Biological Applications in Agriculture
This course explores biological principles within the agriculture, food, and natural resources industries. Students will learn how biological and chemical interventions are foundational to sustainable crop, poultry, and livestock production practices, developing agricultural technologies, improving soil health and fertility, using selective breeding and genetic engineering in pest and disease management, minimizing crop loss and mitigating environmental degradation. The competencies in this course reinforce Biology Standards of Learning, and students will use project-based learning to develop the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (8085). Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Notes
Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (18 Weeks)
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Applications in Agriculture (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Health and Medical Sciences (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Technology Education (36 Weeks)
- Ecology and Environmental Management (18 Weeks)
- Ecology and Environmental Management (36 Weeks)
- Equine Science (18 Weeks)
- Equine Science (36 Weeks)
- Equine Science, Advanced (36 Weeks)
- Fisheries & Wildlife Management (36 Weeks)
- Floriculture (36 Weeks)
- Food Science and Dietetics (36 Weeks)
- Forestry Management (36 Weeks)
- Forestry Management, Advanced (36 Weeks)
- Greenhouse Plant Production & Management (36 Weeks)
- Horticulture Science (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Animal Systems (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Natural Resources & Ecology Systems (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Plant Systems (36 Weeks)
- Small Animal Care I (18 Weeks)
- Small Animal Care I (36 Weeks)
- Small Animal Care II (36 Weeks)
- Veterinary Science I (36 Weeks)
- Veterinary Science II (36 Weeks)
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
- Agricultural Biotechnology Assessment
- Animal Systems Assessment
- Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator Examination
- Certified Private Applicator Examination
- Certified Registered Technician Pesticide Applicator Examination
- College and Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA+)
- National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- Natural Resource Systems Assessment
- Production Agriculture Assessment
- Small Animal Science and Technology Assessment
- Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 292056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | No |
| 252031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | No |
| 192031 | Chemists | No |
| 192041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | No |
| 273042 | Technical Writers | No |
| 319096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | No |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Animal Systems |
|
| Environmental Service Systems |
|
| Food Products & Processing Systems |
|
| Natural Resources Systems |
|
| Plant Systems |
|
| Power, Structural, & Technical Systems |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology |
|
| Science & Mathematics |
|
