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Crop Sciences

College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

CPSC 112: Introduction to Crop Sciences

4 hours

Course Description This course is a basic introduction to Crop Science principles and will provide an overview of the wide variety of topics that are studied and researched within the Department of Crop Sciences. Specific subjects include definition of crops; plant form and function, plant life cycle, specific crops, advances in crop production, plant protection, and agronomic research.
Course Objectives Students will gain understanding of the definition, anatomy, growth habits, factors affecting growth, and pests of major crop plants of Illinois.
Instructor

Ms. Patricia Stoller
email: pstoller@illinois.edu
office: AE 114 Turner Hall (behind the student lounge)
phone: (217) 244-5953
Office hours: after class, 10:50-12:00 M-W-F, or by appointment. 
Requirement(s) Fulfilled A prerequisite for other crop sciences courses in the department. This course will introduce the student to principles of crop growth and production.
Course Time and Location

Timetable Entry
Laboratory Sections
Section Meets
1 Wednesday, 1:00 to 3:50
2 Thursday, 1:00 to 3:50
Texts

Recommended:

Introductory Crop Science (6th ed. revised) by Richard Waldren,
Principles of Crop Production (2nd ed. revised) by George Acquaah,
available at campus bookstores.

Required:

Crop Sciences Laboratory Manual by Patricia Stoller,
available in class or at ITCS Marketing and Distribution Warehouse

Lecture Topics

What is a Crop?

Plant Growth

Factors Affecting Plant Growth

Plant Protection

Specific Crops

Advances in Crop Production

  • Genetics
  • Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Summary & Review Day
Grades and Examination Schedule

Hour and Final Exam Dates

Grades from three hour exams in lecture (worth 15% each) and the Final (worth 10%) will comprise 55% of your total grade.
Occasional pop quizzes in lecture will make up 5% of your total grade.

Questions on reading handouts will comprise 5% of your total grade.

  • Definition
    Due: September 2
    Average = 10.9/13
  • Photosynthesis
    Due: September 18
    Average = 7.6/8
  • Reproduction and Light
    Due: September 30
    Average = 4.7/5
  • Water
    Due: October 7
    Average = 3.9/4
  • Mineral Nutrition
    Due: October 14
    Average = 3.0/3
  • Weeds
    Due: October 26
    Average = 6.6/7
  • Control
    Due: October 30
    Average = 2.5/3
  • Ag Research
    Due: November 4, 5
    Average = 3.9/4
  • Corn
    Due: November 13
    Average = 10.2/11
  • Cereals
    Due: November 18
    Average = 5.0/6
  • Soybean
    Due: November 30
    Average =
  • Forage Crops
    Due:
    Average =
  • Genetics
    Due:
    Average =
  • Biotech
    Due:
    Average =
  • Precision Farming (extra credit)
    Due:
    Average =

The laboratory portion of this course will be 35% of your total grade. Weekly quizzes and lab reports will collectively determine your points earned in lab. Lab is NOT optional. Any absences must be excused prior to or within 3 days of the laboratory period. Lab work submitted one week past the due date will not be accepted.

Grades from lab will be added to those in lecture to calculate your final grade. Lab topics are designed to correspond to and supplement the subjects discussed in lecture.

Attendance Attendance in lecture will not be taken, and there will be no penalty directly levied against you for failure to attend lecture. You are encouraged to attend however, for there is a good correlation between those who attend regularly and those that make the highest grades. Students in CPSC 112 are assumed to be mature, to appreciate the need to attend class, and have a desire to do well in the course.
Academic Integrity It is assumed that all students subscribe to the academic integrity standards set forth by the University of Illinois. In other words, it is expected that everyone will do their own work during exams and in completing any and all other assignments. Failure to comply with campus standards will result in severe academic penalties.