2013-2014 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2013-2014 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Horticulture

The Ornamental Horticulture discipline examines the art and science of cultivating plants. The Horticulture program at MiraCosta also includes sustainable design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes, floral design, nursery and organic crop production, and wine technology. Students take horticulture courses to prepare for the major, complete job-related certificates, earn continuing education units (CEUs) for professional licenses, and fulfill general education requirements. Career options include florist and nursery-industry work, urban agriculture, landscape architecture, irrigation design and water management, landscape design, landscape installation and management, golf and sports turf management, urban forestry, horticulture sales and services, grove and vineyard management, and winemaking.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Karen Smith

Dean: Al Taccone

www.miracosta.edu/HORT

Department: Horticulture and Hospitality

Office: Building OC4800, 760.795.6811

Full-Time Faculty

Megan Allison
Claire Ehrlinger

Associate Degrees

Associate in Arts Degrees

Landscape Architecture
Landscape Management
Nursery/Horticulture Crop Production

Students may earn one of the above-named associate degrees by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees ). Students earning an associate degree in Landscape Architecture are eligible to take the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam to achieve state licensure after completing requisite apprenticeship. Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.

Certificates

Certificate programs prepare students for state, county, and city employment in most areas of landscape management, such as park and grounds supervision and state or county agriculture inspection. In the private sector, graduates find jobs in agri-sales and services, organic food production, retail and wholesale nurseries and greenhouses, landscape and irrigation design, landscape contracting, and water management. Any of these majors may be completed in three semesters and one or two summer sessions by students who attend full-time.

Certificate of Achievement

Landscape Architecture

This certificate is designed to provide employable technical skill training in the field of professional residential landscape design development. It also provides a foundation for students who plan to enter a college of landscape architecture.

Required courses:
DESN 101	AutoCAD Computer-Aided Drafting I	4
DESN 102	Architectural Drawing	3
HORT 117	Plant Identification: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines	3
HORT 126	Landscape Irrigation	3
HORT 127	Landscape Design	3
HORT 128	Landscape Construction	3
HORT 220	Computer-Aided Landscape Design Applications	3
HORT 230	Landscape Architecture	3
Select one course from the following electives:		2-4
DESN 103	Architectural Communications
DESN 200	Architectural Design I
HORT 110	Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture
HORT 115	Soil Science
HORT 130	Advanced Irrigation Design and Troubleshooting
HORT 299	Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Total Units		27-29

Certificate of Achievement

Landscape Management

This certificate prepares students for employment in the California horticulture and landscape contracting industries by providing practical, hands-on experience.

Required courses:
HORT 110	Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture	3
HORT 115	Soil Science	3
HORT 116	Plant Science	4
HORT 117	Plant Identification: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines	3
HORT 121	Landscape Management	3
HORT 126	Landscape Irrigation	3
HORT 127	Landscape Design	3
HORT 128	Landscape Construction	3
HORT 134	Plant Pest Control	3
Select at least two courses from the following electives:		6-7
AUTO 100	Small Engine Repair
BUS 130	Small Business Management
or BUS 170 & BUS 171	Entrepreneur I and Entrepreneur II
HORT 118	Arboriculture
HORT 130	Advanced Irrigation Design and Troubleshooting
HORT 292	Internship Studies ^*
HORT 299	Occupational Cooperative Work Experience ^*
SPAN 101	Elementary Spanish (First Semester)
or SPAN 152	Beginning Conversation
Total Units		34-35

*	HORT 292 or HORT 299 may be taken for a maximum of 3 units.

Certificate of Achievement

Nursery/Horticulture Crop Production

This certificate provides students with the practical, hands-on experience they need to pursue employment in the areas of plant production, maintenance, or sales of ornamental and/or food crops in California.

Required courses:
HORT 115	Soil Science	3
HORT 116	Plant Science	4
HORT 117	Plant Identification: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines	3
HORT 134	Plant Pest Control	3
HORT 140	Subtropical Fruit and Plant Production	3
HORT 144	Nursery Management and Production	3
Select one course from the following electives:		1.5-4
HORT 145	Sensory Analysis of Wines
HORT 147	Wines of California
HORT 148	Introduction to Wine Production
HORT 149	Vineyard Production and Management
HORT 171	Floral Design
HORT 292	Internship Studies ^*
HORT 299	Occupational Cooperative Work Experience ^*
SPAN 101	Elementary Spanish (First Semester)
or SPAN 152	Beginning Conversation
Total Units		20.5-23

*	HORT 292 and HORT 299 may be taken for a maximum of 3 units.

Certificate of Proficiency

Irrigation Technology

This certificate is designed to teach the theory, design, and installation of irrigation systems including the materials, installation practices, maintenance, crew management, and operations of a landscape irrigation business. The program emphasizes residential and large-scale irrigation system installation and water management.

Required courses:
DESN 101	AutoCAD Computer-Aided Drafting I	4
HORT 121	Landscape Management	3
HORT 126	Landscape Irrigation	3
HORT 128	Landscape Construction	3
HORT 130	Advanced Irrigation Design and Troubleshooting	3
Total Units		16

Certificate of Proficiency

Wine & Viticulture Technology

The Wine and Viticulture Technology Certificate cross-trains students for work in the wine production, wine sales, and viticulture areas.

Required courses:
HORT 115	Soil Science	3
HORT 145	Sensory Analysis of Wines	3
HORT 147	Wines of California	3
HORT 148	Introduction to Wine Production	1.5
HORT 149	Vineyard Production and Management	3
Total Units		13.5

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2013, spring 2014, and summer 2014 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line begins with a capitalized abbreviation that designates the subject area. This subject-area designator is followed by the official course number and a descriptive title. The next lines indicate the course's unit value; prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, and limitations on enrollment if they exist; CSU/UC credit acceptance; and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place restrictions on enrollment. Most of these restrictions prevent students from duplicating course work. Others specify something the student must do prior to enrolling in a course, such as audition or obtain special approval. Some enrollment limitations restrict the number of units a student can earn within a group of similar courses.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

Some course descriptions are followed by a C-ID number. The purpose of C-ID numbers is to identify comparable courses within the California community college system. When a course has a C-ID number, students can be assured the course will be accepted in lieu of a course bearing the same C-ID designation at another community college.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

HORT 110: Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.00)

This course introduces sustainable horticulture principles and practices in gardening, landscaping, nursery management, and floriculture. Topics include basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, container gardening and houseplants, floral design, plant identification, and career opportunities. Students are required to attend field labs and field trips.

HORT 115: Soil Science

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0103.00)

This course examines the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and covers soil conditions that restrict plant growth. Students learn to solve soil problems that may exist in the field, greenhouse, and landscape with a focus on sustainable practices. The course emphasizes problem-solving techniques that apply to Southern California soils, including fertility, salinity, pH, high calcium, specific toxicities, and physical problems. Students are required to participate in field labs and trips.

HORT 116: Plant Science

Units: 4
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0103.00)

This introductory course offers students an opportunity to learn the basic principles of plant science pertaining to food and ornamental plants. The course emphasizes plant morphology, anatomy and function, plant physiology, reproduction, biotic and abiotic environmental factors that impact plant growth and development, plant-soil-climate interrelationships, plant taxonomy and nomenclature, and plant diversity and adaptations. Learning activities include plant studies in the field, greenhouse, and landscape. Students are required to attend field labs and field trips.

HORT 117: Plant Identification: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.00)

This course covers the identification, growth habits, culture, and ornamental use of plants found in Southern California landscapes. Topics include botanical and common names, plant family relationships, and environmental adaptations. Students learn to identify by sight memory 200 plants from certification test and local plant lists. Students are required to attend field trips both on and off campus.

HORT 118: Arboriculture

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0199.00)

This course introduces the care and management of landscape trees. It covers soil, water, and nutrient management, integrated pest management, and tree biology. Topics include tree selection, protection, and fertilization, pruning basics, safety, and climbing. This course prepares students for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification exam and provides ISA Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

HORT 121: Landscape Management

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.10)

This course introduces landscape ecosystems and emphasizes turfgrass, trees, and border plantings. Students learn landscape management practices, including soil preparation, fertilization, irrigation, cultivation, mowing, pruning and growth control, pest management, and fire safety. Students practice basic skills needed for successful maintenance of landscaped areas. Participation in field trips and field labs is required.

HORT 126: Landscape Irrigation

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.10)

This course introduces the design, installation, and maintenance of a water efficient landscape irrigation system. Topics include water supply, basic hydraulics, climate, soil and plant characteristics, component identification and terminology, and pipe sizing as well as types of sprinklers, valves, and controllers.

HORT 127: Landscape Design

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.10)

This course introduces the principles and practices of landscape design. Topics include the principles and process of design, drafting, hand drawn graphics, and presentation methods. Projects emphasize residential and small commercial sites. Students are required to attend field trips.

HORT 128: Landscape Construction

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.10)

This course introduces the fundamentals of landscape construction. Topics include soil preparation, paving and construction materials, hand and power tool use, turf and plant installation, plan reading, estimating, and bid preparation. The course also covers local codes, state requirements, and employment opportunities. It prepares students to pass the C-27 Landscaping Contractor's License exam. Students are required to attend field trips.

HORT 130: Advanced Irrigation Design and Troubleshooting

Units: 3
Prerequisites: HORT 126.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.10)

This irrigation course includes the design and management of sprinkler systems suitable for large residential sites, homeowner's association common areas, athletic fields, golf courses, parks, and other commercial or public settings. The course emphasizes the principles and practices of irrigation, hydraulics, scheduling, equipment selection, electrical components, troubleshooting, and efficient operation to enhance water conservation.

HORT 134: Plant Pest Control

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.00)

This course involves a study of the common pests that invade ornamental plantings and nursery crops in Southern California, including weeds, invertebrate pests, and plant diseases. Students learn to diagnose pest problems and design solutions to these problems based upon an integration of approved pest management techniques and practices. This course is designed to assist students in preparing for California licensing exams in pest management, including California Laws & Regulations, or to earn continuing education hours to maintain their license.

HORT 140: Subtropical Fruit and Plant Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.00)

This course examines the principles and practices involved in subtropical fruit and plant production, such as citrus and avocados. Topics include propagation, site selection, planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. The course also covers harvest techniques, marketing, and industry economic trends. Field trips to local orchards and groves are required.

HORT 144: Nursery Management and Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.30)

This course analyzes the operation and management of plant nursery facilities and personnel, including cultural practices, scheduling of nursery crops, marketing, and legal and environmental issues. Students examine the relationships of light, temperature, moisture, humidity, and fertility as well as their impact on plant production. Topics include pruning, transplanting, propagation, and pest control methods. Students are required to attend field trips to local nurseries.

HORT 145: Sensory Analysis of Wines

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0104.00)

This course surveys the history and development of winemaking, detailing the grape varieties produced in the major wine-producing regions of the world. Topics include the influence of climate and soil; wine fermentation, handling, storage, and bottling methods; and wine disorders. Students learn organoleptic tasting techniques to differentiate among the characteristics and styles of various wines. Students must be 21 years old to enroll and pay a lab fee, and they are required to attend field trips to local wineries.

HORT 147: Wines of California

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: HORT 145.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0104.00)

This course introduces the wines and major wine producing regions of California. It covers history, viticultural practices, winemaking styles, and sensory evaluation techniques of representative California wines. Students must be 21 and are required to attend field trips and pay a lab fee.

HORT 148: Introduction to Wine Production

Units: 1.5
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0104.00)

This course provides beginning winemakers with basic how to instructions and advanced technical training on aspects of winemaking. It emphasizes the importance of specialized backgrounds needed to solve the wide variety of problems encountered in commercial wine production. Students must be 21 and are required to attend field trips and pay a lab fee.

HORT 149: Vineyard Production and Management

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0104.00)

This course covers responsibilities of vineyard management. Topics include climate zones, soil selection, financing, farm organization, irrigation systems, field layout, varietal selection, nutritional needs, harvesting, labor management, marketing, and budgeting. Students are required to attend field trips to local vineyards.

HORT 171: Floral Design

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.20)

This course introduces students to the practical skills and theory of basic floral design. Topics include selecting flowers and foliages used in arrangements, basic design principles, cut flower preparation and care, merchandising, and packaging.

HORT 220: Computer-Aided Landscape Design Applications

Units: 3
Prerequisites: DESN 101.
Advisory: HORT 127.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in HORT 129.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.00)

This course introduces the application of computer-based design software packages, including image manipulation, modeling, multimedia, and drafting combined with hand graphics for the development of landscape plans, perspectives, elevation drawings, and presentation graphics.

HORT 230: Landscape Architecture

Units: 3
Prerequisites: HORT 127.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0109.10)

This project-based class offers continued study in the field of landscape architectural design. It emphasizes site analysis, sensory evaluation, sustainable design principles, cost considerations, rendering, site details, model building, and oral presentation. Students work both individually and in groups on projects at the urban and community scale, and they are required to attend field trips.

HORT 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

HORT 296: Topics in Horticulture

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (0109.00)

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Horticulture that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

HORT 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.