Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Introduction to Horticulture
Module Code	BET101
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Michael Parkinson Semester 2: Michael Parkinson Autumn: Michael Parkinson
Module Teacher	Michael Parkinson
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This knowledge based module introduces students to the diverse field of horticulture, botanical gardens and public parks. Students will learn about the various components of the horticultural industry (nursery stock, landscape design, food production and turfgrass) and their respective economic values.The students will get an introduction to the role and functions of the National Botanic Gardens and will be expected to use this knowledge to contribute to discussions about their changing role in an era of climate change and biodiversity loss.Students will participate in the following learning activities:-Attendance at lectures and study trips designed to give a balanced view of the horticultural industry. This will include guest lectures from the industry.-Poster compiling and presentation on an amenity field of their choice to their peers.-Introduction to botany and plant identifications using botanical keys to family/genus/species level.-Students are expected to fully utilise textbooks and scientific literature and other resources listed below.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate critically the various components of the horticultural industry and their social,environmental and economic impact.
2. Appraise the function and role of botanical gardens and amenity parks.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of plant nomenclature, taxonomy and external morphology.
4. Use botanical keys to identify plants to family, genus and species level.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Keynote lectures on amenity horticulture
Assignment	16	Study visits to relevant locations
Tutorial	10	Poster presentations
Lab	6	Practical ID in gardens and family allocations
Independent learning time	69	Independent study/project work
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Overview of the horticultural sector both in Ireland and abroad;.
Amenity parklands and open spaces, Nursery stock production, food production, landscape design, turfgrass. Current trends..

Botanical gardens:.
history, functions and developments worldwide..

Binomial system:.
Plant classification and naming, use of keys and allocation to genus and species.

Practical classification of:.
trees, shrubs, perennial, bulbous plants, annuals and alpines..

Study trips:.
A visit to a location of each of the amenity sectors mentioned. Reflective writing on each..

Assignments:.
written assignment on an amenity sector of students’ choice. Poster making assignment and presentations..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Portfolio	Reflective writing on field trips Critical appraisal of various amenity horticulture sectors.	30%	n/a
Poster presentation	Poster on field of your choice.	20%	n/a
In Class Test	Plant identification tests	20%	n/a
Group assignment	Assignment on horticulture industry	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List