Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
COMM 1227 - Communications I
This course provides the student with an overview of the communication skills required by business and industry. Students will learn to apply these communication skills to be successful in their selected workplace setting.
COMM 1228 - Communications II
This course further develops essential communications skills with a focus on basic writing. This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop written work typical of the industry related to their program of study.
HLAN 3006 - Integrated Pest Management
This course introduces the concepts and control methods for a holistic approach to Integrated Pest Management, learning to identify and solve plant health problems. Learners will be introduced to pests and their impacts on the economic and aesthetic value of horticultural and landscape plants.
HLTG 1000 - Plant Production and Retail Principles I
This course introduces the learner to the profession of growing and selling plants. With an increasing focus on the greening of the environment, plant production and retailing of horticulture materials is a growing career path for those who wish a physical, yet artistic occupation. Learners will have the opportunity to practice greenhouse and nursery operations while creating products and displays for garden centre sales.
HLTG 1003 - Green Research Project
Research is an important skill used in the Horticulture industry that contributes to the development of critical thinking skills. This course introduces learners to various research methods, providing the background necessary to support independent learning and self-discovery. Learners will have the opportunity to research topics of interest and how they relate to industry, field of study and future career path. This course will focus on developing the essential skills of Reading, Document Use, Writing, Oral Communications and Critical Thinking. All project submissions will be professionally presented using a variety of computer applications (i.e. Microsoft Office). Proper use of grammar and syntax, as required by industry, is expected of all final project submissions.
HLTG 1010 - Plant Production and Retail Principles II
This course provides learners opportunity to practice greenhouse and nursery operations, select crops for production and retail sales, and apply their learning by planning a retail sales event.
HLTG 1020 - Introduction to Environmental Horticulture
Green infrastructure is an approach which incorporates natural elements into the design and construction of our built environment. Climatic challenges such as storm-water management, reduction of heat stress, and air quality issues can be mitigated to a degree by incorporating natural elements such as living walls and roofs, urban forests, and green streets and alleyways. In this course, students explore the benefits of green infrastructure, along with the relationship between horticulture and climate change. Students also explore operational considerations that support green infrastructure and environmental horticulture. These include sustainable materials used in operations, available alternative energy solutions, and the role of water management.
HORT 1002 - Biology
This course covers scientific methodology, plant and animal biology, biochemistry, cytology and genetics. The modes of instruction vary between lecture, discussion, experiments and discovery.
HORT 1010 - Industry Relations
In this course, learners will study the scope of the horticulture industry across Canada, with an eye on professional development pathways. Liaising with regional industry representatives, and researching local opportunities, learners will explore career path options. Guest speakers are invited to share insights on Nova Scotia’s horticulture industry, discuss certification opportunities, and outline the work of select provincial and national professional associations.
HPRA 1004 - Landscape Plant Materials I
This course introduces learners to the science of botanical nomenclature and plant identification techniques. The course will analyze plant relationships in the natural environment. Over the duration of the course, learners will develop a variety of plant identification skills and build a vocabulary using Botanical Latin. Learners will apply plant identification and classification skills to complement the multi-disciplinary nature of the horticulture industry. Learners will examine in detail, live and dormant samples of a broad range of representative plants. At the conclusion of this course, learners will have the ability to recognize the genus of common landscape plants.
HPRA 1005 - Landscape Principles I
This course introduces the learner to the profession of landscaping. Part art and part science, landscaping is a career path for those who wish a physical, yet artistic occupation. Learners will have the opportunity to practice installations and maintenance of various landscape components. Photos of lab work will be valued additions to learner portfolios.
HPRA 1019 - Horticulture Science I
This course will introduce learners to the science of horticulture, analyzing plant and soil relationships in the natural environment and increasing their knowledge of the interactions of these relationships by examining sustainable horticulture practices.
HPRA 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.
HPRA 2005 - Landscape Principles II
During the second semester, learners participate in the installation of various landscape construction modules. Large indoor lab facilities at Kingstec allow for all weather installations. These landscape installations provide a Service Learning opportunity for learners on campus. Learners will be exposed to the theory of landscape installation and build various landscape features, including but not limited to walks, retaining walls, water gardens and wooden structures.
HPRA 2019 - Horticulture Science II
This course will emphasize green space values through environmental sustainable practices as they relate to the soil food web and nursery and landscape standards.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.
SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.
