GAGC645Accounting and Management of Agricultural Businesses
3 credits | Pre-requisite: CSC205 or CSC204
This course describes the business and economics of the agriculture and food industries including the agricultural producer, consumer and food systems. It examines the management principles encountered in the daytoday operation of an agricultural enterprise and their influence on the decision-making process. Topics also covered include preparation of feasibility studies, balance sheets, tracking systems, consumption and marketing of agricultural products, policies designed to achieve efficiency and welfare goals in agriculture.
GAGC560AAdvanced Specialized Internship
1 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG360B
This advanced internship is an individualized program whereby students acquire handson training experience and knowhow in specific agricultural and food sectors. It provides students with knowledge of career opportunities and helps them to gain advanced experience and understanding of agriculture’s role in today’s society. This internship also provides opportunities to apply skills, concepts and theories in a practical context.
GAG411Agricultural Entomology
2 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG242
This course focuses on the study of the biology of insects. It deals with morphology, physiology, phylogeny, behavior, ecology, and population dynamics of insects. The course also highlights the importance of insects as agricultural pests and their chemical, integrated, biological and cultural methods of control. Complementary laboratory sessions given in addition to lectures include an examination of the different orders, families of insects as well as a preparation of an insect collection. It provides students with insect dissection skills and examination of the digestive, reproductive, nervous and circulatory systems.
GAG472Agricultural Entomology Laboratory
1 credits
These laboratory sessions, which accompany GAG 411, include an examination of the different orders, families of insects as well as preparation of an insect collection. It provides students with insect dissection skills and examination of the digestive, reproductive, nervous and circulatory systems.
GAG324Agrometeorology and GIS
3 credits
This course explores the theoretical and practical aspects of agricultural meteorology and geographic information systems (GIS). It provides basic knowledge in agrometeorology related to the agricultural operational applications. It also exploits the climatic data in various agricultural activities in terms of designing and mapping products based on spatial analysis tools, particularly the GIS.
GAG372Anatomy and Animal Physiology Laboratory
1 credits
These laboratory sessions, which accompany GAG 325, provide handson practical experience in identification, characterization and counts of blood and sperm cells. This laboratory also examines the structure of the skeleton, glands, female and male reproductive organs.
GAG446Animal Nutrition
2 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG325
This course focuses on the different digestive systems and nutritional requirements for bovine, cattle, and poultry. It also deals with optimal formulations of feed supplies for lactation, growth, work, and maintenance and egg production, regarding breeds and farming systems. The course also examines the classification and function of nutrients and deficiency symptoms. Complementary laboratory sessions included in addition to lectures provide handson practical experience and dissection of different digestive systems. This laboratory also deals with the main techniques utilized in physical and chemical characterizations of nutrient compounds (protein, fat, energy) as well as feed rations calculations.
GAG474Animal Nutrition Laboratory
1 credits
These laboratory sessions, which accompany GAG 446, provide handson practical experience and dissection of different digestive systems. This laboratory also deals with the main techniques utilized in physical and chemical characterizations of nutrient compounds (protein, fat, energy) as well as feed rations calculations.
GAG325Animal Physiology and Anatomy
2 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG242
This course describes the functioning of living organisms and their adaptation mechanisms. It covers the digestive system, its motricity and secretion, the digestion and absorption particularly in monogastric and polygastric mammals, the excretory system and the maintenance of osmolarity and composition of water and ions. The course also focuses on different phases of reproduction, with a particular emphasis on mammalian spermatogenesis and oogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, lactation, puberty and menopause.
GAG443Arboriculture
3 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG344
This course describes the principles and practices of fruit trees. It deals with tree selection and planting to fit climatic, space and edaphic conditions as well as diagnosing abnormalities. The course also covers modern commercial fruit science, mineral nutrition, flower and fruit development, pollination, dormancy and winter injury, cultural responses and pest management practices.
GAG647Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management
2 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG305 or GAG303
This course covers the biological diversity of living organisms, the reasons behind the loss of biodiversity, the ecological importance of human disturbance and the methods applied in the field of conservation biology. It presents different levels of variability (inter and intraspecific diversity) in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This course also emphasizes the need for sustainable management of natural resources in terms of ecosystem goods and services. Lebanese biodiversity is examined in detail along with possible applicable management practices.
GAG310Botany and Systematics
2 credits | Pre-requisite: BIO228
This course introduces students to the basic structural, reproductive and evolutionary patterns seen in the plant kingdom. It focuses on plant systematics with emphasis on the phylogenetic, evolutionary history, diversity and structure of plants. Topics covered include a survey of botanical life forms, taxonomy, structure, development and function. The course also highlights the classification and identification of plants by the use of dichotomous keys.
GAG444Crop Production Systems
3 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG342
This course examines the development, implementation, management, production, marketing and enterprise operations across a range of agricultural plant industries. It emphasizes the sustainability of plant and animal production to meet human needs. This course is also oriented towards the production of quality forage for herds in farms.
GAG344Fertilization
2 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG340 or
This course presents the principles of nutrient management as related to soil, growth media, plant requirements and fertilizer management systems. It discusses the use, manufacture, properties and fate of common organic and chemical fertilizers. The course also describes the methods of application and their effects on soil reactions.
GAG218Field Work I S1
1 credits
This course introduces students to the basics of fieldwork techniques such as greenhouses and preparation of agricultural land. It covers topics such as potting, transplanting, fertilization, pruning, grafting, and plant propagation. It also includes technical farm visits.
GAG219Field Work I S2
1 credits
This course covers topics such as pruning, grafting, different insect pests and diseases, proper pesticide applications, fertilization, plant propagation nurseries, field crops and ornamental plants. It also includes technical applications in bovine and poultry farms.
GAG328Field Work II S1
1 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG218 or GAG219
This course aims to develop innovative principles and practices in the areas of crop and animal production and protection. It covers crop rotation, fruit trees, seedbed preparation, installing of irrigation systems and greenhouses, turf grass and farm management, proper pesticide applications, apiculture and organic farming systems.
GAG329Field Work II S2
1 credits | Pre-requisite: (GAG218 Or GAG219)
This course covers topics such as fertilization, insect pests and diseases, pruning and management of fruit and forest trees and vines. It also includes technical applications in seasonal plant nurseries, cut flower nurseries, mushroom cultivation and milk processing farms.
GAG428Field Work III S1
1 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG329 or GAG328
This course covers topics such as fertilization, insect pests and diseases, pruning and management of tomato, cucumber, potato, egg plants, pepper, banana, strawberry, and citrus production. It also includes technical applications in goat and swine farms.
GAG429Field Work III S2
1 credits | Pre-requisite: (GAG328 Or GAG329)
This course covers topics such as fertilization, insect pests and diseases, integrated pest management, pruning and crop management of cucumber, melon, tomato, strawberry, eggplants, and cut flowers. It also includes feasibility studies, experimental designs, calculation and installation of irrigation systems, and new technologies in tomato grafting.
GAG651Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
3 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG342
This course covers the principles and applications of genetic engineering and biotechnology in agricultural related fields. It describes the latest technologies applied to plant biotechnology, plant and mutation breeding, genetic resources, gene cloning and transfer.
GAG652Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory
1 credits
These laboratory sessions, which accompany GAG 651, provide handson practical experience in the tissue culture of plants. They also deal with the main techniques for the preparation of plant growth media and all necessary solutions and dilutions under sterile conditions.
GAG222Geology + Laboratory
2 credits
This course explores basic geological concepts, principles and processes that shape the planet and the environment. It covers topics such as the history of life on earth, the solar system, the earth’s structure, composition and evolution; and the nature of the processes that resulted in its formation and its present state.
GAG542Hygiene and Veterinary Health
3 credits
This course describes the best ways to control zoonoses that impact human and animal health. It covers the nature and sources of infections, and deals with methods of hygiene and medical prophylaxis. The course also describes common methods used to diagnose, treat and control of these diseases.
GAG260AInternship I
1 credits
This introductory internship is an individualized program whereby students are apprenticed to proper officials to gain practical experience in agricultural and/or food facilities. It provides opportunities to apply skills, concepts and theories in a practical context.
GAG202Introduction to Agricultural Sciences
1 credits
This course introduces students to a broad spectrum of topics exploring agriculture and illustrating applied principles of biological systems and how they relate to agriculture. Topics presented include plant science, animal science, biotechnology, soil science, food security, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture. It also describes the different Lebanese agricultural governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
GAG303Introduction to Ecology and Environment
3 credits
This course develops an understanding of the principles of ecology, the life supporting and resource generating structures and functions of the ecosystems. It explores the role of atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere in sustaining life. The course also analyses reasons and effects of current and future environmental problems as well as different aspects of sustainable development.
GAG343Irrigation
3 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG340
This course discusses principles and innovations in irrigation management. It provides a mastery of aspects determining the water balance of cultivated fields and the calculations of crop water requirements. Topics covered include soilwater relations, evapotranspiration, chemigation and technical aspects of pumps, pipes, drips, sprinklers and irrigation systems scheduling and feasibility.
GAG545Landscape and Plant Engineering
3 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG342
This course develops broad horticultural and floricultural foundations for landscape design. It focuses on seasonal and perennial plants, shrubs and trees as well as aspects of plant management. This course covers the production and maintenance of ornamental plants, creation of fences, windbreaks and other structures from a landscaping perspective. It also includes turf grass science and management, climatic adaptation and soil physics.
GAG370Pedology Laboratory
1 credits
These laboratory sessions, which accompany GAG 340, provide handson practical experience with the main techniques used in physical, chemical, and morphological characterizations of soils. This laboratory also explains the calculations performed utilizing the data collected from soil testing procedures.
GAG505Pesticides
2 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG411 and GAG413
This course presents the role and use of synthetic and natural pesticides and their effects on biological activities in the environment. It explores the main chemical groups of pesticides and their chemical, physical and biological properties as well as their role and use in contemporary society, agriculture, urban pest control and public health. This course also covers the use of pesticides as a part of an integrated pest management program and their possible fate in the environment.
GAG413Phytopathology
3 credits | Pre-requisite: BIO228
This course is divided into two main parts. The first part consists of presenting plant pathology, bacteriology, virology and nematology as well as their importance and utility. It includes topics on disease origins and classifications, disease development, spread and epidemiology, the relationship between disease progress and yield reduction, classification, reproduction and dissemination of fungi, bacteria, mollicutes, viruses and nematodes. It also presents mechanisms of plant invasion by pathogens and those of plant resistance. The second part is subdivided into five themes. The first one is an introduction to pesticides and the four other themes look at fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and biopesticides. Active ingredients will be presented according to chemical family, mode of action and targeted plant pests.
GAG342Plant Physiology
2 credits | Pre-requisite: BIO228
This course provides the basic plant physiological principles and the interactions with their environment. It is designed to survey contemporary aspects of plant physiology with emphasis on recent research progress in related fields. Topics covered include water transport, mineral and organic nutrition, phytohormones, development and stress physiology.
GAG371Plant Physiology Laboratory
1 credits | Pre-requisite: BIO228
These laboratory sessions, which accompany GAG 342, contribute to the understanding of how plants function. It provides students with handson experience in basic physiological principles related to nutrient deficiencies, membrane permeability and composition, water/nutrient absorption and translocation, transpiration, photosynthesis and physiological functions of growth regulators.
GAG546Poultry Sciences
3 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG325
This course integrates the principles of aviculture and poultry production. It focuses on poultry physiology, anatomy and genetics, as well as the hatchery and the establishment and management of farms. Topics covered include broilers, breeders and layers production from economical, management, nutritional, health and biosecurity standpoints.
GAG340Soil Sciences
2 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG222
This course illustrates processes controlling the distribution and formation of soils. It also examines their chemical, physical, and biological properties covering chemical composition and morphological properties, interaction between solid, liquid, and gaseous components, and relationships between plant, soil, and water. It also focuses on soil properties in managing the quality and fertility of agricultural terrains.
GAG360ASpecialized Internship
1 credits
This specialized internship involves offcampus work providing training opportunities for the practicum experiences with specific handson training and knowhow in almost every discipline of agricultural and food sectors. It allows students to apply skills, concepts and theories in a practical context.
GAG646Statistical Analysis Methods
3 credits | Pre-requisite: MAT216
This course enhances students' knowledge in the field of applied statistics and methodological aspects. It presents the main techniques of statistical tests used (descriptive statistics and differential explanatory methods and data analysis). Topics covered include approaches for data manipulation, quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, linear models, time series, and spatial data analysis), analysis of Variance (ANOVA test), comparisons of samples, simple and multiple regression, the statistical methods (CRD, RBD, Latin squares), multivariate statistics (PCA, CA and discriminant analysis), and different statistical software (SPSS, Statistica, R).
GAG442Zootechny
3 credits | Pre-requisite: GAG242
The course identifies the scientific art of maintaining and improving animals under domestication including breeding, genetics, nutrition, and housing. It covers the production of animal meat, the general conditions of fattening, and livestock farming systems. The course also deals with animal genetics and various methods of reproduction.