Students who complete the Agricultural Data Science Minor will learn to use some of the same data science and analytical skills as in the Data Science programs. However, their focus will be on implementation of these tools to identify important correlations and trends and to implement practical improvements and agricultural decisions that benefit food security and safety, as well as human and ecosystem well-being. They will gain practical experience through an internship where they will analyze and report on real-world data for a client. They will serve as a necessary bridge between agronomists, animal scientists, or agricultural economists and data scientists who design analytical tools. The primary needs for agricultural data science include improved crop management, risk assessment, animal health, soil health, resource optimization and environmental protection, supply chain management, predictive analytics, and unlocking the potential of urban farming. Agricultural data analysis is also required to mitigate the impact of global climate change, to improve ecosystem resiliency and climate change adaptation, and to maintain food safety and security.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Describe tools and define vocabulary, and concepts for data analysis in agricultural systems to compare outcomes and solve problems related to decisions on agricultural production.
- Describe how agricultural data are collected in labs, fields, production fields, and from consumers. Know how to design experiments, sampling protocols, and determine data types and formats to be used.
- Identify tools, techniques, methods, computational platforms and resources for specific data and projects.
- Interpret reports, charts, figures, maps, statistical tables to comprehend agricultural information.
- Identify the issues, implications, and needs of data collection, use, and storage in agriculture.
Effective Fall 2024
Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AB 415 | Agricultural Data Science | 3 |
| BSPM 487 | Internship | 3 |
| CS 152 | Python for STEM | 2-3 |
| or CS 150B | Culture and Coding: Python (GT-AH3) | |
| DSCI 335 | Inferential Reasoning in Data Analysis | 3 |
| SOCR 377/AB 377 | Geographic Information Systems in Agriculture | 3 |
| STAT 158 | Introduction to R Programming | 1 |
| STAT 301 | Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods | 3 |
| or STAT 307 | Introduction to Biostatistics | |
| or STAT 315 | Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics | |
| Electives (select a minimum of 4 credits with at least 3 credits from AB or BSPM list from the list below) | 4 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 22-23 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AB 340 | Insect Biotechnology | 3 |
| AB 451 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
| AB 511 | Microbiome of Plant Systems | 3 |
| ANEQ 420 | Applied Nutrition--Computer Diet Formulation | 3 |
| ANEQ 505 | Microbiome of Animal Systems | 3 |
| ANEQ 545 | Molecular Methods in Animal Genetics | 3 |
| ANEQ 575 | Computational Biology in Animal Breeding | 3 |
| AREC 305 | Agricultural and Resource Enterprise Analysis | 3 |
| AREC 330 | Data-Driven Ag and Res Econ Decision Making | 3 |
| AREC 335/ECON 335 | Introduction to Econometrics | 3 |
| AREC 340/ECON 340 | Introduction-Economics of Natural Resources | 3 |
| AREC 405 | Agricultural Production Management | 3 |
| AREC 440 | Advanced Environmental and Resource Economics | 3 |
| BSPM 361 | Elements of Plant Pathology | 3 |
| BSPM 365 | Integrated Tree Health Management | 4 |
| BSPM 528 | Invasive Plants/Weeds–Ecosystems to Molecules | 3 |
| BZ 360 | Bioinformatics and Genomics | 4 |
| HORT 330 | Computers for Landscape Design | 2 |
| HORT 460/SOCR 460 | Plant Breeding and Biotechnology | 3 |
| SOCR 401 | Greenhouse Gas Mitigation, Land Use, and Mgmt | 3 |
| SOCR 425 | Internet of Ag Things--Sensors and Data Lab | 2 |
| SOCR 475 | Global Challenges in Plant and Soil Science | 3 |