Agriculture is the nation’s largest employer, with more than 21 million people working in some phase of industry from growing food and fiber to selling it in the supermarkets. The mission of Agricultural Science and Technology Education is to prepare students for employment and/or continuing education opportunities in the field of agriculture. This is accomplished through technical instruction in the classroom, experiential education in the laboratory, the Supervised Agricultural Experience Program, and through leadership and personal development in FFA (Future Farmers of America-student organization).
Classes Offered:
Agricultural Science 1
Students will develop knowledge and skills that will provide a foundation for courses in animal science, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, agricultural systems and technology, or Agricultural Science II. Topics covered will be basic animal, plant and soil science; natural resources; food science technology; agribusiness; personal and leadership development; and agricultural career awareness. Through this course, students will develop agricultural literacy.
Animal Science 1
Animal Science will provide students with the opportunity to explore the many aspects of the livestock industry. During this course, students will study breeds of dairy cattle, beef cattle, equine, sheep, swine, and poultry. Students will look at animal breeding and reproduction, housing facilities, proper management practices, and feeding and nutrition. Judging and showing of some of these livestock breeds will also be included. FFA involvement is required for all students enrolled in this course.
Aquaculture
Students will gain knowledge and develop skills with respect to the scientific method in the context of raising an breeding fish. Course topics include fish ecology, anatomy and physiology, water quality, aquaponics, and commercial and recreational management operations. Emphasis is placed on the hands-on skill acquisition. Students will also explore educational preparation and career opportunities in aquaculture.
Biology Agricultural Science
This hands-on introductory course is biology with an agriculture emphasis. Students explore such biology topics as cells, inheritance, evolution, and ecology by doing hands-on experiments in the context of agriculture. Students have opportunity to compete in FFA. This course leads to other agriculture courses such as aquaculture, agribiotechnology, as well as animal, plant, and vet sciences.
Floriculture and Greenhouse Management
This intensive course in greenhouse operation and management prepares students to produce commercial plant species in a controlled environment and to manage commercial and experimental greenhouse operations. Studies will also include: basic plant biological systems, soil science, plant propagation, and floral design. The GTI and USU horticulture students share the greenhouse used for this course.
Equine Science
This course prepares students to care for horses and horse equipment; to train horses for various work and athletic or entertainment roles; and to manage horse training, breeding, and housing programs and facilities.
Intro To Horticulture
This course is an introduction to the production of nursery, greenhouse, fruit, and vegetable crops. Residential and commercial landscape construction and management will be explored, and students will learn about interior plants, arboriculture, turf science, landscape plant materials, and home gardening. This class is one of the first requirements for the USU Horticulture Major and also fulfills a Breadth Life Science requirement at USU. The GTI and USU horticulture students share the greenhouse used for this course. Students who major in Horticulture at USU can complete their entire program here at the GTI
Natural Resource 1
Students will develop knowledge and skills related to production management and conservation of natural resources. Major units will include ecology, range resources, waste management, and land use. Field and laboratory experiences will be emphasized.
Natural Resource 2
Students will develop knowledge and skills related to the biological, environmental, and economic importance of renewable natural resources. forest and range products and their benefits are included. Field and laboratory experiences will be emphasized.
Veterinary Assistant
This course is designed to encourage students to pursue a career in large animal veterinary practice. The program will focus on the following areas of study: safety and sanitation in veterinary science, veterinary terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical examinations, hospital procedures, parasitology, Course oratory techniques, animal nutrition, principles of disease, animals in society, career exploration, and animal management. Students enrolled in this program will also have leadership opportunities through the FFA, a component that will be integrated into the vet assistant course. This course provides entry-level skills for those students who want to enter an occupation right out of high school and also provides the background necessary for students interested in pursuing a professional degree. Course oratory activities provide students with the hands-on experience and skills needed to participate in the exciting field of veterinary medicine.
