Horticulture — New Students

University horticultural science courses are interesting, engaging and rewarding but have a heavy workload due to weekly mandatory labs and hands-on training. As this is the case, we recommend you review  the appropriate course plan for your first year to keep your school-work-life balance, to ensure prerequisites for future semesters are met and to ensure success in all of your courses. 

Some KPU Horticulture courses have prerequisite (registration) requirements. If you are missing any of these or are unsure how to proceed, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor or call 604.599.2828 for "first year course planning and prerequisites." 

For general information on how to check your registration time, registering for courses, paying your tuition and buying textbooks, visit kpu.ca/advising/new-students.

NEW safety policy beginning January 1, 2023:  All students are required to purchase - and bring with them to every class -  the safety gear/personal protective equipment (PPE) listed on the HORT Common Safety Requirements.pdf.

Students will not be allowed to participate in their assigned class activities without having the proper safety equipment/PPE. Faculty and Instructional Associates will no longer have the ability to lend students safety gear.

Horticulture Student Equipment List:

  • CSA green triangle steel toe workboots (ankle boot recommended)
  • Personal safety eyewear (Safety goggles/Polycarbonate safety lens)
  • Tightfitting safety work gloves - no leather, no gauntlet loose cuffs, NO LATEX!
  • High Visibility reflective clothing or safety vest
  • Outdoor weather-appropriate work wear for hot and cold temperatures: Waterproof, sealed seams ( eg: Helly Hansen, Pioneer, Wetskins.  NOT Gore-Tex --it doesn’t work when dirty)
  • Hats to protect from cold, rain, sun
  • Sunscreen
  • Some courses require handheld professional quality bypass pruners

Should you require financial assistance to purchase these required items, please contact:  Kirsty Grimston at KPU's Student Awards and Financial Assistance office. Subsidies are available for students who meet the financial need qualifications. 

BC Pesticide Certificate PLA Form

Course Planning

Please see the following resources to assist you with your course planning as a first-year student in one of the following Diploma programs:

Course Planning Guides

Sustainable Production Horticulture

Landscape Horticulture Systems

Turf Management

Horticulture Technology (no specialization)

 

PLEASE NOTE: It is strongly recommended to ensure smooth progression through the Horticulture diplomas - and to meet prerequisites for 2nd year courses appropriately - that students take at least 4 HORT specific courses per semester in Fall and Spring terms.

See an Academic Advisor for additional course planning assistance.