AGRICULTURE
Animal Science
Crop Science
Food, it’s an absolute necessity in our lives and luckily for us, it comes in both wide varieties and convenient ways. While people of the past often had to worry about famines and food shortages, this concern has dwindled over time as our technology and knowledge in agriculture continues to advance. Today, you can pick oranges at the market from Pakistan or seedless grapes from California. You can try breads baked in the style of Europe or vegan ice cream without a trace of lactose. And of course, you can indulge in a multitude of local produce. The field of agriculture is one of the oldest professions humanity has cultivated and yet, it is also as ever-changing as we are. The College of Agriculture at Foundation University has a whole host of pioneering projects to share with its students and the community in addition to its innovative curriculum for the academic school year. The College of Agriculture is split into two respective specialty factions: crop science and animal science. Students receive basic knowledge of both fields to discover which one best suits them.
Animal science demands a greater amount of hands on effort and to a more intensive degree. Students learn how to administer vaccinations, feed animals properly, raise livestock or poultry from juvenile to adult, and much more. Students studying crop science, on the other hand, work with fertilizer implementation, experiment with a wide variety of plant life, integrate pest management effectively, and study the variables of weather on a harvest. Fermenting certain crops has been another process that students have experimented with. One neat opportunity lies in the Oyster Mushroom Laboratory, a place where students can grow oyster mushrooms for sale . One student even managed to pay for his entire tuition at FU by learning how to grow them properly and efficiently at home.
In addition to its two programs, the College of Agriculture has several internship and research opportunities to prepare students for farm management. Becoming a farmer is both a noble and fulfilling profession that offers an enriching life by working hand in hand with nature.
Animal Science
Required Courses
Microbiology
Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals
Forage, Pasture, & Landscape Management
Agricultural Economics
Animal Health & Sanitation
Ruminant Production Systems & Management
Swine & Poultry Systems & Management
Production Systems Analysis & Simulation
Crop Science
Required Courses
Microbiology
Field Crop Physiology
Forage, Pasture, & Landscape Management
Agricultural Economics
Fruits & Plantation Crops
Vegetable Production Systems & Management
Cereal & Legumes Production Systems & Management
Production Systems Analysis & Simulation
Agriculture Courses
Introduction to Agriculture
An overview of Philippine agriculture its role in national development.
Principles of Soil Science
Soil formation and development, soil taxonomy, and its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Principles of Crop Protection
Basics of entomology, phytopathology, and weed science; insect, pathogen, and weed identification.
Principles of Crop Production
Anatomy and morphology of plants, physiological processes, crop improvement and propagation, and factors affecting development.
Introduction to Animal Science
Basic principles of physiology, nutrition, and breeding with regards to production, processing, and marketing of animal products.
Approaches & Practices in Pest Management
The philosophies, strategies, and methods in pest and disease management.
Soil Fertility, Conservation, & Management
Soil fertility management including its evaluation and conservation methods; mathematical models and computer simulation to assess risks.
Introduction to Livestock & Poultry Production
Management of farm animals for efficient production of milk, meat, eggs, and other animal products.
Principles of Genetics
Mechanisms of heredity and variation, cytogenetics, mutation, nature of genes, population genetics, evolutionary genetics, and biometrical procedures.
Practices in Crop Production
Application of physiological and production ecology concepts into management of plant growth and development.
Introduction to Organic Agriculture
The philosophy, practices, and challenges faced by organic agriculture locally and globally.
Principles of Agricultural Extension & Communication
Principles and methods of extension teaching and communication in agriculture.
Natural Resource & Environmental Management
How resources are managed in order to feed a growing population; concepts and methodologies for sustainability of natural resources.
Principles of Agricultural Entrepreneurship & Marketing
Basic principles underlying farm management and their application to agricultural business, offices, and programs.
Slaughter of Animals & Animal Products Processing
Inspection of live animals; observation and performance of slaughter; proper flaying; poultry dressing; and carcass evaluation.
Methods of Agricultural Research
Qualitative and quantitative methods in conducting agricultural research; experimental design and layout based on specific objectives.
Basic Farm Machineries
& Mechanization
Basic farm machineries and mechanization used in Philippine agriculture.
Introduction to Agricultural Commodity & Enterprise Development
Systems approach to undertaking business in agriculture; sources that affect input, production activities; distribution of output to markets.
Microbiology & Food Safety
The study of microorganisms that commonly affect food safety and the laboratory techniques used to identify, measure, and control them.
General Physiology
& Toxicology
Chemical and physical properties of pesticides, their behavior and biological impact, and comparative physiological mechanisms on pests.
Basic Biotechnology
Various techniques in biotechnology; various issues affecting biotechnology and their products.
Introduction to Policy
& Development
Description and analysis of policies and programs that affect agricultural development with emphasis on the Philippines.
Introduction to Water Management & Irrigation
The history of water management as related to agriculture and how agriculture has put a strain on water resources.
Beneficial Arthropods & Microorganisms
The biology and ecology of beneficial arthropods and microorganisms; agriculture's effects on their populations.
Forage, Pasture, & Landscape Management
The production on forage and pasture for livestock and poultry; propagation and management of several forage species.
Post-Harvest Handling & Seed Technology
Principles and practices involved in handling and storing various agricultural crops; classification of commodities and correct handling.
Agricultural Economics
Basic principles underlying farm management and their application on agricultural business, offices, and programs.
Anatomy & Physiology of Farm Animals
The anatomy of various farm animals and different physiological processes that affect animal production.
Ruminant Production Systems & Management
The study of common large and small ruminant breeds used in agriculture with emphasis on the Philippines.
Swine & Poultry Production Systems & Management
Studies of the common swine and poultry breeds used in agriculture with emphasis on the Philippines.
Animal Health & Sanitation
The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of farm animal diseases.
Field Crop Physiology
Discussion on how photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and translocation processes can affect plant growth and development.
Fruits & Plantation Crops
Various production systems of fruits and plantation crops; analysis of socio-economic and environmental impact of these systems.
Vegetable Production Systems & Management
Various production systems of vegetable crops; analysis of socio-economic and environmental impact of these systems.
Cereal Legume Production Systems & Management
Various production systems of cereals and legume crops; analysis of socio-economic and environmental impact of these systems.
Production System Analysis & Simulation
Students create various scenarios and analyze their economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and nutrition contribution.
Seminar A
Students observe, question, critique, research, and present recent advances or issues related to agriculture.
Seminar B
Students observe, question, critique, research, and present recent advances or issues related to agriculture.
On the Job Training
Students work for a company that helps them gain skills and experience to use agricultural knowledge in a professional manner.
Thesis I (Outline)
Students come up with a research proposal that is presented to faculty for approval before proceeding to experimentation.
Thesis II (Experimentation)
Students perform experiments for their research proposal, learning how to set-up, maintain, gather and analyze data, and make adjustments.
Thesis III (Manuscript
& Defense)
Students prepare their thesis dissertation and defend their findings in an organized and logical manner before a panel.
Internship & Research Opportunities
Potato Research Institute
Black Soldier Fly Project
Oyster Mushroom Laboratory
FAQ
What soft skills are beneficial for a student studying agriculture?
-Adaptability is one of the key soft skills agriculture students need to sow the seeds of prosperity and success. There are countless variables to take into account with both animal and crop science, which means being able to think quickly and act on the fly. With adaptability comes the ability to swiftly observe slight changes that could snowball into something larger. Time management is also crucial for students to master because they follow several biological clocks in addition to society's.
What are the core values for the College of Agriculture at FU?
-The College of Agriculture emphasizes a deep commitment to the environment. By nurturing a respectful integrity and disciplined attitude for plants and animals, students foster a harmonious relationship with maintaining the resources that take care of us. Every action worth doing demands excellence and we make sure our students always bear this in mind, especially because their actions' consequences ripple into the environment and our community.
Do farmers care about the environment?
-More than ever! With the advancement of technology, the field of agriculture has developed a mind for going as green as possible, meaning less and less pollution while cultivating healthy, natural methods of raising our crops and livestock. We want the best for the world around us, which in turn makes us feel at our best. Who doesn't like a healthy, bountiful meal?
How is technology used in modern farming operations?
-Technology has allowed for greater efficiency and understanding in the field of agriculture. We can converse with countries all over the world to learn new, greener approaches and implement them effectively. We can also use an array of devices to monitor growth over time, identify harmful factors, and maximize the best conditions for our crops and livestock.
How do agriculture students care for crops and/or animals?
-At FU, our students learn a great deal of theory and then receive a lot of hands on experience to put their knowledge to the test. From vaccinating cows to growing oyster mushrooms to raising black soldier flies for composting purposes, there are so many fascinating topics to cover! We make sure students master tending to plants and animal with a gentle yet affirmative hand. They can count on our curriculum to grant them the confidence they need to build a healthy relationship with the environment.