Course ID: HORT 2443 Principals of Horticulture.  Fall 2008

 

Prerequisites: none

 

Text(s) and supplemental books and materials:

Horticulture Science, 4th ed. by Janick.

 

Various other publications, mostly from state cooperative extension services.  These will be handed out during class, usually at no charge to the student.

 

Professor’s name: Paul B. Francis, 460-1314, francis@uamont.edu

 

Office hours: M,W,F 11-12, 4-5;  T,Th 10-12, 3-5 or by appointment.

NOTE TO STUDENT:  As most of you know, my office door is always open and you are free to visit at any time.   (The University makes us establish office hours).  If you prefer, a scheduled appointment may be arranged.  If I am not in the office, see the secretary and you may be able to find me somewhere else. 

 

Special policies statement:

1. Any student caught in an intentional, premeditated and blatant act of cheating on any exam will be given the option of withdrawing from the course or receiving an ‘F’. 

2. Attendance at all class functions is highly encouraged but not required.  Attendance records will be kept on file for the occasional request from student loan representatives and potential employers.  Please notify the instructor if you will miss a class meeting so that it can be recorded as an excused absence.

 

Special dates of concern:

Oct. 3, last day to apply for May graduation (Seniors, take note!).

Nov. 5, last day to drop with a ‘W’.

 

Goals and objectives:

1. Discover the vast areas of the horticulture industry and the similarities and

    differences relative to agronomic crops.

2. Learn basic plant morphology and physiological functions and their relation to

    plant and soil management used to produce horticulture crops.

3. Learn the basic soil science principals, especially soil fertility and plant

    nutrition, and how to utilize this knowledge in the management of horticulture

    plants. 

4. Explore the culture, marketing, market demands, and careers in the various

    horticulture areas such as ornamentals, vegetables, turfgrass, golf course

    management, viticulture, floriculture, fruit, nut and landscaping.

5. Be able to identify and name at least 20 plants commonly used in landscaping. 

 

 

 

Content Outline:

Part I.  Introduction to horticulture.

Part II. Plant science principles including morphology, classification, growth,

              environmental effects, plant hormones and reproduction.

Part III. Soil science principles including soil physical properties, soil fertility,

               essential plant elements, and soil management.

Part IV. Survey of the main areas of horticulture including ornamentals,

                 vegetables, greenhouse production, fruit, nut, turfgrass and landscaping.

 

Special Projects, Assignments, Field Trips:

There will be one or two afternoon field trips as opportunities arise.  Also, the student may be required to purchase some plants (at a nominal fee) for use in laboratory projects.  Work outside of regularly scheduled class and laboratory meeting, such as watering and recording growth data on a greenhouse project, will be required.

 

Provisions for tests and evaluations:

If you miss an exam for a legitimate reason, please inform the instructor within 5 days prior or after so that a makeup exam can be scheduled.  In some situations, the missed points or make up exam may be added to the final exam.  Legitimate reasons include official University functions, illness, personal trauma, or other reasons such as a job interviews.

 

Grading policy:           Three 100 pt lecture exams:             300 pts

                                    One final exam:                                 100 pts

                                    Laboratory exams, reports:             200 pts

                                                            Total pts.:                   600 pts

 

Letter grade assignments:    A: 540 +          B: 480-539      C: 420-479      D: 360-419

 

 

NOTICES:

“It is the policy of the University of Arkansas at Monticello to accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to federal law and the University’s commitment to equal educational opportunities.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the beginning of the course.  Any student requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Student Services located in Harris Hall Room 120; phone 870 460-1026; TDD 870 460-1626; Fax 870 460-1926.”  

 

“UAM will no longer mail grade reports to all students.  You may access your grades through Campus Connect on the UAM Homepage, www.uamont.edu.  To have your grades mailed to you, complete the grade request form available in the Registrar’s Office in Monticello, or the Student Services Office in Crossett or McGehee.”

 

“The following action is prohibited under the Student Conduct Code: Disorderly Conduct: Any behavior which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the University community, including behavior which breaches the peace or violates the rights of others.”