Associate of Applied Science Degree in Precision Agriculture (AAS)

The Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Precision Agriculture aims to train professionals in the agricultural sector who apply modern technologies to obtain agricultural products. This program is designed for students who are interested in the fields of agricultural production using tools that allow agricultural tasks to be carried out with a higher level of precision and to use data related to climate, soil, and type of crop to make decisions. decisions. The graduate of this program will be able to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge that will allow them to work in the areas of quality, agricultural production, innovation and in environmental conservation.

The Barranquitas campus are authorized to offer this program.

Program goals

The associate degree aspires to achieve the following goals:

1. Develop professionals focused on mastering the knowledge of precision agriculture.

2. Promote research and the use of technology to generate the production of knowledge around precision agriculture.

3. Promote the solution of problems related to precision agriculture within a framework of ethical, legal, and social responsibility.

4. Develop leaders committed to professional development that promote best practices in the discipline to excel in research associated with precision agriculture.

Program objectives

The program seeks to achieve the following general objectives:

1. Generate theoretical and methodological knowledge in an integrated manner around precision agriculture.

2. Promote research, the use of information sources and the application of technological advances for the development of innovations around precision agriculture sciences.

3. Promote the ethical, legal, and social dimensions in the problem-solving and decision-making processes related to the practice of precision agriculture in local and international settings.

4. Develop commitment to the continuous improvement of the professional skills required in the field of precision agriculture.

Competencies Graduate's Profile

The program is designed to develop the following skills:

Knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

1. the applicability of the theoretical principles of greenhouse operation and management, hydroponics, and pest control.

2. the aspects that influence the planting and development of crops in precision agriculture.

3. water collection and distribution techniques, sustainable energy technologies and cultivation of aquatic organisms in precision agriculture.

4. scientific evidence applicable to the identification and solution of problems to improve food production by incorporating technological advances.

Abilities

1. Design greenhouse cultivation facilities, plant selection and propagation techniques, fertilizer application techniques and pest control.

2. Demonstrate the ability to identify the factors that affect the planting and development of crops in precision agriculture.

3. Demonstrate ability to identify pests in precision agriculture.

4. Apply fertilization, planting, weed control, pruning, prevention, treatment, pest, and disease control techniques.

5. Design facilities for hydroponics, water collection and distribution, and generation of sustainable energy technologies for effective development in precision agriculture.

6. Develop skills for the establishment and administration of precision agriculture companies.

Attitudes

1. Integrate ethical and moral values in the performance of functions and in the conservation of the environment.

2. Develop appropriate occupational safety skills for the effective performance of tasks in precision agriculture scenarios.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE IN PRECISION AGRICULTURE

General Education requirements	24 credits
Major requirements	33 credits
Elective course	3 credits
Total	60 credits

General education requirements - 24 credits

Twenty-four (24) General Education credits are required, as established in the General Catalog for associate degrees. Students in this Program will take the GEMA 1200 course in the Basic Mathematics Skills category and the GEHS 2010 Contemporary Puerto Rican History course.

Major requirements - 33 credits

PRAG 1100	Introduction to precision agriculture technology	3
PRAG 1110	Operation and management of greenhouses	3
PRAG 1120	Pest Management in controlled environments	3
PRAG 1130	Blue agriculture	3
PRAG 2210	Digital Agriculture	3
PRAG 2220	Hydroponics and agricultural production	3
PRAG 2230	Water and nutrient management	3
PRAG 2235	Crop production	3
PRAG 2240	Sustainable energy technologies in agriculture	3
PRAG 2250	Principles of entrepreneurship and agricultural management	3
PRAG 2910	Practice in precision farming crops	3