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Courses - Fall 2024
INAG
Institute of Applied Agriculture Department Site
Open Seats as of
12/30/2024 at 10:30 AM
INAG100
Introduction to Plant Science
Credits: 4
Grad Meth: Reg
GenEd: DSNL
Restriction: Must be a student in the Institute of Applied Agriculture; or permission of AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department.
Credit only granted for: INAG100, PLSC100, PLSC101, PLSC110 or PLSC112.
A general introduction to plant science designed to provide the students with a working knowledge of the fundamental structures and processes of plants. Content includes plant anatomy, physiology, genetics and environmental relationships.
INAG102
Agricultural Entrepreneurship
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a major in AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources; or permission of AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department.
Additional information: Priority in enrollment will be given to students within the Institute of Applied Agriculture. May not count toward any BMGT major or minor requirement.
This course introduces fundamental concepts related to launching a profitable agricultural business. Topics include idea generation, opportunity recognition, conducting feasibility studies, assembling the entrepreneurial team, and financing the new venture, among others. Students will learn knowledge and skills relevant to starting a new agricultural business.
INAG103
Agricultural Marketing
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a major in AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources; or permission of AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department.
Additional information: Priority in enrollment will be given to students within the Institute of Applied Agriculture. Course cannot be used to fulfill a requirement for a Robert H. Smith School of Business major or minor.
Principles of market demand are used to develop a consumer oriented market strategy for agricultural businesses. Topics include market structures, target marketing, market segmentation, niche marketing and direct marketing. Market concepts unique to agriculture products are also covered.
INAG106
Pesticide Use and Safety
Credits: 2
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a major in AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department; or must be in a major in AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources; or permission of AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department.
Additional information: Priority enrollment will be given to students in the IAA program or to students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR).
An overview of pesticide use and safety. Topics include environmental protection, labeling, personal safety, first aid, formulation and chemistry, equipment, disposal, storage, record-keeping and liability. The course prepares students to take the Maryland State test for a private applicator's license.
INAG110
Oral Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
GenEd: FSOC
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, INAG110, JOUR130, THET285.
A study of how perception, self-concept, and verbal and nonverbal communications affect the communication process as it emerges in the workplace. The course provides skill training in speech writing, public speaking, group communication, interpersonal communication, listening, and responding.
INAG110S
Oral Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: FSOC
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, INAG110, JOUR130, THET285.
A study of how perception, self-concept, and verbal and nonverbal communications affect the communication process as it emerges in the workplace. The course provides skill training in speech writing, public speaking, group communication, interpersonal communication, listening, and responding.
Restricted to College Park Scholars.
INAG123
People, Planet, and Profit: Digging Into Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSSP, SCIS
Is it possible for agricultural producers to make a living and feed the world nutritious, culturally inclusive food while protecting--or even restoring--the environment? This course investigates the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture and their relationship to the greater food system. We will explore the social (people), environmental (planet), and economic (profit) impacts of agriculture - from challenges to opportunities. INAG123 applies the principles of sustainability to various agricultural production practices and systems - at a range of different scales - to see what lessons these varied models can offer. Along the way, we will consider domestic issues such as food safety and distribution, food justice, cultural relevance, biodiversity, farming communities, and effects on local economies.
Students will have in person field trips scheduled and must provide their own transportation (actual dates to be determined).
INAG199
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg
Restricted to students in the AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department. Others by permission of the AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department.

A detailed study, including a written report, involving a current issue in an agricultural area that relates to the student's major. The study is conducted under the direction of a faculty member. A maximum of three credit hours of special problems may be applied toward graduation.
INAG199C
(Perm Req)
Special Problems; Special Problems in AgriScience
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Students must successfully complete an accredited high school agriculture program with a minimum of 4 agriculture courses with a minimum grade of B in each course.

Demonstrates the application of scientific principles of agriculture by developing and presenting an oral report on a capstone project relevant to ccurrent agriculture issues.
INAG199D
Special Problems; Agricultural Tractor Operations and Maintenance
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: IAA students are given priority. Other UMD students will be granted permission to enroll if seats are available.

Class will be held at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center (CMREC), Clarksville Facility, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicot City, MD 21042. Dates are September 21 and 22, 2024, with a rain date of September 28 and September 29, 2024. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from the facility.

This class introduces students to the operation and maintenance of agricultural tractors and farm equipment. Students learn to safely perform regular maintenance, and handle materials.
INAG199E
Special Problems; Professional Horticulture
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Only open to IAA students who have successfully completed the approved CPH program of study with an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher for all completed CPH courses as noted on the official high school transcript, and passed the student CPH certification exam administered by the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association, Inc. (MNLGA).
INAG201
Agricultural Human Resources Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
Restriction: Must be in a major in AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources; or permission of AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department.
Additional information: May not count toward any BMGT major or minor requirement.
The course introduces students to the study and application of the basic principles of human relations and personnel management. A variety of approaches to recruiting, training, delegating, motivating, and appraising employees are among the topics discussed.
INAG203
Agricultural Finance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Students at the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA); or students at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR); or permission may be granted to other students based on available space.
Additional information: Course cannot be used to fulfill a requirement for a Robert H. Smith School of Business major or minor.
This course introduces fundamental concepts related to the financial management of an agricultural business. Topics include financial statement analysis, financial planning, the relationship between risk and return, the time value of money, costs associated with borrowed funds, sources of capital, financial markets and intermediaries in agriculture, and personal finance, among others. Students will gain financial knowledge and skills necessary for managing a profitable agricultural business.
INAG208
Understanding Turfgrass: Preparation for Intercollegiate Turfgrass Competitions
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: For students from the Institute of Applied Agriculture and other departments from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or by permission of the department. Repeatable to 4 credits. Additional information: While the basic content areas in the course schedule will remain the same, this course will be tailored each year to reflect current trends in the turf industry.
INAG226
Diseases of Ornamentals and Turf
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Recommended: Completion of one of the following is recommended: PLSC 253, PLSC 254, INAG 107, PLSC 305.
Additional information: Priority in enrollment will be given to students within the Institute of Applied Agriculture.
The course will cover various topics such as plant pathology, disease control practices, and an in depth coverage of the major diseases of ornamentals and turfgrasses in the Mid-Atlantic region. Emphasis will be placed on identification of disease signs and symptoms. Over 50 diseases will be covered during the semester.
INAG231
Insects of Ornamentals and Turf
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Recommended: PLSC253, PLSC254, or PLSC305; or INAG107.
Restriction: Must be in a major in AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources; or permission of AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture department.
Additional information: Priority enrollment will be given to students in the IAA program.
A study of the major insect pests and beneficial insects of ornamental plants and turfgrasses in the Mid-Atlantic region. The student will be responsible for insect identification, life history, and control practices of approximately 100 insects. An insect collection consisting of both insect pests and beneficial insects is required.
INAG237
GPS & Drone Applications in Surveying
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be an Institute of Applied Agriculture student; or permission of the Institute of Applied Agriculture.
Additional information: Course is open to Institute of Applied Agriculture students and permission will be granted to other students based on available seats, with priority given to students from majors in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The principles of land measurement using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs--i.e. drones) to collect data and generate maps. Students will use Pix4D and Trimble TerraFlex software to post-process collected data and learn how we can use this data to make informed land management decisions. Students will also be prepared to successfully earn their Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilots License as part of the course.
INAG242
Golf Course Design and Construction
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
GenEd: DSSP
An appreciation and understanding of the game of golf is obtained through lectures on the history, organizations, and rules of the game. Golf course design theories, great architects and their courses, and construction specifications are discussed. Students will complete two golf course design projects.
INAG250
Fundamentals of Agricultural Mechanics
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a major in AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources OR Permission of AGNR-Institute of Applied Agriculture Department.
Credit only granted for: PLSC204 or INAG250.
Additional information: Priority given to IAA majors and AGNR students whose major requires this course. Permission will be granted to other students on seats available basis.
A comprehensive course that teaches the fundamentals of agricultural related mechanics. Lecture and lab exercises will cover the broad range of topics associated with agricultural mechanics including electricity, plumbing, welding processes, and wood and metal working applications. Emphasis will be given to the design and installation of electrical circuits. It will also include project planning and implementation including development of safety protocols for each area of study and introduction of GPS equipment and software for survey data collection.
Students must pay a $75 course materials fee.
INAG251
Landscape Construction
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: INAG250 or PLSC204.
Restriction: Must be in a major in AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Additional information: Priority enrollment is given to Landscape Management majors in the Institute of Applied Agriculture.
An introductory course in the basics of hardscape topics in landscape construction. Covers fundamental construction layout using surveying techniques; GPS; elements of construction dealing with wood, concrete, masonry, pavers, and/or electrical amenities used in hardscape construction. Emphasis will be placed on safety, interpretation of construction drawings or plans, specifications for specific structures, materials selection, cost estimations, site preparation and typical construction techniques.
INAG252
Agricultural Public Relations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSSP
Recommended: INAG103.
Introduces the fundamental concepts and procedures of public relations in agriculture. Topics include understanding external audiences; key practices in agricultural media relations, social media, executive communication, and crisis communication; and managing the research, planning, and evaluation aspects of the public relations process. Students will gain the public relations knowledge and skills necessary for communicating effectively with an organization's external audiences.
INAG289
Internship Experience & Professional Development
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: INAG288. Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Institute of Applied Agriculture students; or permission of the Institute of Applied Agriculture.