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Unit outline_

HORT3005: Production Horticulture

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit of study covers topics on the production of high quality food from perennial fruit crops, wine grapes, vegetables. It also covers the key aspects of the postharvest handling and quality assurance of fresh produce. At the end of this unit students are expected to have a detailed understanding of these areas of horticultural food production and be able to discuss related literature and the physiological principles underlying the commercial success of these horticultural enterprises. Students will also gain research and enquiry skills through research based practical sessions and assignments.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
72cp of 1000-3000 level units
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Daniel Tan, daniel.tan@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s) Anowarul Bokshi, anowarul.bokshi@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jenny Ekman, jennifer.ekman@sydney.edu.au
Brian Jones, brian.jones@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final Canvas exam
Canvas exam
55% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Written essay
Vineyard assessment assignment
15% Week 04
Due date: 26 Mar 2021 at 23:00
4 pages written
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Assignment Proposal assessment
Research proposal
15% Week 07
Due date: 23 Apr 2021 at 23:00
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Written assignment
Postharvest assignment
15% Week 12
Due date: 28 May 2021 at 23:00
3 pages written
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

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.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Able to write a coherent and flowing report in good English. Using a variety of viewpoints to argue the process for identifying the problem.  Excellent discussion of management strategies to manage this problem.  References are used wisely and the student shows an ability to critique the literature.  Sources included at least three refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.

Distinction

75 - 84

Able to write a coherent report in good English. Presented at least two points of view to argue the process for identifying the problem. Good discussion of management strategies to manage this problem.  Sources included at least three refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.

Credit

65 - 74

Presented a report in good English.   Presented at least two points of view to argue the process for identifying the problem.  Reasonable discussion of management strategies to manage this problem. Sources included at least two refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.

Pass

50 - 64

Presented and report in good English that defined the problem and came to a recommendation. Sources included two refereed journal articles, in a reference list.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. Presented a report that did not address the problem or was poorly constructed and grammatically incorrect. Did not provide any recommendations. Did not use any refereed journal papers. 

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction; 2. Key field parameters affecting returns; 3. Case study viticulture; 4. Grapevine canopy microclimate and wine quality Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 1. Key field parameters affecting returns; 2. Factors affecting yield Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Field excursion Practical (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 03 1. Flower bud induction and biennial bearing in fruit crops; 2. Pollination, fruit set and thinning Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 04 1. Fruit growth; 2. Fruit tree nutrition Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 05 1. Irrigation strategies; 2. Fruit harvesting Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Deciding when to harvest: Indices of maturity and fruit quality in citrus and apples – soluble solids, titratable acidity, sensory analysis Practical (3 hr) LO1
Week 06 1. Introduction. Vegetable cropping systems: Field; 2. Vegetable cropping systems: Protected Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Mushroom and vegetable production Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 07 1. Mushroom industry and production systems; 2. Integrated crop protection Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Assess pest and disease status of vegetable crops Practical (3 hr) LO1
Week 08 1. Improving and maintaining soil health in vegetable cropping; 2. Energy and climate: impacts and management in vegetable production Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 09 1. Horticultural crops as a source of antioxidants and nutraceuticals; 2. Organic farming Lecture (2 hr) LO1
1. Mushroom harvest; 2. Soil health assessment Practical (3 hr) LO1
Week 10 1. Introduction to postharvest; 2. Quality characteristics and management Lecture (2 hr) LO1
TBC Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 11 1. Respiration; 2. Ethylene Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Excursion -Banana and avocado ripening rooms Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 12 1. Cooling and refrigeration; 2. Cooling and refrigeration continued, packaging and handling Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 13 1. Food safety and postharvest; 2. Minimising postharvest disease Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Study time and revision Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO4

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 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.

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

  • LO1. Analyse and evaluate the scientific basis for the sustainable production and management of orchards, vineyards, vegetable crops and horticultural postharvest issues
  • LO2. Design a management and marketing plan for a vineyard
  • LO3. Create and develop a research project funding proposal
  • LO4. Critically analyse new and emerging technologies in postharvest horticulture.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

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

Site visit guidelines

Closed shoes should be worn during site visits. A hat and sunscreen is also needed.

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.