ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE

Develop Your Passion for Horticultural Science

Horticulture has changed dramatically in recent decades and will no doubt continue to change rapidly; but there will always remain a need for horticulturalists while we continue to eat fruit and vegetables, play sport and use tree planting to improve the environment in which we live.

Horticultural technicians and scientists need to have a strong foundation in both horticulture and science. They need to know how to identify lots of different plants, and the botany and chemistry that underpins an understanding of how to grow those plants.

Graduates may find employment as:

• A consultant
• A technician
• A teacher
• A research assistant.

Whatever is in vogue at different times throughout your career, this course will prepare you to move into and adapt to working in that part of the industry.
Science underpins so many of our industries and horticulture is no exception. Gain professional skills in applied horticultural science.

This course gives opportunities to the students looking 'outside of the square' and expand their careers in horticulture. Opportunities exist in management, teaching, research etc. Very appealing to those that have already worked in the field for many years and are looking for a new challenge. Also as relevant to those interested in horticulture but wanting to broaden their options.

Study Horticultural Science from Home

This provides learning for an exceptional foundation for a career in horticulture. Applied biological science is integral to good horticulture; and all too often under taught in today's "fast tracked" qualifications. Long term though, the horticulturist who has a stronger foundation in science will have an edge over those who don't.

This course will open possibilities for a career in virtually any area of the horticulture profession: either production or amenity horticulture.

Student Comment:  "I have found the course to be interesting and challenging, with great learning materials that really make you research the industry and get involved. It has been a great way to study because it has allowed me to work in the industry and study at the same time. I have found the online resources to be fantastic, the tutors feedback constructive and the fact that assignments can be submitted online makes the process so easy."  Tom Wood - ACS 2100hr learning bundle in Horticultural Science course.

Modules

Note that each module in the ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

OUTLINES OF SOME MODULES

Horticulture I

There are twelve lessons in this course, as follows:

1. Plant Identification: Naming plants; distinguishing the taxonomic divisions of plants including family, genus, species and variety or hybrid; identifying the different parts of a flower; distinguishing the morphological characteristics of leaves.

2. Planting: Planting methods used for different types of plants including annuals, perennials, evergreen and deciduous plants; influence of environmental factors on planting techniques.

3. Soils: Classifying soils; sampling and testing soils; chemical and physical properties of soils; soil improvement techniques; composting; potting mixes.

4. Nutrition: Major and micro elements necessary for plant growth; nutrient deficiencies and toxicities; fertilisers.

5. Water Management: Irrigation systems – characteristics, advantages and disadvantages; drainage systems; water-wise gardening.

6. Pruning: Pruning techniques; importance of pruning to growth, flowering and fruiting; pruning tools.

7. Weeds: Identifying common weeds; characteristics of weeds; control techniques; herbicides.

8. Pests and Diseases: Identifying common insect and disease problems; control methods; Integrated Pest Management; pesticides; hygiene procedures; chemical safety.

9. Landscaping: Stages of landscaping; design procedures; collating pre-planning information; preparing plans; selecting plants for specified sites.

10. Propagation: Asexual and sexual propagation; taking cuttings; sowing seeds; aftercare of propagated plants.

11. Lawns: Turf grass varieties; laying a new lawn; cultural techniques including watering, fertilizing, topdressing, aerating, pest and disease control.

12. Arboriculture: Tree management techniques including pruning, removal and tree surgery; identifying tree problems.

Horticulture II

The content of each of the ten lessons is outlined below:

1. The Groups of Plants ‑ setting a framework for the whole subject.

To identify plants from a wide range of taxonomic and cultural groups, using a range of different techniques.

2. Use of Plants ‑ plant selection, soils.

3. Australian Native Plants - to determine techniques for the growing of native shrubs and trees, including the selection, culture and use of different species.

4. Exotic Ornamental Plants - to determine techniques for the growing of exotic ornamental shrubs and trees, including the selection, culture and use of different species.

5. Indoor & Tropical Plants - to determine techniques for the growing of indoor plants, including selection, culture and use of different varieties.

6. Bedding Plants - to determine techniques for the growing of bedding plants, including selection, culture and use of different varieties.

7. Vegetables -to develop techniques for the growing of edible crop plants, including selection, culture and use of vegetables, fruit, berries and nuts (Part A).

8. Fruits, Nuts & Berries.

9. Herbs.

10. Alternative Growing Techniques ‑ hydroponics, container growing, terrariums. Determine appropriate applications for a range of alternative growing methods.

Horticulture III (Plant Health)

There are ten lessons in this module, as follows:

1. Introduction

2. Overview of Preventative Controls

3. Insecticides

4. Other Pesticides

5. Spray Equipment

6. Insect Biology

7. Fungal Biology

8. Environmental Problems

9. Viruses

10. Nematodes, Molluscs and Crustaceans

Who will benefit from this course?

Anyone wanting more technical knowledge of horticulture with a stronger emphasis placed on science in this area. Students will learn about
Botany, Tissue Culture, Plant Pathology, Cell Biology as some examples. This is a great course for people wanting to get into consultancy, managing staff or training and assessing.

WHY CHOOSE US?

• Reputation: well-known and respected in horticulture.

• Industry focus: courses designed to suit industry needs and expectations.

• Different focus: develop problem solving skills that make you stand out from others.

• Hands-on: develop practical as well as theoretical skills.

• Lots of help: dedicated and knowledgeable tutors (faculty of internationally renowned horticulturists).

• Efficient: prompt responses to your questions.

• A long track record: established in 1979 with a solid history.

• Up to date: courses under constant review.

• Resources:  huge wealth of constantly developing intellectual property.

• Value: courses compare very favourably on a cost per study hour basis.

• Student amenities: online student room, bookshop, ebooks, acs garden online resources.

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