COURSE SYLLABUS FORMAT
Southeast Missouri State University
Department of Agriculture
Title of Course: Agribusiness Data Analysis
I.
Course No. AG208
New Fall 2010
Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course:
Essentials of agricultural computation and modeling, coupled with analysis of field plot data and
development of agriculture research communications. (3)
II. Prerequisite(s): MA134 (College Algebra), either AO120 (Plant Science) or AY101 (Animal Science)
III. Purposes or Objectives of the Course:
A. Employ basic statistical methods to evaluate livestock and agronomic/horticulture data sets.
B. Use database methods to create informational materials appropriate for horticultural and
agribusiness enterprises.
IV.
Expectations of Students:
A. Participate in all class/individual projects
B. Perform all out of class assignments, including readings.
C. Successfully complete examinations and final examination.
V. Course Content or Outline
A. Assessing agricultural research using statistical tools
(4 weeks)
Note: Assess and evaluate research derived from the David M. Barton Agricultural Research
Center, the Charles L. Hutson Horticulture Greenhouse, the Horticulture Research Station and
the Missouri Rice Research Farm.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Experimental methodology in agronomy, horticulture and animal science
Review basics of statistical methods.
Experimental plot designs
Overview of existing research in the department
Spreadsheet overview
B. The research manuscript
1. Abstract
2. Introduction and objectives
3. Materials and Methods
4. Results and Discussion
5. Literature cited
(3 Weeks)
C. Database Basics
1. Introduction to databases, relational databases.
(2 Weeks)
D. Web Page Development with emphasis on Ag. Research materials
(3 Weeks)
Using the existing online sites established for the David M. Barton Agricultural Research
Center, the Charles L. Hutson Horticulture Greenhouse, the Horticulture Research Station and
the Missouri Rice Research Farm, update the research presentations and install new information.
Emphasis placed on image creation and agricultural communications.
1. Website development
2. Poster development
E.
Agribusiness Communication (newsletters, brochures and image creation)
(3 Weeks)
1. Agribusiness communication formats in the digital world
2. Professional style in communication and the communication processes
3. Develop, in cooperation with the department’s faculty, the design and layout of
agribusiness news letters and brochures.
VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment:
Boone, K., Meisenbach, T., and Tucker, M. 2009. Agricultural Communications: Changes and
Challenges. Wiley-Blackwell, NY. ISBN-10:0813821673.
VII. Basis for Student Evaluation:
A.
Two Examinations
B.
Final
C.
Ten Assignments/Projects
100 pts. each
100 pts. each
30 pts. each
Total
200 pts
100 pts
300 pts
600 pts
Course grade will be a percentage of total point (600 points). The percentage breakdown will be: A (10090), B (89-80), C (79-70), D (69-60), F (less than 60). A letter grade of “I” will only be given because of a
substantial family emergency, medical issues, or military obligations. The letter grade of “X” implies
sufficient non-attendance that a letter grade of F is warranted and will be recorded as required by university
policies governing attendance.
Expectations and Polices
Attendance:
While attendance per se can not be required of students, there are consequences associated with absences
and policies governing excused- and non-excused absences. The official statement about attendance,
derived from the Undergraduate Bulletin, may be accessed at:
http://www.semo.edu/bulletin/pdf/2006Bulletin.pdf.
Students are expected to be present at examination times. If a student is absent for an examination then a
Medical Doctor’s excuse is expected. If a student knows that they have an appropriate personnel issue prior
to the examination, then a private discussion with the instructor may result in an alternative examination
schedule. All assignments will have a substantial lead time and therefore the expectation is that all
assignments will be submitted at the assigned times.
Academic Honesty:
The Undergraduate Bulletin defines academic dishonesty as “...those acts which would deceive, cheat, or
defraud so as to promote one’s scholastic record...”, and states that “[v]iolations of academic honesty
represent a serious breech of discipline and may be considered grounds for disciplinary action, including
dismissal from the university”.
The official statement about academic honesty, including plagiarism, may be accessed at:
http://www.semo.edu/bulletin/pdf/2006bulletin.pdf.
Additional information may be accessed at: http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/
In this course, many of the assignments require students to perform work outside of the regularly assigned
class schedule; therefore, in this course it is permitted that students may gather collectively to discuss and
organize their study approaches and scholastic efforts. The writing of papers, projects, manuscripts,
laboratory reports and allied materials must, however, be the independent work of each student.
Civility and Harassment:
A successful educational experience requires the all students and instructors possess a shared sense of
respect for all participants.
Judicial Affairs is responsible for addressing such matters and that information is available at:
http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/
Disabilities:
Diversity in all its forms merit the respect of the faculty, and this applies equally to students with
disabilities. While it is the responsibility of the student to inform the faculty of any physical or learning
disabilities, the faculty should inform the students that there are policies and services available to them.
Students may obtain official information about disabilities from Learning Assistance and Disability
Support Services, located at: http://www.semo.edu/cs/services/lec.htm.
Best Management Practices:
Writing assignment formats will be provided as a separate informational item.
All of the assignments require student writing. It is the instructors desire to return all materials in a timely
fashion; however, instructor grading will require an investment of time and a period of one to two weeks
may be appropriate in some instances.