Introduction to Agriculture-This is the entry course to all agricultural courses. This class gives you an insight into the agricultural industry. Students will learn about the following topics over 5 weeks: The Science of Agriculture credit covers the history of California agriculture; and how the drought affects everyone, not just farmers. Emerging Technology of agriculture includes the uses of drones, robotics, aquaculture and vertical farming. Plant & Soil Science includes floriculture, turf management and greenhouse management. Animal Science including animal by-products and identifying various cuts of meat. In the last credit; Food Science, students will learn the chemical foundations of food and the chemical interactions that change the taste, texture and look of food. There is also field trip opportunities around the AV. Hands-on activities are an essential element of this course.
Animal Science-This five credit course covers the basics of animal science beginning with cells, the building blocks of life. It also covers: Anatomy, including the skeletal and muscular systems, the Digestive & Endocrine systems, Genetics & Animal Reproduction and their applications within the ag industry. This course will include dissecting organs and possibly interacting with small farm animals. Hands-on activities are an essential element of this course.
(Note: students must complete Intro to Agriculture prior to taking this course)
Food Science– Food Science is a 10-credit course that course covers nutrition, dehydration, temperature, fats, proteins, and various consumer topics such as Dairy, Meat, and Seafood products.
Students will learn kitchen safety and proper hygiene and can earn a ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate. This nationally recognized certificate will allow them to work in many areas of the food industry. The hands on labs are designed to reinforce microbiology standards, such as how the chemical bonds of simple and complex sugars affect the crystallization formation in fudge. Hands-on activities are an essential element of this course.
(Note: students must complete Intro to Agriculture prior to taking this course)
Each agriculture course, runs for 5 hours allowing for 2 to 3 hands-on labs per class.