Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Plant Science

Plant Science

This CRC program offers courses designed for students in the Agriculture, Agriculture Business, and Horticulture programs.

Dean Kris Hubbard
Department Chair Dave Andrews
Phone (916) 691-7551
Email hubbark@crc.losrios.edu

Plant Science (PLTS) Courses

PLTS 299 Experimental Offering in Plant Science

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

PLTS 300 Introduction to Plant Science

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed to provide the students with a working knowledge of the fundamental structures and processes of plants. Principles to be applied cover plant structures, physiology, heredity, environmental relationship to growth, adaptation, and management of crops. Techniques of research, exploration of plant growth, and identification of economical crops will be included. Fields trips may be required.

PLTS 310 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition

Same As:HORT 302
Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:HORT 300 and PLTS 300
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID AG - PS 128L
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides a basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Course content includes fundamental soil properties, soil and plant relationships, principles of soil formation, soil biology, fertilizers and soil management, salinity, pH, erosion management, and non-agricultural uses. Field trips may be required and may require a fee. This course is the same as Hort 302, and only one may be taken for credit.

PLTS 332 Integrated Pest Management

Same As:HORT 303
Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:HORT 300 and PLTS 300
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a study of local plant pests including weeds, diseases, invertebrates, and vertebrates. It includes recognition of symptoms and causes, life cycle of the pests, host and habitat relationships, and the integrated pest management strategies and best management
practices to achieve control. Field trips may be required and may require a fee. This course is the same as HORT 303, and only one may be taken for credit.

PLTS 495 Independent Studies in Plant Science

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

PLTS 498 Work Experience in Plant Science

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position or job related to career goals in Plant Science.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment in their major field of study or advancement within their career. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. Appropriate level learning objectives are established by the student and the employer. During the semester, the student is required to participate in a weekly orientation and complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

PLTS 499 Experimental Offering in Plant Science

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026