Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare candidates to perform middle management activities and research within the horticulture industry and related subjects, with the emphasis of equipping students to use a range of specialized skills to identifying, analyse and address complex problems in a work or industry related environment by conducting a literature search and process information to formulate a solution related to problem solving and research. Candidates who complete this qualification will contribute to the economic and social development of the South African region by developing creative and academically sound responses to problems and issues.

This qualification is primary industry related. Technologists graduating from this qualification will be able to identify complex problems in a work or industry related environment, conduct a literature search and process information to formulate a solution related to problem solving and application in plant production, propagation, breeding, advanced technology and related fields in the green industry. The qualified learner will be able to:

• Apply qualitative and/or quantitative research skills in horticulture, plan and develop a research proposal after an intensive literature study on a selected suitable topic in horticulture or related field, applying advanced knowledge regarding the critical factors needed for research planning and processes, experimental design, and apply different research techniques and strategies used in practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the analysis and interpretation of research data, including basic statistical analysis, in order to make sensible deductions and conclusions in practice, thereby addressing industry related issues.
• Demonstrate an ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts of a research project.
• Demonstrate the ability to compile a scientific report and poster; using advanced computer programmes in order to analyse and present the research results.
• Demonstrate an ability to develop and communicate his or her ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic discourse.
• Act ethically and professionally, and have the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches, within a supported environment.

This qualification will articulate with the Master of Science (MSc) Agriculture or Master of Science (MSc) applied Sciences (Level 9).

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is developed to fulfil the current need of deepening and strengthening knowledge related to the field of Horticulture. The Horticulture industry expressed a need for potential employers to have advanced knowledge and skills in relevant fields of horticultural technologies and disciplines, as well as factors, strategies and processes needed for research techniques to address current, relevant problems experienced in the green industry ranging from improvement of plants, propagation, production, breeding and advanced horticultural technologies. This need was shared with the academic department during Advisory Board Committee meetings. This committee represents industry and other stakeholders to ensure that the qualification has relevance to the workplace. The purpose of the committee is to ensure that the qualification is of outstanding quality, relevant and aligned with the latest development and technologies in the profession, business and industry.

Technologists graduating from this qualification will be able to perform work at a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and to apply theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques in a range of contexts. Candidates will have the opportunity the register with the professional scientific body South-African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) or non-professional body South-African Nursery Association (SANA) once they have completed this qualification. The benefit of registering with these boards and council can promote quality and secure professional and scientific service delivery. It is however not compulsory for students to register with these professional bodies to be employed in the Horticulture industry, but it can be to their benefit in protecting both them and their clients.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to this qualification may be possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Horticulture. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the student, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma are

• An Advanced Diploma in Horticulture.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) in Horticulture.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or related fields.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 8, 120 Credits

• Advanced Horticultural Technology, 48 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 30 Credits.
• Horticulture Project, 42 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge in the fields of Horticulture and applied sciences and engagement in an area at the forefront of one or more of the fields, disciplines or practices; and understanding of theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to that fields, disciplines or practices; and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
2. Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of the horticulture field and related fields in an area of specialisation and processes of knowledge and to demonstrate the understanding of complexity and uncertainties of selecting, applying in a self-critical manner or transferring appropriate procedures in a specialised field, discipline or practice.
3. Demonstrate the ability to select, apply or transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to address complex or abstract and unfamiliar problems in the field of Horticulture together with the development of knowledge and appropriate application of discipline/practices in the related Horticultural environment.
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems in horticulture together with the ability to critically review gathering of information, synthesis of data evaluation and management of processes in a specialised context in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
5. Demonstrate an ability to present, communicate academically, operate effectively within a system or manage a system and understanding the roles of the relationships between the various systems in the horticulture industry together with the communication of creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems in appropriate context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of horticultural concepts, principles and rules are recognised, explained and compared to relevant examples in demonstrating applied knowledge and skills typically required from a Horticulturist within the industry.
• Basic research methodologies and techniques can be identified and applied in a recognised scientific manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Literature resources are used responsibly.
• Research strategies are critically analysed, compared and applied appropriately.
• Research methodology is utilised to develop skills in the formulation of a research proposal
• Health and safety procedures are adhered to as required within the horticultural environment.
• Actions and decisions are taken based on an awareness of the ethical implications of the action and should be aligned with the ethical considerations within the profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Appropriate academic and occupational discourse can be justified and adhered to using an assortment of technologies and methodologies relevant to solve problems in the field of Horticulture.
• Evidence-based solutions are critically evaluated and applied to case studies relevant to the field of Horticulture.
• Horticultural concepts, theories and strategies in the specialised fields of horticulture and the green industry are identified, analysed and resolved using applicable examples typically found in the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Activities, decisions and actions regarding environmental and the green industry will be identified, formulated and executed by facilitating and managing the process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.
• Ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made, can be defended.
• Professional carriage, behaviour and attitudes in all horticultural settings are adhered to.
• Decisions and actions taken are justified by drawing on ethical values and approaches appropriate to horticultural settings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Appropriate visual and language skills are used in all oral and/or written communication.
• Independently validate various sources of information and communicate findings and information in well-formed arguments.
• Complex information in problem solving is communicated reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, as well as recognised horticultural techniques and processes.

Integrated Assessment

In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral tests, and practical assignments and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence.

The final integrated assessment needs to measure applied competence. It should assess whether a student acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to identify problems/scenarios and develop a solution/system/application for different horticultural situations. It should assess whether the student have the necessary knowledge and skills to critically and practically evaluate plants in terms of their growth and cultivation requirements; identify, apply and recommend techniques for plant growth, production, propagation and breeding improvement, as well as other relevant topics, and identify and solve horticulture production problems in an acceptable and ethical manner and make recommendations for successful production of plants under different growth environments. Furthermore the acquired knowledge will allow students to operate and manage of a production taking into consideration relevant situations and the current trends in the horticulture industry and requirements of the different markets to contribute towards a socially responsible green industry in order to enhance the quality of life, conservation and sustainability of South Africa's plant resources. Furthermore students will be assessed on the broader knowledge on the national Plant Legislation and Regulations acts that regulates national plant improvement, health, conservation, protection and import/export of plant material. This qualification will equip a student to have the skills of understanding the process and importance of knowledge of Plant Legislation and Regulation and the relevant application of related projects in the green industry. Students will be assessed on knowledge to use these acquired competencies and importance to adhere to the national policies to address and apply in the execution of horticulture projects. It should further assess whether students are able to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of research in horticulture technology or related fields of study. Students should be able to conduct a literature search and process information to formulate a background and justification, objectives, hypothesis and/or research question of a research topic. A student will furthermore be able to design an experimental layout and/or questionnaire, to address the hypothesis/research question, data collection/sampling methodology and statistical analysis according to acceptable ethical research practises. The acquired skills will be used to formulate a complete research report and scientific poster on a selected topic in the field of horticulture according to sound research principles which is internationally comparable.