Agriculture: Tropical Agroecology Specialty
Contact:
Email: normanq@hawaii.edu
Tel: (808) 932-7691
Website: hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/cafnrm
The undergraduate Tropical Agroecology specialization is designed to provide an opportunity for students interested in tropical crop science or a plant-related field to have access to selected courses or topics in their area of interest. The curriculum is structured to offer a well-rounded undergraduate education emphasizing the long-term sustainability of our managed crop production systems and the surrounding ecosystems. The tropical Agroecology student learns to manage a wide variety of plant production challenges. Since production constraints in the tropics come from many sources, this curriculum draws its core courses from the areas of Plant Physiology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Soil Science, Weed Science, Entomology, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Biotechnology, Bioeconomy and Agricultural Engineering. Graduates in Tropical Agroecology can obtain employment with private enterprises or government agencies concerned with conservation and environmental protection, crop production, plant pest control, plant ecology, laboratories specializing in plant and soil analyses, and farm services/agribusiness. Other graduates may elect to start their own enterprises or proceed to graduate school for advanced degrees.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Acquire and integrate the principles, concepts, and applications of biology, chemistry, soil science, and mathematics as they apply to natural and agrarian "crop-based" plant ecosystems,
- Synthesize knowledge and use insights to describe, analyze, solve, and report on scientific problems involving tropical agroecology and related fields,
- Exhibit proficiency in the use of technology, critical thinking, and quantitative tools used in agroecology applications,
- Appreciate and communicate effectively with peers, mentors, and the larger community through internships, work-related activities using oral, written and visual presentation skills and contemporary networking/social technologies
- Demonstrate professionalism, proficiency and practical skills in various areas of crop production, and demonstrate awareness of the impact of agriculture on our environment, economy and
- Successfully pursue diverse careers or enter graduate programs in plant science, agroecology, bioeconomy and other related fields.