Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Majors in Urban Ecosystem or Plant Health
Faculty of Science & Horticulture
| Start Date(s): | September, January |
| Format: | Part-time / Full-time |
| Offered At: | Langley Campus |
Description
The new Bachelor of Horticulture Science program is an interdisciplinary program that combines horticulture, business, mathematics, biology, and chemistry. Students will combine technical training in horticulture (trade and technology) with the science of horticulture to resolve community, industry, or research related problems. Innovation and creative thinking are important essential skills that students gain through their involvement in research and enterprise projects. The important themes of the program are the roles of sustainable horticulture in our communities and environments, and the cultural, social, and economic influences on sustainable horticulture.
The Bachelor of Horticulture Science program has the following strengths:
- Customized education through the selection of electives that support learner educational goals
- Laddering within the School of Horticulture programs and articulation with other horticulture programs in BC to support lifelong learning
- Emphasis on the economic, environmental, and social components of sustainability
- Strong connections with the horticulture industry and community groups
- Development of essential skills such as teamwork, creative thinking, problem solving, and communication
- Capstone research courses which include a business plan and the application of new skills to a community based issue
- Required work experience in the first two years and in the community based project during the 4th year
Urban Ecosystems students study the impacts of horticultural activities in the urban environment. Students will learn how to assess the characteristics of urban ecosystems as they relate to landscape function and health. Outcomes include the ability to monitor and analyze the impact of horticultural activities on the local environment, remediate inefficient or ineffective gardens or landscapes, and install landscape features that make a positive contribution to the goal of a sustainable community. Of particular interest is the functioning of urban greenspaces at the edges of residential, industrial, agricultural, and natural habitats.
Plant Health students address the impacts of plant dysfunction on the local, regional, and international practice of horticulture. The recognition of plant health, the diagnosis of poor plant performance, and the analysis of plant health programs form the core educational goals. Of interest is that students will explore the impacts of weeds, pests, and diseases as well as the impact of pest management tactics on the environment. A unique feature of the program is the recognition of horticulture as part international trade and the impact of pests and diseases on the movement of plants and plant products around the globe.
Student Profile
Individuals interested in improving the quality of our urban greenspace whether from high school, horticulture industry, community, or university and college programs in the life sciences or environmental studies are encouraged to apply. This program will appeal to students who are interested in a program where they will both analyze problems and implement solutions that enhance and protect our greenspaces. Students with an interest in the effects of public policy and varied societal perspectives on the implementation of sustainable practices in urban greenspaces will also find this program of value.
Students interested in the specific horticulture industry sectors of greenhouse and nursery production, landscape design and installation, or turf management will be able to complete a of Diploma in Horticulture Technology as a foundation to completing the Bachelor of Horticulture Science.
Career Opportunities
Upon completing the Bachelor of Horticulture Science graduates will be qualified to compete for:
- Technical positions in the Environmental Sector of the Economy
- Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Contractors
- Urban Horticulturists
- Growers in Production Horticulture Operations
- Plant Protection Inspectors
- IPM specialists or managers in public or private organizations
- Crop Consultants
- Golf Course Superintendents
- Technical Representatives for Horticulture or Agriculture Supply Companies
- Parks Managers
- Specialized Horticulture Enterprises (i.e. Green Roof Installation and Maintenance)
- Landscape Architecture (B. Sc. Hort. is a potential qualifying program)
- Graduate studies in Horticulture or related fields (subject to specific graduate school admission requirements)
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to Kwantlen’s general university admission requirements, there are two ways to qualify as a student in the Horticulture Science program:
Year 1—Students who enter directly into first year will need to meet the following standard:
- English 12 with a B grade (or equivalent)
- Math 11 with a C grade (or equivalent)
- Chemistry 11 with a C+ grade (or equivalent)
Year 3—Program admission and continuance requirements
- Horticulture Technology diploma or equivalent with a Program Grade Point Average of 2.5
- English 12 with a B or equivalent (writing the Kwantlen Polytechnic University English Placement Test is recommended if a candidate cannot meet the required minimum letter grade)
- Principles of Math 11 with a C or equivalent
- Chemistry 11 with a C+ or equivalent
- General Education 6 credits ( a 3 credit course other than a HORT desiginated course plus a 3 credit course in Economics from the School of Business)
- HORT 1110 Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture (3 credits)
QUALIFYING SEMESTERS
For students not meeting the program admission requirements for the degree, one or two qualifying semesters may be necessary. Upgrading in Math, Chemistry, and English is/are required prior to admission to degree program:
Option 1: One Semester of upgrading is required
Student has achieved Principles of Math 11 with a C and Chemistry 11 with a C or no Chemistry.
- English upgrading course based on the English Placement Test
- MATH 1117 Environmental Mathematics (program course)
- CHEQ 1094 Preparation for General Chemistry
Option 2: Two Semesters of upgrading are required
Student has achieved Principles of Math 11 with less than a C and no Chemistry.
1st semester:
-
English upgrading course based on the English Placement Test
-
MATQ 1092 Introductory Algebra
-
LCOM 1100 Introduction to Higher Education
2nd semester:
- CHEQ 1094 Preparation for General Chemistry
- MATH 1117 Environmental Mathematics (program course)
- HORT elective (from program course list)
Because chemistry is not a course prerequisite at the Diploma level, students enrolled in the Horticulture Technology Diploma program will need to upgrade to the science entry requirement before entering the degree program at Year 3. Students enrolled in the Horticulture Technology Diploma program may also have to upgrade their English standing to meet the entry requirement of the degree program.
Content
Refer to Figure 1 for an overview of the program progression for both the Urban Ecosystems and Plant Health options of the Bachelor of Horticulture Science. Table 1 outlines the course requirements for both the Urban Ecosystem option and the Plant Health Option.
The Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Major in Urban Ecosystems consists of 121 credits of course work. The Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Major in Plant Health consists of 125 credits of course work. Refer to the course timetables; course offerings are subject to revision.
Table 1. Course requirements for the Bachelor of Horticulture Science Degrees. [All courses listed below are existing courses except where designated with ‘(new)’]
Years 1 and 2 required courses
- BUSI 1205 Supervisory Skills, Business Management
- BUSI 1209 Business Management in Horticulture
- CBSY 1105 Introductory Microcomputer Applications
- CMNS 1140 Introduction to Professional Communication
- HORT 1102 Botany for Horticulture
- HORT 1104 Soils and Growing Media
- HORT 1110 Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture
- HORT 1155 Intro to Plant Identification
- HORT 1217 Introduction to Pest Management
- HORT 2300 Horticultural Work Experience
Plus one of:
Plus 2 of general education courses (6 CR)
Plus 24 credits (9 credits at the 2000 level) selected from the following list:
- HORT 1116 Introductory Equipment Maintenance
- HORT 1122 Introduction to Landscape Practices
- HORT 1134 Turf Maintenance Operations
- HORT 1171 Production Practices - Fall
- HORT 1224 Landscape Drafting
- HORT 1230 Sustainable Turf Management
- HORT 1240 Arboriculture I
- HORT 1246 Plant ID for Production
- HORT 1255 Plant Identification 2
- HORT 1261 Plant Propagation
- HORT 1271 Production Practices - Spring
- HORT 2304 Grounds Machinery
- HORT 2320 Landscape Design I
- HORT 2330 Turfgrass and Environmental Stress
- HORT 2334 Irrigation, Drainage and Lighting
- HORT 2335 Sports Turf Management Practices
- HORT 2355 Plant Identification 3
- HORT 2371 Fall Floriculture
- HORT 2372 Greenhouse Vegetable Production
- HORT 2375 Production Facilities and Equipment
- HORT 2412 Landscape Estimating and Contract Administration
- HORT 2420 Landscape Design II
- HORT 2426 Landscape Construction
- HORT 2436 Golf Course Management
- HORT 2437 Golf Course Irrigation Systems: Design and Operations
- HORT 2442 Arboriculture II
- HORT 2463 Nursery Production
- HORT 2473 Greenhouse Environments
- HORT 2477 Production Management
- HORT 2479 Spring Floriculture
- HORT 2490 Organic Greenhouse Crop Production
Years 3 and 4 required courses (Urban Ecosystems and Plant Health)
Lower Level
- BIOL 1110 Introductory Biology I
- ENGL 1100 Reading, Writing and Thinking: An Introduction
- ENVI 1106 Environmental Chemistry
- MATH 1117 Environmental Mathematics Plus 3 credits general education elective
Upper Level: Courses are currently under development.
Other
Students may have the opportunity to engage in international studies. Recently students participated in a three month exchange to Cuba where they worked on a range of plant health related research.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Major in Urban Ecosystems or a Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Major in Plant Health.
