ES2S58 - Organic Horticulture 01 Sep 2018 - 31 Aug 2024 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES2S58
Module Title: Organic Horticulture
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environmental Science
Module Leader: Anthony Davies
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2013 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100947 - crop production
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2018
Valid To 31 Aug 2024

Module Aims

This module aims to give students an underpinning understanding of the key philosophies, principles and practices that are the foundation of organic production systems. Students will consider the history of the organic movement and its organisations, key issues, development and roles and the importance of organic organisations.

  • To identify and evaluate the issues relating to organics in the amenity and commercial sectors;
  • To develop an understanding of how management practices of natural resources may affect decision making;
  • To enable the student to draw conclusions and make recommendations to enable best practice.

Content Summary

  1. The use of natural resources.
  2. Water conservation.
  3. Sources of plant material and other genetic resources.
  4. The issues relating to the use of peat and timber.
  5. Management practices.
  6. Composting and worm farms.
  7. Pest and disease control.
  8. Growing media.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Practical classes and workshops 20
Supervised time in studio/workshop 8
Independent Study 45
Directed Study 50
Formative Assessment - Independent 67
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate the main issues of organic techniques within the industry.
LO2 Assess and discuss management practices and the use of resources.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Assignment (CW) Report (CW) 2 Review organic practices and the use of resources within the industry. 0 2500 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Report (CW) 1 Prepare a written report on the role of organic methods within the industry. 0 2500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report (CW) 2 ✔ ✔
Report (CW) 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Davies, G. & Lennartsson, M. (2006) Organic Vegetable Production: A complete Guide. The Crowood Press

Mollison, B. & Slay, R. (Current Edition) Introduction to Permaculture. Tagari Publications

HDRA, (2005) Encyclopaedia of Organic Gardening. Dorling Kindersley

Readman, J. (Current Edition) Managing Soil Without Using Chemicals. Dorling Kindersley

Ingram, D.S. et al. (Current Edition) Science and the Garden. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

Brickwell, C. (2007) The RHS Encyclopaedia of Gardening. Essex: Dorling Kindersley Publishers

Pears, P. & Stickland, S. (2007) RHS Organic Gardening

Pears, P. & Sherwood, B Pests and How to Control Them

Greenwood, P. & Halstead, A. RHS Pest & Diseases. Dorling Kindersley

Littlewood, M. (Current Edition) Organic Gardener’s handbook. Dorling Kindersley

Littlewood, M. Companion Planting Chart. Garden Organic

Selected journals to include:

The Living Earth

Organic Farming

The Organic Way

Permaculture Magazine

A list of useful databases can be found at:

www.soilassociation.org Soil Association

www.gardenorganic.org.uk Garden Organic

www.rhs.org.uk Royal Horticultural Society

www.biodynamics.or.uk Biodynamic Agricultural Association

www.defra.gov.uk Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

www.wales.gov.uk Welsh Assembly Government

www.scotland.gov.uk Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

www.dardni.gov.uk Department of Agriculture and Rural development