Soil and Crop Sciences Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, and Breeding - Colorado State University - Fort Collins

Soil and Crop Sciences Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, and Breeding from Colorado State University - Fort Collins is a Campus Bachelor Horticulture degree that prepares you for a Agriculture career. Soil and crop sciences , the studies of field crops and soils, are the foundation sciences underlying the production and management of food, feed, fiber, and energy crops to meet human needs and to protect the environment. Students are taught the importance of learning soil and crop science principles in alleviating concerns of rapidly increasing world populations, the demand on land for food supplies, and the demand for environmental quality to enhance human comfort and well being. Special emphasis is placed on improved production efficiency and the conservation of soil, chemicals, energy, plants , and water. The curriculum offers broad-based coverage of the basic natural and social sciences , communication skills, and opportunity to explore interests and leadership potential. The plant biotechnology, genetics, and breeding concentration allow for specialization in the major. However, students do not have to choose a concentration but are given the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to their individual interests. This provides opportunities for students to have a second major in a related discipline. Learning Outcomes Successful students will demonstrate: Technical competencies, including knowledge and understanding of soil and crop science principles, ability to apply these principles to specific issues, and ability to synthesize information, both technical and non-technical, to meet identified needs. Problem solving skills, such as identifying a problem, collecting data, summarizing information, and drawing conclusions to the identified problem. Professional skills, including interpersonal skills and communication skills, such as presenting a topic with logical development, technical understanding, mechanical and technique correctness, and accurate documentation of sources. Potential Occupations Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Paid summer internship positions exist for all students in this major, and often lead to a job after graduation. The job outlook for graduates is very optimistic, with more job openings than can be filled in some areas of study. Graduates work for a variety of federal, state, or local government agricultural agencies, state agricultural colleges or research stations, agricultural service companies, commercial research and development labs, and seed companies. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Some examples include: agronomic production manager; cooperative manager; genetic engineering scientists; land reclamation specialist; international agronomist; land-use planner; plant geneticist; plant breeder, seed, chemical, and fertilizer consultant; soil conservation specialist; soil surveyor; waste management specialist; water quality specialist; crop production; chemical fertilizer sales; crop consultant; county agricultural extension agents; agricultural products inspector; farm manager. Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, and Breeding Concentration Plant biotechnology, genetics, and breeding provides expertise in the fundamentals of plant molecular biology and their application to crop improvement. The focus is in the integration of new DNA-based methods with the principles of plant breeding and genetics to enhance production. Graduates work in plant breeding and biotechnology companies and public research institutions, or continue with graduate work. View more details on Colorado State University - Fort Collins, CO . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Horticulture courses.