Summer School seats are available in two very popular online GEP courses that always have waitlists in the Spring/Fall. Both courses will be offered over the 10 week Summer Session and can be found in the schedule for Summer I.
CS 224: Seeds, Biotechnology and Societies (3 cr – Global Knowledge, Interdisciplinary Perspectives, and Natural Sciences) An exploration of seeds, how seeds are the delivery system for crop biotechnology and how a specific culture’s perception of science and agriculture influence the acceptance or rejections of modern genetic technologies. Topics include seed germination, survival and preservation; seed industry influence on societies and how societies are influencing the seed industry; seed production – commercially and at home; how our diverse genetic resources are preserved; how biotechnology is applied to agriculture and delivered through seeds; the impact biotech is having on the seed industry and subsequently on us and global agriculture; concerns and potential benefits of biotechnology application to crops.CS 230: Introduction to Agroecology (3 cr – Global Knowledge and Interdisciplinary Perspectives) This course examines the biological and physical attributes of farming systems and their associated ecological and social impacts in temperate and tropical regions. It addresses the ecological consequences of indigenous food and fiber production systems, conventional agricultural systems and “alternative” systems that incorporate biological pest control and natural nutrient inputs. Students examine several case studies that integrate their understanding of concepts.
Questions about either course can be directed to the Crop and Soil Sciences Undergraduate Office at cropsoil-undergraduate-office@ncsu.edu