Plant and Soil Science (PSSC)

See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.


PSSC 101  Introduction to Plant Science  3 Units  GE  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Plant structure, growth, reproduction, and responses to the environment. How humans modify plants and the environment to grow crops. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007765)  
General Education: Laboratory Activity (B3); Life Science (B2)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 160  West Coast Crop Production  1 Unit  
Typically Offered: Inquire at department  
A study of people, careers, crops, and systems related to crop industries in the area. An opportunity to meet with professionals and learn about the skills required for research, management, and services that support agricultural production. Meets the second half of the semester. 1 hour lecture.  (007779)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 198  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Department permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision.  (007787)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 250  Introduction to Soil Science  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
Soil biology, fertility, chemistry, physical properties, taxonomy and their applications to agricultural management and environmental enhancement. Relationships of soils to the world food supply and population. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007776)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 266  California Orchard Production and Management  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
An evaluation of various decisions made in the management of fruit and nut trees. Management topics include studies of climate zones, soil selection, financing, farm organization, irrigation systems, field layout, varietal selection, nutritional needs, harvesting, labor management, marketing, and budgeting. The student is required to prepare a budget and calendar of orchard operations. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (021078)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 274  Greenhouse Management  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
Greenhouse construction, environment, and management practices, including heating and cooling, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007818)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 298  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Inquire at department  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0 - 3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. See the class schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours seminar.  (020969)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 299  Special Problems  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study of a topic or problem and is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register with a supervising faculty member. A maximum of 6 units of special problems may be applied toward a bachelor's degree in agriculture. 9 hours supervision.  (020960)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
PSSC 305  Introduction to Wines  3 Units  
Prerequisite: At least 21 years of age.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
Grape-growing, and winemaking in California wine regions. Wine and food matching. Sensory evaluation. 1 hour discussion, 2 hours lecture.  (007781)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 309A  Directed Work in Field and Row Crops  2 Units  
Prerequisite: AGET 150 or faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Directed work and discussion on all aspects of field and row crop production practices applicable to northern California. 2 hours activity, 1 hour discussion.  (007773)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 309B  Directed Work in Vegetable Crops  2 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Directed work and discussion on all aspects of vegetable crop production practices applicable to northern California. 2 hours activity, 1 hour discussion.  (007788)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 330  Rangeland Resources and Management  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
A survey of North American rangeland resources and the principles of their use and management, including basic plant-animal-soil relationships and multiple uses. 3 hours lecture.  (007775)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 340  Economic Entomology  4 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
A survey of the structure and function of insects, leading to a fundamental understanding of applied insect ecology and taxonomy. Particular emphasis is placed on arthropod species of economic importance to humans. 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture.  (007797)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 343  Introduction to Weed Science  3 Units  
Prerequisite: AGRI 331.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
Identification, modes of spread, and population ecology of weeds and other invasive plant species. Biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control of weeds and invasive species. Methods of crop/vegetation management to control and reduce weed populations. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007801)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 345  Horticultural Therapy  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
An introductory course in horticultural production as therapy. Focus is on the therapeutic benefits available to people engaging in horticultural activities. Covers the special needs associated with elderly, veterans, children and adolescents, and people with disabilities. Overview of techniques and training requirements for therapists ion garden and greenhouse activates. Applicable to students in recreation, kinesiology, nursing, psychology and horticulture. This course fulfills a partial requirement for becoming a registered horticultural therapist. 3 hours lecture.  (021807)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 353  Plant Protection Materials, Methods, and Regulations  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111; PSSC 250.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
An examination of materials and application methods used for protecting the health of plants in a manner that is safe for the environment, applicator, and consumer. Comprises the laws and regulations, safety, application, properties, mode of action, toxicology, and environmental impacts of pesticides, fertilizers, and other rmaterials used in agriculture. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007806)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Sustainable Course  
PSSC 356  Soil Quality and Health  3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 250 or faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
Course examines the capacity of the soil to function within natural and managed ecosystems to sustain plant/animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and support human health and habitation. Soil quality factors include biological, physical, and chemical soil properties. 2 hours activity, 2 hours lecture.  (007808)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Sustainable Course  
PSSC 361  Production of Annual Crops  3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 101.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
This course covers the requirements and cultural practices needed for maximizing yields of annual field crops. Principles affecting growth development and management will be covered. For field experience, students are advised to enroll in PSSC 309A/PSSC 309B. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007810)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 363  Forage Crops  3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 101 or PSSC 330.  
Typically Offered: Inquire at department  
Grasses and legumes; their production and management for irrigated pastures, hay, silage, and seed. Plant characteristics and adaptation. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007812)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 365  Sustainable Vegetable Crop Production  3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 101.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
An experiential, field-oriented course covering origin, nutrition, environmental requirements, and management strategies for the sustainable production of vegetables. It provides students with the opportunity to appreciate the vast array of vegetables in the world and develop management skills for commercial production of vegetables in a sustainable manner. 3 hours lecture.  (021404)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 366  Fruit and Nut Production  3 Units  
Prerequisite: AGRI 331, PSSC 101.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
Managing and optimizing the fruit and nut production system. Selection of planting sites and varieties, tree training and pruning, pollination, thinning, irrigation, mineral nutrition, and pest management are included. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007820)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 369  Seed Production  3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 101.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
This is an overview of seed production principles and practices that involves discussion of suitable environmental and nutritional conditions, as well as specific applied methods for individual important crops to produce quality seeds for the market. The lectures provide a general overview through detailed presentations. Students will also be involved in student-led presentations and discussions on seed production practices of specific crops. Seed testing methods and identification skills will also be emphasized. 3 hours lecture.  (022195)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 389  Internship in Plant and Soil Science  1-6 Units  
Prerequisite: Junior standing, faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Internship with private industry, state, federal, international, or non-profit organization. Selected topic must be in a Plant and Soil Science Option area. 0 hours independent study.  (007824)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 390  Food Forever: Comparisons of Sustainable Food Production Systems  3 Units  GC, GE  
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
How ecological factors, technology, and human values interact to determine available choices of food and its production. Consequences of these choices in terms of community structures, resource allocations, and stability of agro-ecosystems. This course is not intended for majors, but open to them. 3 hours lecture.  (004874)  
General Education: Upper-Division Scientific Inq/Quant Reason (UDB); Agriculture, Food, and Environment Pathway; Global Studies Pathway  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Global Cultures; Sustainable Course  
PSSC 392  World Food and Fiber Systems  3 Units  GC, GE  
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
A study and analysis of various world agriculture systems that provide food and fiber. Environmental, technological, socio-economic, and political factors. 3 hours lecture.  (000068)  
General Education: Upper-Division Scientific Inq/Quant Reason (UDB); Agriculture, Food, and Environment Pathway; Global Studies Pathway  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Global Cultures; Sustainable Course  
PSSC 398  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Inquire at department  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0 - 3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. See the class schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours seminar.  (007827)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 399  Special Problems  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study of a topic or problem and is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register with a supervising faculty member. Study/research in plant science and soil science under direct supervision of a faculty member. A maximum of 6 units may be applied toward a bachelor's degree in agriculture. 0 hours independent study.  (007828)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 441  Principles of Integrated Pest Management  3 Units  
Prerequisite: AGRI 331; BIOL 446, PSSC 340, or PSSC 343.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
An introduction to the principles and mechanisms of integrated management of insect pests, plant pathogens, and weeds, dealing with such areas as the agro-ecosystem, population dynamics, and specific approaches to pest management. 3 hours lecture.  (007834)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Sustainable Course  
PSSC 451  Soil Genesis and Classification  3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 250 or faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
An examination of the factors of soil formation, criteria and systems of soil classification. The laboratory consists of five all-day field trips. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007837)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 453  Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition  3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 250 or faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
Properties of soils, fertilizers, and plant materials. Soil amendments and soil reaction effects on plants. Fertilizer usage. 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.  (007840)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 459  Crop Physiology  4 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 101, PSSC 250 (or equivalents).  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
This course is designed to examine the yield potential of field crops in various environments. Students learn about the importance of crop physiology in crop production and breeding. Topics include canopy architecture and radiation interception, photosynthesis and respiration, carbon and nitrogen allocation, plant-water relationships, and plant response to restricted environments. The course provides practical experience using instrumentation to measure physiological processes in laboratory and field. Special emphasis includes design of field and greenhouse experiments. 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture.  (021698)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 489  Internship: Plant/Soil Science  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: PSSC 389, senior/graduate standing, faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Internship with private industry, state, federal, international, or non-profit organization. Selected topic must be in a PSSC option area. 9 hours supervision.  (007861)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 498  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours seminar.  (007864)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 499  Special Problems  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 0 hours independent study.  (007865)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
PSSC 499H  Honors Research in Plant and Soil Science  6 Units  
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
An intensive 6-unit, one-year course in agricultural research. See College office for details. Open only to students with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major. The course consists of a faculty-supervised research project, a thesis, and a public presentation. 18 hours independent study.  (020213)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division