250020 Introduction to Horticulture

Details
Department of Agricultural Sciences   65 %
Forest & Landscape   18 %
Department of Plant Biology   17 %
Earliest Possible YearBSc. 1 year
DurationTwo blocks
 
Credits22.5 (ECTS)
Course LevelBSc
 
ExaminationContinuous Assessment

written examination and oral examination

Portfolio Examination


All aids allowed

Description of Examination: Evaluation of PBL reports. Plant ID test. Plant anatomy test through specimen description under the microspcope. Presentation of Plant Cultivation Project

Weight: Microscopy test 20% Presentation of Plant Cultivation Project 10% PBL reports and Plant ID in total 70%



pass/fail, no second examiner
 
Requirement For Attending ExamMin. 75% participation in PBL meetings and practicals. Participation in the excursions.
 
Organisation of TeachingThe course is mainly based on problem based learning (PBL)in base groups which normally runs in 2 week case periods. In between this is mixed with other forms of group work and individual work. The PBL is assisted with lectures and practicals.
 
Block PlacementBlock 1
Week Structure: A

Block 1
Week Structure: B

Block 2
Week Structure: A
 
Teaching LanguageEnglish
 
Areas of Competence the Course Will Address
Competences within basic science
The students get an introductory knowledge and understanding of the basic science dissiplines most relevant for analysing and manipulating the growing of plants, particularely botanics and plant anatomy. They get a first training in evaluation of scientific data and litterature and critical judgment of scientific theories.

Competences in applied science
The students obtain a broad knowledge of the major horticultural industries and aspects of the production methods.
Students get trained in presentation techniques and awareness for critical evaluation and priorities in formulation of hypotheses and use of sources of information

Competences in ethics and values
The PBL work train the ability to discuss and reflect over scientific questions and production methods. The student are forced to set the production of horticultural plants in relation to the different values by customers, industry and growers.
 
Course Objectives
The course forces the student to gain an overview of the production of horticultural plants with a focus on natural sciences, integration of social and natural sciences as well as technology in horticultural practice. In addition it gives an approach to study techniques while awaking interest and motivation for the study of horticulture.
 
Course Contents
The course is intended to familiarize the students with the significance of the various scientific disciplines important for horticulture in science and practice plus knowledge of specific horticultural problems. Moreover, importance is attached to introduce the students to the professional career possibilities and identity of horticultural graduates. The course is a succession starting with a focus on the various organisational and professional levels - the plant; crops; production and society. Thereafter, the students will study the details first by understanding the plant organ level and then going deeper into the details of plant anatomy at the cellular level. This is achieved by integrating basic botany and plant anatomy into the course.
Problem-oriented and project organised introduction will be given to the following technical subjects and disciplines:
- Horticultural plant growing; administration and management
- Botany; plant physiology and protection, soil science, physics, chemistry; statistics and agricultural engineering .
The central theme is plant cultivation with the starting point of practical, socially and politically relevant problems.
The student is further to acquire knowledge of many study tools and techniques plus gain understanding of own learning which is necessary both for a successful outcome of the curriculum in horticulture and for lifelong learning.

The course provides insight into the following study and learning techniques:
- PBL (Problem Based Learning) as study method, group-work and group processes, active learning
- Information retrieval, document handling, notes technique, written and oral presentation techniques (including report and poster writing, source criticism, presentations and opposition to presentations), English as scientific and technical language.
 
Teaching And Learning Methods
The course mixes Problem based learning (PBL) with other forms of group work, individual work, lectures and practicals. Plant anatomy is given directly at the microscope. The pedagogic form has a strong emphasis on introducing the students to own information retrieval and the critical analysis of presented material and establish a learning pattern required throughout their study.
 
Course Litterature
Hickey,M. and King, C., 2001: The Cambridge illustrated Glossary of Botanical terms. Cambridge Univ Press (paperback ed.)
 
Course Coordinator
Peter Braun, pbr@life.ku.dk, Department of Agricultural Sciences/Crop Science, Phone: 3528
 
Study Board
Study Committee NSN
 
Course Scope
lectures58
practicals60
Excursions40
supervision50
Colloquia16
preparation30
project work365

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