University Catalog 2023-2024

Agriculture and Life Sciences (ALS)

ALS 103  Freshman Transitions and Diversity in Agriculture & Life Sciences  (1 credit hours)  

Introduction to scope and objectives of university education. Overview of curricula, academic requirements, and career opportunities in agriculture and life sciences. Overview of campus resources and support services. Discussion of expectations for academic and career success including professionalism, diversity, and inclusiveness. Restricted to CALS majors of freshman or sophomore status. Students will not receive credit for both ALS 103 and ALS 303.

Prerequisite: CALS Majors with less than 30 Credit Hours

GEP U.S. Diversity

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

ALS 110  Academic and Career Skills Seminar  (1 credit hours)  

Students learn about the career decision-making process through integration of self-knowledge. Emphasis is placed on Agriculture and Life Sciences careers. Students assess interests, values, skills and personal strengths while learning about a variety of campus and career resources.

Prerequisite: Ag and Life Science Majors

Typically offered in Spring only

ALS 303  Transfer Transitions and Diversity in Agriculture & Life Sciences  (1 credit hours)  

Introduction to scope and objectives of university education. Overview of curricula, academic requirements, and career opportunities in agriculture and life sciences. Overview of campus resources and support services. Discussion of expectations for academic and career success including professionalism, diversity, and inclusiveness. Restricted to CALS majors with 30 or more credit hours completed. Students will not receive credit for both ALS 103 and ALS 303.

R: CALS Majors >30 credits

GEP U.S. Diversity

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

ALS 398  Agriculture and Life Sciences Honors Seminar  (2 credit hours)  

A seminar/discussion honors course with emphasis on a team approach to scientific research into topics that link science with issues in society; exposure to leadership skills and bioethics; requirement of detailed written or oral reports; career development in the agricultural and life sciences; required participation in on- and off-campus scholarly retreats.

Prerequisite: Enrollment by invitation for sophomores or juniors in CALS with GPA 3.35 or higher.

Typically offered in Spring only

ALS 494  International Learning Experience in Agriculture and Life Sciences  (1-6 credit hours)  

Course offered as needed for international learning experiences in agriculture and life sciences involving international travel and immersion in an international culture. Travel expenses may be incurred by the student. Departmental Approval Required. Students will need to complete a program application through the NC State Study Abroad Office. Students enrolled in the summer will be required to take a one credit hour lecture section of ALS 494 in the spring of the same year. Department approval required, enroll with instructor's permission.

GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

ALS 495  Special Topics in Agriculture and Life Sciences  (1-3 credit hours)  

Offered as needed to present material not normally available in regular departmental course offerings or for offering of new courses on a trial basis.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

ALS 496  International Research Experience  (3 credit hours)  

This summer research experience will provide students with the opportunity to sharpen their research skills while working side-by-side with scientists at international research stations. Students will conduct lab and/or field research depending on their international location. Students will experience full-cultural immersion during the research experience and will develop a strong understanding of the local culture. Some basic local language knowledge may be necessary depending on the location and research.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

ALS 498  Honors Research or Teaching I  (1-3 credit hours)  

Honors research or teaching for students in Agriculture and Life Sciences. First of a two-course sequence. Identification of a project and development of a proposal; literature search, planning, and work initiation. A maximum of 6 credits for ALS 498 & ALS 499 combined. Individualized/Independent Study and Research courses require a Course Agreement for Students Enrolled in Non-Standard Courses be completed by the student and faculty member prior to registration by the department.

Prerequisite: ALS 398, GPA 3.35 or higher

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

ALS 499  Honors Research or Teaching II  (1-4 credit hours)  

Honors research or teaching for students in Agriculture and Life Sciences. Completion of work initiated in ALS 498. Analysis of results. Preparation and presentation of written and oral reports. A maximum of 6 credits for ALS 498 and ALS 499 combined. Individualized/Independent Study and Research courses require a Course Agreement for Students Enrolled in Non-Standard Courses be completed by the student and faculty member prior to registration by the department.

Prerequisite: ALS 498, GPA 3.35 or higher

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

ALS 602  Preparing for a Career in Agriculture and the Life Sciences  (1 credit hours)  

This course provides graduate students with techniques, strategies, and opportunities to practice and develop skills beneficial to their professional development and transition from school to career. The course focuses on six competencies known to contribute to success in the workforce: teamwork and collaboration; oral communication; career management and self-development; giving and accepting feedback; global/intercultural fluency; and organizing, prioritizing, and delegating work. Students will examine their life trajectory to date and create a 5-year plan for personal and professional success; and be equipped with an understanding of the steps necessary to accomplish their professional goals.

Typically offered in Spring only