However a systematic understanding of the principles that impact on growing, nurturing and managing plants for production, or for enjoyment, is a comparatively recent approach. Now there is now a place for science where once tradition and experience served to inspire horticultural practices. This is crucial for New Zealand because horticulturists must exercise appropriate and precise practices to maintain output and safeguard the future. The production of fresh products like fruits, vegetables or processed products such as wine, much of which is exported, is dependant on applied science and technology. The obvious difference between them is the number of units.
Students can develop special competencies in areas of the student's interest.
BHort degree student must complete 24 units of which at least 6 must be at 300-level. A BHortSci student must complete 32 units of which at least 10 must be at 300-level. A sample study programme is shown in the following table. However the choice of Schedule B and other electives is open for the student's to select and guidance can be given by course advisers. HORT325 Environmental Horticulture HORT329 Fruit Production Science PLSC320 Crop Science SOSC340 Advanced Soil Management BIOS210 Food Product Quality HORT326 Nursery and Floriculture MGMT215 Employt and Personnel Mgt.