Students will be introduced to basic GPS principles and how they are applied to precision agriculture and GIS applications. Different GPS corrections and constellations and primary industry uses will be introduced as well as different GPS terms and how they are used in the industry. Once an aptitude is gained for the GPS, the course will shift to GIS operations in the agriculture industry.

Industry relevant skills including how to operate, install and analyze performance of basic hydraulic systems. Fundamentals of hydraulic systems used in industrial applications are presented.

This lab will consist of the practical use and installation of a variety of GPS/Precision Ag products. Students will work on real-world applications including auto-steer, product control installation, product design, mapping and recording data points with geospatial technologies, land preparation, harvest and planting at the Precision Ag lab and land plots.

Experience with soldering, hand tools, components, color code, Ohm’s law, and reading circuit diagrams. Work with ohmmeters, ammeters, voltmeters, power supplies and other devices included. This lab examines AC/DC circuit characteristics, including capacitance and inductance and explores the P/N junction as it applies to diodes and bipolar junction transistors.

Detailed instruction on the use of Microsoft Excel covering beginning, intermediate, and advanced concepts. Concepts covered include working with formulas and functions; creating and formatting charts graphs and pivot tables/pivot charts; sorting and filtering lists; data consolidation between multiple worksheets and workbooks; and importing and exporting of data.

Provides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.

Introduction to the basic design and operating principles and components of the internal combustion engine. Topics to be explored include: valve train design and component identification, ignition and fuel system identification and design, similarities and differences between 2 and 4 stroke cycle engines, similarities and differences between air cooled and water cooled engines and component failure identification.

This course introduces computer-aided drafting software for specific technologies. Emphasis is placed on understanding the software command structure and drafting standards for specific technical fields. Upon completion, students should be able to design and create functional systems.

The course will discuss the sensors and devices involved with different types of guidance systems from different manufacturers, including the advantages, accuracy and different features of those systems. Students will install, setup, calibrate and troubleshoot guidance systems from different suppliers. Students will also take the Remote Pilot Certified Small UAS exam to become commercially certified drone pilots.

Students will be introduced to various data collection and managment tools used in the precision technology field. As a comprehensive data collection course, students will be studying yield monitor systems, crop vigor sensor systems, soil sampling and topography mapping systems, as well as a multitude of other tools used in data collection. Also included will be an introduction to GIS programs and wireless technologies used to leverage data in Precision Agriculture.

Supervised internship performed off-campus in a precision technology business setting.

An overview of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards focusing on hazard recognition and injury and illness prevention. The 10-hour general program is intended to provide entry-level workers with awareness of hazards in and around the work site. Emphasis is placed on recognition and prevention and helps create a culture of safety. Upon successful completion the student will receive OSHA 10 certification.

The importance of soil, its formation, physical properties and land classifications. Soil sampling procedures will be explained and soil test results will be studied.

Safe handling procedures for pesticides and proper loading and mixing of crop protection products are discussed. Proper use of liquid and dry application equipment and nozzle selection will be studied.

Development of skills needed by an agricultural salesperson including prospecting, territory management, customer service and communication. An investigation of the agricultural sales process, marketing and advertising methods are studied.

This course will use Geographic Information Systems(GIS) to manage agronomic data. Students use GIS software to manage data(yield, soil sample, imagery, applied, etc.) and create variable rate maps for seeding, spraying, and fertilizer applications.

The plant development stages of corn, soybeans, small grains and alfalfa. The importance of planting dates and seeding depths along with environmental factors will be discussed.

Introduction to the responsibilities of farm business entrepreneurship. Students are exposed to the four functional areas of management: marketing, finance, supply chain and human resources. Students learn to understand the role that managers play in planning, organizing, directing and controlling as related to agri-business.

Students will learn about the components of Variable Rate (VR) application systems. They will study the principles of VR application equipment and the economic and environmental impact of variable rate applications. Students will prepare VRA maps for spring planting using a variety of data layers and information. Once a plan is made students will complete planter preparation and plant corn and beans at the MTC Land Labs. Students will also take part in completing a planter build started in the fall.

A continuation of PAT 130.

This course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Students must complete the hands-on skill session. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.