This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for
2003-2004 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the
Calendar for updated information.
The on-line version of the University College Calendar is the Official version. In the event of conflict between the printed version and the online version, the on-line version will prevail.
Effective date of this program calendar information, unless otherwise indicated, is Sept. 1, 2003 to Aug. 31, 2004.
Note: All course changes and updates are shown in blue.
Horticulture Technology
Offered at Langley Campus
Full- and Part-time
Diploma
Description
Kwantlen's Horticulture Technology Diploma program leads students to employment opportunities in the areas of (but not limited to) greenhouse and nursery production, golf course management, and landscape design and installation, depending on the specialization chosen. Through a high level of interaction between employers and faculty, the program offers courses that are relevant to the needs of industry. The program is designed to produce technologists and managers who have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to gain employment and to work successfully in a variety of disciplines within the horticulture industry.
The Diploma program has theoretical and practical components and students are encouraged to make maximum use of the training facilities and gain competence in a realistic range of labour operations. Educational facilities include a modern glass greenhouse, a range of poly-houses, a nursery, a three-hole demonstration golf course, science labs, and a developing landscape. For the most part, students will be in small groups during practical instruction.
The horticulture industry in British Columbia continues to expand in order to meet the growing need for horticultural products and services. The expansion of the industry is making increasing demands on staff at all levels. The supply has always been limited because of the low availability of qualified people. Technologists will find numerous employment opportunities in the horticulture industry. They will have the ability, after work experience, to progress to supervisory or managerial roles in greenhouses, golf courses, landscape operations, garden centres, and nursery operations in both the private and public sectors.
Student Profile
Students should have a strong desire for hands-on work, enjoy nature and living things, be concerned about the environment, and have entrepreneurial talents. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products, or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact on their health. Physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in these horticulture disciplines. Students will be required to work with plant protection products.
Admission Requirements
All applicants (full or part-time) must meet general Kwantlen admission requirements.
English 12 with a C+ or equivalent (if a candidate does not meet the recommended letter grade required, they are encouraged to write the Kwantlen English Placement Test).
Math 11 with a C or equivalent.
Chemistry 11 or equivalent with a C grade or Physics 11 or equivalent with a C grade.
Applicable upgrading courses are available at Kwantlen University College for students who do not meet these entrance requirements.
All applicants are invited to arrange an interview with a faculty member to help clarify program demands and career opportunities. Early application is recommended. Applications are accepted ten months prior to the start of classes.
Content
1. Greenhouse and Nursery Production
The greenhouse and nursery segments of the horticulture industry in BC consistently increase in size and employment opportunities each year. There is always a demand for knowledgeable and skilled individuals who enjoy working with people and plants. The demand for qualified greenhouse/nursery technologists is high and job opportunities exist in BC and abroad. This specialization can provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work successfully in greenhouse production of vegetable, flower or forestry crops, or the field and container production of ornamental plants in nursery environments. Graduates may be employed as assistant growers or growers in wholesale and retail nurseries, commercial greenhouse operations, garden centre and supply companies. Self-employment is also a possibility.
The increased development of public and private grounds has created a demand for individuals trained in landscape design and installation. The Landscape specialization addresses this need and offers exciting opportunities for individuals seeking employment in the landscape industry. Employment opportunities exist for supervisors and managers in residential and commercial landscaping companies, garden design firms, municipal park management and maintenance, and in horticulture materials supply companies. The opportunity for self-employment is high.
The turfgrass industry is a large sector in the provincial economy. In 1998 the operating expenditures of turfgrass operations in the province was estimated to be 1.65 billion dollars. Approximately 126,000 hectares of managed turfgrass exist in the province. Turfgrass management is a key component of the landscape trades, recreation, and tourism industries. There is steady growth in the demand for qualified turf managers. Graduates from the program have the skills necessary to achieve management level careers in turfgrass operations. Students will be involved in the ongoing development and maintenance of the golf turf and landscape turf on campus. While most graduates find employment in the golf course industry, opportunities also exist in lawn care, athletic field management, commercial sod growing, and management of cemeteries, parks, and recreational facilities. Related careers include golf course construction, equipment supply, and fertilizer and seed sales.
Transfer Opportunities to the Bachelor of Business Administration Program at Kwantlen
Many people successfully employed in the Horticulture industry eventually assume a managerial position of responsibility. Horticulture Technology Diploma graduates are eligible to transfer into the third year of Kwantlen University College's Bachelor of Business Administration (in Entrepreneurial Leadership) upon successful completion of additional course work in Accounting, English, Microeconomics, Statistics, and Marketing. Students can now combine technology level training with enhanced business training and receive two credentials (Diploma and Degree) in a 4.5 year course of study.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be awarded a Diploma in Horticulture Technology.
Transfer Opportunities
Graduates of the Technology program may access advanced level admission to the Bachelor of Applied Horticulture Technology at Olds College in Olds, Alberta . Discussion is also underway for advanced entry to a degree under construction at the University of Guelph / Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph, Ontario.
Horticulture Technologies Faculty
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