Course Descriptions

Applied Botany: Applied Botany is designed to relate the basic questions of botany to the practical questions faced by many horticulturists. Wherever possible, the course will attempt to bridge the gap between issues of botany and the “real world” where plants and people interact. Students are exposed to a wide variety of fundamental botany topics including botanical nomenclature, cellular processes, climactic factors, as well as a broad variety of botanical structures and functions. As an introductory course, "Applied Botany" acts as a foundation to many of the other courses in the Certificate Program.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the basics of identifying, monitoring, predicting, and managing the environment and pest problems affecting horticulture crop growth. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to diagnose problems, provide solutions, and predict how the manipulation of growing conditions will impact other factors.

Note: It is strongly advised that students first complete HORT 13 and SLSC 14. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/)

Introduces the different aspects of safety in the use of pesticides in the horticulture industry. Topics include: basic chemistry; legislation and regulations; labeling; toxicity; handling practices; environmental protection; pest management; application equipment; emergency response; and public relations.

Note: This course will be of particular interest to horticulturalists who apply pesticides, but are not mandated to be certified or licensed. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the theory and practice of floral design. Topics include: basic botany; nomenclature and terminology; care and handling of fresh cut flowers and foliage. The course provides basic understanding of the tools, supplies, and mechanics used in floral design. Floral design styles, elements and principles are discussed.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces human resource management strategies, issues, and processes of managing people in an agricultural workplace. This course strengthens students' abilities as owners, managers and supervisors of an agricultural workplace, to effectively deal with increasing workforce management expectations.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces vegetable production on the Canadian prairies in terms of soil, climate, equipment, cultural practices, management and marketing. A wide range of crops are reviewed from vegetable crops to vines. The course provides students with information necessary to establish a vegetable operation, advise others on vegetable production, or enhance their background for employment in the vegetable industry.

Note: It is strongly recommended that students complete Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture prior to registering in this course. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces cannabis specific botany and production requirements in both greenhouse and warehouse settings. Topics include: plant growth cycle, genetics, propagation, pest management, integrated crop management (ICM) and harvesting criteria under controlled environment. An introduction to the chemical composition of cannabis and its significance from a medical and recreational perspective is also addressed.

Note: It is strongly advised that students first complete HORT 13. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces fruit production on the Canadian prairies including: the role of prairie climate in large-scale fruit production; plant breeding and cold hardiness; flowering and fruit development; fruit growth, thinning and maturity indices; and harvesting techniques. This course discusses site selection, orchard establishment, planting, frost protection and briefly addresses pruning, grafting and post-harvest storage. Fruit crops include apples, plums, pears, strawberries, raspberries, currants and Saskatoon berries.

Note: It is strongly recommended that students first complete HORT 13. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces aspects of greenhouse production including an overview of the prairie greenhouse industry, production economics, chemical and biological pest control and the production of bedding plants, potted and flowering plants and vegetables.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the principles and practices of the production of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Production in both field as well as container is addressed in the commercial business environment. The historical evolution of the prairie industry is discussed as it relates to current crop management practices.

Note: It is strongly advised that students first complete HORT 13, HORT 15, HORT 27 and SLSC 14. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the identification and classification of woody ornamental plants. This course addresses plants common in the prairie environment, including deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers.

Prerequisite(s): HORT 13 or permission of instructor.
Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces both theoretical and practical information for hands-on plant propagation. This course will provide an understanding of the physiological and physical processes involved in propagation and the required skills to carry out various propagation techniques.

Note: It is strongly recommended to first complete HORT 13. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/)

Introduces students to the production, processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants on the Prairies. This course will provide students with useful information and skills that can be applied in establishing or running a herb production, processing, or marketing enterprise.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the basic terminology used in arboriculture, the principles of installation, and care and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the landscape. This course also addresses the effects of the environment on growth and development of woody plants.

Note: It is recommended that students first complete HORT 13 and SLSC 14. It is also recommended to have prior or concurrent knowledge in HORT 15 and HORT 27. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

This course outlines the production and maintenance of turfgrasses to enable students to function within the landscaping and turf production industries. Topics include: an overview of the turfgrass industry; turfgrass physiology; plant morphology and species identification; native turfgrass; soils; turfgrass establishment, culture, management practices and problems; turfgrass pest control and integrated pest management.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the study of common plants in the prairie landscapes including herbaceous perennials, biennials and annual flowers. This course discusses classification, identification, landscape characteristics, adaptations, cultural requirements and proper use of the plants.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the theory and practice of indoor landscaping. Topics include: basic design concepts; people-plant relationships and the function of plants in the indoor environment. This course discusses plant culture, maintenance and integrated pest management. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to prepare cost estimates and budgets and create, install and maintain commercial indoor landscapes.

Note: It is strongly advised that students first complete HORT 13 and SLSC 14. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the fundamentals of greenhouse construction and maintenance, as well as specialized features of greenhouse structures and environmental controls.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the skills needed to produce a simple residential landscape design for clients. This course addresses the design process; identifying client needs; producing preliminary site plans and a design program; using drafting equipment; and producing a basic landscape design in plan view.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the theory and application of landscape construction and emphasizes safety procedures. Students learn about interlocking paving stones; water features; retaining walls; low voltage lighting; wooden decks; and fences.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the principles of postharvest handling, storage, and transportation of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Handling and storage practices to maintain quality of fruits, vegetables and herbs are addressed. Factors which influence quality such as timing of harvest, specific storage environments, causes of quality loss and transportation are discussed.

Note: Before enrolling in this course, the students should be familiar with botanical structures of fruits and vegetables. Completion of HORT 13 is recommended prior to taking this course. This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces basics of marketing within the Horticulture industry. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental marketing elements of the Canadian and Prairie horticultural industry, including: basic principles of marketing, principles of consumer behaviour, price-setting, credit granting strategies, sales process, and the elements of distribution channels in domestic and global markets.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).

Introduces the basics of business management within the horticulture industry. Students gain an understanding of the characteristics of a small business and the principles of small business organizations; financial performance, budgeting and human resource management for the small business.

Note: This course is part of the non-degree level Prairie Horticulture Certificate program and is offered online: (http://phc.usask.ca/).