FdSc Horticulture (FT)

FdSc Horticulture

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

Course Description:

Horticulture today combines knowledge of plant and soil science, utilisation of innovative new technologies, business acumen and entrepreneurship. It offers a stimulating and rewarding career path for anyone with an interest in plants and the environment. The Foundation Degree in Horticulture, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, explores the scientific basis of plant cultivation and related technologies, the horticultural business environment, along with an understanding of the significance of horticulture to society.

In Year One, you will learn the fundamentals of plant biology and soil science, principles of amenity horticulture and plant production. This year also develops those skills essential for anyone looking to work within horticultural industry at technical or managerial levels. These themes are developed in Year Two, with an opportunity to specialise in either greenspace management or production science.

The course is ideal for anyone new to horticulture, who wants to work in this challenging and exciting industry or for those currently working in horticulture who wants to expand their knowledge or progress towards management positions. Alternatively, the course offers a route into scientific research. The course integrates both underlying scientific knowledge and technical skills, applied within an industry and business context.

COURSE CONTENT:

Year 1

Work Skills Development

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

Principles of Amenity Horticulture

This module aims to develop foundation knowledge of amenity horticulture including plant taxonomy, plant identification and plant utilisation. The module will contain practical elements which will complement theory.

Plant Production: Science and Technology (double module)

A module with a high practical content, where students will be expected to complete the process of producing and selling plants. Skills taught within the module will include plant propagation and cultural practices for a range of non-edible crops. Business aspects studied will include specifications, costing, marketing.

Applied Soil Technology (half module)

This module promotes the progression of the student from an understanding of the essential principles of soil science to their application to growing media in a range of environments.

Essential Plant Biology (half module)

This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of plant biology needed to allow successful management of their growth and development. Students will discover how plant form and function relates to their basic needs in terms of light, water, nutrients and reproduction.

Plant Cell Biology (half module)

Increasingly research into the biochemistry and intracellular functioning of plants is giving us insights into new management practices or allowing us to produce new and useful plant varieties. This module aims to give students a basic knowledge of plant biochemistry and cell function to allow them to start to interpret these new developments.

Essential Soil Science (half module)

This module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and understanding of soil science, sufficient for students to be able to recognise soil properties and their influence on plant growth and development.

Year 2

Work Project

This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Work Skills Development. It will utilise a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, and work with their supervisor in developing and managing the project and reporting on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.

Environmental Plant Physiology

This module builds upon the knowledge of plants gained in the Level One plant biology modules. It aims to extend the student's understanding of how plants interact with their environment and relate this to the management practices employed in their particular industry. It will also consider how plant physiology is influenced by changes in environmental conditions, such as those associated with global warming, and how changes in a plant's environment lead to changes and adaptations of plant processes.

Greenspace Management

This module allows students to apply their knowledge of amenity horticulture through site audits, management plans, maintenance schedules, specifications and contract documentation. The module also considers the use, management and maintenance of soft landscape features in urban greenspace.

Pests, Diseases and Weeds

This module deals with all the agents, which can interfere with plant growth and development. The importance of life cycles and the nature of current control measures are studied. This module will highlight the current threats to plants in the UK.

Two modules from a choice of three:

Research Methods (option module)

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment.

Business and Entrepreneurism (option module)

This module will evaluate entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process to develop students’ business planning skills. This includes marketing and finance in order to aid the formulation of sustainable and enterprising business plans.

Crop Physiology and Production (option module)

This module explores the physiological basis of crop yields including the influence of management and environment. It also introduces concepts underpinning conventional plant breeding. The module then examines how these concepts are applied to the production of particular field and protected crops.

Course Documents:

Student Handbook (2015 Entry)

Programme Specification and Handbook (2016 Entry)

Myerscough College Policies and Procedures

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments such as technical reports, literature reviews, written examinations, presentations, laboratory/practical reports and practical tests (eg plant identification).

Links with Professional Body:

The College works with The Institute of Horticulture (IOH), International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS), National Trust (NT), Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), British Pot Plant and Ornamental Association (BPOA), The Horticultural Developmental Council (HDC) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Extra Costs:

Additional costs that are essential for this course include:

A Pair of Secateurs and a Hortcultural Knife - £40

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for this course include:

Waterproofs and Safety Boots - £80

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on this course include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support taught sessions. Group work will form an important part of the course. Students will have access to extensive College grounds and modern greenhouse facilities. In addition, students will have access to Myerscough College’s virtual learning environment.

Additional Information:

Modules may include guest speakers from the industry. Visits may include faciilities such as gardens, growers and trade fairs.

Work Experience:

The Work Skills Development and Work Project modules will use a relevant working environment to provide the opportunity for students to develop technical skills and help prepare them for employment. There is no formal industrial placement on this course.

Progression:

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree may provide access to a one-year BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management (Top-up).

Careers:

Students have gained employment in a wide range of situations such as garden centres, commercial nurseries, landscape companies and botanical and private gardens.

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice. Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.