Program Description
The Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems (SAFS) minor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the role of agricultural and food systems in meeting human food needs and the impacts of these systems on the natural environment.
Working closely with an advisor, students will choose a series of courses from several disciplines that together offer a broad perspective on issues related to delivering an adequate, safe, nutritious, accessible, and sustainable food supply for an expanding global population. The quantity and quality of agricultural products in domestic and global markets are major determinants of human health and wellbeing. Agriculture and food processing and distribution are also major contributors to climate change and environmental pollution. This minor will help students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for ensuring food and nutrition security for all.
Academic Standards
Grade Requirements
Students must complete at least 10 letter-graded credits with a C- or higher.
Program Information
- Minimum Credits for Minor: 15
Minor Requirements
At least 2 courses at the 3000-level or higher and at least 1 course in each of the 3 areas (animal science, plant sciences, and food science) are required. Courses that fulfill requirements for a student’s major cannot be used to meet requirements for this minor. Other courses may qualify pending approval of the student’s minor advisor.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| ANSC 4880 | Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus – Engage the US, China, and India for Sustainable Future | 3-4 |
| FDSC 4880 | Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus – Engage the US, China, and India for Sustainable Future | 3-4 |
| AEM 4880 | Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus – Engage the US, China, and India for Sustainable Future | 3-4 |
| CHEME 4880 | Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus – Engage the US, China, and India for Sustainable Future | 3-4 |
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| ANSC 2120 | Animal Nutrition | 4 |
| FDSC 1500 | Food Choices and Issues | 3 |
| PLSCI 1900 | Sustainable Agriculture: Food, Farming, and the Future | 3 |
| NTRES 1101 | Understanding Environment and Sustainability | 3 |
| BIOEE 1610 | Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment | 3-4 |
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| ANSC 1101 | Contemporary Perspectives in Animal Science | 1-2 |
| ANSC 2000 | Sustainable Food and Companion Animal Systems and Perspectives | 3 |
| ANSC 3300 | Fish Physiology | 3 |
| ANSC 3600 | Beef Cattle Production | 3 |
| ANSC 4120 | Whole-Farm Nutrient Management | 4 |
| AEM 3385 | Social Entrepreneurship Practicum: Anabel's Grocery | 3 |
| BEE 3299 | Sustainable Development | 3 |
| BIOEE 4690 | Food, Agriculture, and Society | 3 |
| ENTOM 2030 | Honey Bees: Their Intriguing Biology and Interactions with Humans and More | 3 |
| FDSC 2000 | Introduction to Physiochemical and Biological Aspects of Foods | 3 |
| FDSC 3960 | Food Safety Assurance | 2 |
| FDSC 4230 | Unit Operations and Food Packaging | 2 |
| PLSCI 1101 | Plant Science and Systems | 4 |
| PLSCI 1300 | Just Food: Exploring the Modern Food System | 4 |
| PLSCI 2600 | Soil Science | 4 |
| PLSCI 3210 | Soil and Crop Management for Sustainability | 3 |
| PLSCI 3800 | Principles and Practices in Certified Organic Agriculture | 3 |
| PLSCI 4140 | Global Cropping Systems and Sustainable Development | 3 |
| VIEN 2204 | Principles and Practices of Growing Grapes and Making Wines | 3 |
| GDEV 2300 | Food Systems and Sustainable Development | 3 |
| GDEV 3260 | Water | 3 |
| PLSCI 2110 | Field Crop Systems | 4 |
| PLSCI 3025 | Hydroponic Food Crop Production and Management | 4 |
| PLSCI 3030 | FoodCycle: Systems Thinking Toward Circular Economy for Organic Resources | 3 |
