HORT10040 Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module covers the Environmental, Social and Economic sustainability of horticultural production. Environmentally, horticulture provides the following ecosystem services: food, fibre, fuel, genetic resources, biochemicals, natural medicines, fresh water and improved air quality. Socially, horticulture contributes to our physical and mental health through the consumption of fresh horticultural produce and by providing amenity spaces in which people can exercise, relax and spend time in nature. Economically, horticulture plays a key role in mitigating the climate crisis through increasing carbon sequestration, reducing GHG emissions using sustainable soil management, and reducing inputs through implementation of advanced technologies such as Precision Horticulture.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to discuss the following:
· Horticulture and climate
· Water use and conservation
· Nutrient management and novel alternatives to chemical fertilisers
· Sustainable growing media
· Reducing plastics use in horticulture
· Extensive versus intensive production (agroforestry)
· Food Security – improving local and regional production
· Organic production
· Enhancing the environment with urban greenspace
· Benefits of trees in urban environments
· Planting to support pollinators
· Social and therapeutic horticulture
· Viability of horticultural businesses (Horticulture is fourth largest sector in Irish agriculture after beef, dairy and pork)
· Cold Chain for fresh horticultural produce
· Modern trends in horticulture (vertical farms, hydroponics, precision horticulture)
· Medicinal and cosmetic value of plants

Indicative Module Content:

As above

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

23
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

47
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through the UCD VLE system:
All lectures will be face-to-face and will introduce theoretical content using real-life case studies.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ test - week 6 Week 6 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25
Examination: MCQ - end of trimester exam 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

50
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ - Week 11 Week 11 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Caroline Elliott-Kingston Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Spring