Course Number and Title:
AGS 208 Pesticide Principles and Applications
Prerequisites
ENG 101 or concurrent and MAT 152 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course examines the principles of insects, weed, and disease control in agricultural crops, horticultural plants and turf, integrated pest management, economics and safety.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify major insect anatomy features and functions. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Identify major agronomic crop, horticulture, and turf pests, along with their control systems. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Explain integrated pest management (IPM) and its importance to agriculture. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Identify basic safety and handling rules for pesticide use. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4 )
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:
- Identify major insect anatomy features and functions.
- List the main groups of pests and discuss characteristics that aid in distinguishing one insect from another.
- Describe ways insects affect crops, livestock, and people.
- Identify major agronomic crop, horticulture, and turf pests, along with their control systems.
- List vertebrate pest animals.
- Create sources used to aid in identifying pests.
- Describe the difference between grasses and broadleaf plants.
- Identify common pests specific to agronomic crops, horticultural crops, and turfgrass.
- Explain control methods for specific insect pests.
- Explain integrated pest management (IPM) and its importance to agriculture.
- Discuss the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) program.
- Discuss the components of an IPM program.
- Describe monitoring techniques used in IPM.
- Explain how to develop an IPM program.
- Identify basic safety and handling rules for pesticide use.
- Demonstrate requirements needed to successfully pass the Delaware Department of Agriculture's pesticide applicator certification exam.
- Discuss pesticide toxicity and methods of measuring toxicity.
- Demonstrate properly interpreting a pesticide label.
- List the protective clothing and other PPE (personal protective equipment) that must be worn when handling various pesticides.
- Identify the symptoms of pesticide poisoning.
- Describe safe methods of pesticide storage.
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 |
Summative Assessments |
- Exams (3-4-equally weighted)
| 25% |
- DE Pesticide Certification Exam
| 25% |
Formative Assessments |
Quizzes (3-4 equally weighted)
| 20% |
The course will contain a various number of formative assessments including but not limited to (equally weighted): Assignments Readings Activities
| 30% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
1. Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations.
2. Demonstrate effective professional communication skills.
3. Competently perform common practices and skills within the various aspects of the agriculture industry.
4. Demonstrate adherence to ethical, safety and environmental practices related to the agriculture industry.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- 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.