- Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Horticulture (HHORT)
Programme Overview
- The programme aims at contributing towards increased export horticultural production thus improving export earnings, gross domestic product (GDP) growth and nutrition security as well as the overall well-being of the population.
- The Department will accomplish its mission by:
- Developing curricula that provide appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge in both open-field and protected-culture horticultural crop production.
- Production of competitive and innovative graduates for various career opportunities in private and public sectors as well as self-employment.
- Departmental participation in agricultural development through research, innovation, industrialization and outreach programmes.
- Collaborating with relevant stakeholders.
Entry Requirements
NORMAL ENTRY
Prospective students should have:
- At least two ‘A’ Level passes in Biology/Crop Science/Horticulture and any other science subject.
- At least five ‘O’ Level passes including English Language, Science and Mathematics.
SPECIAL ENTRY
Relevant Diploma based on departmental board evaluation.
Programme Structure
- In the first year, students are expected to acquaint themselves with introductory modules of the degree programme. The choice of modules should be done with the guidance of Departmental staff.
- The degree programme shall have at least 36 taught modules spread over the 6 teaching semesters.
Level 1 Semester 1
Code Module Description Prerequisite Credits
*AGED131 Introduction to Agricultural Economics 12
*AGPR131 Agricultural Practice 1 6
*AGRO135 Plant Biology 12
*HAWS132 Principles of Biochemistry 12
*HCS135 Introduction to Information Technology 12
*LWR135 Principles of Soil Sciences 12
*HORT131 Principles of Microbiology 12
*CS131 Basic Communication Skills 12
Level 1 Semester 2
*AGPR132 Agricultural Practice 2 (AGPR131) 6
*AGRO132 Introduction to Genetics (AWS135) 12
*AGRO136 Introduction to Statistics 12
*HORT133 Introduction to Horticulture (AGRO135) 12
*HORT132 Introduction to Entomology and Parasitology 12
*LWR137 Soil Fertility and Plant Mineral Nutrition 12
Level 2 Semester 1
*AGRO231 Crop Ecology and Physiology (AGRO135) 12
*ENT131 Entrepreneurship 1 12
*AGRO239 Statistical Methods and Experimental Designs 12
*AEGS231 Gender Studies 12
*HORT231 Biology and Management of Plant Pathogens (HORT131) 12
*HORT233 Plant Propagation & Nursery Management (HORT133) 12
Optional (Choose two modules from modules on offer in the current semester)
AGRO232 Principles of Plant breeding (AGRO 132) 12
AGRO233 Principles of Crop Production (AGRO 135) 12
LWR233 Principles of Irrigation 12
AGPR234 Value Addition in Agriculture 12
Level 2 Semester 2
*HORT232 Olericulture (HORT133) 12
*HORT235 Biology and Management of Plant Pests (HORT132) 12
*AGRO246 Research Methods and Scientific Writing (AGRO239) 12
*AGRO234 Weed Science and Management (AGRO135) 12
*AGED240 Farm Business and Management (AGED131) 12
*HAWS 238 Natural Resource Management 12
Optional (Choose one module from modules on offer in the current semester)
HORT213 Spice and Herbal Plant Production 12
HORT212 Viticulture and Oenology 12
LWR236 Irrigation Systems Design 12
AGRO255 Plant Breeding Practice 12
Level 3 Semester 1: Work-Related Learning
*AGPR330 Work-Related Preliminary Report 30
Level 3 Semester 2: Work-Related Learning
*AGPR331 Work-Related Learning Report 45
*AGPR332 Employer’s Assessment Report 30
*AGPR333 Academic Supervisor’s Report 45
Level 4 Semester 1
*HORT 444 Plantation Horticulture 12
*HORT445 Floriculture 12
*AGRO447 Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology 12
*HORT437 Organic Farming 12
Optional (Choose two modules from modules on offer in the current semester)
AGRO450 Annual Food Crop Production 12
HORT416 Pesticide Science 12
AGED 401 Agriculture and Food Marketing 12
AGRO446 Global Environmental Issues and Climate Change 12
AGED439 Agricultural Extension 12
Level 4 Semester 2 Prerequisites Credits
*AGHORT480 Dissertation 24
*AGRO424 Applied Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology 12
*HORT435 Post Harvest Physiology and Technology 12
*HORT442 Landscape Horticulture 12
Optional (Choose one module from modules on offer in the current semester)
LWR240 Soil and Water Conservation 12
HORT448 Processing of Spices, Herbal Plants and Essential oils 12
AGRO451 Industrial and Cash Crop Production 12
Career Opportunities
Employability • Private Sector –
Horticulturists, Greenhouse Managers, Florists, Pomologists, Vegetable Specialists, Technical and Sales Representatives, Estate Managers, Consultancy and Advisory services.
.
- Public Sector –
– Researchers, Plant Quarantine Services, Crop Inspectors, Lecturers
- Self-Employment – Farmers, Contract-growers for local Supermarkets as well as exporters, Market-Linkages for Horticultural produce for both local and export markets.
Further Studies – Master’s Degree level in the various fields of Horticulture (Horticultural Sciences, crop protection, biotechnology, breeding).
Further opportunities also exist for advanced studies (PhD or DPhil) in these areas of specialization.
MODULE SYNOPSIS
HORT131 Principles of Microbiology
The module provides an introduction to the study of microorganisms relevant to the areas of agriculture, food and industry. Introduction to the range of microorganisms; Bacteria and fungi, Viruses and viroids, Protozoa. Microorganisms as agents of diseases; Beneficial aspects of microbes; Food spoilage; Food and industrial microbiology.
HORT132 Introduction to Entomology and Parasitology
This module covers beneficial and injurious insects, classification, adaptation characteristics, insect anatomy and physiology, nervous system, digestive system, locomotion, insect reproduction, metamorphosis. Mites, ticks and nematodes-morphology, classification, reproduction and economic importance.
HORT133 Introduction to Horticulture
The module covers all basics of Horticulture. Definition, characteristics and importance of horticulture; Branches of horticulture, classification of horticultural crops; Management of environmental factors influencing horticultural plants; growing structures, Pruning and training of horticultural crops; Innovations in the horticultural industry – hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, Harvesting, postharvest handling and storage.
HORT232 Olericulture
This module seeks to teach students the science and art of vegetable production. Classification of vegetables and their economic importance; Production and management of the following groups: Solanaceuos crops, Cucurbit crops, Cole crops, Legume crops, Leafy Vegetables, Alliums, Root crops, Traditional Vegetables, Export Vegetables, Herbs and Spices.
HORT233 Plant Propagation and Nursery Management
This module introduces students to the main concepts of propagating plants and managing nurseries. The regeneration of plants from vegetative and reproductive tissue and organs. Methods, and techniques for greenhouse, nursery, field and orchards. Nursery layouts for efficient production, handling and distribution, programming production, nursery practices, field and container growing of woody ornamentals, mechanization, quality control, record keeping.
HORT231 Biology and Management of Plant Pathogens
This module covers issues to deal with the structure, physiology, reproduction and classification of bacteria and other procaryotes, fungi, viruses, parasitic higher plants and their role as plant pathogens; Concepts of Disease epidemiology, Disease Cycle; Mechanisms of infection; Plant defence mechanisms against pathogens; Physiological or Abiotic Diseases to plants; Plant Disease management – cultural, chemical, preventative within the concept of integrated disease management. Lifecycles and management of key crop diseases
HORT235 Biology and Management of Insect Pests
This module covers important pests of crops, biology and ecology, life cycles, population ecology, population monitoring and economic decision making, monitoring and pest risk assessments, pest management strategies- cultural, physical, biological, IPM, surveillance, quarantine, botanicals, pheromones, insect growth regulators, plant resistance and genetic modifications of plants or insects.
HORT212 Viticulture and Oenology
This module covers the agronomic and commercial aspects of grape cultivation and its relevance in wine making. Botany and culture of grapes, vineyard management, Training and pruning, Diseases and pests of grapes, Commercial production of grapes, Post-harvest handling of grapes, Wine production process (yeast selection, fermentation, filling and filtration). Organic viticulture, Research in grape management.
HORT213 Spice and Herbal Plant Production
Students are taught the agronomic aspects of herb and spice production and their commercial utilization. Biology & physiology of herbs & spices; Intensive production of selected spices (e.g., poppy, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, pepper and sesame and herbs (used as fresh or dried aromatic leaves) such as rosemary, and thyme. Production of medicinal plants such as Lemon grass, Cannabis Aloe vera, Moringa olifera and others. Research trends in herbal and spice production. Marketing.
HORT445 Floriculture
The module covers important aspects of cut flower and ornamental flower production. Factors affecting flower and ornamental production. Ecological requirements of flower and ornamental production. Greenhouse flower and ornamental production. Botany and physiology of cut flowers (Rose, Carnations, Proteas and Chrysanthemums), Flower cooling and temperature requirements, flower preservation.
HORT435 Post Harvest Physiology and Technology
The module introduces the students to basic postharvest handling of fruits, vegetables and cereals at domestic, small scale and commercial levels. Areas covered include storage physiology and biochemistry of fruits, vegetables and ornamental crops. Influence of pre-harvest grading. storage, packing, transportation and marketing. Effects of storage temperature CO2, O2, ethylene on ripening.
HORT437 Organic Farming
The module focuses on organic production systems, soil and plant nutrition, nutrient cycling. Organic pest and disease control, managing and saving weeds. Livestock integration in organic farming. Marketing of organic products. Research and development.
HORT442 Landscape Horticulture
The module aims to address aesthetic components of Horticulture. Definition of Landscape horticulture, sustainable landscapes, effective landscaping, benefits of landscaping (aesthetic, environmental, social, economic, health), Elements of design, Principles of design, the design process, lawn establishment, turf management, Ground covers, Edible landscaping, xeriscaping, Landscape function software.
HORT448 Processing of Spices, Herbs and Essential oils
The module introduces students to post-harvest handling and processing of spices and herbs. Storage physiology, biochemistry, drying, processing, grading, storage, packing, transportation and marketing of herbs and spices. Compounds and oils in spices, herbal and medicinal plants. Aromatics and their trade.
AGHORT480: Dissertation
The dissertation provides an opportunity for the students to undertake and contribute to a piece of original research work, in an area related to crop science. The students are required to design an experiment (or investigation, survey or other means) to test a hypothesis or proposition, to plan and execute the research work, to evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions. The research work is carried out individually, under guided supervision.
AGRO246 Research Methods and Scientific writing
The module equips students with research and scientific writing competencies. Planning-formulation of research questions and design, measurement tools and sampling. Referencing data sources. Research ethics and plagiarism. Research methods. Development of research proposals, experimental protocols and concept notes. Data handling, analysis & interpretation. Report / thesis writing, presentations and dissemination. Students produce and submit a term paper on a selected topic on a relevant research topic.
AGPR330, AGPR331, AGPR332 & AGPR333: Work-Related Learning
Work-Related Learning (WRL) for at least 8 months of the third year is a prerequisite for registration for fourth year modules. The purpose of WRL is to make students relate theory to practice in real work situations, facilitate students to acquire world of work experience and skills, facilitate career choices by students and help students to identify entrepreneurial and business opportunities, among others. WRL is assessed as two components viz. continuous assessment and WRL report. The continuous assessment component consists of at least two assessment reports by academic staff that visit the students during WRL plus a workplace supervisor’s report. The Work-Related Preliminary (WRP) and WRL reports are comprehensive and critical analysis of the activities, processes and outputs of the organization to which the student was attached and the drawing of lessons learnt from the WRL experiences. The student is required to identify a specific problem in systems, processes and/or in the organization to which they are seconded, analyse the problem and solutions. Credit will be given to reports that show critical thinking and comprehensive analysis of the problem identified during WRL.
AGED131 Introduction to Agricultural Economics
Refer to the Department of Agricultural Economics and Development.
LWR135 Principles of Soil Science
Refer to Land and Water Resources Management Department.
HAWS132 Principles of Biochemistry
Refer to Animal and Wildlife Sciences Department
ENT131 Entrepreneurship 1
Refer to Entrepreneurship Department Regulations.
AGED439 Agricultural Extension
Refer to Agricultural Economics and Development Regulations.