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Chris Boyer

Professor & Head | Agricultural and Resource Economics
Overview

My teaching and research programs focuses on farm business management decisions that help producers maximize profits and/or manage risk. The goal of these programs is to enhance the long-term economic sustainability of farm businesses in Tennessee and across the United States. I work with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and Extensions Specialists to identify relevant and important real-world questions and to develop practical solutions. This research enhances my teaching program of farm financial management, investment analysis of technology adoption, data analysis, and land valuation. I have co-developed an AREC study aboard course to Argentina focused on the their global agricultural supply chain.

Research Focus

Farm Business Management & Risk Management for crop and beef cattle producers

Teaching Focus

AREC 312: Rural Real Estate Appraisal; AREC 324: Applications of Quantitative Method; AREC 444: Agricultural Production Technology Management; AGNR 491: Agricultural Business of Argentina

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 260 - Biotechnology: Foundations and Applications
3 credit hour(s)

Introduction to the foundational principles and applications of biotechnology, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms that underpin genetic engineering. Covers fundamental concepts in genetics that include classical and modern principles of heredity. meiosis and transmission genetics; molecular genetics and gene expression. Covers concepts in cell and molecular biology, applying these to modern biotechnological techniques such as gene cloning, genetic transformation, and genome editing. Examines ethical considerations, biosafety, and the societal impact of biotechnology. Through lectures, discussions, and projects, students will gain a foundational understanding of biotechnology and its influence on medical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial fields. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
Recommended Background: Introductory biology course with lab (e.g., BIOL 101, BIOL 113, BIOL 160 or similar)

Semesters Offered: Fall
PLSC 452 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

Genetic principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 452 and PLSC 552.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 113 or BIOL 114 or consent of instructor.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2022 Syllabus
PLSC 454 - Plant Biotechniques
3 credit hour(s)

Lectures will discuss recombinant DNA technology, molecular assisted breeding of economically important crops, gene cloning and transformation technologies. Examples will be given of food and ornamental crops, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sources produced using biotechnology, as well as potential risks of this technology. Labs will include electrophoresis, tissue culture, plasmid preps, genomic DNA preps, PCR, plant transformation, and genomic techniques.

Contact Hour Distribution: 1 hour lecture and one 3-hour lab. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 454 and PLSC 554.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 113 or BIOL 114 or BIOL 240 or consent of instructor.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring | Syllabus: Example 2026 Syllabus
PLSC 504 - Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

Presentations and discussion of topics.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.

Other Instructors: Wayman, Clint

Semesters Offered: Fall
PLSC 552 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

General principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Student may not receive credit for both 452 and 552.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2022 Syllabus
PLSC 554 - Plant Biotechniques
3 credit hour(s)

Lectures will discuss recombinant DNA technology, molecular assisted breeding of economically important crops, gene cloning and transformation technologies. Examples will be given of food and ornamental crops, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sources produced using biotechnology as well as potential risks of this technology. Labs will include electrophoresis, tissue culture, plasmid preps, genomic DNA preps, PCR, plant transformation, genomic techniques.

Contact Hour Distribution: 1-hour lecture and one 3-hour lab. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 454 and 554.
Recommended Background: 353 or Biology 240.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring | Syllabus: Example 2026 Syllabus
Picture of Chris Boyer

865-974-5005

cboyer3@tennessee.edu

ORCID: 0000-0002-1393-8589
Curriculum Vitae
308G Morgan Hall
2621 Morgan Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Agricultural Business and Management, Oklahoma State University, 2011
  • MS, Agricultural Business and Management, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2008
  • BS, Agricultural Business and Management, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2006
Web Presence
LinkedIn

Chris Boyer

Professor & Head | Agricultural and Resource Economics
Picture of Chris Boyer image

865-974-5005

cboyer3@tennessee.edu

ORCID: 0000-0002-1393-8589
Curriculum Vitae
308G Morgan Hall
2621 Morgan Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Agricultural Business and Management, Oklahoma State University, 2011
  • MS, Agricultural Business and Management, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2008
  • BS, Agricultural Business and Management, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2006
Overview

My teaching and research programs focuses on farm business management decisions that help producers maximize profits and/or manage risk. The goal of these programs is to enhance the long-term economic sustainability of farm businesses in Tennessee and across the United States. I work with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and Extensions Specialists to identify relevant and important real-world questions and to develop practical solutions. This research enhances my teaching program of farm financial management, investment analysis of technology adoption, data analysis, and land valuation. I have co-developed an AREC study aboard course to Argentina focused on the their global agricultural supply chain.

Research Focus

Farm Business Management & Risk Management for crop and beef cattle producers

Teaching Focus

AREC 312: Rural Real Estate Appraisal; AREC 324: Applications of Quantitative Method; AREC 444: Agricultural Production Technology Management; AGNR 491: Agricultural Business of Argentina

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 260 - Biotechnology: Foundations and Applications
3 credit hour(s)

Introduction to the foundational principles and applications of biotechnology, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms that underpin genetic engineering. Covers fundamental concepts in genetics that include classical and modern principles of heredity. meiosis and transmission genetics; molecular genetics and gene expression. Covers concepts in cell and molecular biology, applying these to modern biotechnological techniques such as gene cloning, genetic transformation, and genome editing. Examines ethical considerations, biosafety, and the societal impact of biotechnology. Through lectures, discussions, and projects, students will gain a foundational understanding of biotechnology and its influence on medical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial fields. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
Recommended Background: Introductory biology course with lab (e.g., BIOL 101, BIOL 113, BIOL 160 or similar)

Semesters Offered: Fall
PLSC 452 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

Genetic principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 452 and PLSC 552.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 113 or BIOL 114 or consent of instructor.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2022 Syllabus
PLSC 454 - Plant Biotechniques
3 credit hour(s)

Lectures will discuss recombinant DNA technology, molecular assisted breeding of economically important crops, gene cloning and transformation technologies. Examples will be given of food and ornamental crops, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sources produced using biotechnology, as well as potential risks of this technology. Labs will include electrophoresis, tissue culture, plasmid preps, genomic DNA preps, PCR, plant transformation, and genomic techniques.

Contact Hour Distribution: 1 hour lecture and one 3-hour lab. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 454 and PLSC 554.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 113 or BIOL 114 or BIOL 240 or consent of instructor.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring | Syllabus: Example 2026 Syllabus
PLSC 504 - Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

Presentations and discussion of topics.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.

Other Instructors: Wayman, Clint

Semesters Offered: Fall
PLSC 552 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

General principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Student may not receive credit for both 452 and 552.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2022 Syllabus
PLSC 554 - Plant Biotechniques
3 credit hour(s)

Lectures will discuss recombinant DNA technology, molecular assisted breeding of economically important crops, gene cloning and transformation technologies. Examples will be given of food and ornamental crops, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sources produced using biotechnology as well as potential risks of this technology. Labs will include electrophoresis, tissue culture, plasmid preps, genomic DNA preps, PCR, plant transformation, genomic techniques.

Contact Hour Distribution: 1-hour lecture and one 3-hour lab. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 454 and 554.
Recommended Background: 353 or Biology 240.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring | Syllabus: Example 2026 Syllabus
Web Presence
LinkedIn