Adv Certificate In Applied Management (Horticultural Technology)

Core Studies - five units of compulsory subjects for all students. This involves 400 hours.
Elective Studies- stream units for the development of knowledge in a chosen specialisation or industry sector. This involves 300 hours of study.
Project - a "management in the workplace project" of 200 hrs involving approved work experience in a small business.The project specifically aims to provide the student with the opportunity to apply and integrate skills and knowledge developed through various areas of formal study.

CORE UNITS
All four of these modules must be studied and passed.

1. Office practices

Develops basic office skills covering use of equipment, communication systems (telephone, fax, etc) and office procedures such as filing, security, workplace organisations, etc.

2. Business operations

Develops knowledge of basic business operations and procedures (eg. types of businesses, financial management, business analysis, staffing, productivity, etc) and the skills to develop a 12 month business plan.

3. Management

Develops knowledge of management structures, terminology, supervision, recruitment and workplace health and safety.

4. Marketing

Develops a broad understanding of marketing and specific skills in writing advertisements, undertaking market research, developing an appropriate marketing plan and selling.

STREAM STUDIES

1. HYDROPONICS I

There are ten lessons as follows:

Introduction
How a Plant Grows
Hydroponic Systems
Nutrition & Nutrition management
Plant Culture
Hydroponic Vegetable Production
Hydroponic Cut Flower Production
Solid Media vs Nutrient Film
Greenhouse Operation & Management
Special Assignment

2. HYDROPONIC MANAGEMENT (Hydroponics II)

There are eleven lessons in this module as follows:

How the Crop Plant Grows: Understanding how a plant grows in hydroponics, plant growth factors, manipulating and controlling growth, plant troubleshooting, resources, fruit set management, pollination issues, flower initiation, flower and fruit development etc.
How to Run a Small Evaluation Trial
Harvest and Post Harvest
Tomatoes
Capsicum
Lettuce, Salad Greens and Foliage Herb Crops
Cucurbits (Cucumber and Melons)
Strawberries
Roses
Carnations
Orchids

3. PROTECTED PLANT PRODUCTION

There are seven lessons in this module as follows:

Structures for Protected Cropping
Environmental Control
Cladding Materials and their Properties
Irrigation and Nutrition
Relationship between Production techniques and Horticultural practices
Harvest and Post Harvest Technology
Risk Assessment

INDUSTRY PROJECT

This is normally done after completing all of the other modules. It is intewnded as a "learning experience" that brings a perspecive and element of reality to the Modules you have studied. The school is very flexible in terms of how you achieve this requirement, and can negotiate to approve virtually any situation which can be seen as "learning through involvement in real life situations that have a relevance to your studies"

Some of the options, for example might be:

Option 1. Work Experience

This involves working in a job that has relevance to what you have been studying. For some students this may be a job they already have. (In some instances, credit may be even granted for work prior to studies). In other instances, this may be either paid or voluntary work which is found and undertaken after completing the other modules. Proof must be provided, and normally this is done by submitting one or more references or statements from an employer. It may also be satisfied by a discussion between the employer and the school in person or on the phone. The must be an indication that you have skills and an awareness of your industry, which is sufficient for you to work in a position of responsibility.

Option 2. Project

This project may be based on applications in the work place and specifically aims to provide the student with the opportunity to apply and integrate skills and knowledge developed through various areas of formal study.

Students will design this project in consultation with a tutor to involve industry based activities in the area of specialized study which they select to follow in the course. The project outcomes may take the form of a written report, folio, visuals or a mixture of forms. Participants with relevant, current or past work experience will be given exemption from this project if they can provide suitable references from employers that show they have already fulfilled the requirements of this project.

Students will be assessed on how well they achieve the goals and outcomes they originally set as part of their negotiations with their tutor. During a project, students will present three short progress reports. These progress reports will be taken into account when evaluating the final submission. The tutor must be satisfied that the work submitted is original.

Other Options

Workplace learning hours may also be satisfied through attending or being involved with meetings conducted by industry bodies such as professional associations; or attending seminars which are attended by industry professionals. Any opportunity for observation and networking may be seen as a valid option.