Syllabus - HORT 220

General Horticulture

 

 

Instructor:

Todd P. West

Office Hours:      

.

Phone:  

293-6023  ext. 4336

 

 

E-mail:  

twest@mix.wvu.edu

 

 

Office:

Agricultural Sciences Building,

Room 2090

Mailbox:

Agricultural Sciences Building,

Room 1079


 

Course Description

 

The successful student will acquire an understanding of the principles underlying present-day horticultural practice with special emphasis on how basic discoveries in plant science have been applied in horticulture.  The course format is designed to present basic horticulture principles and practices to students using lectures with discussion, practical hands-on laboratory exercises, and supplemental internet based learning utilizing Web Course Tools (WebCT) and Mountaineer Information Xpress (MIX).

Three credit hours.

 

 

Course Prerequisites

 

None.

 

 

Course Schedule

 

Lecture: MW 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.; GRH-E, Room 2

Lab: W 12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.; GRH-E, Room 2

 

 

Course OBJECTIVES

 

The objectives of this course are designed to:

1.        To provide students with information and tools that will enable them to be successful in their academic career.

2.        Acquaint students with the art, culture, and science of the various horticultural disciplines and crops.

3.        To understand the importance of horticulture in society.

4.        To develop the kind of knowledge base that will provide a foundation for more advanced horticulture courses

5.        Help the student to understand the growing and care of plants.

6.        To give students the opportunity to experience service learning relating to the horticulture field giving valuable hands-on horticulture training accompanied with community outreach.

 

 

Expected Learning outcomes

 

Upon successful completion of this course:

  1. Students will have a background knowledge base of general horticulture principles and practices.
  2. Students will have a better understanding of the factors involved in horticultural crop production.
  3. Students will understand the importance of computers and information retrieval in the horticultural industry.
  4. Students will be aware of the opportunities of involvement with different horticultural organizations and societies.
  5. Students will be aware of the available horticultural employment opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Required Textbook

 

Horticulture, Principles and Practices 3rd or 2nd ed., by George Acquaah. Prentice Hall, Publishers. (ISBN 0-13-033125-2)

 

 

Recommended Alternate Textbook

 

The Biology of Horticulture, by John Preece and Paul Read. John Wiley & Sons, publishers. (ISBN 0-471-05989-7)

 

Other texts, periodicals, and computer reference resources will be assigned as needed.

 

 

COURSE POLICIES

This course will adhere strictly to WVU’s general course policies with respect to attendance, accommodating religious observances, disruptive/threatening behavior, incompletes, course changes (add/drop), and the release of personal information.

 

In Case You Are Late or Absent: It is your responsibility to get the course notes, handouts, and laboratory assignments should you miss class or be late.

 

Examination Policy

Three announced written exams, and eleven unannounced quizzes (one of which will be dropped) will be given. No make-up exams will be allowed without prior arrangements being made.  Make-up tests must be taken when scheduled.  No make-up quizzes will be allowed.

 

Preparing for Examinations: Attend lecture and read the chapters. At least 75% of the questions are taken directly from the reading material.  Review the Summary at the end of each chapter and review the Outcomes Assessment Questions at the end of each chapter.

 

 

LECTURE, LABORATORY, AND EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

 

You are expected to read each assigned text section prior to the lecture.  Lectures will emphasize the text material with supplemental information being presented to complete lecture material.  Exam material will reflect information presented in lectures, laboratories, field trips, and supplemental reading assignments.  Exams will be given during laboratory periods.

 

LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE REDUCED 10% FOR EVERY DAY IT IS LATE.

 

 

FIELD TRIPS

 

This course will go on a few select field trips to expose students to various local horticulture industries and businesses.  Field trips will be during lecture and/or laboratory periods depending on time scheduling.  Attendance is mandatory and travel will be provided. 

 

STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE THEMSELVES OR OTHERS TO FIELD TRIPS!