Dr. Sparks teaches in the Department of Plant & Soil Sciences. Her teaching philosophy centers around applied learning and student-centered experiences. Courses and their associated syllabi are detailed below.

Current Classes

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PLSC270:  Biotechnology: Science and Socioeconomic Issues

Undergraduate course, cross-listed with Applied Economics and Statistics, that covers the fundamentals of biotechnology with a particular focus on agriculture. PLSC270 is offered every Spring semester.
Spring 2022 Syllabus

PLSC435/635:  Plant Developmental Biology

Upper level undergraduate and graduate course on the fundamentals of plant developmental biology. Both sections of this course meet together. Course is taught by lecture with a focus on reading and interpreting primary scientific literature. PLSC435/635 is taught every other Fall semester in even-numbered years.
Fall 2018 Syllabus
Fall 2020 Syllabus

Previously Taught Classes

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PLSC201:  Botany II

This lecture and lab course is a core course for Plant and Soil Sciences. Dr. Sparks taught this course for one semester while the usual instructor was on Sabbatical.  
Spring 2021 Syllabus

PLSC367-011:  Controlled Environment Agriculture for Urban Environments

Undergraduate course focused on the design and construction of hydroponic growth systems.  This course has been developed as part of the UD MakerGym to provide experiential learning experiences in agriculture. We have partnered with the Tonic Theater Company to design hydroponic growth systems compatible with community theater and providing education and access to fresh produce.
Spring 2019 Syllabus