HORTICULTURE (HRT)
Biological and Health Sciences Division,
Room B213, (847) 543-2042
HRT 121 Introduction to Horticulture
(3-0) 3 Hours
This course introduces students to basic plant taxonomy, terminology, anatomy, physiology and the functions/responses of plants.
Professions working with the culture and use of plants and applications of plant science will be included. (1.2)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness or concurrent enrollment in ENG 109 or ELI 109 or ELI 110 or ENG 100 AND
appropriate score on the Math Placement Test or Basic Algebra Readiness
IAI: AG 905
HRT 124 Introduction to Soils
(2-4) 4 Hours
This course introduces students to the science and function of native and artificial soils as they relate to plants and the environment. Topics
on formation, physical characteristics, nutrient content and availability, water movement, taxonomy and biota interactions are covered. (1.2)
Corequisite: HRT 121 (C or better)
Recommended: CHM 140
Course fee
HRT 125 Tree and Shrub Identification
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course covers the identification of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs by their common and botanic names. Emphasis is placed on trees and shrubs commonly used in the landscape and their key characteristics.
Approximately 240 trees will be covered in this course. (1.1)
Course fee
HRT 126 Entomology
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course introduces students to the importance of insects to humans. Topics include insect biology, principles of pest management, natural and applied insect control, and insect pests of vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants. Laboratory includes observation, identification, and diagnosis of insect plant pests. (1.2)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness
Corequisite: HRT 121 (C or better)
Course fee
HRT 127 Perennials, Annuals and Weeds (2-2) 3 Hours
This course covers the identification, care, and maintenance of herbaceous plants including perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcovers and weeds. Approximately 600+ plants will be covered in this course. Students will review materials through photo and herbarium samples. (1.1)
Course fee
HRT 129 Plant Pathology
(2-2) 3 Hours
An introductory course in plant pathology covering the biology and management of agents causing disease and growing disorders. Students study these agents and the problems that they cause, along with possible management tools. (1.2)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness
Corequisite: HRT 121 (C or better)
Course fee
HRT 140 Landscape Graphics (2-2) 3 Hours
This course introduces students to the methods used to visually communicate existing and desired information to create a landscape design. The course also covers the process of gathering information about site constraints and client needs to develop these drawings. (1.1)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness or concurrent enrollment in ENG 109 or ELI 109 or ELI 110 or ENG 100 AND
appropriate score on the Math Placement Test or Basic Algebra Readiness
Course fee
HRT 162 Sustainable Landscape
Management
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course is focused on foundational landscape maintenance practices with the additional dimension of sustainability.
Content includes planting, soil care/ preparation, pruning, general turf care, and pest identification and control. It explores how all these practices are adapting around sustainable standards, and also covers new approaches such as greenroof systems, living walls, gray water catchment systems, rain gardens, bioswales, water quality treatment with plants, phytoremediation (plants) and mycoremediation (fungi) techniques for treating contaminated soils to create more sustainable landscapes and green infrastructure. Students will gain an
understanding of how these approaches work, what is involved to design and build them, how to assess construction materials and costs, and operation of basic maintenance equipment. (1.1)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness or concurrent enrollment in ENG 109 or ELI 109 or ELI 110 or ENG 100 AND
appropriate score on the Math Placement Test or Basic Algebra Readiness
Course fee
HRT 221 Plant Propagation
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course focuses on the techniques and procedures involved in propagating plants. Sexual and asexual methods are practiced along with environmental conditions needed to promote growth and development. Seed propagating and grafting will be included. (1.1) Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness AND HRT 121 (C or better)
Course fee
HRT 222 Greenhouse Crop Production and Management
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course covers the production of greenhouse crops, the cultural practices required for growth and the management of greenhouse production facilities. Seeding, watering, fertilization, containers, growing medias, temperature control, and insect and disease control will be covered. Bedding plants and containerized crops will be grown throughout the semester. (1.1)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness AND HRT 121 (C or better) Recommended: BIO 222
Course fee
HRT 225 Green Business &
Entrepreneurship
(3-0) 3 Hours
This course addresses the fundamental business skills needed to run or manage a horticulture-related business or small farm enterprise. Issues including establishing wholesale accounts for purchasing, hiring and managing seasonal employees, creating client contracts and creating value-added products are covered. Various farm-to-market
models such as CSAs vs. wholesale distribution will be reviewed. This class also covers front office issues like creating billing statements, responding to “requests for proposals” and marketing seasonal products. (1.1) Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness AND Basic Algebra Readiness
HRT 228 Nursery Production
(2-3) 3 Hours
This course addresses the principles
and practices of nursery production and management, and how these have changed over recent years to reflect environmental sustainability in the green industry. Course will include production techniques for traditional nursery crops as well as native species, and will include fieldwork at nearby growing facilities. This course will be taught through a blended structure, with the lecture and discussion handled online, and the lab handled through clinical placement at a local nursery. Students are responsible for their own transportation to/ from the clinical site. (1.1)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness AND HRT 121 (C or better) Course fee
HRT 240 Landscape Design
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course introduces students to design concepts and practical approaches for residential landscape design. Students take a variety of design projects from concept through final presentation. (1.1)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness AND HRT 140 (C or better) Recommended HRT 125 (C or better) OR HRT 127 (C or better)
Course fee
HRT 245 Computer Landscape Design
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course introduces students to the use of AutoCAD for site planning, and to landscape design module aids for the creation of landscape design plans. Emphasis is placed on practical application of software and hardware to develop working drawings for the landscape industry. (1.2)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness AND HRT 140 (C or better) Course fee
HRT 260 Landscape Construction
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course explores the practical, hands-on installation of landscape features. Project organization, job set up, and construction methods will be covered. Students will be assigned projects that will include design specifications and cost estimates. How to handle equipment and participation in actual construction tasks are included. (1.2) Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness or concurrent enrollment in ENG 109 or ELI 109 or ELI 110 or ENG 100 AND
appropriate score on the Math Placement Test or Basic Algebra Readiness
Course fee
HRT 265 Urban Forestry Management
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course covers the care and maintenance of trees in urban/suburban settings. Tree identification, care and pruning are covered, as well as special topics of concern to urban foresters like pollution and compaction tolerances, tree preservation ordinances, and invasive pests. (1.2)
Prerequisite: College Reading and Writing Readiness
Corequisite: HRT 121 (C or better)
Recommended: HRT 125
Course fee
HRT 280 Horticulture Practicum
(Variable) 1-3 Hours
This course is a special project arranged by the HRT faculty member and student or work experience, and addresses a specific area of interest to the student. Lecture/lab ratio is variable depending upon the extent of project and time committed. (1.1)
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 12 credit hours in Horticulture (C or better) and consent of instructor
HRT 286 Natural Areas Management
(2-2) 3 Hours
This course provides an overview of natural areas restoration and management issues for the Midwest region. Major plant communities for this region such as wetland, prairie, savanna and woodland will be addressed
in terms of their ecology, key identifying features, management issues and restoration techniques. Field trips will expose students to all phases of restoration work, from initial
construction to high-quality natural area. Field trips also will provide an opportunity for hands- on practice of various management techniques like prescribed burning and vegetation monitoring. (1.1)
Prerequisite: BIO 120 AND BIO 126 or HRT 127 (all C or better)
HRT 299 Selected Topics in Horticulture
(Variable) 0.5-3 Hours
This course is designed to meet the needs of students for specialized instruction in
horticulture topics. A maximum of six (6) credit hours of HRT 299 may be used as elective credit toward an A.A.S. degree or certificate in Horticulture; a topic may be taken only once. (1.2)
Course fee
May be taken four times, but any topic only
once