Commercial Horticulture Skills Guide


*Developmental Math	*Biology	Accounting
*Consumer Math	*Chemistry	Agricultural Education
*Introductory Algebra	General Business	Computer Science
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Textbooks are used as the central part of most courses and are written at approximately the twelfth grade level. Reading materials both in the program and on the job include professional trade magazines and extension publications. View more information on reading skills in the Commercial Horticulture program. No formal speaking activities are utilized in class; informal discussions are conducted regarding phone etiquette and general customer relations. Writing activities include field trip reports and written reports on trade journal articles. Required English course: COM 703, Communication Skills. On the job, effective oral communication skills are required in dealing with customers, supervisors, and other employees. Writing activities include preparing bills of sale, writing orders, and composing materials lists. View more information on language skills in the Commercial Horticulture program. In the program, basic math skills are used in obtaining customer job layout and design in figuring area, volume, markups, and time and cost applications. Required Math course: MAT 772, Applied Math On the job, calculation skills are necessary for the following: maintaining inventory, ordering supplies, and determining customer costs. View more information on math skills in the Commercial Horticulture program. Both in the program and on the job, deductive and inductive reasoning skills are utilized in problem-solving situations. On the job, the ability to handle unexpected situations and to develop contingency plans when necessary is a required thinking tool. View more information on learning skills in the Commercial Horticulture program. In the program, students need to have both keyboarding and data base skills. They are also required to handle a CAD computer system, including the ability to use spreadsheets in designing specific activities. Required computer skills on the job vary greatly, depending upon the nature of the position. View more information on computer skills in the Commercial Horticulture program.
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Des Moines Area Community College
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50021-3993
1-800-362-2127
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