AGRICULTURE

AGRISCIENCE

Agriscience introduces the scientific agricultural approach to animal science and selection and plant and land science. Agricultural career opportunities will be emphasized in each class. The program will include laboratory experiences relating to basic and current technology. Content may be enhanced by utilizing appropriate computer applications. Leadership development will be provided through the National FFA Organization. Each student will be expected to have a supervised agricultural experience program and keep appropriate records. This course may count as a Science credit.  

1 Credit, Grades 9-10

All Freshman are encouraged to take AGRISCIENCE before enrolling in other pathway courses.

AGRI-BIOLOGY

This course uses agricultural contexts to present the life science content outlined in the Program of Studies. As students study practical agricultural concepts, they apply scientific ways of thinking and working to real-life problems. Students develop an understanding of many concepts such as cell structure and function, morphology and physiology of agriculturally significant animals, heredity principles and inheritance patterns, genetic engineering, animal behavior, biological change, interdependence of plants and animals, and the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems. Students enrolled in this course will receive a science credit. This also counts as 1 EOP (End of Program) credit in each Ag. Pathway. 

1 Credit, Grades 10-12

FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Food Science and Technology introduces the issues of food production, nutrition, food chemistry and the development of food products in a global society. The government regulations regarding food and the exploration of career opportunities will also be covered. Leadership development will be provided through the National FFA Organization. Each student will be expected to have a supervised agricultural experience program. 

1 Credit, Grades 10-12

WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Students develop an awareness of wildlife industry resources. This course includes: a study of ecology and ecosystems, wildlife habitat, population dynamics, management techniques that deal with wildlife in all areas, and the regulations that affect the wildlife industry. Content may be enhanced with appropriate applied scientific laboratory activities. 

1 Credit, Grades 10-12

*Offerred 2025-2026 at TNHS

WILDLIFE ISSUES

This course is an intermediate scientific study of environmental technology. It is designed to develop an awareness of environmental concerns related to air, water, soil, land use management, waste management, and their interrelationship with the biological ecosystem. Soil formation, conservation, and evaluation material will also be included. 

1 Credit, Grades 10-12

*Offered 2025-2026 at TNHS

AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP/E-TEAM

A course for prospective FFA Leadership Team members. Students that are interested in this opportunity to LEAD must attempt to be a part of this course. If not selected to Executive Team during interview process, students will not be in this course. Students will work to develop and incorporate community and other opportunities to the Thomas Nelson FFA Chapter. 

Prerequisite: 2 Ag classes and Leader Approval

1 Credit, Grades 10-12

FARM MANAGEMENT (LAND LAB)

Seniors interested in growing and developing the 30+ acre land lab at Thomas Nelson High School. Students will practice all concepts of managing a farm and developing partnerships with community members. Students will have opportunity to develop own projects on site and help others in development of their projects at Thomas Nelson High School. This counts as an Agriculture Internship for Work Based Learning 

Prerequisite: 2 Ag classes and Leader Approval

1 Credit, Grades 11-12, Application or Invitation only to Enroll

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION CO-OP

This is a capstone course in which the student works in a paid or unpaid position that is related to the student’s career major and vocational objectives.  Cooperative Education provides supervised work site experience related to the student's identified career major. Students who participate receive a salary for these experiences, in accordance with local, state and federal minimum wage requirements. 

Up to 3 Credits, Grades 12

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY ADVANCED ANIMAL SCIENCE (AGR 100)

A dual credit course for high school students offered by Murray State University. This is a basic course in animal science including the importance and place of livestock in agriculture types, market classes, and grades of beef, sheep, and swine, origin and characteristics of breeds, and the judging of beef, sheep, and swine. 

1 Credit, Grades 11-12

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY INTRO TO PRE-VET SCIENCE (AGR 182)

This dual course examines basic principles of veterinary science, including breeds, biology, veterinary tools, parasitology, office management, animal control, and basic clinical exam techniques for large and small animals. Further, the purpose of this course is to provide advanced students in agriculture with an introduction to the basic principles of veterinary science. 

1 Credit, Grades 11-12

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY ADVANCED PLANT SCIENCE (AGR 140)

A dual credit course for high school students offered by Murray State University. This is a basic course in plant Science develops basic scientific knowledge and skills pertaining to management of soil and its effects on human and animal food and fiber production, the environment, and meeting basic needs of life. The relationship of soil to plant growth and horticulture will be emphasized. Plant anatomy, reproduction, growth, health, and current biotechnological advances will be included. 

1 Credit, Grades 11-12