Teaching
Our teaching program includes both undergraduate and graduate-level courses that span the Texas A&M University Physical and Life Sciences Core Curriculum and advanced, research-driven topics in plant and root biology. We are also actively involved in the university’s honors education, promoting excellence and integrity in student development.
HORT 201 – Horticulture Science and Practice
Structure, growth and development of horticultural plants from a practical and scientific approach; environmental effects, basic principles of propagation, greenhouse and outdoor production, nutrition, pruning and chemical control of growth, pest control and branches of horticulture
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Identify plant structure (internal and external) and their architectural features.
- Analyze key plant functions, including photosynthesis, respiration, and hormonal regulation.
- Examine how plants perceive and respond to environmental cues.
- Apply knowledge to manage plant growth through techniques such as pruning, hormone application, nutrient management, and environmental modifications (e.g., soil and water).
HORT 202 – Horticulture Science and Practice Laboratory
Methods and practices related to production of horticultural crops; practical exercises in greenhouse and field.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Basic Botany
- Define scientific terminology used to describe plant anatomy and morphology
- Plant Physiology, Growth, and Development
- Explain the physiological processes in plants and their practical applications.
- Apply chemical growth regulators to demonstrate the interaction of plant biochemistry, plant form and shape, and their economic impact on horticultural crops.
- Identify essential plant nutrients and their appropriate use as fertilizers.
- Conduct experiments with varying fertilizer application levels to demonstrate physiological responses and discuss environmental impacts.
- Soil Science
- Describe the physical and chemical properties of soils and their impact on plant growth.
- Apply soil conservation techniques and integrate sustainable materials for horticultural production.
- Compose and evaluate artificial soil mixtures for horticultural use.
- Entomology
- Identify and classify common horticultural pests affecting crops.
- Horticulture Principles
- Explain the principles underlying sexual and asexual plant propagation techniques.
- Demonstrate the use of various methods and techniques for plant propagation.
- Evaluate the health and care requirements for landscape plant materials.
HORT 618 Root Biology
Basic concepts and current topics in root-soil ecology; managed and natural ecosystems including grasslands, cropping systems and forests; role of roots in the rhizosphere, the effects of soil, nutrient and water stress, C and N cycling and carbon sequestration; participate in discussions and critique recent literature.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Recognize key anatomical and morphological features of plant roots.
- Describe main physiological and biochemical responses in the root system.
- Classify and recognize root-derived products; describe root responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.
- Explain key root-rhizosphere interactions, from beneficial microorganisms to detrimental nematodes.
- Recommend modern research techniques for studies on plant roots.
HORT 619 Plant-Associated Microorganisms
Basic concepts and current topics in plant-microbe interactions including the diversity of plant-associated microorganisms; the plant as a microbial environment; endophytes; microbial roles in plant nutrition and fitness; uses of microorganisms for improved plant health and sustainable agriculture; microbial roles in food safety and future challenges; discussion of current literature.
HONR 101 Honors Aggie Core Values seminars
Seminar on Respect, Excellence, and Leadership; focus on common readings and discussion of issues of
broad concern to society. All first-year seminar sections will include at least one shared reading for each Core Value. Additional readings will be chosen by individual instructors. These shared readings provide a common foundation for discussing Core Values across all sections and help Honors Academy students connect through shared academic experiences and conversations.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Students will critically reflect on the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, and Leadership.
- Students will identify and apply the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, and Leadership in ways that they find most important in pursuing their personal, professional, and intellectual goals.
- Students will develop the ability to engage in courageous conversations about Respect, Excellence, and Leadership
HONR 102 Honors Aggie Core Values seminars
Seminar on Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless-Service; focus on common readings and discussion of issues of
broad concern to society. All first-year seminar sections will include at least one shared reading for each Core Value, along with additional readings selected by the instructor. These shared readings provide a common framework for students across sections to engage in meaningful discussions and connect over shared academic experiences.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Students will critically reflect on the Aggie Core Values of Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless-Service.
- Students will identify and apply the Aggie Core Values of Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless-Service in ways that they find most important in pursuing their personal, professional, and intellectual goals.
- Students will develop the ability to engage in courageous conversations about Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless-Service
