Goal Outcome Measures

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcome #1 – Students will have knowledge of the biotic and abiotic factors that affect plant growth and development.

a.   Outcome #1

Describe California’s water resource base and water cycle.  Recognize variations in consumptive use patterns in specific plant species (eg. landscape turfgrass, irrigated crops, rangeland, etc.).

b.   Outcome #2

Identify basic concepts of plant physiology in relation to climatic variables (eg. temperature, day length, air quality, etc.).

c.   Outcome #3

Describe basic soil physical concepts (eg. morphology, texture, structure), chemical concepts (eg. salinity, Ph, nutrient availability) and measures of soil productivity (eg. organic matter, tilth, permeability).

d.  Outcome #4

Recognize and identify negative components (eg. weeds, diseases, insects, pests) and positive components (eg. biological N fixation, composting, soil microbes) in plant and soil systems.

e.   Outcome #5

Recognize the natural genetic variability within and between species of plants.  Describe basic concepts of genomics, plant biotechnology and plant improvement.

 

Student Learning Outcome #2 – Students will learn management techniques of modify and control factors that affect plant growth and development.

a.   Student Learning Outcome #1

Synthesize and implement irrigation strategies that optimize plant growth and conserve water in multiple diverse situations.

b.   Student Learning Outcome #2

Develop and utilize management strategies and calendars of operations to grow plants under given climatic parameters of an area.

c.   Student Learning Outcome #3

Analyze and create a recommendation for control of a pest situation (eg. weeds, insects, pathogens) within their given area of emphasis.

d.   Student Learning Outcome #4

Analyze soil nutrient tests and determine an appropriate strategy to remedy deficiencies.

e.   Student Learning Outcome #5

Synthesize, implement and demonstrate management, cultural and breeding techniques to produce agronomic and ornamental crops.