Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture

Purpose

This Doctoral qualification in Horticulture provides learners with an opportunity to conduct independent and original research using scientific discourse and independent investigation, thereby contributing to the development of the field of Horticulture. The qualification will enable learners to focus on indigenous plant resources so as to investigate South African plants as well as traditional medicinal plants with regard to flower development, timing of flowering, vernalisation, stabilisation of flower pigments, juvenile-to-mature transition in rooting and flowering abilities, resistance mechanisms to biotic and abiotic stresses, manipulation of growth parameters of horticultural crops, development and breeding of ornamental cultivars and water relations.

The multi-disciplinary Doctoral qualification will enable learners to develop a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the conceptual knowledge in the area of Horticulture, allowing them to develop specialist expertise in related fields such as Biotechnology, Breeding and Genetics, Crop Physiology, Floriculture, Integrated Pest Management, Landscape Horticulture, Modelling and Quantitative Systems Analysis, Nursery Production, Plant Growth and Development, Plant Nutrition, Post-Harvest Biology and Technology, Precision Agriculture, Re-Vegetation/Restoration, Turf Culture, Amenity Horticulture and Irrigation Applications.

This qualification also prepares learners to apply these specialised horticultural skills in advancing professional development in a varied Horticulture Sector. The qualification will also produce learners who can innovatively develop and sustain the Horticulture Industry with the ability to recognise the importance of research for gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. The qualification also produces high quality learners for the Horticulture Industry, whose relevant scientific training underpins the development, improvement, cultivation, environment and commercialisation of plants and products with a strong market value and competitive employment prospects by stimulating the research capacity.

The aim of the qualification is to provide learners with inter-disciplinary knowledge and applied competence in the scientific development of plants, products and the environment by enabling them to conduct independent research to be able to contribute substantially to the advancement of knowledge in a chosen field of Horticulture.

Rationale

There is a need for the development of a Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture as there is currently a lack of research specialists in Horticulture in South Africa, especially in the field of Ornamental Horticulture. This qualification will increase the intellectual capacity of learners by enabling learners to develop specialised knowledge, skills and applied competence in the Horticulture Industry. In addition, there is currently a critical lack of scientific expertise related to the interaction between the plants and the environment. There is also a need for researchers with a sound knowledge and understanding of the functional Anatomy, Physiology, Growth, Genetics, Nutrition and Management of the field of Ornamental, Urban, Medicinal and Vegetable Plants, as well as the factors influencing the quality of the end product. This qualification will contribute largely to novice work on species of the Fynbos.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who have extensive experience or other qualifications within a related field will be evaluated by the Faculty for admission. Admission to the qualification will be at the discretion of the university senate. The institutions RPL policy rules and regulations will apply for RPL applications.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission

• A Master's qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture.

Or

• A Master of Science (MSc) Botany, Plant Sciences or a related field.

This qualification comprises one compulsory module at NQF Level 10, totalling 360 Credits

• Research and Thesis, 360 Credits.

Using expert cognitive knowledge conduct independent, original research using scientific discourse to contribute to the development of the field, Horticulture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal.
• The use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written record of research.
• A philosophical framework is developed to formulate appropriate responses for the investigation.
• Research tools and methods are selected and applied effectively and correctly in the research process.
• Scientific information, methods and professional ethics are applied at levels of analysis, transformation, evaluation and synthesis of abstract data and concepts.
• The appropriate Mathematical and Statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
• Show high levels of adaptability and flexibility to resolve contextually abstract problems and provide unique solutions.
• Information Technology skills are applied effectively in information searches; data-analyses, data presentation and the production of the dissertation.
• Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.
• Mature and sound judgment, accountability, reliability and intellectual independence are demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

The full research thesis will be assessed. Formative assessment will be continuous and includes writing of scientific papers. Whereas the summative assessment will be in the form of a research thesis. A learner will be able to identify, assess, research, formulate, explain, interpret, discuss and solve advanced problems within the Horticultural Industry.