Instructor Information
Nelson Daniels, PhD
Email: nelson.daniels@hccs.edu
or ntdaniels@att.net
Office Hours: Before and after class or some prearranged conference time set
Cell Phone: (979) 451-3568
Office Location: HCC Northwest College, Katy Campus; Ste. 395A
Mailing Address: 1550 Foxlake Dr., Mail Code 1396, Houston, TX 77084
Course Description
In depth coverage of shrubs, vines and groundcovers used in the horticulture industry. Topics include identification, characteristics, adaptation, cultural requirements, pest and disease problem, and use in the landscape.
Course Goals
The student will identify shrubs, vines and groundcovers in various growth stages and be able to describe morphological, anatomical, and other botanical features. The students will be able to explain the cultural requirements of shrubs, vines and groundcovers.
Prerequisites
None
Statement of Foundation Skills
A study was conducted for the Department of Labor by the American Society for Training and
Development which identified seven skills U.S. employers want most in entry level employees.
These skills are motivation to learn, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, career development and leadership.
HCCS is committed to preparing every student with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic work environment. The following course goals are included in this course:
SCANS SKILLS
 Acquire/evaluate data-Student will study pictures from book as well as study real life plants and retain and recall the identification information for each.
 Individual Responsibility-Student will be responsible for collecting and identifying their own set of plants and greenery and determining growth stages.

Text Book: None (Instructor will provide supplemental materials.
Lab Requirements: We will visit local nurseries and garden centers.
Syllabus Change: Instructor reserve the right to change the syllabus as deemed appropriate for class instruction. Students will be notified of any changes in syllabus in a timely manner.
Please be alert to any communication as to any change(s) that might be made.
Student Discipline: “Adult behavior is expected. Disruptive behavior / activities which interfere with teaching and / or learning will not be tolerated, and may result in an administrative withdrawal without refund.” “This includes not obeying the posted electronics policy in the classroom
Electronics in the Classroom: All cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off unless I specifically approve of them.
Students and Disabilities
“Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services
Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office."
For questions, contact Donna Price at 713-718-5165 or the Disability Counselor at each college.
Also visit the ADA web site at: http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/index.htm. Faculty
Handbook/Faculty Orientation is also available at http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/faculty.htm
Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty (cheating) will not be tolerated. If an individual is caught, punishment will be enforced according to the Student Policies Handbook.
Attendance and Withdrawal Policies
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors. Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has the authority to drop a student for excessive absences. A student may be dropped from a course for excessive absences after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5% of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).
State Mandate: Failure of a student to withdraw officially from a class will result in an F.
Evaluation
Percentage 100-90% 89%-80% 79-70% 69-60% 59% & below
Grade A B C D F

Grade Percentages
Class attendance and Participation:
Quizzes and Assignments:
Test 1:
Final Exam:
Course Requirements and Grading Policy
20%
10%
35%
35%
The students will be tested several times through the semester. A midterm and final exam will be given. Quizzes will be given periodically through the semester.
Testing
The tests and quizzes cover material administered in class and the reading assignments. A midterm and final exam will be given.
Make-up Policy
If the student meets college policy requirements, make-up exams are discussed with the student and the instructor and scheduled per college policy. It is necessary to make arrangements with the instructor to schedule a make-up exam.
If you do not call or come by to see me before the test date, a grade of 0 will be recorded.
Projects, Assignments, Portfolios, Service Learning, Internships, etc.
Various projects may be assigned by instructor.
Course Content
1 Introduction to Vines, Shrubs and Groundcovers
2 Overview of Vines, Shrubs and Groundcovers
3 Planting methods
4 Plant ID
5 Plant Genus
6 Plant Species
7 Common Names of Key Plants
Student Information (clubs, tutoring, web resources, etc.)
Ag. Consortium of Texas (ACT)
Texas Junior College Ag. Association (TJCAA)
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA)
To access your student email from www.hccs.edu
; Click on http://webmail.hccs.edu
From the
Faculty and Staff Link look for Employee Support and click on the Webmail https://webmail.hccs.edu