AGS 105 Principles of Plant Growth

This course introduces plant structure and function with practical applications to horticulture, turf, and agricultural plants.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

AGS 105 Principles of Plant Growth

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces plant structure and function with practical applications to horticulture, turf, and agricultural plants.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Explain functions of plant organs. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; PGC LOH 2, 5; PAG 3; TMT 3, 6)
  2. Explain typical flower parts and functions. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC LOH 2; PAG 4)
  3. Compare common and botanical names. (CCC 1, 5; PGC LOH 4, 6; PAG 4; TMT 1, 6)
  4. Explain growth processes in plants. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; PGC LOH 2, 5; PAG 3, 4; TMT 1, 3, 6)
  5. Demonstrate common propagation techniques, including sexual and asexual. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC LOH 2, 5, 6; PAG 3; TMT 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Explain functions of plant organs. 
    1. Record the primary functions of roots, stems, leaves, and fruit.
    2. Identify the root regions.
    3. Distinguish among rhizomes, stolons, tubers, bulbs, corms, cladophylls, and tendrils.
    4. Identify the external forms and parts of leaves along with the typical leaf functions.
    5. Analyze the parts of a mature dicot seed and monocot seed.
  2. Explain typical flower parts and functions.
    1. Identify the parts of a typical flower.
    2. Explain the features that distinguish monocots from dicots.
  3. Compare common and botanical names.
    1. Discuss climatic and related classifications.
    2. Differentiate between common and botanical names.
    3. Explain plant identification and nomenclature.
  4. Explain growth processes in plants. 
    1. Contrast the generalized equation of photosynthesis and respiration.
    2. Describe what occurs in the light and carbon-fixing reactions of photosynthesis, and identify the principal products of each.
    3. Identify important naturally occurring plant growth hormones and their functions.
  5. Demonstrate common propagation techniques, including sexual and asexual.
    1. Demonstrate proper techniques for propagating a plant by cuttings.
    2. Explain proper techniques for propagating a plant by seed.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Exam (summative)

20%

Quizzes (summative) (equally weighted)

10%

Leaf Collection (summative)

30%

Formative Assessments (assignments/activities) (equally weighted)

20%

Labs (formative) (6-7) (equally weighted)

20%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AGSAASPAG

  1. Apply basic agribusiness management procedures to production and marketing of agriculture products.
  2. Integrate pest management procedures into crop production techniques.
  3. Demonstrate production techniques related to sustainable agriculture.
  4. Demonstrate scheduling, production, marketing, harvesting, and safe handling of crops.
  5. Describe the importance of poultry, livestock, and crop production to the agriculture industry.
  6. Assess breeding, care, and nutrition of livestock animals.

AGSAASTOH

  1. Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations and include adherence to safety and environmental concerns related to the field.
  2. Demonstrate basic management functions to include environmental controls, scheduling, production, pest control, and nutrient management of turf and ornamental plants.
  3. Cultivate and maintain golf course landscapes.
  4. Apply business principles and strategies to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.  
  5. Explain the importance of environmental factors such as soil and water management to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
  6. Apply basic installation and maintenance techniques for irrigation systems. 
  7. Design and install a finished landscape plan, using native plant materials when possible.
  8. Examine current agricultural issues and topics.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.