BIOL 316 - Introduction to Aeroponics

(3 hour(s)) Prerequisites: BIOL 220 and 220L, CHEM 117 or CHEM 301. Corequisite: BIOL 316L. This course will cover the newly emerging technology of Aeroponics- growing vegetables and herbs under soil-less conditions with plant roots hanging in the air. Topics that are covered in this course include: the history of hydro-, aqua-, and aeroponics; a review of current applications of this technology, i.e., new cloud-based sensors, pros- and cons- of these 3 techniques; the practice of aeroponics (plant physiology, nutrient composition, artificial light vs. sunlight, process optimization, plant growth samples, chemical analysis of the nutrients present in the roots and tissue samples and a current business review. The lab portion will provide hands-on experience growing a variety of plants in mini-aeroponic towers. Cross listed with CHEM 316. Parent= CHEM. (Laboratory fee required). This course cannot be challenged.