Program Overview

Sustainable Plant Systems: Fresh Produce Safety

Overview

Nurture a greener and healthier tomorrow with a degree that innovates new, sustainable ways to keep food fresh. The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Plant Systems has four tracks; students in the Fresh Produce Safety track advance the latest methods for maintaining the safety of food one of the most important resources on Earth. In this Yuma-based program, students discover how production chains become contaminated with diseases, and learn Good Agricultural Practices for the harvest of leafy greens and fresh-vegetable food safety. Coursework provides insight into food safety issues, field risk assessments, facility sanitation and inspection processes. Students gain real-life experience in the applications of soil, water and plant sciences, including soil chemistry, plant nutrition and hydroponics.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply science to agricultural systems; Apply understanding of plant and soil science concepts to sustainable agricultural systems.
• Communicate effectively; Communicate in both oral and written forms the importance of plant and soil sciences in addressing global challenges for agriculture and the environment.
• Master plant and soil science concepts; Demonstrate mastery of key plant biology and soil science concepts including interactions with the biotic and abiotic environment.
• Think critically; Critically evaluate information considering diverse perspectives, drawing reasonable conclusions, and defending them rationally.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• AGTM 375: Agricultural Law
• MIC 430: Food Microbiology and Biotechnology
• PLS 306: Crop Production

Career Fields

• Agribusiness
• Public health
• Regulatory compliance
• Quality control
• Food safety
• Agricultural produce inspection

Level of Math

• Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sci

Degree

• Bachelor of Science