Colorado, USA
January 24, 2012
Colorado State University (CSU) offers a Certificate Program in Seed Technology to train seed analysts to work in State or Commercial Seed Laboratories. The Certificate is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants a career in seed technology or for current seed analysts working to become a Registered Seed Technologist or a Certified Seed Analyst (RST or CSA). The Certificate Program is designed to help fill a well documented need for new seed analysts within the industry.
Starting in 2012 there will be a New Scholarship Program for students needing financial assistance. Nearly half of the cost of the courses will be covered in this new program. Anyone interested should contact Dr. Jack Fenwick at 970-491-6907 or email him at j.fenwick@colostate.edu.
The STEP program received the “2012 Seed Science Award” from the Crop Science Society of America for its contribution to Research, Teaching, Professionalism, Service, Extension and Administration.
Although CSU has been offering courses in seed technology since 1998, it has expanded the training to a Certificate Program which includes 10 online courses and laboratory training. The program offers 10 distance education courses through CSU and 3 other institutions: the University of Kentucky, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and Iowa State University. The laboratory training may be taken at CSU or at a wide range of state and private seed testing labs throughout the U.S.A.
The courses are:
1. Seed Anatomy and Identification
2. Seed Development and Metabolism
3. Seed Germination and Viability
4. Seed Purity Analysis
5. Seed Separation and Conditioning
6. Seed Storage and Deterioration
7. Large Seeded Legume Seed Production
8. Vegetable Seed Production
9. Seed Dormancy
10. Vigor Testing
These pictures are representative of what is available on the SeedImages.com website.
The Certificate Program is a two year program. Anyone interested in this exciting educational and employment opportunity should visit http://step.colostate.edu.
For further information please contact Dr. Jack Fenwick at j.fenwick@colostate.edu, phone # 970-491-6907 at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado.