Course Descriptions
Horticulture (HRT) Courses
HRT 102 First Year Experience in Horticulture (1-0) 1 credit
HRT 102 introduces first-year students within the Horticulture program to the foundational ideas, resources, and strategies upon which students can build their academic successes. Students will explore and practice essential skills such as critical and creative thinking, metacognition, resource literacy, self-advocacy and reflection, and study strategies. HRT 102 is also intended to acquaint students with classroom expectations within the Horticulture program and the social, financial, and emotional challenges students often face across their college experience. Students will examine learning and professional resources at FLCC - including information and technology, applied learning and internships, and mental and physical health - while time and space will be provided for students to develop interpersonal skills and positive relationships within their peer group. The course will also establish program-level classroom expectations and examine the social, financial, and emotional challenges students often will face across their experience at FLCC. Upon completion, students will have crafted a multi-year academic and professional plan. Recommended corequisite: HRT 110.
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HRT 110 Introduction to Horticulture (3-0) 3 credits
This is a hands-on course that emphasizes the numerous specialties in the horticulture field. It includes a study of plants as living organisms, the fundamentals of integrated pest management and plant growth requirements. An introduction to a variety of plant care techniques is included. This is a required beginning course in both Horticulture and Viticulture and Wine Technology degree programs. Recommended corequisite: HRT 102.
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HRT 111 Tree Culture & Maintenance (3-0) 3 credits
This course introduces individuals to the care of trees and shrubs in the landscape based on industry standards. Topics include: woody plant anatomy, tree and shrub pruning, planting and aftercare, diagnosis of weak/strong tree structure, monetary evaluation of ornamental trees, introduction to climbing, rigging and cabling, root structure, construction vulnerabilities of trees, diagnosis of damaged trees and standard and specifications. Hands-on tree analysis and fault remediation of community trees will be emphasized.
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HRT 131 Floral Design (3-0) 3 credits
This is a skills-based class for students interested in the profession of floral arranging. Studies will concentrate on creating a variety of seasonal and special event arrangements, identifying specific flowers, greens and plants utilized, basic functions of florist shops, and terminology used in the profession.
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HRT 135 Regulations of Cannabis Cultivation (3-0) 3 credits
This course introduces students to the legal issues related to medical cannabis production as well as Best Management Practices as they relate to regulations. Included are laws that govern cannabis cultivation and distribution as well as possession and consumption by medical patients. Students will learn New York state laws regarding cannabis cultivation as it relates to medical usage and to impacts on the state budget. Ways in which federal laws impact cultivation and recent history of cannabis laws will also be explored.
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HRT 150 Herbaceous Plant Materials (2-2) 3 credits
This course integrates classroom and hands-on learning towards the identification and utilization of herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plants - native and non-indigenous – in commercial and residential ornamental landscapes as well as the horticulture industry at large, emphasizing plant anatomy, taxonomic identification, culture requirements, landscape value, proper placement and care, and seasonal interest within gardens and the broader landscape. Students will develop recognition skills of commonly used herbaceous plants in Northeast gardens and planted landscapes according to their scientific classification and, with their new found academic knowledge of said plants, develop plant selection skills – assembling best-fit plants for garden/landscape application based on plant aesthetics, ecology, and sustainability. Classroom learning will be reinforced by practical experiences at local and regional botanic gardens.
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HRT 151 Woody Plant Materials (2-2) 3 credits
This course integrates classroom and hands-on learning towards the identification and utilization of trees and shrubs - native and non-indigenous – in commercial and residential ornamental landscapes as well as the horticulture industry at large. This course emphasizes plant anatomy, taxonomic identification, culture requirements, landscape value, proper placement and maintenance, and seasonal interest within gardens and the broader landscape. Students will develop recognition skills of commonly used trees and shrubs in Northeast gardens and planted landscapes according to their
scientific classification and, hence, will develop tree and shrub selection skills – assembling best-fit plants for garden/landscape application based on aesthetics, ecology, and sustainability. Classroom learning will be reinforced by practical experiences on the grounds of FLCC, including arboretum, and visits to local cemeteries and botanic gardens.
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HRT 160 Unique Horticulture Facilities (1-1) 1 credit
This three- to four-day course provides students with field and travel experiences relative to their coursework in horticulture. This travel course is conducted in different locations in the Northeastern United States that are noted for their botanical gardens and horticulture facilities. Students will be provided with the opportunities to observe a wide variety of plant species and learn about their identification and care. Employment opportunities at the visited facilities will be explored.
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HRT 201 Landscape Design I (3-0) 3 credits
An introduction to landscape design for those interested in reading, installing or drawing designs. Theory and principles of landscape design for private homes and/or commercial enterprises, techniques for understanding how to accurately place real world items into the drawing and drawn items into the landscape, presentation techniques, development of drawing skills, and visual communication of landscape designs on paper will be covered. Also included will be discussion of the integration of landscape design principles with elements of the environment that lead to sound ecological practices and the calculation of the quantity of materials needed to complete the installation of the project. Prerequisite: HRT 151.
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HRT 202 Landscape Construction and Maintenance (3-0) 3 credits
This course is open to all interested individuals and emphasizes various hands-on skills of horticulture including soil preparing, planting, pruning, weeding, edging, and mulching. Tours of various horticulture sites will familiarize students on the materials and methods for construction of walls, walks and patios. Achieving a basic understanding of the region’s horticultural history through field trips and hands-on learning at various non-profit institutions is included. Native plant and wholesale plant nursery visits will familiarize students to plant availability. An introduction to business operation is included.
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HRT 203 Turf Management (3-0) 3 credits
This course deals with grasses and grass varieties, cultural requirements of turfgrass, establishment, mowing, dethatching, aerating, fertilizing, irrigation, and weed control.
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HRT 204 Plant Propagation and Nursery Management (3-0) 3 credits
This course will familiarize the student with methods of increasing plant numbers and producing a saleable product. Topics include: growth structures, media, plant culture, sexual and asexual reproduction, grafting, and nursery management. Practical greenhouse and field experience included.
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HRT 210 Landscape Design II (3-0) 3 credits
An intense, hands-on extension of Landscape Design I that focuses on the development of professional design skills for the residential and commercial landscape. The student will develop designs, time, materials and labor cost estimates and presentation skills for a variety of real-world design projects. First hand experience using professional level techniques will be gained during this class Required field trips to landscape sites will be held during class hours. Prerequisite: HRT 201.
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HRT 220 Field Experiences in Horticulture (2-0) 2 credits
This is a capstone course to both the Horticulture degree and certificate. Students will combine the following: several short classroom sessions with at least fifty (50) hours of individual experience in the field, and the horticulture exit exam. Classroom topics will include review in major subject categories, career opportunities, tools for successful achievement of employment, and professional certifications. Field experience opportunities can be suggested by faculty or by the student and will vary with student interest. The horticulture exit exam is both written and walking and includes identification of plants, pests, diseases, IPM, soils, and tools common to horticulture. Prerequisite: AAS Horticulture: Successful completion of AGR 100 and twelve (12) credit hours of Horticulture courses. Prerequisite: Certificate Horticulture: Successful completion of AGR 100 and nine (9) credit hours of Horticulture courses.
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HRT 221 Horticulture Topics I (1-0) 1 credit
This course is designed to provide students with specialization in an area related to their occupational or educational interest, and to provide students the opportunity to become more familiar with horticulture practices. Topics typically involve a field component and may be held as a residential course at the Muller Field Station or the East Hill Campus.
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HRT 222 Horticulture Topics II (2-0) 2 credits
This course is designed to provide students with specialization in an area related to their occupational or educational interest and to provide students the opportunity to become more familiar with horticulture practices. Topics typically involve a field component and may be held as a residential course at the Muller Field Station or the East Hill campus.
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HRT 223 Horticulture Topics III (3-0) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with specialization in an area related to their occupational or educational interest and to provide students the opportunity to become more familiar with horticulture practices. Topics typically involve a field component and may be held as a residential course at the Muller Field Station or the East Hill campus.
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HRT 230 Certified Applicator Training (3-0) 3 credits
This is a preparatory class for students interested in becoming New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) licensed pesticide applicators. Studies will concentrate on preparing the student for testing to become Commercial Pesticide Applicators in the Category 3a: Ornamentals and Turf. This course presents information regarding proper procedures for managing pests in the landscape and acts as the 30-hr course required by the NYS DEC prior to testing. Students will be given the opportunity to take the state examination for licensure. Prerequisite: HRT 110.
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HRT 235 Cannabis: Biology to Industrial Application (3-0) 3 credits
This course will survey the history of cannabis (Cannabis sativa) as well as its biology, breeding, chemistry, pharmacology, and downstream uses from biofuel and pulp feedstocks to medicinal application. Upon completion of the course, students will have developed in-depth knowledge of cannabis and, to either a scientist or layperson, be able to articulate present perspectives on its production and utility in human society and agriculture. Prerequisite: HRT 110. Co-requisite: BIO 251.
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HRT 236 Cannabis Cultivation (3-0) 3 credits
This course will familiarize students with the growth requirements of cannabis. Topics include: cannabis lifecycle, propagation, growing techniques, environmental requirements for proper growth, pest pressure and management, and harvest techniques. Practical greenhouse experience included.
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HRT 260 Applied Plant Pathology with Integrated Pest Management (3-2-0) 4 credits
A practical and hands-on course investigating the nature, causes, diagnoses, and management options of plant health problems. Interactions between the environment, disease causing organisms, and the plant will be considered as related to integrated pest management (IPM) controls. Students will be trained to identify common plant diseases including environmentally caused disorders. Consideration of site management and corrective horticultural practices as related to plant health will be included. Students will further investigate each topic utilizing laboratory skills and techniques. Field trips are included in the course. Prerequisite: BIO 121 or BIO 125 or BIO 251.
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HRT 280 Field Entomology with Integrated Pest Management (4-0) 4 credits
A practical investigation of insect structure and function, ecology, behavior, and life history, as well as strategies of integrated pest management (IPM). The class will discuss various pesticides, modes of action and toxicity, environmental impact and possible effects on the applicator. Students will report on current topics such as vectors of plant and animal diseases, and the challenges to pollinator populations. Training in identification, monitoring, sampling methods, biological control and conventional crop protection approaches prepare the student for professional opportunities. Prerequisite: BIO 121 or BIO 125.
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