Also considered is the impact of production and management processes on animal health and welfare, human diet and health, and the natural environment. These majors focus on the broad facets of the human and natural environments and their interactions. They draw on the social, physical and biological sciences as needed to prepare students for leadership and advanced studies in the areas of natural resource management, environmental quality and stewardship, community planning and design, and public policy decision making. These majors foster a deeper understanding of the multiple connections between scientific and cultural issues in the context of human health and the quality of life. Basic laboratory, social science, design, and economic priniciples are taught in this context, linking food and fiber production to consumption, emerging knowledge to societal applications and policy, and human development to active, informed citizenship.
Emphasis is on linking resources for humans with humans as resources.
The physiological, social, and aestheic dimensions of the human experience are explored. These majors provide a strong background in plant biology in the context of agricultural and environmental systems and societal needs. The Agricultural Systems and Environment major couples a strong background in plant biology with an ecological understanding of food and fiber production systems. A wide range of options within the major allows students to focus on such areas as agricultural communications and education and sustainable agriculture. The plant biology major provides a basic background in all areas of plant biology, including plant development, plant protection, biotechnology and postharvest physiology.