Degree Options:

Biofuels Option

At a glance:

The program provides technical expertise that prepares students to assume a variety of agriculture-related positions in rural or urban communities. The curriculum is designed for those who desire to own or manage farms; become agricultural representatives for banking and financial institutions, cooperatives, chemical companies, the Agricultural Extension Service and other federal agencies and state agencies; or to engage in public relations, research and other aspects of industry related to agriculture and agribusiness.

Why should a student choose the program at UT Martin?

This agricultural science option provides broad-based training in a variety of agriculture fields that relate to the production and utilization of transportation fuels derived from agricultural products and biomass. Students will receive a background in plant science topics dealing with biomass production, agricultural engineering related to biofuels production and issues in agricultural economics that relate to the biofuels industry.

Are there any special opportunities available such as internships, global travel, etc?

Supervised field experience, or an internship, is available for academic credit. It is required of all students in park and recreation administration, agricultural business, agricultural science production and plant science programs, and strongly encouraged for students in all other agricultural and natural resources management degree programs. Internships are designed to enable a student to obtain credit for completion of a prescribed program of work with an approved business or agency. Students have served as interns in a variety of agricultural management and marketing positions and as interns with a variety of city, state and federal agencies. Supervision and evaluation are provided by faculty and on- the-job supervisors. An essential element of this program is that the work experience be designed so it contributes to a student’s learning and level of competence in his/her chosen career area; routine summer jobs or seasonal employment that do not meet these criteria cannot be considered for internship credit. Students interested in the program should apply for participation one semester in advance and they should have achieved senior standing at the time the work experience begins in the case of park and recreation administration – and junior standing in the case of other concentration areas.

What can a student do after graduation – graduate school, possible careers?

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment in the biofuels industry, including ethanol and biodiesel production facilities, agricultural production operations focused on producing biomass crops, or agricultural business related to biofuel production and marketing. Students will receive a background in plant science topics dealing with biomass production, agricultural engineering related to biofuels production and issues in agricultural economics that relate to the biofuels industry.

What kind of student organizations, clubs, or honor societies can a student join?

Agriculture and natural resources management students are active in several organizations which include the Agronomy Club, Alpha Gamma Rho, Block and Bridle Club, Collegiate FFA, Collegiate 4-H, National Agribusiness Marketing Association, Park and Recreation Adventure Club, Equestrian Team(Athletics), Rodeo Team (Athletics), UT Martin chapter of the Wildlife Society, Student Cattlemen’s Association, UT Martin Turf Club, Sigma Alpha and UT Martin Pre-Veterinary Club. These student organizations provide opportunities for meeting established professionals in the field, enhancing leadership skills and participation in social activities. Teams composed of students enrolled in agriculture or natural resources management annually participate in intercollegiate contests in livestock judging, crops judging, horse judging, NAMA Quiz Bowl, SAEA Quiz Bowl and soil judging. Instruction and coaching are provided by faculty members and membership on the team is based upon participation and competitive performance in practice exercises. The teams have received awards in regional and national competition. They provide excellent opportunities for &interested students to sharpen their evaluation skills. Equestrian competition is also available to interested students through the UT Martin athletics program.

What kind of facilities and equipment will be available to the student?

The UT Martin Agricultural and Natural Resources Field Teaching and Demonstration Complex, located adjacent to the campus, is utilized as the lab farm in the department’s teaching programs. Together, both units comprise 680 acres and include herds of beef cattle, sheep, goats, horses and swine, as well as greenhouses and landscape, wildlife, field and forage crop demonstration areas. These facilities are used by faculty and students to conduct research that complements the teaching program as well as contributes to the broad objectives of the Center of Excellence. The organization outlined above enables students to become familiar with research conducted at the teaching farm, other experiment stations of the UT Institute of Agriculture and other laboratories of the university. UT Martin, in this way, occupies a unique position that differentiates it from other institutions. UT Martin also has the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex (pavilion and stalling facility), an Equine Center, West Tennessee Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Ray and Wilma Smith Livestock Merchandising Center, with all of these hosting a variety of events throughout the year.

Does the faculty specialize in certain areas?

Mr. Richard Shadden (rshadden@utm.edu) is a Professor of Agricultural Engineering Technology with over 35 years of teaching experience in higher education and has been recognized with numerous teaching awards. He specializes in waste management and biofuels. Dr. Tim Burchman (tburchman@utm.edu) is the Parker Chair of Excellence chairholder with over 19 years experience in higher education and is Registered Professionals Engineer. He Specializes in waste management and precision agriculture as well as developing alternative technologies for on-line course offering.