Bsc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme 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 Lancashire

2. Teaching Institution and Location Myerscough College of Delivery

3. University School/Centre Forensic and Applied Sciences

4. External Accreditation N/A

5. Title of Final Award BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

6. Modes of Attendance offered Full-time

7. UCAS Code D450

8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking QAA Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Food Group(s) Sciences and Consumer Sciences (2009)

9. Other external influences None

10. Date of production/revision of this 20 June 2013 form

11. Aims of the Programme

 To produce graduates who can apply horticultural science for the benefit of the global horticultural industry  To provide graduates who can conduct investigative work relevant to the industry  To supply the horticultural industry with qualified, entrepreneurial graduates who can apply and develop sustainable horticultural practices.  Provide graduates who can analyse and determine relevant scientific and technical knowledge which can be applied to sustainable horticultural solutions  To provide students with the skills and abilities to undertake postgraduate research and/or to take up career opportunities in the international horticulture industry. BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A. Knowledge and Understanding A1. Evaluate the impact of science on the Horticulture Industry A2. Evaluate technological developments and advancements in Horticulture A3. Specify activities appropriate for a horticulture business A4. Critically review the impact of world-wide Horticulture regarding its sustainability and viability. Teaching and Learning Methods A combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory and practical work, case studies and project work will be used. Independent learning is encouraged through the requirement for additional reading and use of primary sources and their interpretation during workshops to supplement and consolidate lectures and other provided material. Assessment methods A combination of coursework assessment methods will include literature reviews, technical reports, group and individual presentation, laboratory/practical reports, individual study projects and case studies including the major project report.

B. Subject-specific skills B1. Conduct laboratory or field investigations relating to developments in horticultural science to improve current industry practices B2. Analyse problems associated with horticulture and formulate appropriate solutions B3. Write detailed specifications for management operations of horticultural sites and produce advisory reports to improve the site B4. Use support material such as ICT, scientific papers, scientific instruments to interpret and measure plant performance for horticulture. Teaching and Learning Methods Developed mainly through the use of seminars but also by laboratory practicals, case studies and coursework assignments that reflect industry practice. Information technology and relevant skills are also developed through project work, presentations and coursework reports. Assessment methods Seminar presentations and papers. Case studies project report and presentation, posters and literature reviews.

C. Thinking Skills C1. Identify, synthesise and evaluate information from a range of sources C2. Analyse and appraise scientific papers within a specific context C3. Design, perform and evaluate investigative studies C4. Evaluate problems and formulate creative practical solutions to solve them. Teaching and Learning Methods Using the same methods outlined above. Assessment methods Using the same methods outlined above.

D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development D1. Communicate professionally in written reports and in presentations D2. Work independently and work as a member of a team D3. Reflect on personal development and to seek appropriate, individual development needs D4. Demonstrate Independent learning, through researching, planning, implementing and reporting a scientific study. Teaching and Learning Methods Presentation and report writing skills are developed in formative tutorial sessions and formally assessed in project work and assignment tasks. Teamwork is developed in group activities. Reflection and development needs are developed through tutorials and self-reflection. Assessment methods Student personal development planner booklet. Lab work book, presentations assessment reports, tutorials and preset ICT skills self-assessment and development. BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

13. Programme Structures* 14. Awards and Credits*

Level Module Module Title Credit Code rating Level 6 MR3200 Research Project 40 BSc (Hons) Horticultural MR3203 Applied Plant Science and 20 Science and Management Biotechnology Requires 120 credits at Level 6. MR3304 Contemporary Issues in 10 Horticultural Industries MR3312 Greenspace Policy and 20 Planning MR3313 Horticultural Enterprise 20 Management MR3317 Professional Practice and 10 Consultancy MR3320 Sustainable Crop Science 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 honours degrees also have the opportunity to study a series of personal development modules as a mandatory or optional part of their course. Through these modules students will be encouraged to reflect on their personal and professional development, 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. BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

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.

Students will normally have gained a Foundation Degree or HND in Horticulture or a closely related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline usually at 'merit' standard or above. Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants for distance learning study must be employed or actively engaged within the Horticulture industry in its widest sense.

Applicants will need to demonstrate previous study in research methods at level 5 to enable them to progress smoothly onto the BSc (Honours) programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered research skills at the appropriate level will be asked to complete a bridging module, "Research Methods" which may be taken during the summer prior to entry onto the course. The module may be studied on-line.

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.

All 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 Tutors: Philip Rhodes BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

18. Curriculum Skills Map Ticks indicate where individual Programme Learning Outcomes will be assessed Level Module Module Title Programme Learning Outcomes Code

Other skills relevant to employability and Subject-specific Skills Thinking Skills personal development BSc (Hons) Horticultural Science and Management

A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 MR3200 Research Project           MR3203 Applied Plant Science and Biotechnology        

MR3304 Contemporary Issues in Horticultural Industries        

MR3312 Greenspace Policy and          6 Planning MR3313 Horticultural Enterprise Management          

MR3317 Professional Practice and Consultancy      

MR3320 Sustainable Crop Science           

Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks