Study at ITB

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture

Course Content and Structure

This programme is designed for those who are already holders of a Bachelor of
Science in Horticulture (Ordinary Degree), and wish to further their education by gaining an Honours Degree in Horticulture.

The programme is delivered in a blended mode with a combination of online learning and practical days in ITB.
Students must have access to a PC and boardband internet access in order to
engage fully in an online classroom environment.

Year 1

Research Methods

This module will introduce the student to the concepts of research methods and research methodologies as they are used in horticulture. This will include generating a Hypothesis from identification of a problem or issue and carrying out a literature search. The construction of a research project measures the extent to which a student has developed scientific and analytical skills and how well they can apply them to a selected topic.  By constructing and writing a practice based research project the student will have the ability to develop their understanding of the process of the acquisition of scientific knowledge. They will apply advanced statistical techniques to their findings and identify gaps in this knowledge required for technical problems encountered in the degree.

Environmental Indicators

The module aims to provide an introduction to the principles of measurement, data acquisition and data processing for environmental measurements, variability measurement techniques for solid, liquid and gaseous media, sample processing and analysis methods. It will also deal with the management of waste products such as metal, paper, green products and other materials.

Plant Treatment Regulation

This module provides the knowledge and skills required by an honours degree graduate to know and understand the legislation and current practices underlying the use of a broad range of chemicals and other agents in the treatment of horticultural produce and facilities. The learner will acquire the knowledge and analytical skills to understand the basis of current practice and legislation. They will also be able to advise companies or other agencies on these issues based on this knowledge.

Final Year Project (Broken into 3 parts over the 2 years)

The project module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial individual horticultural project and take responsibility for a full project life cycle. This will enable students to consolidate and deepen their chosen area of study, and integrate knowledge and skills acquired from other modules that are part of this course. A project thesis will form a major component of the assessment of this module. Students will therefore be required to further develop written and oral communication skills alongside practical design and implementation skills. While enabling the student’s intellectual development, this module also aims to motivate the students to develop their independence, confidence and self-esteem.

Specifically this module aims to:

• develop the student’s project management skills by adhering to industry standard project management techniques;

• demonstrate the student’s ability to draw upon those elements of scientific and production and management skills they are bringing to the project,

• develop the student’s research skills by requiring the student to carry out primary and secondary research through empirical, quantitative and qualitative methods;

• develop the student’s ability to make design and implementation decisions on usability, accessibility, scope, compatibility, aesthetics, cost, and technical feasibility;

• develop the students ability to turn around projects with the most efficient use of time, facilities, equipment and skills;

• develop the student’s ability to critically analyse their work as a viable product;

Parks and Gardens

This module aims to give the student an understanding of the heritage value and importance of Parks and Gardens, both historic and contemporary, and the role of horticulturalists in their conservation and restoration. These are important landscapes, which are representative of one or several periods in history, or display the work of well-known landscape architects or have associations with famous owners or visitors.  The module aims to examine the heritage value of historic parks and gardens and the threats to their existence that makes conservation and restoration necessary. Legal protection, financial aid and sources of assistance will be reviewed.  It will equip the student with the skills to carry out historic garden restoration with particular emphasis on conservation throughout the process and its development phases. It will identify the variety skills required to research, schedule, design and complete such a project. The student will study the work of influential historical designers and the significant landscapes they have created. The student will see how these historical trends are reflected in modern landscapes and gardens. It will introduce them to important examples of restored Historic Parks and Gardens in Ireland and abroad, and important contemporary examples. It will give students the skills necessary for the management and development of parks and gardens as facilities for public education and enjoyment.

Year 2

Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development

The module seeks to impart a comprehension of the role of enterprise development and entrepreneurship in the economy in general and in the horticulture sector in particular. The module will

• Foster within the student a sense of innovation, initiative and creativity in commercial and enterprise environments.

• Give students an entrepreneurial orientation both through the development of appropriate skills and the enhancement of their attitudes.

• Provide this requisite knowledge in either simulated or practical situations or both.

•Provide a practical platform for enterprise development.

• Provide the student with a substantial knowledge of Entrepreneurs and Enterprises in Ireland and around the world.

Advanced Soil Science and Chemistry

This module brings forward the learners knowledge of the processes underlining the development, maintenance and physical and chemical properties of soils. This will equip the successful learner to inform debates and decision-making around soils. This will be particularly relevant to modern practices aiming for sustainability.

Human Resources Management

This module serves as an introduction into the work and context of Human Resources management (HRM) in a horticultural organisational setting. Students will develop their capabilities to manage people in firms small and large and the links between business strategy, human resource strategy and organisational performance. They will learn the Human resource tasks and challenges they may face in the future, and how to apply and implement various HRM skills and practices, in particular planning, reward systems and recruitment. They will learn of the equality, diversity and migration issues that face employers in contemporary Ireland.

Horticulture Therapy

This module introduces the student to the use of Horticulture as a therapeutic tool in a range of settings, giving them a sense of the positive relationship that exists between people plants and their natural surroundings and the benefits of Horticulture within that context. It will define the role of a horticultural therapist and explore the use of Horticulture in a range of settings. It will show the student how to identify the additional skills required, outside of horticulture, in facilitating therapy and rehabilitation through the medium of horticulture, and those who will supply those skills. It will give the students an appreciation of the set-up, development and management of therapeutic Horticulture facilities.

How to Apply ?

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For further details please contact the marketing team on 01 885 1000 or e-mail: info@itb.ie.