Outline

Overview

This unit provides students with a scientific grounding in the sustainable production of safe and nutritious fruit, vegetables and mushrooms. The unit encompasses the fundamentals of production system options, resource management and marketing practices. Case studies will be used to exemplify important developments in horticultural production, supply and marketing chains. Students will examine multiple real world examples of horticulture to develop skills in systematic problem-solving in production and marketing. Combining relevant industry knowledge, critical analytical skills and a systems perspective will enable students to make valid, scientifically-informed decisions in horticulture and beyond. The unit is comprised of: lectures/workshops, practicals in production and post-harvest horticulture, and site visits to producers, research sites and industry bodies. The program includes a week-long field trip to major horticultural production regions to view operations and Q and A with owner/operators.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	HORT4005
Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	HORT3005
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Brian Jones, brian.jones@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assessment 1 Written task	40%	Week 10 Due date: 06 Nov 2020 at 23:00	2400-3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 2 Literature review/report	30%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Nov 2020 at 23:00	1500-2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 3 Written task	30%	Week 12 Due date: 22 Nov 2020 at 23:00	No word limit
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

ASSESSMENT 1: Summarise current methods and research in horticulture: (200-250 words per summary) of 12 articles from: https://www.soilwealth.com.au/resources/videos-and-apps/ (videos and associated literature). Numerous industry peak bodies, from Hort Innovation to AUSVEG fund, collate and publish research. The research findings and particularly their dissemination to growers is critical for the continued improvement and profitability of the industry. Not all growers access this information and of those that do, not all have the capacity to adopt the ideas and methods because of financial or other constraints. Those that are able to adopt new strategies and update their practices in line with research are generally amongst the best and most profitable growers. In this assessment you will watch instructional videos on various topics related to method trials and other horticultural research on the Soil Wealth site (https://www.soilwealth.com.au/resources/videos-and-apps/) and summarise the main points outlined in the videos and associated literature. It is recommended that you watch all of the videos on the site and pick 12 of them to write a short (200-250 words) report about.

It is suggested that you verify the information in the videos by searching for other sources of information on the same topic. Each summary should include a reference list, including references to peer-reviewed literature and other accepted sources (eg industry journals). Cross-referencing the information in the videos will enable you to have more confidence in material they have present in the video.

It is recommended that you write at least one review and send it to me by 4th September so that I can give you feedback before you attempt the other 11.

ASSESSMENT 2:

Due date: 13th November: 30%

Report on current practice and future of one aspect of horticulture. For example: automation; breeding; pest and disease control; market development; organics, regenerative or other alternative agricultural production systems; scale: big or small?; methods to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables. The report should be written as a critical review of the literature in 1500 - 2000 words, not including references or appendices.

For this assessment, you will research and discuss the details and the pros, cons and prospects of one area where horticulture could develop as we move towards the middle of this critical century.

ASSESSMENT 3:

Due date: 4th December: 30%

Diary of discussions with guest speakers (no word limit).

For this assessment you will write notes of the information exchanged during the weekly sessions with the guest speakers. For full marks you should not confine yourself to information you have gained during the sessions with the speakers, but include extra information from supplemental reading before and after the visit. Appendices with extra detail from the internet or elsewhere, or resource lists will be viewed favourably. The diaries (eg pdf, Word) will be handed in by 5pm 4th December.

It is recommended that you show me your notes sometime during Weeks 2-4 of the semester so that I can give you feedback.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Weekly	Organic/alternative production Alternative supply chains: value adding Business development and growth Hort Innovation and the role of industry-led research and extension Horticultural industry development and supply chain management Plant protection, biosecurity and the bee industry Hybrid seed and plant propagation Agronomy and vegetable production dynamics Developments in tree fruit production Developments in hop production and viticulture Flower production Soft berry production	Online class (5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: There will be contact periods in Weeks 1-12. Students are expected to have read pre-class reading materials when provided prior to the relevant session and to attend every session. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Students are expected to contribute to discussions during these sessions and as Assessment 3 is a summary of your notes of discussions with the guest speakers, contribution to the discussions will make it easier for you to create summary notes of the meetings that have relevance and depth.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in horticultural production, research and marketing.
LO2. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance.
LO3. communicate scientific information appropriately through written work.
LO4. engage with the scientific literature and expert opinion for scientific investigations and for the process of learning.
LO5. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour, and independence as a learner and as a scientist.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

HORT4005: Research and Practice in Horticulture

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect