PLSCI 4730

Ecology of Agricultural Systems

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Analysis of the ecological processes operating in agricultural systems, with an emphasis on understanding relationships between agroecosystem structure and function and interactions among organisms. Examines agroecological theory and research through readings and discussions. The first part of this course emphasizes understanding biogeochemical processes, population and community ecology with emphasis on plant-herbivore and plant-microbial interactions, and evolutionary processes in agroecosystems. The latter part focuses on the application of ecological knowledge to the design and management of multifunctional agroecosystems and comparative analysis of frameworks used to assess sustainability. Field trips to local farms and case studies from both the tropics and the temperate zone are used to illustrate important concepts.

Prerequisites REF-FA25/Corequisites REF-FA25 BIOEE 1610 or PLSCI 2430. Corequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements (AFS-AG, OPHLS-AG, SCH-AG)

Exploratory Studies (CU-SBY)

Last 4 terms offered (None)

Outcomes REF-FA25

• Apply ecological concepts to agricultural systems.
• Explain concepts of agroecology including population, community, evolutionary and ecosystem principles, and processes as well as interactions across social and ecological systems.
• Describe history of agricultural intensification and the diverse approaches to meeting the challenge of achieving sustainability.
• Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate controversies and ongoing political debates over technological pathways and environmental policies targeting food production systems.

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