This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for
2004-2005 and is provided for historical reference only.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 course calendar information, unless otherwise indicated, is Sept. 1, 2004 to Aug. 31, 2005.
Horticulture Technology
Offered at Langley Campus
Full- and Part-time
Start Date: September and January
Open Enrolment
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 and
athletic field 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 turf field lab, 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. Some courses have additional
prerequisites.
Students who wish to complete the program in 2 years must meet
the following requirements at the beginning of their studies.
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 (Applications or Principles) 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 Faculty
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