The diversity of procaryotic and eucaryotic microorganisms will be explored from both classical phenotypic and contemporary genotypic perspectives. The linkage between microbial diversity, its evolutionary origins and its ecological value will be emphasized. Application of holism and systems thinking to land resource and human management issues. Advanced principles and applications in remote sensing, emphasizing digital image processing techniques. Spectral and spatial image enhancement, advance transformations, image classification, change detection, and digital photograph techniques.
Course emphasizes hands-on lab and project work.
Conventional cropping systems in the Northern Plains are analyzed, integrating land management and crop production knowledge. Sustainable agriculture issues are raised and alternative management strategies are explored, emphasizing no-till and organic systems. Students will gain a solid understanding of crop diversity, including effects on nutrient and water cycling, crop pest management, and economic diversification. The role of cropping systems is discussed in relation to key societal issues, such as biotechnology, climate change and energy use efficiency. A term project enables students to conduct an in-depth analysis on a relevant agricultural sustainability issue of their choice.