Teaching
A variety of weed science based learning experiences are available at Michigan State Univeristy. These courses are designed to introduce weeds as a problem in agricutural systems and in turfgrass, teach problem solving skills for use in weed management, and/or look at new knowledge and technologies that may be useful in the future. Below are descriptions of the current weed science courses available in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.
Weed Science Courses
CSS 135 Crop Scouting and Investigation
Crop production, pest scouting and other production problems, and field diagnoses. Interaction with agriculture clientele. Offered half of semester.
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science
Instructor: Dr. Karen Renner
Offered: Spring semesters
CSS 156 Weed Management
Cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical weed management practices in agronomic crops.
Credits: 3
Restrictions: Only open to freshmen and sophomores who are not students in Crop and Soil Sciences
Instructor: Steven Gower
Offered: Fall semesters
CSS 292 Management of Turfgrass Weeds
Chemical, biological, and cultural methods of managing turfgrass weeds. Environmental considerations in weed management.
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: CSS 232 Introduction to Turfgrass Management
Instructor: Ron Calhoun
Offered: Spring semesters
CSS 402 Prinicpals of Weed Science
Weed biology and ecology. Cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control practices. Herbicide action, selectivity in plants, and effects on environment.
Credits: 3
Restrictions: Not open to freshmen and sophomores
Instructor: Dr. James Kells
Offered: Fall semesters
Course Website: www.css.msu.edu/css402
CSS 802 Weed Biology
Weed biology, including weed seed production and dispersal and seed fate. Weed life history traits and ecophysiology, including invasive species. Data collection in weed ecology research.
Credits: 2
Instructor: Dr. Karen Renner
Offered: Spring semester of even years
CSS 805 Herbicide Action and Metabolism
Properties and characteristics of herbicides. Processes involved in herbicide action, transport, and fate in plants and soils.
Credits: 2
Instructor: Dr. Donald Penner
Offered: Spring semester of odd years