Certificate of Achievement
Agriculture
Degrees and Certificates
-
Agripharmatech, -
Landscape and Nursery Technician, Certificate of Competence -
Limu Studies, Certificate of Competence -
Plant Food Production and Technology, Certificate of Competence -
Sustainable Agriculture, Certificate of Competence
Classes
AG 120: Plant Science
The study of plant science, morphology, anatomy, physiology classification, growth, growth regulators, and propagation.
Course Outcomes
- Describe and explain general plant structure and function in relation to plant growth and development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of horticultural principles in the cultivation of plants.
- Examine commercial agricultural enterprises for to become familiar with employment opportunities and the impact of horticulture on our lives.
- Research and report on a horticultural plant.
AG 132: Integrated Pest Management
Strategies of integrated pest management; biological and cultural pest controls, weed control, disease control, insect control.
Course Outcomes
- Identify major insects, weeds, diseases that are detrimental to the horticulture industry in Hawai‘i.
- Define Integrated Plant Management and develop an IPM plan.
- Understand and use economic thresholds.
- Identify common predators and parasites.
- Identify management strategies to reduce pest pressures on plants.
AG 134: Nursery and Landscape Plants: Identification and Use
This course introduces ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants commonly used in landscape designs in Hawaiʻi. Students will learn to identify species by botanical and common names, understand growth habits and environmental preferences, and uses for plants. Field trips are integral for the observation of plants in varied settings.
Course Outcomes
- Identify common native, endemic, and introduced plant species used in Hawaiʻi landscaping practices.
- Describe the environmental conditions (e.g., soil type, water, sun, elevation) favored by plant species.
- Match plant species to landscape scenarios based on cultural, ecological, and functional requirements.
AG 149: Plant Propagation
Introduction to the principles and practices of propagation of fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops by seed, cuttings, grafting, budding, layering and division.
Recommended Preparation
12th Grade reading level.
Course Outcomes
- Describe basic plant growth.
- Relate the principles of plant growth to the solution of everyday problems in plant production.
- Understand the influence of environmental factors on plant growth.
- Propagate plants by various methods.
- Determine the best form of propagation for a selected plant.
AG 152: Orchid Culture
An extensive study of orchid identification, breeding, growth, and culture. Students are required to write a 10 to 15 page research report.
Course Outcomes
- Identify orchid species, hybrids and trace their pedigrees.
- Provide cultural requirements for each genus, including temperature, light intensity, humidity, watering, fertilizing, media composition, and pest or disease control and repotting.
- Perform traditional and in vitro propagation techniques.
- Perform orchid breeding and discuss its economic importance.
- Conduct research and submit research paper.
AG 153: Tree Maintenance and Pruning Techniques
This course introduces the principles and practices of tree pruning and maintenance for tree species commonly found in Hawai‘i. Students will learn proper pruning techniques using both hand tools and chainsaws in accordance with ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) guidelines. Emphasis is placed on tree identification, anatomy, physiology, and safe, professional arboriculture practices used in the field.
Course Outcomes
- Identify and describe the characteristics of tree species.
- Describe tree anatomy and physiology.
- Recommend tree preservation techniques during construction.
- Use ISA pruning standards (ANSI A300) to properly prune trees.
- Operate a chainsaw using ISA safety guidelines (ANSI Z133.1).
- Identify and safely use proper arboriculture tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
AG 170: Introduction to Aquaponics
The course covers aquaculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, sustainable aquatic feed production, renewable local seeding technologies and micronutrient supplementation, fish and plant physiology, renewable energy systems, water catchment and conservation techniques, and best aquaponic food safety practices. The basic physical and biological principles governing sustainable farm and agribusiness operations are emphasized.
Recommended Preparation
AG 120 and IS 201.
Course Outcomes
- Design and construct a basic aquaponic system that uses all three grow-out technologies (nutrient film technique, ebb and flow, and floating raft) either alone or in combination.
- Apply best aquaculture practices for culturing fishes in an aquaponic setting.
- Identify the water quality parameters and manage them in order to maximize fish, plant and microbial outputs in an aquaponic setting.
- Use best agricultural practices for plant crop production in an aquaponic setting. Prepare seedlings for planting, harvest produce, stagger production of both plant and fish, and apply food safety procedures.
AG 171: Farm Renewable Energy Systems
This course explores the various renewable energy systems potentially employable on small farms. Topics such as solar, solar thermal, wind, micro-hydraulic, biomass, and hybrid technologies are covered in the course.
Course Outcomes
- Evaluate photovoltaic systems applicable to small farms
- Evaluate solar thermal applications for small farms
- Evaluate biomass systems applicable to small farms
- Evaluate wind systems for small farms
- Evaluate micro-hydraulic systems for small farms
- Evaluate hybrid system applications for small farms
AG 181: Landscape Equipment Maintenance, Safety, and Operation
This course introduces students to the safe use, operation, and maintenance of tools and equipment used in the nursery and landscape industry. Students will develop hands-on skills in equipment operation, tool usage, and workplace hazard awareness.
Course Outcomes
- Identify and correctly use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in nursery and landscape tasks.
- Safely operate and maintain commonly used landscaping and nursery power tools.
- Demonstrate proper maintenance techniques for hand tools, power tools, and small engines.
- Interpret and apply safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ANSI) relevant to horticultural equipment use.
- Follow standard safety protocols and emergency procedures for workplace incidents.
- Identify hazards, demonstrate safe operating procedures, and perform basic maintenance related to heavy equipment such as mini excavators, skid-steers, and Dingos.
AG 192V: Special Topics in Agriculture
Topics related to diversified agriculture chosen by the Instructor. Course content may vary. May be repeated up to 5 credits with different topics.
Course Outcomes
- Identify the important concepts and facts presented for the topic (s) under examination.
- Make inferences and draw conclusions from the topic (s) under discussion.
- Develop skills appropriate to the topic (s) under discussion.
- Gain a higher appreciation for the human endeavor of agriculture.
- Gain a higher awareness of the potential career paths that this special topic course in agriculture covers.
AG 200: Principles of Horticulture
Relationship of plants and the environment, and how they relate to society. Introduces plant botany and physiology. Discusses plant nutrients, moisture, and environmental requirements and plant propagation. Studies culture and production techniques for selected ornamental crops. This course will also demonstrate types of scientific writing, practice library and online research to develop a coherent, well-written scientific horticultural crop paper to be handed in and presented in class using PowerPoint.
Recommended Preparation
ENG 22 or ENG 23 with grade C or better, or enrollment in ENG 100 or consent Keyboard and basic computer skills
Course Outcomes
- Identify the relationship of plants and the environment, and how they relate to society.
- Describe and explain general plant structure and function in relation to plant growth and development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of horticultural principles in the cultivation of plants.
- Examine commercial agricultural enterprises.
AG 202: Agriculture, Environment, and Society
The goal of this course is to establish foundational knowledge of agroecosystems. Emphasis is on the interrelationship among the crop plants, essential plant nutrients, social factors, and cultural practices. Key goals are to introduce students to the broad range of topics covered within agroecosystems, as well technical writing in agricultural science, and oral discussion and argument.
Recommended Preparation
A grade of C or better in ENG 100
Course Outcomes
- Analyze and interpret information from technical and non-technical sources, with an emphasis on scientific articles.
- Discuss interrelationship between plants and animals, and the socio-economic importance of them to humans.
- Describe the relationship(s) between agriculture, society and the environment.
- Describe the concept of agroecosystems and form critical questions for in-class discussion.
AG 202L: Agriculture, Environment, and Society Laboratory
The goal of this course is to establish foundational knowledge of agroecosystems. Emphasis is on the interrelationship among the crop plants, essential plant nutrients, social factors, and cultural practices. Key goals are to introduce students to the broad range of topics covered within agroecosystems, as well as field and laboratory investigations in agroecology.
Recommended Preparation
Grade of C or better in ENG 100.
Prerequisites
Grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in AG 202.
Course Outcomes
- Use the scientific method of inquiry to investigate ecological concepts and principles in an agricultural setting.
- Prepare written objective reports describing and interpreting experimental and observational results.
- Conduct experiments that evaluate the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable food systems.
AG 235: Irrigation Principles and Design
Fundamentals of irrigation principles, plant, soil, water relationships, soil moisture sensing devices, delivery systems, set up of drip, sprinkler, and surface irrigation systems. Use of chemigation.
Recommended Preparation
Credit in Math 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 75X or higher.
Course Outcomes
- Determine water requirements for plant growth.
- Describe soil water concepts.
- Select the appropriate irrigation method and components for the situation.
- Design a basic drip and sprinkler irrigation system.
- Trouble shoot irrigation problems.