Course Descriptions

Crop Science - CRPSCI
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • CRPSCI-008
  • App of Geospatial Technology
  • Credit(s) 3

Applications of Geospatial Technology
CRPSCI 008 surveys the uses and applications of geospatial technologies in agriculture and related fields. The course focuses on GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for data collection, navigation, recordkeeping, remote imagery, and analysis. Students gain hands-on experience using industry grade GIS software and GPS hardware.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • CRPSCI-017
  • Control & Sensor Systems in Ag
  • Credit(s) 3

Control and Sensor Systems in Ag
CRPSCI 017 provides students with concepts of sensors and control systems. Fundamentals of GPS, GIS, telemetry, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics and programming are covered as underlying technologies. The second portion of the course applies these technologies to autoguidance, variable rate, autonomous UAS, field sensors, fertigation and irrigation control systems, and livestock sensors. Hands-on activities include installation and use of these sensor and control systems.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU only
  • CRPSCI-018
  • Precision Ag Software
  • Credit(s) 3

Precision Ag Software
CRPSCI 018 provides students with skills in the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and FMIS (Farm Management Information Systems) software. Specific competencies include import/export, use of analytical tools, prescriptions, and creation of interpretative maps. Creation of an interactive web-based map and use of scripting or programming language such as Python are also covered.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU only
  • CRPSCI-021
  • Orchard Production
  • Credit(s) 3

Orchard Production
CRPSCI 021 will cover the production practices and systems for developing and maintaining a productive orchard. Topics, as applied to all permanent crops, will include the following: soil, water and salinity management; planning and evaluation of an orchard; genetic considerations; growth, development, and physiology; nutrient and water interactions; and pest management. The UC production manuals will be used a textbook for course content. Lab exercises will focus on application of technology in orchard production practices.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU only
  • CRPSCI-023
  • Row Crop Production
  • Credit(s) 3

Row Crop Production
CRPSCI 023 covers the production systems and practices for a row crop production field. Varietal differences, transplant operations, cultural practices, irrigation, physiological and pest problems, harvesting and handling, and production costs will be covered. Content will be based on University of California publications. Lab activities provides hands-on experience with geospatial, sensor, and control technologies as applied to row crop production.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU only