Horticulture and Urban Food Systems Courses

The courses below are offered at the K-State Olathe campus.

 

HORT 725 - Postharvest Technology and Physiology of Horticultural Crops

3 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Eleni Pliakoni, Ph.D.

A study of the principles and practices involved in the harvesting, handling and storage of horticultural products. The relationship of plant structure and physiology will be emphasized in discussing effects of postharvest handling and storage to maximize quality and shelf life of products.

 

HORT 780 - Health-Promoting Phytochemicals and Physiology of Fruits and Vegetables

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: CB Rajashekar, Ph.D.

The course deals with various aspects of phytochemicals in plant-based foods including fruits and vegetables and their impact on human health and well-being. It includes potential effects of phytochemicals in promoting human health, preventing various diseases and fostering wellness. It also includes biosynthesis and metabolism of phytochemicals in plants. Emphasis is placed on developing strategies to improve the phytochemical content of food crops through approaches involving crop management, environmental and biotechnology tools. Two hours lecture per week.

 

HORT 790 - Sustainable Agriculture

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Jeremy Cowan, Ph.D.

Historical perspectives of the sustainable agriculture movement in the U.S. and world-wide will be examined and critiqued. Components of sustainable agriculture such as agroecosystem theory, permaculture, energy use efficiency, and organic standards will be compared and evaluated. Students will demonstrate their understanding and application of the material by conducting research on a topic within sustainable agriculture and presenting the topic to the rest of the class.

 

HORT 791 - Urban Agriculture

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Eleni Pliakoni, Ph.D.

Students will become familiar with a wide variety of urban agriculture types and production systems utilized in urban settings. The course will include background readings, case studies, guest speakers, student-facilitated class discussion and lectures.

 

HORT 792 - Urban Food Production Practicum

1 Credit Hour

Faculty Member/Instructor: Student's UFS faculty advisor

Students will complete a practicum in an approved urban agriculture setting to gain exposure to a broad range of tasks facing the urban farmer. This includes planning, production and marketing of crops in high tunnels and open field.

 

HORT 793 - Farm to Fork Produce Safety

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Tricia Jenkins, Ph.D.

This course will heavily utilize the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training curriculum to cover all aspects of food safety for fresh produce grown in urban and rural environments, including pathogen ecology and production aspects as well as pre-harvest and postharvest factors that influence the risk of microbial contamination.Students will receive a certificate of course completion from the Produce Safety Alliance.

 

HORT 794 - Urban Food Systems

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Tricia Jenkins, Ph.D.

This course will cover all components of urban food systems through the lens of food security, food justice, access, policy, and community planning. Students will gain skills in grant-writing, non-profit planning and management, and working with urban policy and planning boards.

 

HORT 795 - Urban Agriculture Study Tour

1 Credit Hour

Faculty Member/Instructor: Eleni Pliakoni, Ph.D.

Faculty-led trip for students to explore leading examples of urban agriculture. Each year, a trip will occur within North America, lasting approximately 7 days. The study tours will focus on urban food system development in major cities and will highlight examples of how food is being grown in urban areas and the impacts that it has on the community.

 

HORT 796 - Professional Development in Urban Food Systems

1 Credit Hour

Faculty Member/Instructor: Eleni Pliakoni, Ph.D.

A team instructed seminar course that provides urban food systems students with a suite of skills complimentary to their research experience but still necessary for professional career success.

 

HORT 880 - Topics in Horticulture

0-18 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Eleni Pliakoni, Ph.D.

Exploration of important developments and contributions in the field.

 

HORT 899 - Master's Research

1-18 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Student's UFS faculty advisor

Investigations in pomology, olericulture, floriculture, ornamental horticulture, turfgrass, or horticultural therapy for preparation of master's thesis.

 

HORT 951 - Horticulture Graduate Seminar

1 Credit Hour

Faculty Member/Instructor: CB Rajashekar, Ph.D.

This course includes student presentations and discussion of investigational works in the various branches of horticulture.

 

HORT 999 - Research in Horticulture, Ph.D.

1-18 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Student's UFS faculty advisor

Investigations in pomology, olericulture, floriculture, ornamental horticulture and turfgrass. Data collected may form basis for a thesis or dissertation.

 

AAI795 - Topics in Indoor Vertical Farming (VF) System

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Teng Yang, Ph.D.

Indoor Vertical Farming (VF) System is a lecture-based course focused on all aspects of crop production under a housing or factory system, including the structure and lighting design and maintenance. The application of an indoor farming system is beneficial where land is limited, such as in urban areas, and the long-term goal is eliminating the effects of climate change.

 

AAI795 - Topics in Advanced Lighting Technology in Urban Agriculture

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Teng Yang, Ph.D.

Advanced Lighting Technology in Urban Agriculture is a lecture-based course focused on the artificial lighting applications in the field of urban agriculture. Drawing from various lighting technologies, including fluorescent, incandescent, high-intensity discharge lamps, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), this course delves into the principles, techniques, and advancements in utilizing artificial lighting systems to optimize plant growth, development, and productivity in urban farming settings. This course will emphasize the practical application and benefits of these lighting technologies, highlighting their energy efficiency, longevity, spectral control, and environmental sustainability.

 

AAI795 - Topics in Small Aquaponics Basics

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Teng Yang, Ph.D.

Small Aquaponics Basics is a lecture-based course focused on the integrated production of aquatic organisms, most commonly fish or shrimp, with plants, commonly herbs or vegetables. Application of this integrated food production system is increasing around the world.

 

AAI795 - Topics in Aquaponic System Design Essentials

1 Credit Hour

Faculty Member/Instructor: Teng Yang, Ph.D.

Aquaponic System Design Essentials is a lecture-based course focused on the art of aquaponic system design. With a sole emphasis on design principles, this course provides a streamlined exploration of the intricacies involved in creating efficient aquaponic systems. From selecting the appropriate components to optimizing the layout and flow dynamics, we'll cover the key considerations necessary for successful system design.

 

AAI 795 - Sustainable Production of Specialty Crops 

2 Credit Hours

Faculty Member/Instructor: Tricia Jenkins, Ph.D.

This course explores the wide-ranging knowledge and skills needed to operate a small-scale farm, focusing on vegetable production. Students will learn the fundamentals of plant propagation, production planning, soil health, annual and perennial crop production, microclimate modification, food safety, farm equipment and essential farm business management.