Master of Science in Space Agriculture

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems,R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S.in Space Agriculture program guides students through key areas related to agriculture in space. The program investigates thechallenges ofcrop production incontrolled environments, effective management of ecosystems, and the evolution of agri-food systems in space-based mission architectures.Students learn to be active problem solvers focused on long-term solutions for human space settlement and drive the development of alternative agricultural systems for sustainable production forcommunities in space.

Master of Science in SPACE AGRICULTURE

AGR 500: Sustainable Agriculture(3 credits)

This course will explore fundamental concepts of sustainable agriculture and food systems in space settlements. Studentswill gain insights to many different facets of agriculture, including biophysical, technical, and socioeconomic components of farming systems, energy transformations, biological processes, and environmental relationships. With a focus on human enterprise sustainability, students will examine agri-food systems from perspectives, such as environmental stewardship, food self-reliance, ethics, health, and nutrition, and investigate current methodologies and alternate agri-food system paradigms for different microgravities in space, analyzed as a whole in an interdisciplinary fashion.

AGR 510: Agro-Ecosystems Management (3 credits)

This course introduces students to agri-food systems with emphasis on management practices that will sustain the productivity of resources and enhance the quality of the ecosystems of which they are a part of. Students will study various aspects of food systems from crop production, food quality, processing and distribution, to studying the characteristics of agricultural soils, their ecology and management with emphasis on understanding soil as a living system, in the context of the agro-ecosystem and sustainable agriculture. Students will compare, contrast, evaluate, and critique key concepts, elements, and outcomes of diverse agri-food systems in space-based mission architectures.

AGR 520: Research Methods in Agricultural Science (3 credits)

This course covers the issues facing the agriculture and food sector related to the economy, the environment and society and introduces research methods in agricultural science. Students will learn the principles of agricultural experimental design methodologies and analysis, and prepare an applied research proposal. With guidance from faculty advisor(s), students will have an opportunity to develop solutions to real-world problems facing the agriculture and food sectors. The course includes participation in meetings organized by the coordinator, as well as working with a faculty advisor to develop a research project, formulate hypotheses, design and carry out preliminary experiments to test the hypotheses.

AGR 549: Research Project - Special Studies in Space Agriculture (3 credits)

This special study option enables students to undertake specific projects in space agriculture. The topic of the special study will be determined in consultation with a faculty member and the individual student. The project may be theoretical and/or experimental and can be selected from a range of topics related to the course as suggested by teaching staff, your employer or even focused on your own area of interest. Students are responsible for making appropriate arrangements with faculty member prior to registration for the course.

AGR 597: Thesis I (Space Agriculture) (3 credits)

For M.S. Degree, Thesis-Based Option. Research studies in Space Agriculture. Students will actively engage in the research process, write the thesis and be examined on the thesis. The research may be on any topic, subject to approval and availability of faculty supervision.