|
100 |200
| 300 | 400
Agricultural Systems Technology
(Administered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems
Engineering)
Rameshwar Kanwar, Chair of Department
University Professors: Baker, Bern
Professors: Bundy, Downing, Hurburgh, L. Johnson, Kanwar, Melvin,
Misra, Xin
Professors (Adjunct): Quick
Professors (Collaborators): Colvin, Laflen
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): H. Johnson
Professors (Emeritus): Beer, Bekkum, Bockhop, Buchele, Hazen, Hoerner,
Hull, Keeney, Lovely, Mangold, Marley, Meyer, Pedersen, Smith
Associate Professors: Batchelor, Glanville, Greiner, Harmon, Hoff,
Lorimor, Mickelson, Schwab, Tim
Assistant Professors: Birrell, Brumm, Freeman, Powers-Schilling,
Richard, Steward
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Shahan
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Malone
Assistant Professors (Emeritus): Boyd
Undergraduate Study
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
offers the bachelor of science degree with a major in agricultural
systems technology (see College of Agriculture, Curricula).
The curriculum prepares men and women for careers requiring integration
and application of agricultural and mechanical technology, physical
and biological sciences, and business to manage human and natural
resources, environmental systems, and systems for producing, processing,
and marketing food and other biomaterials worldwide. Graduates have
the ability to apply science and technology to problems related
to agriculture and manage complex agricultural systems for sustainability.
They are able to communicate effectively, have problem-solving skills
and awareness of environmental issues. Graduates have developed
team building skills and computer proficiency. Graduates find careers
with agricultural machinery industries; environmental organizations;
governmental agencies; farm builders; grain, feed, seed, fertilizer,
and chemical companies; or in production agriculture.
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering offers
a minor in agricultural systems technology which may be earned by
completing a minimum of 15 credits of agricultural systems technology
courses, which includes AST 115, AST 210 and at least two credits
in 400-level courses. Students may select courses to provide emphasis
in areas such as:
1. Machine technology,
2. Livestock production systems,
3. Soil and water resource management,
4. Electrical systems,
5. Grain operations
6. Environmental systems technology.
For undergraduate curriculum in agricultural systems technology
leading to the degree of bachelor of science, see College of Agriculture,
Curricula.
Visit our departmental website at www.abe.iastate.edu
Graduate Study
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
offers courses for nonmajor graduate credit in agricultural systems
technology for students taking major work in other departments,
and cooperates in the interdepartmental programs in professional
agriculture, and biorenewable resources and technology. A minor
in agricultural systems technology is offered.
Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 420, 425, 435, 460, 462,
474, 475, 476, 490, 493, 496.
Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students
AST 110. Experiencing
Agricultural Systems Technology. (0-2) Cr. 1. F. Prereq:
AST majors only. Laboratory-based, team oriented experiences
in a spectrum of topics common to the practice of agricultural systems
technology. Report writing, internships, careers, competencies,
industry visits.
AST 115. Solving Technology Problems.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Math 140 (can be taken concurrently).
Solving technology problems and presenting solutions through technical
reports. Graphing and curve-fitting. Use of SI units. Significant
digits. Solutions of technology problems using Excel. Presentation
of technical information using Word and PowerPoint.
AST 120. Introduction to Renewable Resources.
(Same as Agron 120, Env S 120, NREM 120.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Overview
of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural resources
in an ecosystems context. History and organization of resource management.
Concepts of integrated resource management.
AST 210. Fundamentals
of Agricultural Systems Technology. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq:
115, Math 140. Introduction to problem solving related to fundamental
agricultural technology systems such as: agricultural power and
machinery, environmental and natural resources, structures and animal
environment, and electrical circuits. Basic energy and force laws,
definitions, and units.
AST 215. Computer-aided Graphics Applications.
(1-2) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: 115. Computer-aided graphics
for agricultural systems using AutoCAD and other software. Computer
modeling and documentation of two- and three-dimensional geometries.
Drawing organization and interfacing with other software. Integration
of CAD graphics with reports, presentations, and other media.
AST 297. Work Experience in Agricultural
Systems Technology. Cr. 2. F.S.SS. Prereq: AST major and
approval of instructor required prior to commencing work experience.
Work experience must be related to career objectives. Written report
and oral presentation required on the work experience. A maximum
of 4 credits of 297 may be used toward the total of 128 credits
required for graduation.
AST 298. Cooperative Education in Agricultural
Systems Technology. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Sophomore classification
in AST and approval of cooperative coordinator. All cooperative
education students must register for this course prior to commencing
each work period.
AST 324. Soil and Water
Conservation Management. (2-0) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: Math
140. Introduction to engineering principles applied to the planning
of erosion control systems, water control structures, water quality
management, drainage and irrigation systems, and farm water resource
development.
AST 326. Conservation Surveying and Design.
(0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 324. Agricultural
surveys for field area measurement and mapping. Handbook design
of drainage systems and farm water control structures. Layout of
conservation structures.
AST 330. Agricultural Machinery and Power
Management. (2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 210, Math 142.
Selection, sizing, and operational principles of tractors and machinery
systems. Cost analysis and computer techniques applied to planning
and management of agricultural machine systems. Principles, operation,
and application of power sources.
AST 333. Precision Farming Systems.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. (web-based course spring semester) Prereq:
Math 140, junior or senior classification. Geographic information
systems and global positioning systems. Sampling strategies for
precision farming. Building prescriptions and recommendations. Systems
for precision farming, equipment, software uses, legal and social
issues, and economics.
AST 335. Tractor Power. (3-3) Cr.
4. F. Prereq: 210, Math 142. Theory and construction of tractor
engines, mechanical power trains and hydraulic systems. Introduction
to traction, chassis mechanics, and hydraulic power.
AST 337. Fluid Power Systems for Agriculture.
(1-2) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 210, 335. Fundamental hydraulic principles.
Hydraulic fluid properties. Function and performance of pumps, valves,
actuators, and hydrostatic transmissions. Hydraulic circuits and
systems.
AST 358. Small Power Equipment. (1-2)
Cr. 2. F.S. Principles of operation, adjustment, maintenance and
repair of small internal-combustion engines and associated equipment.
AST 360. Electric Power and Electronics for
Agriculture. (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 210, Physics 106
or 111. Basic electricity. Electrical safety, wiring, 3-phase
service, controls, and motors for agricultural applications. Programmable
controller applications. Planning lighting and electrical systems.
AST 362. Preservation of Grain Quality.
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Math 140. Principles and management
for grain quality preservation. Grain drying and grain storage.
Psychrometrics. Fan and airflow. Grain handling methods and system
planning. Grain quality measurement, and end-use value analysis.
AST 373. Animal Production Systems.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 210. Response of animals to the thermal
environment. Environmental systems for animal production. Water,
feed handling and waste management systems. Planning confinement
facilities for swine, poultry, beef and dairy production systems.
AST 397. Internship in Agricultural Systems
Technology. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Sophomore classification
in AST and approval of internship coordinator. A supervised
work experience in an approved learning setting with application
to agricultural systems practices and principles.
AST 398. Cooperative Education in Agricultural
Systems Technology. Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification
in AST and approval of cooperative coordinator. All cooperative
education students must register for this course prior to commencing
each work period.
AST 403. Senior Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Senior classification. Development
of professionalism and ethics. Career search; resume and cover letter
preparation; interviews. Oral and written communication applications.
AST 420. Land Drainage and Irrigation.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus. Offered as demand warrants. Prereq:
324, Agron 154. Technical, economic, and environmental aspects
of the planning and management of farm field drainage and irrigation
systems. Application of theory from engineering, soil science, and
plant science to the solution of real-world problems. Designed for
master of agriculture program. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 425. Impacts of Agriculture on Water
Quality. (2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Math 140, one of the
following: 324, Agron 154. Relationship between agriculture
and water quality; chemical use; erosion and conservation tillage;
water quality monitoring techniques; animal waste and water quality;
nonpoint source pollution; management systems to reduce chemical
leaching to groundwater. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 435. Agricultural Safety.
(1-3) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 115. Fundamentals of safety, injury
collection, analysis and investigation, risk assessment, fault tree
analysis, and hazard communications applied to agricultural operations.
Exploration of noise, indoor air quality, chemicals, machinery,
fire, and confined space hazards identification and injury prevention
interventions. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 460. Agricultural Electronics.
(1-3) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: 360. Electronics
to sense, monitor, and control processes in power and machinery,
grain operations, animal environment, and natural resources. Semiconductors,
digital logic circuits; speed, pressure, position, temperature,
and moisture sensors; electrohydraulics; programmable logic controllers.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 462. Post-Harvest Grain Technology.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus, offered as demand warrants. Prereq:
6 credits in agricultural or biological science, 3 credits in math.
Grain drying and high-moisture preservation methods with emphasis
on corn. Psychrometrics. Fans and airflow. Grain handling methods
and system planning, corn milling, soybean processing. Designed
for master of agriculture program. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 474. Livestock Housing Systems.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus, offered as demand warrants. Prereq:
6 credits in agricultural or biological science, 3 credits in math.
Properties of moist air, effects of environment on animal performance,
principles of environmental control, feed handling systems, manure
management alternatives, and planning total systems. Designed for
master of agriculture program. Credit in only one of 373 or 474
may be used for graduation. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 475. Manure Management Systems
for Livestock Production. (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2004. (web-based course) Prereq: 6 credits in
agricultural or biological sciences, Math 140. Livestock manure
production, properties, collection, transport, storage, treatment
and utilization. Regulations and environmental impacts. Systems
for nutrient management and odor abatement. Practical design criteria
and procedures for planning livestock manure handling systems. Nonmajor
graduate credit.
AST 476. Planning Agricultural Structures
and Farmstead Systems. (2-2) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 373. Layout and organization of farmstead systems.
Planning farm shops, machine sheds, crop storage structures, livestock
production buildings, and manure management systems. Analysis of
building plans and calculating building costs. Building materials
including timber, concrete and steel; construction methods and structural
analysis. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1 to 3. Prereq: Junior or senior classification, permission
of instructor. A maximum of 4 credits of 490 may be used toward
the total of 128 credits required for graduation. Nonmajor graduate
credit.
A. Animal Environment/Air Quality
C. Computer Operations
E. Electrical/Electronics
G. Grain Operations
H. Honors
I. Safety and Human Factors
K. Bioprocessing
L. Livestock Production Systems
M. Machine Systems
N. Energy
S. Soil and Water Resources
T. Structures/Buildings
W. Waste Management
AST 491. Seed Science Internship Experience.
(Same as Agron 491, Hort 491.) Cr. 1-2. May be repeated once. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Agron 338, advanced approval and participation of employer
and instructor. A professional work experience and creative
project for seed science secondary majors. The project requires
prior approval and participation of the employer and instructor.
The student must submit a written report.
AST 493. Workshop in Agricultural
Systems Technology. Cr. 1. Offered as
demand warrants. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Nonmajor
graduate credit.
A. Environment and Structures
B. Waste Management
C. Computer Operations
D. Electricity and Electronics
E. Metals Fabrication
F. Grain Operations
G. Safety and Human Factors
H. Water Quality
I. Erosion Control
J. Tractor Power and Machine Systems
K. Swine Production Systems
AST 496. Agricultural Systems Analysis
and Planning. (1-4) Cr. 3. S. Prereq:
12 credits in AST and senior classification in agriculture.
Student teams prepare oral and written reports on term projects
involving analysis and planning of systems for agriculture. Team
projects include problem solving, solution evaluation, cost analysis,
and use of computer decision-aid and computer graphics to prepare
plans and reports. Nonmajor graduate credit.
AST 498. Cooperative Education in
Agricultural Systems Technology. Cr. R.
F.S.SS. Prereq: Senior classification in AST and approval of
cooperative coordinator. All cooperative education students
must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
|
|
