Advanced Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is closely tied to the rationale, serves to deepen learners' knowledge and skills in the various areas of ornamental and landscape horticulture, as mentioned in the rationale.

Qualifying learners will have a well-rounded knowledge base and specialised skills in

• Arboriculture.
• Production and cultivation of ornamental crops in greenhouses.

> Horticultural production process management.

> Sustainable plant production.

> Plant pest and disease management.

> Growth media management for plant production.

• Management of urban green space and amenities.
• Conducting horticultural research projects.

Rationale

Environmental degradation in both rural and urban areas is a worldwide phenomenon and is particularly prevalent in South Africa, where many natural environments are challenged by threats such as global warming and climate change, pollution and habitat destruction, large-scale industrial and urban development and the resulting loss of urban green space. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of awareness of how to use plants to create and restore urban green spaces, and how to promote human and social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Therefore, the rationale for this vocationally-orientated qualification is to provide learners with specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of: plant propagation, floriculture, arboriculture, landscaping and amenity horticulture. The demand for these skills is driven by the:

• Current shortage of horticulturists in the Green Industry with such specialised skills.
• Need for more urban green space such as landscapes and parks, fuelled by urban development.
• Need to improve the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of urban green space.

The Green Industry will benefit by having horticulturists that can fulfil the needs for specialised skills in the workplace. In addition, this qualification will prepare the learners for further Postgraduate studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In addition to the institution's formal admission pathways, the University also recognises prior learning which may provide opportunities for admission into the qualification. All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the RPL Policy, RPL procedures manual and Admission Policy.

This qualification can be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Prospective learners may apply to be admitted to the qualification using the Senate approved processes for recognition of prior learning. The RPL office can supply full details of processes and procedures relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences.

Entry Requirements

• Diploma: Ornamental Horticulture, Level 6.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

• Arboriculture, 12 Credits.
• Greenhouse crop production, 12 Credits.
• Horticultural production process management, 12 Credits.
• Sustainable horticulture production, 12 Credits.
• Advanced plant pests and diseases, 12 Credits.
• Growth media management for plant production, 12 Credits.
• Amenity horticulture, 12 Credits.
• Research project, 12 Credits.
• Biological research methodology, 12 Credits.
• Horticulture contact course, 12 Credits.

1. Use specialised and environmentally friendly techniques to assess, maintain and rehabilitate trees in compliance with relevant legislation.
2. Manage the production process and use specialised techniques and technology to produce and cultivate ornamental crops in greenhouses, in compliance with relevant legislative, safety and environmental requirements.
3. Manage urban green space and amenities using best practice principles, and respond to challenges impacting on public amenities and urban green space.
4. Conduct a research project in the field of ornamental and landscape horticulture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Determine the value and condition of trees in urban spaces using specialised tree assessment techniques.
• Perform tree care and maintenance, tree surgery and transplanting of large trees using specialised procedures and safe work practices.
• Rehabilitate trees using tree assessment and abatement procedures in a safe and environmentally responsible way, complying with relevant legislation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use process management principles and practices to produce plants according to time, cost and quality specifications.
• Create and maintain an optimum growth environment in a greenhouse for ornamental crop production.
• Produce specific ornamental crops with varying production cycles in a greenhouse, using appropriate growth conditions, growth media and cultivation practices.
• Use sustainable plant production practices and principles to enhance the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the business.
• Prevent and resolve common problems that occur in greenhouse crop production.
• Implement a pest and disease control strategy, using Integrated Pest Management techniques, to produce healthy plants in an ornamental plant production facility in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply best practice principles for the design, construction, management and maintenance of public amenities and urban green space.
• Respond to challenges affecting public amenities and urban green space a appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Investigate research methodologies which are relevant to the field of ornamental and landscape horticulture.
• Conceptualise a research project, based on a topic relevant to ornamental and landscape horticulture.
• Conduct research under supervision in accordance with the research methodology and ethical principles.
• Present findings, conclusions and recommendations, consistent with the supporting data, in a research report format.
• Draw the research report in compliance with the prescribed format.

Integrated Assessment

For the qualification to be awarded, a candidate must have successfully achieved the outcomes of each of the compulsory/core modules that constitute the qualification.

Evidence of learning competency (knowledge, skills, attitudes and expertise) and of the candidate's ability to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time that the qualification is awarded is required through comprehensive and integrated assessments (constituting a range of formative and summative assessments). Continuous formative and summative assessment methods are used in the form of written assignments and exams.

Formative and Summative Assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the institution's Assessment Policy. The learner's summative assessment mark will comprise a year mark that will be gained from the specified number of compulsory assignments and a written examination in each module. The pass mark shall be a minimum of 50% acquired from both continuous and summative assessment in a proportionate ratio; 75% shall constitute a pass with distinction.

Assessors will assess and give credit for evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

Lecturers responsible for the module and external markers (assessors) will act as assessor practitioners in accordance with the institutional Assessment Policy. Formative and summative assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the institutional Assessment Policy. Learner support will be provided in accordance with the institutional ODL and Learner Support policies and guidelines.