final plan and record of study will include a double major attachment to verify that the requirements have been met for both the primary and secondary majors. The transcript will identify both majors.
Primary Major. Students must meet all requirements as listed under "Requirements for a Major" (36 credit group) and all individual major requirements as listed above.
Secondary Major. Students must meet all individual major requirements as listed above and successfully complete additional 200-level course work not used as part of the 36 credit group for the primary major. This group of courses must:
Honors Programs. University honors programs are available to qualified students in the College. Please refer to the section of this Catalog designated "Honors Programs" for further information.
Transfer Students. Transfer students can use transfer credits to meet General Education requirements and 100-level course requirements in a specific major. Transfer students may apply a maximum of six credits of 200-level work toward the 36 credit requirement for a major. These credits must be identified as courses comparable to specific University of Connecticut courses and cannot include internships, special topics, or unassigned credits. Transfer students must complete at least 30 credits of 200-level course work at the University of Connecticut, including at least 15 credits in College of Agriculture and Natural Resources courses.
Exemptions and Substitutions. Students requesting an exemption from any University and/or College requirement, or a substitution for a course or requirement, should consult their advisors. Such exemptions or substitutions must be approved by the department head and the Associate Dean of the College and may require approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Field Trips and Transportation Costs. Many courses require off-campus
field trips. Students should budget money for participation.
Graduate Programs. Most departments provide graduate programs
for students interested in greater specialization beyond the baccalaureate.
The study may lead to a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Students planning for a graduate program should secure a comprehensive
background in the basic sciences. For further information see the announcement
of the Graduate School.
Computer Laboratory
A computer laboratory is available for student use in Room 108 of the
Ratcliffe Hicks Building. Instructors schedule classes in the facility
when appropriate, and the room is open additional hours for individual
student use.
The Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station
The Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is part of a nationwide system
of research institutions tracing their origin to the passage of the Hatch
Act in 1887. The Station's mission is to promote the effective use of natural
resources in the production of food, fiber, and derived products, while
preserving the quality of the environment, and to improve the quality of
life for the people of the state. Research emphasis is on improving the
understanding of the basic biology and chemistry of economically important
plants and animals, developing efficient technologies that will sustain
the major agricultural enterprises in the state, expanding our knowledge
base in selected aspects of human nutrition, and applying the methodology
of biotechnology to plant and animal improvement programs. Results of Station
studies are published in national and international journals and by the
Storrs Station as bulletins, research reports, and monographs. Information
obtained broadens the scientific foundation of agriculture and contributes
to the understanding of fundamental processes. Financial support is furnished
by Federal and State appropriations and by grants from industry, foundations,
and Federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National
Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy,
and Commerce.
Northeastern Research Center for Wildlife Diseases
The Center is a regional facility created to investigate diseases of
wildlife and their effects on people, domestic animals, and the environment.
The Center serves the New England states plus New York, Pennsylvania and
New Jersey.
Institute of Water Resources
The Institute of Water Resources promotes and supports programs relating
to water quality, quantity, and use in Connecticut.
Center for Environmental Health
The Center for Environmental Health develops interdisciplinary methods
for solving environmental problems. Although the interests of the Center
include all areas of environmental concerns, the main focus is on human
health, with an emphasis relevant to Connecticut.
Food Marketing Policy Center
The Food Marketing Policy Center conducts research on competition,
cooperatives, food safety regulation, and antitrust policy in food markets.
It is the core research group for an international consortium that includes
researchers from 27 universities, government agencies, and private research
organizations. Members are from the United States, Canada, England, France,
Italy, and Japan.
Cooperative Extension System
The Cooperative Extension System (CANR), one of the three major components
of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is an integral part
of the University of Connecticut's outreach efforts. Established by federal
land grant legislation in 1914, the Cooperative Extension System's mission
is to educate the people of Connecticut on adapting to a rapidly changing
society and on improving their lives. This program is supported by state
and federal funds. Additional resources are obtained through grant awards.
Cooperative Extension programming uses a multi-disciplinary approach and focuses on increasing the competitiveness of Connecticut's agriculture and aquaculture, protecting the environment and developing the potential of the state's families, individuals, and youth living in urban, suburban and rural communities. Cooperative Extension professionals in partnership with local citizen advisory groups, agencies, organizations and businesses, provide noncredit education to youth and adults one-on-one, in groups or via mass media. Content areas include food safety, economic viability, aquaculture, water resources, family and youth development, horticulture systems, animal health, dairy/livestock, and public policy/issues education.
Storrs-based CANR department faculty with Cooperative Extension assignments and extension faculty cooperate in developing and presenting programs. Extension field faculty and professional staff work from eight Cooperative Extension Centers which are positioned as doorways to the University. They provide easy access for potential students and other Connecticut residents who want to take advantage of the many educational resources available through UConn. Extension professionals also work from four 4-H camps and the only 4-H Farm Resource Center in the United States. Program assistants extend the effectiveness of Extension Educators through specially funded programs designed to foster positive youth development and the ability of families with limited resources to make good food choices and to manage their resources.
Several thousand volunteers are recruited and trained to further extend the outreach of Cooperative Extension professionals. UConn students, both undergraduate and graduate, are encouraged to inquire about possible field work and volunteer opportunities. Each year more than half a million state residents enrich their quality of life by applying knowledge gained through educational opportunities provided by the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System. For more details about Cooperative Extension, please call (860) 486-1987.
Link to College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Website here: http://www.canr.uconn.edu
1 Transfer students should refer to the "Transfer Students" statement included in this section.
2 Students may not receive more than 12 credits for courses in Biology at the 100's level.
3 Math 101 cannot be used to meet this requirement.
4 See Statistics section for credit restrictions.
*Students may not use MARN 270 to satisfy both a
hydrospheric dynamics requirement and a related area in marine sciences.
Students choosing a concentration in marine science should satisfy their
hydrospheric dynamics requirement with another course from that group.