Program Overview

Sustainable Plant Systems: Controlled Environment Agriculture Emphasis

Overview

Create sustainable growing solutions that aid in feeding, clothing and fueling our ever-expanding population while ensuring a healthy planet for future generations. The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Plant Systems has four tracks; students in the Controlled Environment Agriculture track cultivate technologies to efficiently produce plants and plant-based products. Students learn how to use environmentally, socially and economically sustainable growing systems in arid lands and urban settings. Thanks to the university's location in Tucson, this interdisciplinary program pioneers the study of arid agriculture. The discoveries made here offer farmers and leaders around the world solutions to growing more, improving yields and reducing pest problems, all while using less land, chemicals and water. Students graduate with a science-based foundation, prepared to advance the industry of modern agriculture.

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

• BE 350: Advanced Hydroponic Crop Production
• BE 479: Applied Instrumentation for Controlled Environment Agriculture
• BE 483: Controlled Environment Systems

Career Fields

• Agricultural engineering
• Greenhouse automation and management
• Hydroponics
• Aquaculture
• Vegetable, floral, medicinal plant production
• Plant propagation

Level of Math

Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

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

Sample Plans

2025, Sustainable Plant Systems: Controlled Environment Agriculture Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 First Year Composition
  • MATH 113 Elements of Calculus
  • CHEM 151 General Chemistry
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • CALS 195C
• 2nd Semester
  • Second Language
  • CHEM 152 General Chemistry II
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • ENVS 200 General Soils
  • ENVS 201 General Soils Lab
  • ENGL 102 First Year Composition

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • Second Language
  • PLS 240 Plant Biology
  • PLS 195A
  • CHEM 241A Organic Chemistry
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 4th Semester
  • Statistics
  • ENVS 316 Plant and Soil Nutrition
  • PLS 312 Animal and Plant Genetics
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Subplan Course

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • Insect Pest Management Course
  • PLS 330 Plant Propagation and Production
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Upper Division Communications Course
  • Subplan Course
• 6th Semester
  • PLS 475A Applied Plant Physiology
  • Subplan Course
  • Subplan Course
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • PHYS 102 Introduction to Physics

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • ENVS 300 Soil Ecology of Sustainable Systems
  • PLP 305 Introduction to Plant Pathology
  • Internship/Applied Course
  • Subplan Course
  • Subplan Course
• 8th Semester
  • PLS 498 Senior Capstone
  • Subplan Course
  • Subplan Course
  • Subplan Course
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections