NSAC logo

Embrace Your World

106th Calendar
Back to registry page
2011-2012 calendar page

Technology Programs

Diploma in Business Management
Managed Landscapes
Plant Science Technology
Veterinary Technology

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Technology Programs

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College offers specialized two-year programs to prepare students for careers associated with laboratory techniques in Veterinary Technology, and with the practice of Managed Landscapes, Plant Science and Business Management. These studies lead to a Diploma of Technology in each of these areas.

GENERAL INFORMATION
A candidate for these programs may qualify for admission with high school completion or equivalent. See syllabus of each program for specific admission requirements.

Each candidate must be available for an interview, if requested.

Students who successfully complete all the requirements will be granted a Diploma of Technology. A High Honours diploma will be awarded to a student who has attained an average of at least 90%, and an Honours diploma will be awarded to one who has attained an average of at least 80%.

back to top

Diploma in Business Management

The Diploma in Business Management (DEM) is a program designed to provide the fundamentals of business management and at the same time allow students to specialize in one of the following areas: Agriculture, Dairy Farming, Equine Specialty, Greenhouse and Nursery, or Pet Specialty. This two-year technology program provides students with the management, communication, and leadership skills necessary to manage a business such as a farm, a stable, or a pet, food, or greenhouse and nursery retail operation. Careers in marketing, sales, or service are other options.

This diploma program is a unique mix of full-credit courses and courses designated as workplace readiness courses (non-credit). The workplace readiness courses develop the practical skills and knowledge required to work in business and in the area of specialty. The workplace readiness courses common to all the options include: career preparation, public speaking, first aid, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), business ethics, and professionalism. Specialty workplace readiness courses are specific to the area chosen, e.g. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and dairy medicines for the dairy farming option. Some of these courses will be scheduled throughout the semester, and others will be offered at the beginning of the semester. Students may be required to bring protective clothing and footwear, depending on the option chosen.

Graduation Requirements
Students are required to successfully complete all of the required courses in their selected program with a cumulative average of 60%. Students must also satisfactorily complete an internship as required by specific options.

Students choose one of the following options:

Agriculture – Students planning to operate/manage a farm or who wish to work in the agricultural industry in sales or service should choose this specialization. Along with the primary emphasis on business, students pick and choose among a number of livestock, field crop, or horticulture electives to develop a program best suited to their long-term career interests.

Dairy Farming – This specialization is designed for students interested in a career in the dairy industry, whether it is operating their own dairy farm, working as a herdsperson, or employed in sales or service for the dairy industry.

Equine Specialty – This specialization is designed specifically for those students interested in someday owning or managing an equine-related business. It provides students who have a passionate interest in horses the opportunity to study something they love and at the same time receive a solid business education that is directly transferable to any type of business operation.

Greenhouse and Nursery – This program is designed for people who are passionate about plants and would like a business career in a “green” and “growing” industry. Along with a solid business education, this program provides a detailed understanding of the production and marketing of ornamental plants including greenhouse- and field-grown nursery stock, and of greenhouse vegetable crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers. Career possibilities include: owner of a greenhouse operation focused on bedding plants, manager of a garden centre, and production manager of field nursery stock.

Pet Specialty – This specialization is best suited for students interested in working in the pet industry as either owners or managers of pet-related businesses. Sales and service are other areas of employment, e.g. managing the pet section of a department store or selling pet-care products to other businesses. Along with the business courses, students will study the care and management of small animals, reptiles, and fish.

Some of the options – Pet Specialty, Agriculture, and Greenhouse and Nursery – have an internship requirement for the spring and summer semesters. Students will be expected to obtain employment in their area of specialty and complete a designated list of competencies. The employers will be expected to complete an assessment of the student’s performance. See the course descriptions for more details.

Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the DEM will be granted a Technology Diploma and thus become Associates of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. It is the student’s responsibility to see that the requirements for the diploma are fulfilled. Students who wish to continue on to complete a degree will be given advanced standing in NSAC’s degree programs.

Students interested in continuing their academic education after receiving their diploma may wish to consider the following:

Ask your academic advisor what options are available.

Admission Requirements
Admission into this program requires high school graduation with:

In addition, the following are required for entry into specific programs:
Dairy Farming– The student is expected to be experienced in the care and handling of dairy animals. A detailed summary outlining practical experience and knowledge in the dairy industry is required. This form can be found online at www.nsac.ca/dem/dair/entrance.asp.
Equine Specialty – The student is expected to be experienced in the care and handling of horses. An Equine Competency Form, which can be found online at www.nsac.ca/equine/entrance.asp, must be completed.

back to top

DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Agriculture

Year 1
Semester I
ACAD0020 Skills for Academic Success*
ANSC0112 Animal Biology and Management
ECON0100 Introductory Microeconomics
ENGL0101 Writing For Business
MATH0100 Business Math
MGMT0100 Accounting
PLSC0100 Utilization of Plant Resources or
SOIL0100 Principles of Soil Science

Semester II
CMMT0020 Career and Employment Skills*
MGMT0101 Applied Accounting & Taxation
MGMT0104 Small Business Entrepreneurship
SOIL0200 Soil Management
Elective**
Elective
Elective

Semester III (Spring/Summer)
INTE0100 Internship


Year 2
Semester IV
ENGN0200 Environmental Management
MGMT0020 Business Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism*
MGMT0204 Financial Management (A)
MGMT0206 Marketing
Elective
Elective
Elective

Semester V
CMMT0021 Introduction to Public Speaking*
ECON0202 Production Economics
FOOD0020 Topics in Agriculture and Food Enterprise Management*
MGMT0103 Business Law
MGMT0205 Human Resource Management
MGMT0201 Business Project
Elective
Elective
Required Workplace Readiness certificates:
WHMIS, First Aid, OHS, Farm Safety, On-farm HACCP or QA, Livestock Medicines course (for students interested in livestock production)

*  Workplace Readiness course
**  Students can select elective courses from a number of areas (both degree and diploma, provided prerequisites are met) including agronomy, horticulture, and animal science. Distance Education courses on specific topic areas such as beef and sheep are also available. ENGN2011 Technology in Precision Agriculture is highly recommended for students interested in crop production. Students will need to consult with the Agriculture Program Advisor to assist in the selection of courses best suited to their future career plans.

back to top

DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Dairy Farming

Year 1
Semester I
ACAD0020 Skills for Academic Success*
ANSC0020 Dairy Industry I*
ANSC0112 Animal Biology and Management
ECON0100 Introductory Microeconomics
ENGL0101 Writing For Business
MATH0100 Business Math
MGMT0100 Accounting
SOIL0100 Principles of Soil Science

Semester II
AGRN0202 Forage-Based Cropping Systems
ANSC0021 Dairy Industry II*
ANSC0113 Principles of Animal Welfare & Husbandry
ANSC0114 Animal Feed and Nutrition Management
ANSC0205 Optimizing Bovine Reproductive and Genetic Performance
CMMT0020 Career and Employment Skills*
MGMT0101 Applied Accounting & Taxation
SOIL0200 Soil Management

Year 2
Semester III
AGRN0201 Cereal-Based Cropping Systems
ANSC0206 Managing Dairy Milking Systems and Housing Facilities
ENGN0200 Environmental Management
ENGN0201 Machinery and Building Technology
MGMT0020 Business Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism*
MGMT0204 Financial Management (A)
MGMT0206  Marketing

Semester IV
ANSC0204 Dairy Herd Health and Nutrition Management
ANSC0207 Records Management and Decision-making for Dairy Herds
CMMT0021 Introduction to Public Speaking*
ECON0202 Production Economics
MGMT0103 Business Law
MGMT0201 Business Project
MGMT0205 Human Resource Management

Required Workplace Readiness certificates and experience:
WHMIS, First Aid, OHS, Farm Safety, On-farm HACCP, Dairy Medicines course, Dairy Skills experience**

*  Workplace Readiness course
**  Students will be expected to complete two weeks of work experience at the NSAC Dairy Farm as part of the requirements for the program. This work experience normally is completed in the first year.

back to top

DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Equine Specialty

Year 1
Semester I
ACAD0020 Skills for Academic Success*
ANSC0022 Equine Industry*
ANSC0112 Animal Biology and Management
ECON0100 Introductory Microeconomics
ENGL0101 Writing For Business
MATH0100 Business Math
MGMT0100 Accounting
SOIL0100 Principles of Soil Science

Semester II
AGRN0202 Forage-Based Cropping Systems
ANSC0113 Principles of Animal Welfare and Husbandry
ANSC0114 Animal Feed and Nutrition Management
CMMT0020 Career and Employment Skills*
MGMT0101 Applied Accounting & Taxation
MGMT0104 Small Business Entrepreneurship
SOIL0200 Soil Management


Year 2
Semester III
ANSC0213 Equine Growth & Nutrition
ANSC0214 Equine Health, Genetics and Reproduction
ENGN0200 Environmental Management
MGMT0020 Business Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism*
MGMT0203 Customer Relations Management
MGMT0204 Financial Management (A)
MGMT0206 Marketing

Semester IV
ANSC0215 Equine Facilities Management
ANSC0216 Equine Health & Fitness
ANSC0219 Equine Behaviour & Learning
CMMT0021 Introduction to Public Speaking*
MGMT0103 Business Law
MGMT0201 Business Project
MGMT0205 Human Resource Management

Required Workplace Readiness certificates:
WHMIS, First Aid, OHS, Work Safety, Equine Medicines course

*  Workplace Readiness course

back to top

DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 

Greenhouse and Nursery

Year 1
Semester I
ACAD0020 Skills for Academic Success*
ECON0100 Introductory Microeconomics
ENGL0101 Writing For Business
MATH0100 Business Math
MGMT0100 Accounting
PLSC0100 Utilization of Plant Resources
SOIL0100 Principles of Soil Science

Semester II
CMMT0020 Career and Employment Skills*
MGMT0101 Applied Accounting & Taxation
MGMT0104 Small Business Entrepreneurship
MGMT0208 Retail Sales Management
SOIL0200 Soil Management
Elective**

Semester III (Spring/Summer)
INTE0100  Internship


Year 2
Semester IV
HORT0201 Greenhouse & Floriculture Crop Management
MGMT0020 Business Leadership, Ethics & Professionalism*
MGMT0202  Managing Retail Operations & Physical Resources
MGMT0203 Customer Relations Management
MGMT0204 Financial Management
MGMT0206 Marketing
PLSC0200 Plant Propagation
PLSC2000 Specialty Crops

Semester V
BIOL0102 Plant Physiology and Stress Management
CMMT0021 Introduction to Public Speaking*
HORT0200 Landscape Plant Nursery Management
MGMT0103 Business Law
MGMT0201 Business Project
MGMT0205 Human Resource Management
Elective

Required Workplace Readiness certificates:
WHMIS, First Aid, OHS, Workplace Safety, HACCP or QA

*  Workplace Readiness course
**Students can select elective courses from a number of areas including agronomy, horticulture, and animal sciences. Students will need to consult with the Greenhouse and Nursery Program Advisor to assist in the selection of courses best suited to their future career paths.

back to top

DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Pet Specialty

Year 1
Semester I
ACAD0020 Skills for Academic Success*
ANSC0116 Companion Animal Enterprise
ECON0100 Introductory Microeconomics
ENGL0101 Writing for Business
MATH0100 Business Math
MGMT0100 Accounting
MGMT0206 Marketing

Semester II
ANSC0117 Companion Animal Growth, Development, and Nutrition
ANSC0208 Biology and Care of Aquarium Fish and Reptiles** or
ANSC0209 Biology and Care of Pet Birds and Small Mammals**
ANSC0217 Companion Animal Behaviour
CMMT0020 Career and Employment Skills*
MGMT0101 Applied Accounting & Taxation
MGMT0104 Small Business Entrepreneurship
MGMT0207 Advertising and Promotion

Semester III (Spring/Summer)
INTE0100 Internship


Year 2
Semester IV
ANSC0210 Introduction to Companion Animal Health
ANSC0212 Companion Animal Genetics and Reproduction
MGMT0020 Business Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism*
MGMT0202 Managing Retail Operations and Physical Resources
MGMT0203 Customer Relations Management
MGMT0204 Financial Management (A)

Semester V
ANSC0208 Biology and Care of Aquarium Fish and Reptiles** or
ANSC0209 Biology and Care of Pet Birds and Small Mammals**
ANSC0211 Companion Animal Facilities Management
CMMT0021 Introduction to Public Speaking*
MGMT0103 Business Law
MGMT0201 Business Project
MGMT0205 Human Resource Management
MGMT0208 Retail Sales Management

Required Workplace Readiness certificates and experience:
WHMIS, First Aid, OHS, Workplace Safety, Small Animal Work Experience***

*  Workplace Readiness course
**  Courses are offered in alternate years.
***  Students will be expected to complete 40 hours of small-animal work experience as part of the requirements for the program. This may be completed at the Boulden Animal Centre, an animal shelter, or any acceptable animal facility.

back to top

MANAGED LANDSCAPES

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College offers this two-year program to help prepare students for careers with landscaping firms, planning agencies, recreational parks, or institutions, or in self-employed roles as landscape horticultural technologists.

Managed Landscapes at the NSAC is a fully approved Certified Horticultural Technician integrated educational program. We are recognized by the International Certification Council (ICC) and the Certification Committee of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). Interested students can apply for a Passport to Certification that enables modular training and testing toward international recognition as a Certified Horticultural Technician. Our curriculum fully embraces the requirements for certification in various industry sectors.

Admission Requirements
Admission into the Managed Landscapes Technology program requires high school graduation with an average of at least 60% in five university preparatory subjects:
• Grade 12 English
• Grade 12 Mathematics
• Grade 12 Biology
• one Grade 12 elective
• Grade 11 Chemistry.

Syllabus

Year 1
Semester I
ENGL0101 Writing for Business
HORT0100 Landscape Plants I
HORT0102 Turfgrass Production and Management
HORT0103 Landscape Horticulture I
SOIL0100 Principles of Soil Science

Semester II
BIOL0102 Plant Physiology and Stress Management
ENGN0101 Horticultural Engineering
HORT0101 Landscape Plants II
HORT0208 Landscape Maintenance
HORT0210 Landscape Installation


Year 2
Semester III
BIOL0200 Entomology
ENGN0100 Surveying
HORT0204 Landscape Plants III
HORT0207 Arboriculture
HORT0209 Landscape Horticulture II

Semester IV
BIOL0101 Plant Pathology
BIOL0103 Weed Science
HORT0205 Residential Landscape Design and Construction
SOIL0200 Soil Management
Elective

Required Workplace Readiness certificates:
WHMIS, First Aid, OHS

Recommended Workplace Readiness courses:
CMMT0020 Career and Employment Skills
CMMT0021 Introduction to Public Speaking

back to top

PLANT SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY

The two-year Plant Science Technology program prepares graduates for exciting careers in the dynamic plant-based industries of the future. Emerging information and technology related to bio-energy, nutrition, health, environmental protection, and plant genetics will make a plant science education a valuable asset. This program provides an innovative approach to the production and use of plant resources, with emphasis on responsible environmental and social stewardship, commercialization of ideas and strong practical skills in horticultural or agronomic plant production techniques, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making, all built on a solid foundation in the bio-sciences.

Studies begin with a first year of required courses allowing students to build their knowledge in the bio-sciences, plant production techniques, and business applications, and to develop their interests. The program then provides the opportunity in the second year to select from a wide variety of courses to give each student the flexibility to match courses to their interests and career goals. With the help of a knowledgeable program advisor, students can choose from courses in edible horticulture, ornamental horticulture, agronomy, plant science, business, or engineering.

Admission Requirements
Admission into the Plant Science Technology program requires high school graduation with an average of at least 50% in the following four university preparatory courses:
• Grade 12 English
• Grade 11 Mathematics
• Grade 11 Chemistry
• Grade 10 Biology or Integrated Science.

Syllabus
Year 1
Semester I
BIOL0200 Entomology
ENGL0101 Writing for Business
MGMT0100 Accounting
PLSC0100 Utilization of Plant Resources
PLSC0200 Plant Propagation
SOIL0100 Principles of Soil Science

Semester II
BIOL0102 Plant Physiology and Stress Management
BIOL0103 Weed Science
BIOL0101 Plant Pathology
CSCI0200 Computer Methods
MGMT0104 Small Business Entrepreneurship
MGMT0205 Human Resource Management

Semester III and Semester IV
Twelve courses, six in each semester, chosen in consultation with a program advisor. One course (PLSC0202) if chosen, is taken during the Spring/Summer between Semesters II and III.

Recommended Electives
The following courses qualify as electives in the study areas required of the program. Courses not on the list may be eligible as electives, consult with the program advisor. Many of these courses have prerequisites; it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that prerequisite requirements for taking any of the courses listed are met. Students may choose either technical-level courses or degree courses at the one- thousand and two-thousand level.

FALL
AGRN0201 Cereal-Based Cropping Systems
ANSC0112 Animal Biology and Management
ENGN0200 Environmental Management
ENGN2011 Technology for Precision Agriculture
HORT0100 Landscape Plants I
HORT0201 Greenhouse and Floriculture Crop Management
HORT0211 Vegetable Production
HORT0202 Small Fruit Crops
HORT0204 Landscape Plants III
HORT0102 Turfgrass Production and Management
HORT0103 Landscape Horticulture I
HORT0207 Arboriculture
HORT2001 Principles of Organic Horticulture DE
MGMT0204 Financial Management
PLSC1000 Farm Woodlot Management

WINTER
AGRN0200 Potato Production
AGRN0202 Forage-Based Cropping Systems
ANSC0113 Principles of Animal Welfare and Husbandry
ANSC0114 Animal Feed and Nutrition Management
ENGN0101 Horticultural Engineering
HORT0101 Landscape Plants II
HORT0200 Landscape Plant Nursery Management
HORT0203 Tree Fruit Crops
HORT0204 Landscape Plants III
MGMT0103 Business Law
MGMT0207 Advertising and Promotion
MGMT0208 Retail Sales Management
PLSC2000 Specialty Crops
SOIL0200 Soil Management

SPRING/SUMMER (between Years 1 and 2)
PLSC0202 Plant Science Techniques

back to top

Veterinary Technology

The Veterinary Technology Program prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge required to enter veterinary practice as technical assistants to veterinarians. Veterinary technicians have also made successful careers in a variety of other fields, including the management of animal shelters; research with animals in universities and for private companies; sales for veterinary supply companies; and employment with zoos and in wildlife rehabilitation.

The Veterinary Technology Program at NSAC is a two-year program with four standard semesters and an intersession after the first year. In addition to on-campus learning there are off-campus externships at the Atlantic Veterinary College and in general veterinary practices. To reflect the major employment opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the program is oriented mainly towards companion animals. The modest large-animal content is appropriate for graduates entering mixed practice and for those who wish to further develop their livestock or equine competence. Under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the VT program’s Boulden Animal Clinic, students learn the skills and tasks required of them in companion animal practice.

Students in the NSAC Veterinary Technology Program must successfully complete 8 required courses each academic year (Fall/Winter) to be eligible to continue in the program the following year. Students who do not meet this requirement, or who withdraw for any reason, will need to reapply if they want to return to the program. They will be considered along with the new pool of applicants and will not have preferential admittance. They must fulfill all orientation and application procedures, and adhere to the February 28 application deadline. Students who wish to return in the winter semester may only do so if there is space in the program, and they are required to reapply by December 1.

The Veterinary Technology Program at NSAC is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The animal facilities are approved for teaching by the Canadian Council on Animal Care. The Animal Clinic is accredited by the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association.

Admission Requirements
Admission into the Veterinary Technology program requires high school graduation with an average of at least 60% in five Grade 12 university preparatory subjects:

Year 1

Semester I
ENGL0101 Writing for Business
VTEC0111 Animal Medicine and Nursing I
VTEC0112 Clinical Exercises I
VTEC0113 Veterinary Clinical Pathology I
VTEC0114 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology I
VTEC0115 Anatomy–Physiology–Pathophysiology I

Semester II
ANSC0217 Companion Animal Behaviour
VTEC0121 Animal Medicine and Nursing II
VTEC0122 Clinical Exercises II
VTEC0123 Veterinary Clinical Pathology II
VTEC0124 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology II
VTEC0125 Anatomy–Physiology–Pathophysiology II

Semester III
VTEC0131 Internship in Veterinary Technology
VTEC0132 Externship at the Atlantic Veterinary College
VTEC0133 Externship in General Veterinary Practice


Year 2
Semester IV
VTEC0211 Animal Medicine and Nursing III
VTEC0212 Clinical Exercises III
VTEC0213 Veterinary Clinical Pathology III
VTEC0214 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology III
VTEC0215 Livestock and Equine Principles
Elective*

Semester V
VTEC0221 Animal Medicine and Nursing IV
VTEC0222 Clinical Exercises IV
VTEC0223 Veterinary Clinical Pathology IV
VTEC0224 Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology IV
VTEC0225 Lab Animal & Alternative Pet Medicine
Elective*

*  Electives must be approved by the Program Coordinator.