Experiential and Experimental Learning Approaches for Undergraduate Education in Agroecology.

The Agroecology program housed in the Department of Earth and Environment at Florida International University, Miami, FL aims to recruit and train outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in food and agriculture sciences.  Through experiential and experimental training approaches, students learn to solve various agricultural problems including:  (a) on-farm/range land practices and pollution loadings, (b) bio-geo-chemical processes and nutrient cycling, (c) on-farm and off-farm remediation measures, (d) surface and ground water management, (e) loss of agriculture land and water to urban sprawl, (f) promotion of a community-supported agriculture.  The courses and activities in Agroecology program train students in cutting-edge lab and field techniques: geospatial mapping and analysis, soil and ecosystem nutrient cycle analysis, bioremediation techniques, organic farming and economic cost-benefit analysis. Students get opportunities to work closely with USDA and other local and state agencies through rigorous internship program. These well-trained students gain competitive edge in pursuing agriculture careers that require multi-disciplinary skills and perspectives.