The Capstone Project will focus on the integration and application of accumulated knowledge of Horticulture and Landscape Design from a student's previous coursework and real world experiences. Students may enroll in the course when they are in their final semester of completing the required courses for their chosen certificate program. With the guidance of a student chosen instructor they will be challenged to identify and solve problems in a community-based project that they will present upon completion of the course. Students will submit a written proposal listing an outline of the project, learning objectives, a timeline for completion, and method of achieving their intended goals once they have enrolled in the course. Please note: After Registering Student Must Contact Coordinator Lori Friedman email: lor.friedman@austincc.edu.

An introduction to basic botany as it directly relates to horticulture and landscaping. This course will cover the fundamentals of plant biology, plant growth, plant development, plant anatomy, photosynthesis, respiration/transpiration, and a range of factors that can affect plant development in a cultivated environment. *This class is taught asynchronously, which means there are no set meeting times and the students are able to complete the lessons and activities at their own pace through Blackboard. However, live sessions will be held as needed. The information will be posted to Blackboard Announcements.

This course will cover the history of human effort to shape the natural environment through the design of the built outdoor environment. The course will address knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors pertinent to the occupation of landscape architecture that are relevant to the professional development of the student. It will achieve this through the survey of theories and principles, and built works that have shaped landscape design from ancient times through the 21st century.

This course will discuss local agricultural pests and their impact on crops in Central Texas. Topics will include building and maintaining healthy soil, plant and insect biological cycles , identification and diagnosis of pest problems, and the selection, implementation and theory of integrated pest management. *This class is taught asynchronously, which means there are no set meeting times and the students are able to complete the lessons and activities at their own pace through Blackboard. However, live sessions will be held as needed. The information will be posted to Blackboard Announcements.

Introduction to the manual graphic techniques of Landscape Design. This is a hand drafting course. Drafting techniques and freehand sketching will be covered including plan, elevation/section, perspective drawing, scale, landscape symbols, and rendering techniques.

Understanding and working with your soil is essential to farming and ranching. Introduction to Soil is a study of the physical properties of soil including structure and texture. Topics include the origin and development of soils, the composition of soil horizon, and the interrelationship between soil fertility and plants. Emphasis will be placed on different methods for soil conservation and soil building practices in sustainable agriculture.

This course will provide an overview of irrigation systems appropriate for landscape and small farm usage. Topics include determining plant and landscape needs, selecting equipment and layout design, sizing components, water conservation, installation, and troubleshooting. Hands-on activities will take place when possible.

In this course students will learn computer-aided landscape design. There will be an emphasis on the application of design concepts and techniques using software. Students will be introduced to and learn to use AutoCAD LT, a program that can be used to draft landscapes and architectural objects commonly associated with Landscape Design.

This course will examine and apply the landscape design process. Topics will include design principles and elements, site inventory and analysis, design programming, client relationship, conceptual design, form study, master plan and planting plans. Recommended prerequisite: HALT 1072 Introduction to Landscape Graphics.

Study of plants in landscape design and their structural, environmental, and aesthetic uses. Garden styles and techniques as well as the development of planting plans will be covered. The instructor will provide a syllabus on the first day of class which will include book and/or supply info at approximate cost of $50. Recommended prerequisite: HALT 1072 Introduction to Landscape Graphics.

Instruction in the identification and use of native plant species of the Edwards Plateau and Llano Uplift. Basic plant knowledge is helpful, but not required. Much of the class will take place on field study trips for plant identification purposes.