Qualification -Advanced Diploma Horticulture -Nursery

Successful completion of this course may assist the student to gain employment in the following fields: Nursery Manager, Technical Officer, Marketing Manager, Consultant, Vocational Trainer.

RECOGNITION:

This course is written to satisfy all relevant  competencies of the International Accreditation and Recognition Council.

DURATION:

2,500 hours minimum nominal duration, including:

Being a self paced learning program, the student can study at a rate according to their ability and capabilities.

This course may be studied over 3 years or less on a full time basis, or up to 8 years on a part time basis.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

There are no academic pre-requisites for this course but it is expected that successful applicants have achieved an educational level that will enable the completion of the course objectives.

Entry to this course is based on:

• a person with 5 years industry experience;
• Year 12 standard of education; or mature age student.

COURSE CONTENT

a/ Compulsory core modules

The following four modules are compulsory: Biochemistry (Plants), Instructional Skills, Business Studies, and Workplace Health and Safety.

b/ Stream Core Modules

800 hours of study in compulsory modules (normally 8 x 100 hour modules).

Horticultural Management, Horticultural Marketing, Botany I, Advanced Propagation, Horticulture I, Soil Management, Plant Protection, plus either Wholesale Nursery Management or Garden Centre Management.

c/ Stream Elective Subjects

600 hours of study in modules (normally 6 X 100 hour modules), selected from the following:

Wholesale Nursery Management or Garden Centre Management (whichever was not previously chosen), Horticulture II, Irrigation, Landscaping I, Fruit Production, Commercial Vegetable Production, Advanced Hydroponics, Australian Native Plants I, Herb Culture, Orchid Culture, Roses.

d/ Optional Electives

200 hours of study in modules (normally 2 X 100 hour modules), which can be chosen from any advanced diploma accredited modules, from a wide range of disciplines, excluding Recreation Administration & Management I, II & IV, Agricultural Marketing, Farm Management.

* Students are to attain a current Senior First Aid Certificate during the course of study.

WORKPLACE ORIENTED RESEARCH

Two Research projects must be undertaken to satisfy the 200 hour nominal duration. Well organised study guides have been developed for Research Project I and II to work through in order to satisfy this part of the course.

Each project will deal with a distinct aspect of workplace activity, and culminate in a written formal report of a length appropriate to the nature of the project.

WORKSHOPS

Two 100 hour work oriented projects, each involving a series of PBL projects:

Workshop I

This module involves undertaking three problem based learning projects to solve set hypothetical problems, which are highly specified, and in the following areas:

1. Workplace Tools, Equipment and Materials: Identifying and describing the operation of tools and equipment used in the workplace; routine maintenance of tools and equipment; identifying and comparing materials used in the workplace; using different materials to perform workplace tasks.

2. Workplace Skills: Determining key practical skills in the workplace; identifying and comparing commonly-performed workplace tasks; determining acceptable standards for workplace tasks; implementing techniques for improving workplace efficiency.

3. Workplace Safety: Identifying health and safety risks in the workplace; complying with industry WH&S standards; developing safety guidelines for handling dangerous items.

Workshop II

This module involves undertaking three problem based learning projects to solve set hypothetical problems, which are highly specified, and in the following areas:

1. Identifying Technical Problems and Collecting Samples or Data: Investigating technical problems in the workplace; collecting and treating samples, data or other evidence.

2. Analytical Procedures: Using specialised technical equipment to analyse samples, data or other evidence; undertaking routine and advanced scientific or technical analyses.

3. Workplace Operations: Describing the operations and equipment of a laboratory or other technical environment.

INDUSTRY CONFERENCE/SEMINARS/MEETINGS

You must attend 100 hours (minimum) of industry seminars within the period of the course. These may include such things as industry conferences, seminars, or professional society meetings.

COURSE STRUCTURE SUMMARY