8 October 2004 Research Gives 'Added Value' to Qualifications

Research-informed teaching sets horticultural study at Lincoln University apart from many other types of horticultural education and gives the qualifications 'added value'.

"A background of studying in a research-active environment and in research­-informed programmes gives holders of Lincoln University horticultural qualifications special appeal in the job market," says Lincoln University's Ian Collins.

"Research plus other factors such as collaborative partnerships with national and international organisations and the 'real world' relevance of Lincoln's teaching to particular industries all contribute to the added value of the University's qualifications."

Lecturing staff whose teaching in the horticultural area offers the benefits of 'research-informed teaching', collaborative links with international institutions and relevance to industry include Dr Mike Mickelbart, Mike Morley-Bunker, Richard Stevens and David Shillito.

Dr Mickelbart has a specialist research interest in avocado photosynthesis and also the uptake and metabolism of glycine betaine in horticultural species. Glycine betaine is a compound with a role in the protection of cellular membranes and proteins under the conditions of environmental stress. There is widespread interest in the potential application of glycine betaine to some horticultural crops, such as grapes and olives, for protection against environmental stresses including frost.

Senior lecturer Richard Stevens and lecturer David Shillito have research interests in the economic analysis of high density apple planting systems; the cost analysis of container plant production; the economics of grape quality; regional profitability in the wine grape industry; and the New Zealand 'garden' economy.

Senior lecturer Mike Morley-Bunker has a particular specialisation in sub­ tropical fruit, particularly commercial varieties. He has spent considerable time at scientific institutions in Queensland and has researched the viability of growing Australian sub-tropical varieties under New Zealand conditions.

"The research activities of these staff members adds a valuable dimension to the teaching of horticulture at Lincoln University," says Mr Collins.

"Students can see that their teachers are involved in a 'living', 'real world' field of study, developing practical, scientifically based solutions to production issues and problems."

Lincoln University offers the following horticultural qualifications –

Bachelor of Science, Plant and Horticultural Science stream; Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) in Horticultural Management; Diploma in Horticultural Management; Master of Horticultural Science; Diploma in Horticulture; Graduate and Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas in Applied Science; PhD.

For further information see www.lincoln.ac.nz

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand