Professor John R. Abernathy, Dean

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is dedicated to providing programs of excellence in teaching, research, and public service. These educational programs are designed to qualify the student for the dynamic agricultural and renewable natural resources industryan industry that encompasses five closely related segments: (1) producing agricultural products; (2) supplying agricultural chemicals, feed, seed, and other production resources; (3) processing, storing, distributing, and other marketing functions for agricultural products; (4) planning and managing programs for renewable natural resources; and (5) providing technical assistance, financing, services, education, research, and communications in all sectors of the food, fiber, and natural resource complex.

As the size and complexity of farms and ranches continue to increase, more technology and management information is needed by students who plan careers as producers of farm and ranch products. Through proper selection of courses, opportunity is provided for training in the business aspects of agriculture in several subject-matter departments. Most students interested in scientific aspects of the industry will receive more training in mathematics, computers, and the basic sciences, followed by well-planned courses in agricultural technology. Students interested in natural resource use will receive training in the ecology and conservation of natural resources and the various facets of environmental quality. Food safety and quality are covered in these courses. Microcomputer laboratories allow students to use the latest information-processing technology for class exercises and research projects.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources provides excellent teaching, research, and public service facilities. These include a large number of well-equipped laboratories, design studios, and classrooms. A 900-acre farm adjacent to the campus, a 2,300-acre ranch 55 miles south of Lubbock, a livestock arena, a meat laboratory, and a greenhouse-experimental garden complex on campus are used as teaching laboratories as well as for research in plant and soil science, animal science, integrated pest management, horticulture, and range management. The college's agricultural field laboratories in northeast Lubbock County include the Burnett Center for Beef Cattle Research and Instruction, a 980-acre experimental farm, and facilities for teaching and research in swine, horses, sheep, and feed manufacturing as well as in crop production. Laboratory facilities also include a 15,822-acre unit at the Texas Tech University Center at Amarillo. Field trips and participation in intercollegiate contests are also a part of the training program.

The research program in agriculture and renewable natural resources complements the teaching mission of the college by providing the information and knowledge necessary to keep faculty members current in their respective fields. Research projects provide essential training for graduate students and advanced undergraduates and solutions to problems facing the industry. Various forms of public service are provided by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources through numerous short courses, conferences, and workshops throughout the year.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has six departments which offer a number of degree programs, minors, and areas of specialization. The programs for each department are described on the following pages along with listings of courses offered.

General Education Requirements. The University has established General Education Requirements for all students. These requirements will ensure breadth in each academic program.

Students may consult their academic dean regarding specific General Education Requirements; however, these requirements are incorporated in each major in the college. Students may find a listing of General Education Requirements in the All-University Programs section of the catalog.

Academic Counseling. Each student in the college is assigned an academic advisor. Students who have not selected a major will be assigned an academic counselor by the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Selecting a Major. If students know which course of study they wish to pursue, they should select that major field when they initially enroll. Students who are undecided about a major will be classified as agriculture-undecided but will be assigned to a department and an academic advisor. During the first semester, several introductory courses in agricultural sciences should be selected to assist in determining or confirming the preferred area for a major. Students who enter as freshmen should select a major by the end of their fourth semester. Transfer students will be required to make a major selection within two semesters after entering Texas Tech. Some departments offer the opportunity for a dual major program. Students interested in such a program should contact the chairperson of the specific departments involved.

Selecting a Minor. Minors are available in all departments for students majoring in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources as well as those majoring in other colleges within the University. Minors are offered in the following areas: Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Leadership, Animal Science, Food Technology, Landscape Studies, Agronomy, Horticulture, Integrated Pest Management, and Natural Resource Management. A minimum of 18 hours is required for a minor. At least 9 hours in a minor must consist of upper division courses. The maximum number of transfer hours in any minor is 9. Courses in a major but outside a student's department may be used in the minor. A student must earn a grade of C or better in each course counted toward a minor. Students are encouraged to seek early advisement from the chairperson of the minor department in order to plan for courses that will best meet their educational and career objectives.

General Standards and Requirements. Minimum standards and requirements of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources are the same as those for the University, with certain additions. Students are encouraged to read the section on Academic Information in this catalog.

Other requirements include the following:

1. Students must file an application for Senior Audit with the dean's office before or during the semester in which they are enrolled for their 90th semester hour. Substitution and elective sheets must also be filed prior to or during the semester the students are enrolled for their 90th semester hour.

2. Transfer students who plan to request the use of provisional elective transfer courses as a substitution for required courses must make such request by the end of their first semester in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

3. Any deviation from the approved curriculum for a particular degree must have prior approval from the chairperson of the department and the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

New Students. All new students should carefully read the sections on Admissions and Registration. Entering freshmen are encouraged to take examinations in English, mathematics, and similar courses for credit by examination which are usually given prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Transfer students should also read the subsections on "Admission of Transfer Students" and "Transfer of Credits from Other Colleges and Universities."

Graduate Study. Programs are available through the college leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agronomy, Animal Science, Fisheries Science, Range Science, and Wildlife Science. The Master of Science degree is also offered with majors in Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Crop Science, Entomology, Fisheries Science, Food Technology, Horticulture, Range Science, Soil Science, and Wildlife Science. The Master of Landscape Architecture degree is available through the department of Landscape Architecture. The interdisciplinary Master of Agriculture degree is offered through the college with emphasis in several departments. The college also cooperates with the College of Business Administration in the Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in agricultural business management. Details concerning these programs are in the Graduate Catalog.

Courses in Agricultural Science. (AGSC)

1111. The Agricultural Industry (1:1:0). An overview of agriculture with special topics including orientation, career guidance, and current trends. F, S. [AGRI 1131]

2300. Computers in Agriculture (3:3:0). Use of the microcomputer in agricultural applications. An introduction to BASIC programming language, use of word processing, and electronic spreadsheet software. F, S, SSII. [AGRI 1309]

3301. Agricultural Leadership Principles (3:3:0). Leadership principles with emphasis on styles of leadership, types of management, group dynamics, managing change, and the adoption process as applied to agriculture and agribusiness.