Horticulture (HORT) Courses
HORT 105 Pest Control Licensing or Certification
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300, HORT 303, PLTS 300, or PLTS 332
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the laws, regulations, and safety requirements for individuals preparing to obtain a Qualified Applicator's Certificate (QAC) in California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) category Q or a Qualified Applicator's License (QAL) in CDPR category B. This course will also cover the requirements and process of obtaining a Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Business License. Topics include pesticide safety and application, pesticide modes of action, pesticide regulation, applicator licensing and certification, accepted standards for integrated pest management, and the methods and practices of preventing and controlling common landscape weeds, invertebrate and vertebrate pests, nematodes, and infectious and noninfectious plant diseases. Environmental concerns regarding pesticide resistance, surface and groundwater contamination, and other exposures will be covered.
HORT 299 Experimental Offering in Horticulture
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Introduction to Horticulture is a general, entry level course into environmental horticulture with an emphasis on basic plant science, plant use and care, and the landscape and nursery industries. Topics include basic botany, cultural practices, propagation, structures and layout, pest management, planting, container gardening, plant identification, turfgrass installation and care, and a survey of career opportunities.
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition
- Same As:PLTS 310
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300 and PLTS 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
- C-ID:C-ID AG - PS 128L
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides a basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Course content includes fundamental soil properties, soil and plant relationships, principles of soil formation, soil biology, fertilizers and soil management, salinity, pH, erosion management, and non-agricultural uses. Field trips may be required and may require a fee. This course is the same as PLTS 310, and only one may be taken for credit.
HORT 303 Integrated Pest Management
- Same As:PLTS 332
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300 and PLTS 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study of the identification and management of common plant pests encountered in horticultural and agricultural settings. The focus of this course will be on the selection and application of appropriate Integrated Pest Management strategies for weeds, infectious plant diseases, non-infectious / abiotic plant disorders, vertebrate and invertebrate pests, and other pest organisms. Topics include the recognition and diagnosis of plant problems, pest types and life cycles, host and habitat relationships, and the integrated pest management strategies and best management practices to achieve control. Field trips may be required and may require a fee. This course is the same as PLTS 332, and only one may be taken for credit.
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC (HORT 305 and 306 combined: maximum transfer credit is one course)
- C-ID:C-ID AG - EH 112L
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the identification and study of the growth habits, cultural practices, and ornamental uses of landscape and indoor plants adapted to California climates. Plants emphasized will come from the current list(s) of recommended plants to study in preparation for industry certification exams. This course will focus on those plants best suited to the Sacramento region and observed during the fall / winter seasons. Students may be required to attend off-campus field trips.
HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC (HORT 305 and 306 combined: maximum transfer credit is one course)
- C-ID:C-ID AG - EH 108L
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the identification and study of the growth habits, cultural practices, and ornamental uses of landscape and indoor plants adapted to California climates. Plants emphasized will come from the current list(s) of recommended plants to study in preparation for industry certification exams. This course will focus on those plants best suited to the Sacramento region and observed during the spring / summer seasons. College sponsored field trips may be required.
HORT 307 Plant Identification - Sustainable and CA Native Selections
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the identification and study of the growth habits, cultural practices, and ornamental uses of California native plants, as well as non-native plant species that are well adapted to California climates and appropriate for sustainable landscaping. Plants emphasized will come from the current list(s) of recommended plants to study in preparation for industry certification exams. College sponsored field trips may be required.
HORT 312 Plant Propagation
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID AG - EH 116L
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study of the fundamental principles and production practices involved in the propagation of plant species, with an emphasis on ornamental plant production for the nursery industry. Topics include propagule selection and techniques utilized to make more plants; sexual and asexual reproduction; planting, transplanting, fertilizing, and plant pest and disease control; structures and site layout; preparation and use of propagating and planting mediums; use and maintenance of common tools and equipment; marketing and sales; and regulations pertaining to plant propagation and nursery production.
HORT 313 Sustainable Agriculture
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides a comprehensive study of sustainable agriculture that addresses many environmental and social concerns while providing innovative and economically viable techniques for growers. It integrates the theoretical aspects of sustainable agriculture, principles and practices with field-based laboratory and participatory learning of sustainable agriculture practices. College sponsored field trips may be required.
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the fundamentals of landscape construction, including soil preparation, paving and construction materials, hand and power tool use, turf and plant installation, plan reading, estimating, and bid preparation. It will emphasize approved traditional industry construction methods, as well as sustainable alternative and techniques. Local codes and state requirements will also be covered. This course is an initial step in preparation for the California State C-27 Landscape Contractor License exam. Field trips may be required.
HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study of landscape management practices and prepares students to evaluate and improve the function and aesthetic value of residential and commercial landscapes, parks, highways, and public buildings by applying appropriate, sustainable maintenance techniques. Topics include the safe operation and maintenance of hand tools and power equipment for the trade, basic lawn care, basic tree and shrub care, planting and transplanting, pruning, water-efficient irrigation, sustainable plant nutrition and soils management, integrated pest management, and landscape maintenance business practices. Both interior and exterior landscape maintenance will be discussed. Students may be required to attend off-campus field trips.
HORT 340 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:HORT 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:HORT 305, 306, or 307
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study of technical drafting skills and freehand graphics, including line quality, lettering, and organization of the design space as it relates to landscape and irrigation design. It includes 'hand drafting techniques', plant database software, introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) for landscape, and the use of a variety of graphics skills and media. Irrigation design for landscapes studies water hydraulics, irrigation equipment, including irrigation heads, pipes, pumps, controllers and valves, and water conservation. The course includes preparing landscape and irrigation plans, plan presentation, and reprographics. Students may be required to attend off-campus field trips.
HORT 350 Landscape Irrigation
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300 and 340; Hort 322 from ARC with a grade of "C" or better satisfies the Hort 340 advisory.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course prepares students to design, install, and maintain water efficient landscape irrigation systems. Topics include current California State water use regulations and ordinances, water supply, basic hydraulics, component identification and terminology, system layout, pipe sizing, water application devices, valves, and controllers. Students can earn QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) certification by achieving a passing score on the final exam. (Minimum passing score will be announced in class). Students may be required to attend off-campus field trips.
HORT 351 Drip and Subsurface Irrigation
- Units:2
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300, 340, and 350
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course prepares students to design, install and maintain water efficient, surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems. Topics include component identification and terminology, system layout, pipe sizing, water application equipment. College sponsored field trips may be required.
HORT 353 Sustainable Water Management
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:HORT 350 with a grade of "C" or better; Hort 105 from ARC with a grade of "C" or better satisfies the Hort 350 prerequisite.
- Advisory:HORT 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course prepares students to maintain and manage water efficient landscape irrigation systems utilizing the latest irrigation technology including water efficient application equipment, traditional and smart controllers, and environmental sensors. Topics include the review of the current California State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, inspection and performance assessment of irrigation systems, determining sprinkler precipitation and consumption rates, calculating water budgets, assessing soil/water relationships of the landscape, installing smart controllers and environmental sensors, controller programming, developing water schedules, and irrigation system management for efficient water use. Students can earn QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) certification by achieving a passing score on the final exam. (Minimum passing score will be announced in class). College sponsored field trips may be required.
HORT 360 Introduction to Tree Care and Urban Forestry
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:HORT 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introductory study and application of the principles and practices of tree care and urban forestry. This course will focus on tree biology, tree identification, plant health care, soils, plant nutrition, planting, worker safety, climbing, pruning, and the safe and effective use of tree-care tools and equipment. This course prepares the student to obtain a Certified Arborist designation through the International Society of Arboriculture. College sponsored field trips may be required.
HORT 495 Independent Studies in Horticulture
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.
HORT 498 Work Experience in Horticulture
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position or job related to career goals in Horticulture.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment in their major field of study or advancement within their career. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. Appropriate level learning objectives are established by the student and the employer. During the semester, the student is required to participate in a weekly orientation and complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
HORT 499 Experimental Offering in Horticulture
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.