Course Description:

Possibly the most important ingredient in successful crop production is the seed. This course will explore the physiological aspects of seed as it relates to storage, germination, dormancy and vigor as well as procedures and equipment utilized in modern seed production. Related subjects such as seed laws, ownership, biotechnology and the seed certification system will also be discussed. Field trips and laboratory exercises will provide hands-on experience to develop a working knowledge of seed technology and production.

Schedule:

The class meeting schedule is listed below and consists of three one-hour lectures and two two-hour laboratory sessions per week. Lecture and laboratory time periods will often be combined to allow for discussion continuity of specific topics and adequate time for field trips. Additional time may be required to complete some of the laboratory exercises. There is no required text for this course and the principal reference that we will use "Principles of Seed Science and Technology", 4th Edition, Larry O. Copeland and Miller B. McDonald. Chapman & Hall, New York, 1995 will be on reserve in the Library. The 2nd and 3rd editions will also be on reserve.

Class Meeting Schedule:

Where: Walster 221

Day:	Time:
Monday	1:00-3:50 p.m. (Lecture & Laboratory periods)
Wednesday	1:00-3:50 p.m. (Lecture & Laboratory periods)
Friday	1:00-1:50 p.m. (Lecture only)

Lecture Schedule: (Tentative)

Laboratory Schedule: (Tentative)

Grades and Expectations:

Assignments:

Laboratory: Individual or collaborative write-ups will be turned in for all laboratory assignments during the following laboratory period. Satisfactory scores must be obtained on all write-ups. Each write-up not submitted will drop the final numerical score by 5 points.

Research and Seminar: Each student will select a research topic before the first exam. The research will include a review of scientific literature on the selected topic, a written report consisting of approximately 2,000 words, and a presentation to the class in the form of a 15 minute seminar with 5 minutes for questions. The preferred presentation method for the seminar will be to utilize the latest computer technology. Further details will be presented in class.

Field Trips: No write up of field trips will be required although knowledge of information presented may be evaluated on tests and quizzes.

Field trips to seed conditioning facilities often encounter conditions where there is exposure to agricultural dust. If you have allergies or any condition that would be sensitive to such conditions please let the instructor know before departing. Alternate assignments can be made available. If you develop allergy conditions or breathing difficulty during a filed trip notify your instructor immediately and move to fresh clean air conditions.

Exams and Grades:

Examinations will consist of a one-hour written examination at midterm and a comprehensive final exam. The final exam will be weighted approximately 3/4 toward material covered after the midterm exam.

Short quizzes will occur most Fridays.

Research & Presentation: See description above

Grades:

The assignment of grades will be based on the following breakdown:

	% of grade
Midterm Examination	30%
Final Examination	40%
Quizzes	20%
Research & Presentation	10%
Total	100%

Numerical score	Final grade
90-100	A
80-89	B
70-79	C
60-69	D
0-59	F

All students will be expected to adhere to the honor system and pledge to neither give nor receive aid on all tests.