About the Program
This certificate prepares candidates for the California State Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) License examinations and Qualified Applicator License exams. It meets the minimum educational qualifications, and prepares students for exams in IPM principles, laws and regulations, pest identification, physical and biological sciences, crop health, pest management systems and methods, and production systems. Technical experience is highly encouraged through work experience placement.
PCAs have a rewarding career and earn a competitive salary. They have several career avenues to choose from such as state agencies, corporations, sole proprietary companies, and academic professions. There has never been a better time to enter the crop protection industry.
Gainful Employment Information
Certificate of Achievement in Plant Protection:
www.butte.edu/curriculum/gainful-employment/3151200CA.html
Program Requirements
For current program requirements -> 2024-2025
Program Goal: Career
GE Pattern(s): None
Program Code: 31512.00CA
Program Learning Outcome(s):
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Safely and accurately use all equipment and products relating to the plant protection industry.
Demonstrate the most current methods and procedures in calibration of agriculture equipment.
Apply necessary health and safety rules from the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).
Demonstrate appropriate communications skills.
Demonstrate an orderly performance of all tasks and skills, establishing methodical habits from state DPR laws and regulations.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course covers the origin, history, and management of insect, plant pathogen, weed, and other pests of field and horticulture crops. Pest biology and life cycles are studied to demonstrate the use of various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies for economic crop production. Pesticide regulations, application, formulations, and materials for specific uses are covered.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to plant science including structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth medica, biological competitors, and post-harvest factors of food, fiber, and ornamental plants. (C-ID AG-PS 104).
Prerequisite(s): MATH 108 or MATH 116 or Equivalent
Unit(s): 5.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 102.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This is a survey course in the principles of inorganic chemistry, including atomic theory and periodic properties, nuclear chemistry, electronic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas behavior, solution chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and elementary thermodynamics. It is recommended for allied health or applied science majors. (C-ID CHEM 101).
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 51
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 102.00
This course provides an introduction to the chemistry of organic compounds and biochemical compounds and processes. Topics comprise a survey of common organic functional groups and their associated properties including nomenclature, isomerism, reactivity, spectroscopy, and chirality. Biochemistry topics include proteins and amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolism. Recommended for allied health and applied science majors. (C-ID CHEM 102).
Unit(s): 4.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 102.00
This course is a survey of the basic principles and concepts used by biologists to explain how organisms live and survive. Topics include ecology, a survey of the worlds organisms, genetics, evolution, cell structure and function, and energy conversions.
Unit(s): 4.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 102.00
This course will examine animal and plant species and populations as well as their relationships within communities and ecosystems. Topics include population and community structure, relationships between species, biogeography, and biodiversity. Included is the study of the native plants and animals with an emphasis on Butte County from the valley floor into the adjoining landforms of Northern California. The course includes one field trip per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1 and MATH 124 or Equivalent
Unit(s): 5.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 102.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course is an introductory study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function as well as basic viral structure and reproduction. Attention is given to life processes within cells and to interactions between cells. Coverage includes experimental design and statistical analysis; basic biotechnology concepts and techniques; DNA structure, function, and gene expression; enzyme function; energetics; nutrient cycles in ecosystems; transport mechanisms; cytoskeletal components; cell communication (including nerve impulse conduction and signal transduction); cell reproduction; Mendelian and population genetics; cell evolution; and modern concepts of molecular biology. This course is designed for biology majors. (C-ID BIOL 190)
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 110 or, CHEM 1 or, CHEM 51 and one year high school biology, or, BIOL 1 or, BIOL 2 or, BIOL 20 or, BIOL 21
Unit(s): 5.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 102.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course includes the study of the structure and function of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, with emphasis on the predominant pathogenic members of those groups. Study of basic organic chemistry, genetics, metabolism, microbe-host interactions, the immune response and etiological factors involved in disease are also included. Methods of detection, identification, isolation, culture, enumeration, and control of microbes are provided. Consideration is also given to applied and environmental microbiology, as well as biotechnology techniques.
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to the conservation and management of natural resources. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The major natural resources including water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils will be covered and students will learn about the environmental policy and laws that govern use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is a study of the scientific principles and concepts of ecologically based pest management, with emphasis on economically important insects and pathogens in agriculture, environmental horticulture, natural resources, parks and recreation. Included is an introduction to insects and disease organisms, their biology, identification and management, with a focus on plants of the local geographic area.
Unit(s): 4.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 102.00
The study of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil use and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. Laboratory topics include soil type, classification, soil reaction, soil fertility and physical properties of soil. (C-ID AG-PS 128L).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: AGS 50
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is a study of the composition, value, selection, and use of fertilizer materials and soil amendments within the context of soil, plant, and fertilizer relationships. Application practices currently being used in California will be discussed.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to the materials, equipment, installation procedures, operation and maintenance of landscape irrigation systems and their components.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level III; English Level III; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is a study of the design of irrigation and drainage systems. Emphasis will be placed on pipe sizing, friction loss calculations, pressure requirements, pumping stations, points of connection and backflow prevention devices. The students will learn mathematic equations/calculations used for proper design and installation.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
42.50 hours Lecture
/ 25.50 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 68.00
This course involves the design principles, uses, maintenance, adjustment, calibration, and repair of machinery used in California agriculture. Emphasis is placed on primary and secondary tillage, planting, chemical application, and harvesting equipment. Selection and operation of both machinery and tractors will be practiced. Safety will be stressed throughout.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course will introduce the history, laws and regulations, safe and responsible use, toxicology, risks, benefits, and sustainability in the use of horticultural and agricultural chemicals including pesticides, fertilizers, plant growth regulators, defoliants, and antimicrobials. Throughout the course applied examples will be used to generate discussion and aid in the students' ability to formulate integrated agrichemical management programs.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to the classification, identification, and life cycles of common poisonous and invasive weeds. Topics include the biological, chemical, cultural, and physical control of weeds. Characteristics of weeds and their identification, and herbicide application will be examined.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
The course is a study of plant and animal ecology in relation to principles of wildlife management with an emphasis on identification, sexing and aging criteria, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat, and a review of trapping and marking techniques.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level III; English Level II; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to environmental horticulture including nursery operations, landscaping, turf management and arboriculture. Topics include basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, transplanting, container gardening, houseplants, plant identification, turfgrass installation and care, and a broad survey of the 'Green Industry' and other career opportunities.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is a study of identification, growth habits, culture and ornamental use of fall landscape and indoor plants adapted to climates of California. Plants emphasized will come from the current California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC) and California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) Certification Test Plant Lists. This course covers those plants best observed and studied in the fall of the year. (C-ID AG-EH 108L).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is a study of identification, growth habits, culture and ornamental use of spring landscape and indoor plants adapted to climates of California. Plants emphasized will come from the current California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC) and California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) Certification Test Plant Lists. This course covers those plants best observed and studied in the spring of the year. (C-ID AG-EH 112L).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to establishing, maintaining and managing turfgrasses for sports athletic fields, golf courses, parks, cemeteries, and commercial and residential lawns. Emphasis is placed on identification of various turfgrass species, installation of proper irrigation, environmental requirements, and maintenance practices.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is a survey of the greenhouse industry. Emphasis will be placed on analysis, description, and operation of greenhouses and other forcing structures. The relationship of light, temperature, moisture, aeration, and humidity to plant growth will be described. Emphasis will be placed on potted plants grown for foliage or flowers, cut flowers and bedding plant production.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an introduction to the science and industry of viticulture including grape growing, history, distribution, biology, anatomy, propagation, cultivated varieties, rootstocks, climate, vineyard practices, common diseases and pests.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course will cover viticulture practices related to wine grapes for the fall and winter season including sugar and acid testing, harvesting, pruning, varietal selection and vineyard development. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications of viticulture.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course will teach viticulture practices related to wine grapes for the spring and summer season including planning and planting a new vineyard, pest control, soils, frost control, irrigation practices, quality control measures and vineyard equipment use. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications of viticulture.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to the management of fruit and nut trees. Topics include climate zones, soil selection, financing, farm organization, irrigation systems, field layout, varietal selection, nutritional needs, harvesting, labor management, marketing, and budgeting.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to plant propagation and production practices with emphasis on nursery operations including sexual and asexual reproduction, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, plant pest and disease control; structures and site layout; preparation and use of propagating and planting mediums; use and maintenance of common tools and equipment; regulations pertaining to plant production. (C-ID AG-EH 116L).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level III; English Level II; Math Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course covers the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a management position for a landscape company, public/private park system, golf course and other 'Green Industry' operations. Emphasis will be placed on operational procedures of the business such as determining annual overhead, planning for recovery of that overhead, hiring and managing procedures of employees and determining 'true' profit. This course is also designed to encourage development of 'take-off' and bidding skills for the construction industry.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course is an introduction to the integrated management of natural resources including trees, soil, water, fish, and wildlife for the production of wood and fiber products. The emphasis will be on both the traditional and emerging uses of the forest resource to satisfy human needs and the consequent protection of the public trust. Basic biological and ecological processes will be introduced along with discussion of the scientific method and preparing reports.
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Contacts
Tip Wilmarth, Chair
(530) 895-2540
Department Office: AHPS 251
(530) 895-2551
Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378
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