Foundation Certificate Horticulture
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIREProgramme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body / University of Central Lancashire2. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery / Myerscough College
3. University School/Centre / Forensic and Applied Sciences
4. External Accreditation / N/A
5. Title of Final Award / Foundation Certificate Horticulture
6. Modes of Attendance offered / Part-time
7. UCAS Code / N/A
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s) / QAA Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Food Sciences and Consumer Sciences (2009)
Foundation Degrees
9. Other external influences / None
10. Date of production/revision of this form / 20 June 2013
11. Aims of the Programme
· To provide students with the technical knowledge and a range of practical skills required for a career in Horticulture that may be nationally or internationally based.
· To equip students with a wide range of critical, analytical and problem solving skills required for the Horticulture Industries.
· To develop a range of personal skills including communication, numerical, ICT, problem solving and team work.
· To develop students ability to be innovative, entrepreneurial and prepared for the challenges facing a sustainable Horticultural Industry.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Identify and demonstrate the application of science and technology in Horticulture
A2. Describe technological developments and advancements in Horticulture.
A3. Identify management strategies in Horticulture
A4. Describe the range of enterprises in world-wide Horticulture.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory/practical work, and group work, case studies and work based assignment work. Independent learning is encouraged by independent reading to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and learnt and to broaden individual knowledge of the subject. Work based delivery inherent in Foundation Degrees will be developed through work experience opportunities.
Assessment methods
A combination of coursework and unseen examinations will be used. The coursework assessment methods will include - technical reports, group and individual presentations, videos and ePortfolios laboratory/practical reports, work-based reports and case studies.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Demonstrate knowledge of site interpretation and producing and maintaining plants; horticultural products; systems and environments
B2. Demonstrate a range of plant knowledge relating to their nomenclature, taxonomy and care
B3. Safely undertake the management and maintenance of gardens and horticultural landscapes.
Teaching and Learning Methods
A combination of plant identification exercises, practical horticultural activities and experiments will be used. Theory sessions are covered via lectures, tutorials, and visits. Demonstrations of horticultural activities and student-centred course work are utilised and all these skills are reinforced through assignments.
Assessment methods
Identification tests, practical reports, scientific reports and ePorfolios, practical tests, production schedules and business plans,. Preparation of maintenance schedules for plant care.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Analyse problems and by creative thinking develop innovative practical solutions
C2. Evaluate alternative solutions to problems
C3. Integrate and evaluate data using information from a variety of sources
C4. Research issues and present findings using effective communication skills
Teaching and Learning Methods
Problem solving and analytical skills are further developed through individual student assignments and by the use of project work e.g. production and sales of a horticultural crop. Practical problem solving skills are developed in through project work, seminars and tutorials.
Assessment methods
Production of plant material to industry specifications, planting plans and maintenance schedules, scientific reports, business plans, investigative report, literature reviews, essays, laboratory notebooks and ePortfolios.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Communicate professionally using reports and presentations
D2. Work independently and work as a member of a team
D3. Apply problem-solving skills in various settings
D4. Use appropriate information and communication technology skills
D5. Reflect on personal development and seek appropriate individual development needs
D6. Apply mathematical formulae to solving problems.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Presentation skills are developed in tutorials and demonstrations. Teamwork is developed in practical activities. Reflection and developmental needs, skill D5, are introduced in Year 1 in course and personal tutorials. Students are encouraged to plan and identify their personal and professional development.
Assessment methods
Student personal development planner. Lab workbook, presentations, videos, ePortfolios, assessment reports, tutorials and self-assessment and development.
13. Programme Structures* / 14. Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 4 / MR1200 / Work Skills Development / 20 / Foundation Certificate Horticulture
Requires 120 credits at Level 4.
MR1202 / Applied Soil Technology / 10
MR1206 / Essential Plant Biology / 10
MR1207 / Essential Soil Science / 10
MR1211 / Plant Cell Biology / 10
MR1316 / Plant Production Science and Technology / 40
MR1317 / Principles of Amenity Horticulture / 20
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning is an essential component of the course. The course will help students recognise the importance of being proactive within their own personal development. The course will help develop key personal and transferable skills which promote employability, entrepreneurship, academic excellence, professional development and global citizenship.
Each student will be allocated a Personal Tutor with whom students will be encouraged to develop skills for independent learning and reflection on student’s academic, personal and professional development. Students will meet with their personal tutor at least twice per semester to develop short and long-term goals, review and plan their progress on the course and discuss their future career path.
Each student group has a weekly timetabled and structured course tutorial which will be used to develop generic personal, employability and academic skills with student groups. An on-line scheme of work, together with web based and other support materials, is available to staff and students alike in the delivery of these tutorial sessions.
Students have access to a wide range of personal development advisory services through the ‘Core’ including careers, financial advice, pastoral support and help with study skills. Students have access to the student support services at the University through the ‘I’, ‘Futures’ and ‘WISER’ study skills.
Students on Foundation Certificates are also encouraged to reflect on their personal and professional development within a professional setting through the Work Skills Development module and subsequently the Work Project module. These modules will further help students plan realistically for career progression and manage their own career development.
All students will also have access to the College ‘Learn2Work’ programme and activities that contribute to ensuring employability of our students can also count towards the ‘Learn2Work’ awards.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
120 UCAS Tariff points from one of the following:
· 2 A-levels (at least one at C)
· BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at PPP
· BTEC Level 3 Diploma at MP
· 2 Scottish Highers at minimum C or above
· 3 Irish Highers at minimum C or above
· NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
· International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points
AS levels and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants who do not hold a Level 3 qualification but have extensive relevant experience may be offered opportunity to undertake a pre-entry assignment to demonstrate ability to study at the required level.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
· UCAS: http://www.ucas.ac.uk
· Myerscough College web site: www.myerscough.ac.uk
· Myerscough College higher education prospectus: http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=Prospectuses
· Course fact sheet: http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=higher-education-subjects
· Course Tutor: Irene Weir
Foundation Certificate Horticulture
18. Curriculum Skills MapTicks indicate where individual Programme Learning Outcomes will be assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5 / D6
4 / MR1200 / Work Skills Development / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
MR1202 / Applied Soil Technology / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
MR1206 / Essential Plant Biology / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
MR1207 / Essential Soil Science / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
MR1211 / Plant Cell Biology / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
MR1316 / Plant Production Science and Technology / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
MR1317 / Principles of Amenity Horticulture / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks