1. BSc in Horticulture

Horticulture is the science, art and industry of plant cultivation that is engaged with fruits, berries and nuts, vegetables, herbs, spices, stimulants, medicinal plants as well as ornamentals such as flowers, trees and shrubs.It is unique as a scientific field of study in that it often utilizes artistic expression to aid the design of human landscapes and to restore natural environments. At its core, it is an environmental science that recognizes humans are dependent on their environment for sustenance and wellbeing. In general, horticulture has a key role to play, in the global challenge to provide a growing world population with nutritious food, produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way and moreover produces the whole spectrum of ornamental plants. To this end, the Horticulture Program, under the School of Plant Sciences is running graduate programs in Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy since 1978/80. It thrives based on the three strategic pillars‘excellence in teaching; research and community engagement’ of  the university by delivering applied and basic horticultural topics related with plant-soil interactions, plant physiology, landscape designing, floriculture, pre and post-harvest handling, crops improvement and horticultural crops seed production and propagation; conducting research in various aspects of horticultural crops and outreach technologies for sustainable development of horticulture sector.

1.1 Mission of Horticulture Program

To produce qualified, competent, problem solving and creative graduates in the fields of horticulture disciplines, undertake problem solving researches, generate and share knowledge and technologies, and provide demand-driven and transformative community service.

1.2 Vision

The program has a vision of becoming one of the ‘center of excellence in advanced horticulture both in rural and urban community’ in Africa and the best in the country that can significantly contribute in sustainable development of the sector and poverty reduction program through generating qualified graduates and technologies that can boost the production, productivity and marketing of horticultural crops; advocate for practical and science-based environmental stewardship, enhance the quality of life as well as in contributing new scientific knowledge and theories to the world scientific community.

1.3 Core Values

Horticulture program is committed to the following core values:

  • Academic freedom: A strong commitment to a free and democratic academic environment where individuals inquire, investigate and engage in relevant academic practices and development.
  • Perseverance: A commitment and dedication to perform assigned duties to the best of one’s knowledge and abilities.
  • Good governance: The practice of democratic, transparent, inclusive, responsible and accountable leadership and management and promotion of the principle of equal opportunity.
  • Respect for diversity: A culture of equity and fairness in all forms of practices; a conviction for the respect of all people without sexual, class, racial, ethnic, religious, and regional discriminations.
  • Professionalism: A commitment to a high standard of professional integrity and ethics.
  • Collaborative spirit: Culture of working cooperatively intra and inter schools or college(s) within the university and with other stakeholders; developing the “we” spirit and joint responsibility.
  • Fostering creativity/innovation: Develop a culture for generating new ideas, processes, services, technologies and entrepreneurial skill.
  • Respect for nature and environment: All endeavors of the program should be environment friendly.

1.4 Admission Requirements

Successful candidates as per the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Education and the hosting university can be admitted.

1.5 Duration of Study

  • 3 years for regular undergraduate program.
  • 4 years for extension undergraduate program.
  • 5 years for summer undergraduate program.

1.6 Graduation Requirements

  • Minimum ECTS for graduation is a total of 180
  • 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (CGPA) overall courses and No “F” grade in any course (s) taken.

1.7 Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction for the school is ENGLISH.

1.8 DEGREE NOMENCLATURE

The undergraduate Plant Science major program leads to a certification referred in English as: Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Sciences, In Amharic: የባችለርሳይንስዲግሪበእፅዋትሳይንስ.

1.9 MODE OF DELIVERY

  • Lectures with multimedia support
  • Group discussion, debate and seminar presentation
  • Reading assignments (books, journals & literature review)
  • Questions and answers (oral and written or worksheet or home take)
  • Field and laboratory practical and visits

1.10 ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

1.10.1 Mode of Assessment

Assessment is carried out both as a continuous process during course delivery, which constitutes 60% weight of the total mark and final exam, which constitutes 40%.  The assessment methods involved are summarized as follow:

  • For theory part course work
  • Continuous Assessment: quizzes, test, assignments
  • Term papers
  • Class activity/attendance
  • Mid-exam
  • Final exam
  • Laboratory and field reports
  • Assignments
  •  Practical examinations
  • Written examinations
  • Quality of paper presented
  •  Manner of presentation (confidence, personality, communication, etc)
  • Defending material presented
  • For practical course
  • For research project, field practice and seminars

 1.10.2 Grading System

Grading is carried out by FIXED SCALE GRADING SYSTEM based on the legislation of the hosting university.

2. BSc in Crop Protection
3. BSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding
4. BSc in Agronomy and Crop Ecology