Kansas State University Alternative Energy Class Offerings
Agricultural Economics
AGEC 730 - Applied Agribusiness Logistics
A study of agribusiness logistics and the fundamental concepts underpinning logistical decisions
and their impact on a firm’s sustainability. Topics include supply chain management,
transportation and storage, contracting and out sourcing, strategic logistic planning, network
analysis, and B2B e-commerce in food and agriculture. Focus will be on agribusiness logistics
issues in grain and grain-based food supply chains and in the livestock and meat supply chains,
including global logistics.
AGEC 812 - Advanced Farm Economics
A study of managerial techniques and processes applied to farm firms involved in production and
marketing of agricultural products. This study includes managerial planning, evaluation, and
control of farm businesses.
Agronomy
AGRON 550 - Forage Management and Utilization
Production and utilization of forage crops. Development of forage programs for livestock
production, including pasture and stored forages.
AGRON 600 - Crop Problems
Studies may be chosen in: genetics, crop improvement, forages, ecology, weed control, plant
physiology, or crop production.
AGRON 610 - Biotechnology
The use of biotechnology and molecular genetic approaches in plant and animal sciences.
Emphasis is on the use of molecular techniques for plant and animal improvement.
AGRON 625 - Applications of Nutrient Management
Principles for developing plant nutrient management programs in the Great Plains. Topics include
assessing crop nutrient needs, making fertilizer recommendations, applying application
technology and products to enhance nutrient use efficiency, using sensing technology to assess
in-season nutrient needs, quality control functions, and the use of waste products as nutrient
sources.
AGRON 630 - Crop Improvement and Biotechnology
Techniques in basic plant breeding and biotechnology used to genetically improve crops and
procedures to increase, distribute, and maintain breeding stocks and varieties.
AGRON 635 - Soil Conservation and Management
Principles, mechanics, and prediction of water and wind erosion. Influence of soil erosion on soil
productivity and environmental quality. Conservation management technologies for erosion
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control and sustaining soil productivity. Legislation and land -use planning for soil conservation.
Course requires microcomputer skills.
AGRON 640 - Cropping Systems
Principles for developing and managing cropping systems in the Great Plains for the efficient use
of natural resources, primarily water. Emphasis on dryland cropping systems, management of
crop rotations, and the plant/soil/environment interaction. Includes t he efficient use of natural
resources via an understanding of yield limiting factors, impact of crop rotations and cultural
practices, climate, plant growth, and development.
AGRON 655 - Site Specific Agriculture
Introduction to spatial analysis and management of agricultural and environmental resources
using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Emphasis on collecting, displaying, and
analyzing spatial or georeferenced soil, crop, or other land surface data.
AGRON 746 - Physical Properties of Soils
The properties of soils as affected by their physical environment, including water content, water
potential, temperature, aeration, flocculation-dispersion, and soil compaction.
AGRON 770 - Plant Genetics
Concepts and application of basic genetic principles in higher plants. Probability, linkage,
chromosome aberrations, aneuploidy analysis, gene transfer in wide crosses, tissue culture and
crop improvement, and genetics of disease resistance.
AGRON 840 - Crop Physiology
Principles of nitrogen metabolism, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, growth substances, and
hardiness applied to crop production.
AGRON 910 - Topics in Plant Breeding
Discussion and lectures on important papers and contributions in this field.
AGRON 930 - Topics in Plant Genetics
Discussion and lectures on important papers and contributions in this field.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
BAE 350/351 - Agricultural Machinery Systems
Basic power and energy concepts. Machinery systems for tillage, planting, and harvesting crops. Impact of
these systems on the environment and natural resources.
BAE 560 - Natural Resource Engineering 1
Principles and measures for controlling storm water runoff and soil erosion including hydrology and surface
water flow; design of water handling structures for land drainage, flood protection, and irrigation.
BAE 640 - Instrumentation and Control for Biological Systems
Fundamentals of instrumentation and control engineering applied in biological and agricultural systems and
processes.
BAE 660 - Natural Resource Engineering II
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Design and operative problems on the fundamentals of irrigation/water application system design and
management. Field water balances; sources of water and water quality; pipeline, pump, and system
hydraulic design; design of irrigation/water application systems; filtration systems and water treatment.
ATM 450 - Sensors and Controls for Agricultural and Biological Systems
Applications of instrumentation and sensors used in agricultural machines and processes for measurement of
voltage, force, torque, pressure, displacement, velocity, acceleration, flow, temperature, humidity, etc.
ATM 455 - Engines and Power Transfer
Principles, operation, and analysis of engine thermodynamics, fuel and combustion, engine components,
engine cycles, engine power transfer and efficiencies, and exhaust gas emissions. Mechanism and selection
of bearings, belt drives, chain drives, gear drives, and shaft drives. Operation and performance analysis of
hydraulic power transfer components and systems, fluid mechanics, and hydraulic motors.
ATM 545 - Processing and Storage of Grains
Principles of grain and forage conditioning and storage. Structures and equipment for quality preservation.
ATM 653/654 - Water Management and Irrigation Systems
Management of water in crop production systems, crop water use, and irrigation scheduling. Fundamentals
of water flow in pipe networks, pumping plants, and irrigation systems.
ATM 661 - Watershed Management
Principles of watershed sources, fate, and transport of pollutants, with focus on issues of the prairie
agroecosystem. Impacts of watershed protection and restoration strategies on water and environmental
quality.
Biochemistry
BIOCH 590 - Physical Studies of Biomacromolecules
An overview of concepts and techniques of physical science used in studying the structure and
function of biomacromolecules such as proteins and DNA. Applications include classical
equilibrium thermodynamics and spectroscopic methods including mass spectrometry, circular
dichroism (CD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
BIOCH 755 - Biochemistry I
An introduction to physical methods, kinetics, and thermodynamics of biochemical reactions and
bioenergetics, chemistry of proteins and amino acids, carbohydrate chemistry, and metaboli sm.
BIOCH 755 and 765 are for students interested in a two-semester comprehensive coverage of
biochemistry. For a one-semester course, enroll in BIOCH 521.
BIOCH 765 - Biochemistry II
Continuation of BIOCH 755; lipid chemistry and metabolism, amino acid me tabolism, nutrition,
nucleic acid chemistry and metabolism, integration of biochemical pathways and metabolic
control mechanisms.
BIOCH 766 - Recombinant DNA Laboratory I
Biochemical manipulation of nucleic acids. Isolation and restriction enzyme character ization of
plasmid DNA, ligation of DNA fragments to vector DNA, polymerase chain reaction, Southern blot
analysis, DNA sequencing and analysis.
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BIOCH 767 - Recombinant DNA Laboratory II
Approaches to study RNA and proteins using recombinant DNA techniques . RNA extration and
affinity isolation of mRNA, Northern blot analysis, cDNA library construction and screening,
bacterial or eukaryotic expression systems, purification and characterization of recombinant
proteins, site-directed mutagenesis.
Biology
BIOL 500 - Plant Physiology
Detailed consideration of physiological processes of higher plants.
BIOL 676 - Molecular Genetics Laboratory
An advanced course in the techniques of molecular genetics and reco mbinant DNA technology,
including molecular cloning, library screening, polymerase chain reaction, and RFLP and DNA
sequence analysis. A number of projects will be completed during the semester.
BIOL 800 - Advanced Plant Physiology I
Modern concepts and research in plant physiology. Respiration, photosynthesis, and water
relations of plants.
BIOL 801 - Advanced Plant Physiology II
Modern concepts and research in plant physiology. Mineral nutrition, translocation, growth, and
development of plants.
Chemical Engineering
CHE 560 - Separational Process Design
Development of the basic theory and design of separational processes such as distillation, gas
absorption, liquid extraction, adsorption, and ion exchange.
CHE 626 - Bioseparations
Study of separations important in food and biochemical engineering such as leaching, extraction,
expression, absorption, ion exchange, filtration, centrifugation, membrane separation, and
chromatographic separations.
CHE 648 - Processing of Composite Materials
Principles of composite materials, including ceramic, metal, and polymer matrix composites;
properties and processing of fibers; role of interfaces in composites; basic concepts in
mechanics, failure, and testing of composite materials.
CHE 656 - Polymer Science and Engineering
An introduction to polymeric materials, including chemistry, structure and formation; physical
states and transitions; and, basic physical and mechanical properties.
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CHE 670 - Sustainability Seminar
Topics in environmental sustainability, green engineering, life cycle analysis, sustainable
development, and sustainability science.
CHE 682 - Surface Phenomena
Principles and applications of interfacial phenomena, including capillarity, colloids, porosity,
adsorption, and catalysis.
CHE 715 - Biochemical Engineering
The analysis and design of biochemical processing systems with emphasis on fermentation
kinetics, continuous fermentations, aeration, agitation, scale up, sterilization, and control.
CCHM 766 - Case Studies in Green Chemistry
This is an interdisciplinary course that looks at concepts and issues in green chemistry by
examining case studies in which polluting processes have been transformed to reduce their
environmental impact. Focus will be on understanding the chem istry involved and the green
principles that have been applied.
CHE 802 - Selected Topics in Materials Science
Areas of current interest in materials including solidification, transformations, solutions,
dislocations, creep, fracture, failure analysis, and failure prevention.
CHE 805 - Selected Topics in Biochemical Engineering
Subjects of current interest in the broadest sense of biochemical engineering. These involve not
only chemical engineering problems which contain biochemical biological, or medical elements
but also applications of chemical engineering principles and methodologies to biochemical,
biological, medical, and ecological problems.
Chemistry
CHM 766 - Case Studies in Green Chemistry
This is an interdisciplinary course that looks at concepts and issues in green chemistry by
examining case studies in which polluting processes have been transformed to reduce their
environmental impact. Focus will be on understanding the chemistry involved and the green
principles that have been applied.
CHM 820 - Materials Chemistry
Concepts of materials chemistry developed from an understanding of the chemical composition
and structure of materials, and their relationship to the properties of matter. Students will be
introduced to the structures and composition of materials and the diverse range of materials,
including metals, metal clusters, semiconductors, nanomaterials, supramolecular materials, solgel materials, liquid crystals, glasses, polymers and composites.
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Electrical Engineering
ECE 210 – Introduction to Electrical Engineering
Basic circuit theory including voltage, current, Kirchoff's laws, and Ohm's law. Introduction to
circuit
elements, application circuits, complex impedance and power, and additional theory fundamental
and the EE curriculum. Includes laboratory work (e.g., with multimeters and oscilloscopes) and
circuit construction techniques.
ECE 582 - Wind Energy Research
This course provides an opportunity to pursue one or more longer-term research questions
related to wind engineering, including small-wind siting and installation and meteorological-tower
installation and data analysis.
ECE 590 - Seminar
Review of oral and written communication skills, engineering ethics and career topics.
ECE 681 - Wind and Solar Engineering
Wind and solar energy resource assessment, operation of renewable-energy systems,
photovoltaic and wind-turbine physics, and design of complete systems.
ECE 685 - Power Systems Design
A comprehensive study of modeling of the electric power system components and computer
simulation of interconnected power systems in steady state. Vector-matrix descriptions are
emphasized.
ECE 686 - Power Systems Protection
Analysis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults on power systems using symmetrical
components technique. Study of protective relaying for protection of power syste ms against
faults. Vector-matrix descriptions and computer solutions are emphasized.
ECE 830 - Advanced Systems Theory
State space description and analysis of continuous and discrete time dynamic systems including
optimal control solutions. Both linear and nonlinear systems are considered.
ECE 887 - Distribution System Engineering
Analysis, design and planning of electric distribution systems. Standard terminologies related to
distribution systems are covered.
ECE 890 - Advanced Electrical Theory
For advanced study in specialized areas by M.S. Students.
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Geography
GEOG 360 - Sustainability Science
Exploration of sustainability concepts, approaches, and decision -making. Relation of
sustainability to environmental, economic, and social considerations at global, regional, and local
scales.
GEOG 830 - Seminar in Rural Geography
Exploration of rural geography concepts and research. Examines social, economic, cultural and
environmental issues for rural areas and small towns, including natural resources and stresses
and concerns related to sustainability of rural livelihoods and communities.
GEOG 833 - Seminar in Sustainability Science, Thought, and Approaches
Exploration of scientific, social, and philosophical aspects of sustainability, including concepts,
approaches, and decision-making. Environmental, economic, and social considerations will be
included.
Grain Science and Industry
GRSC 602 - Cereal Science
The characteristics of cereals, legumes, their components and their processing to foods.
GRSC 620 - Extrusion Processing in the Food and Feed Industries
The course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of extrusion technology and
the ability to apply it to product development and production through a “hands-on” approach.
Major emphasis is on laboratory exercises in which students will operate pilot scale extrusion
equipment to produce readily-recognizable commercial products such as cheese curls, breakfast
cereals, pasta, pet food, etc. Emphasis will also be placed on process and product development,
analysis, and problem solving techniques.
GRSC 745 - Fundamentals of Bioprocessing
This course is designed for students who desire a clear understanding of bioprocessing
principles as applied to the emerging biobased industry. This course covers the fundamentals of
mass and energy balances, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, as applied to bioprocessing.
The microbial growth, kinetics and fermenter operation will be covered in detai l. Fundamentals of
downstream operations as applicable to bioprocessing will be covered in this course. Industrial
bioprocessing case studies that involve the integration of the course contents will be discussed.
GRSC 825 - Novel Uses of Biopolymers
Teach existing value-added technology of cereal polymers, and explore new processes and
utilization in non-traditional food/feed and in non-food/feed.
GRSC 830 - Physical Properties of Cereal Polymers
Physical properties of cereal pol ymers include physical attributes, rheological, mechanical,
thermal, electrical, and optical properties. Thermal analysis methods will be taught. Thermal
analysis include glass transition, gelatinization, denaturation, and thermal softening and settings
of cereal polymers. Rheological properties associated with these thermal transitions will be
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discussed. Applications of thermal analysis in cereal chemistry, processing, and product quality
control will be discussed.
GRSC 901 - Starch Chemistry and Technology
Chemical and physical properties of cereal and legume starches. Isolation, structure, assay
methods, and properties in solution. Methods of modifying starches for industrial use, including
chemical, physical, and enzymic modification.
GRSC 905 - Enzyme and Bioprocessing Applications
The course explores the applications of enzymes and microbial cultures in the bioprocessing
industry, including food, feed, industrial chemicals and biofuels; and major microbial pathways
for product synthesis including a clear understanding of enzyme and microbial kinetics at an
advanced level.
GRSC 910 - Topics in Grain Science
Discussions and lectures on important areas and contributions in the field of grain science not
currently covered in present courses.
Plant Pathology
PLPTH 610 – Biotechnology
The use of biotechnology and molecular genetic approaches in plant and animal sciences.
Emphasis is on the use of molecular techniques for plant and a nimal improvement.
PLPTH 612 – Genomics Applications
An introduction to applications of genomics technologies to the analysis of genomes.
PLPTH 880 - Plant Molecular Biology
A study of plant genes and genome organization, plant gene expression and regulation, and
functional analysis of plant genes.
Sociology
SOCIO 533 - Rural Society
A survey of U.S. rural society, including change in agricultural structure, rural demographic shifts,
growth of the rural service sector, rural class structure, decline and transformation of rural
communities, and linkages to urban society. Examination of selected rural institutions such as
education and religion
SOCIO 536 - Environmental Sociology
The interrelations among human societies, social institutions, and the biophysical environment.
Emphasis on the reciprocal links among technological change, economic structure, and the
ecological basis of human societies.
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SOCIO 831 - Sociology of Agriculture
Provides a survey of the subfield of sociology of agriculture, including an examination of its roots,
growth and current theoretical and substantive directions. Explores the linkages between
agriculture, commodity systems, food and the environment.
SOCIO 835 - Environment and Society
The interrelationships among population, technology, environment, and social organization. An
examination of the origins and development of human ecology in sociology, and recent attempts
to redefine the area. Special emphasis on current theoret ical and research efforts focusing on the
history and uses of ecological ideas.
SOCIO 934 - Sociology of Rural Development Consideration
Selected topics and issues in the social organ ization of rural areas, both international and in the
U.S.
Biobased Products and Bioenergy Graduate Certificate
This certificate is offered through the Graduate School , currently through the collaboration of the
Departments of Agronomy , Biological and Agricultural Engineering , Chemical Engineering , and
Grain Science and Industry . Chemical feedstocks, materials, and fuels derived from biomass
have received increasing emphasis nationally and are seen as being very desirable from
a number of standpoints. Private industry now actively recruits individuals with specific training
in bioprocessing and biobased materials. With the interest in green chemistry and in
sustainability increasing along with the escalation of crude oil prices during 2008, emphasis on
the utilization of biomass for energy and materials can only continue to increase. This rapidly
expanding industry has a growing need for a trained workforce. This Graduate Certificate Program
is designed to identify students’ focus in their graduate training as well as provide post baccalaureate educational opportunities for industry practitioners for whom a full graduate degree
program is not appropriate at that point in their career. Students can develop a truly
interdisciplinary background in a specific area, and yet the certificate will permit any given
individual to tailor their program of study t o their specific interests.
The graduate certificate program proposed will consist of a minimum of fifteen (15) credit hours
of coursework selected from a series of courses approved by the Biobased Products and
Bioenergy Certificate Committee (BPBCC). Each student will be required to complete at least
one of the courses below, each of which includes content from more than one of the designated
subject areas. In the case of students pursuing a graduate degree, the course cannot be selected
from a student’s primary academic department.
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AGRON 630 - Crop Improvement and Biotechnology Credits: (3)
AGRON 640 - Cropping Systems Credits: (3)
GRSC 825 - Novel Uses of Biopolymers Credits: (2)
CHE 715 - Biochemical Engineering Credits: (3)
BAE 545 - Biological Process Engineering Credits: (3)
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GRSC 745 - Fundamentals of Bioprocessing Credits: (3)
Each student must complete a variable (2-3) credit hour special topics course in which the
student completes a “capstone” experience as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Each
team will select their project from an approved list of interdisciplinary topics and will be
mentored by a faculty member. Students will enroll in one of the courses below to meet
this requirement.
AGRON 600 - Crop Problems Credits: (Var.)
AGRON 910 - Topics in Plant Breeding Credits: (Var.)
AGRON 930 - Topics in Plant Genetics Credits: (Var.)
BAE 620 - Problems in Agricultural Engineering Credits: (Var.)
BAE 820 - Topics in Agricultural Engineering Credits: (Var.)
CHE 802 - Selected Topics in Materials Science Credits: (Var.)
CHE 805 - Selected Topics in Biochemical Engineering Credits: (3)
GRSC 910 - Topics in Grain Science Credits: (Var.)
The remaining coursework is to be selected from at least three of the following four subject
areas: plant science, plant/crop production, processing, and utilization. Courses must be taken
from a minimum of three different academic departments. The primary required course chosen
by the student (AGRON 630, AGRON 640, GRSC 825, CHE 715, BAE 545, or GRSC 745)
counts towards the subject area and academic department requirements.
Students will submit a proposed list of courses to be used in meeting the requirements for the
certificate of graduate studies to the coordinator of the biobased products and bioenergy
certificate program with the program of study being formally approved by the BPBCC.
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AGRON 550 - Forage Management and Utilization Credits: (3)
AGRON 610 - Biotechnology Credits: (3)
AGRON 625 - Applications of Nutrient Management Credits: (3)
AGRON 630 - Crop Improvement and Biotechnology Credits: (3)
AGRON 640 - Cropping Systems Credits: (3)
AGRON 655 - Site Specific Agriculture Credits: (3)
AGRON 746 - Physical Properties of Soils Credits: (3)
AGRON 770 - Plant Genetics Credits: (3)
AGRON 840 - Crop Physiology Credits: (3)
BIOL 500 - Plant Physiology Credits: (4)
BIOL 676 - Molecular Genetics Laboratory Credits: (3)
BIOL 800 - Advanced Plant Physiology I Credits: (3)
BIOL 801 - Advanced Plant Physiology II Credits: (3)
PLPTH 610 - Biotechnology Credits: (3)
BIOCH 766 - Recombinant DNA Laboratory I Credits: (1)
BIOCH 767 - Recombinant DNA Laboratory II Credits: (1)
PLPTH 880 - Plant Molecular Biology Credits: (3)
PLPTH 890 - Introduction to Genomic Bioinformatics Credits: (4)
BIOCH 590 - Physical Studies of Biomacromolecules Credits: (3)
BIOCH 755 - Biochemistry I Credits: (3)
BIOCH 765 - Biochemistry II Credits: (3)
CHM 820 - Materials Chemistry Credits: (3)
BAE 545 - Biological Process Engineering Credits: (3)
BAE 650 - Energy and Biofuel Engineering Credits: (3)
BAE 740 - Biomaterials Processing Credits: (3)
GRSC 602 - Cereal Science Credits: (3)
GRSC 620 - Extrusion Processing in the Food and Feed Industries Credits: (4)
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GRSC 825 - Novel Uses of Biopolymers Credits: (2)
GRSC 830 - Physical Properties of Cereal Polymers Credits: (3)
GRSC 901 - Starch Chemistry and Technology Credits: (3)
CHE 626 - Bioseparations Credits: (3)
CHE 648 - Processing of Composite Materials Credits: (3)
CHE 656 - Polymer Science and Engineering Credits: (3)
CHE 682 - Surface Phenomena Credits: (3)
CHE 715 - Biochemical Engineering Credits: (3)
For more information see this link: Graduate Certificate.
Website: http://catalog.k-state.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=3827
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