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Technology, Hydroponics, Greenhouses Courses

Course Listings

Advanced Certificate In Applied Management (Horticultural Technology)

Become a Manager in Hydroponics

Train in both business management and horticultural technology skills (including hydroponic management), at the same time.

Learn to understand how technology can make horticultural production more efficient; and at the same time how to operate a horticultural enterprise for commercial success.

 

Applied Electronics

Learn to understand the basics of electronics.

Electronics underpins the operation of many types of machinery used in horticultural practices. Lawn mowers to tractors and computer controlled irrigation to refrigeration of produce: equipment used by horticulturists uses electricity.

Aquaponics

Aquaponics is the integration of hydroponics with aquaculture technologies.

  • Hydroponics is the horticultural process of growing plants in mediums other than soil.
  • Aquaculture is the culture of aquatic organisms (such as fish and crustaceans) for commercial purposes under controlled or partly controlled conditions.

In an aquaponics system the nutrient-rich waste from fish tanks is used to provide plant food to vegetables and herbs grown in hydroponic beds. Chemicals (including nutrients) naturally increase in any water in which fish or other aquatic animals live. Some of these chemicals are the result of excrement from the animals, and others may result from decomposition of dead animal tissue or left over food (such as ammonia). Because of its nutrient composition, water that is used for aquaculture is a useful source of nutrition for growing plants.

Certificate In Horticulture (Horticultural Technology)

A 700 hr accredited course that develops knowledge and skills in the application of modern technology to horticulture; with particular emphasis on hydroponics and plant breeding.

It covers general horticulture over the first half of the course (ie: Introduction to Plants, Plant Culture, Soils and Nutrition, Plant Identification and Use, Propagation & Pests, Diseases and Weeds), then moves onto a stronger technology focus in the second half.

Certificate In Hydroponics

This course provides an understanding of modern technology and its application to growing plants, with emphasis on hydroponic production.

Learn about hydroponic systems (NFT, Rock wool, aeroponics, gravel culture, aquaponics); plant growth requirements, growing structures (greenhouses), nutrients,  management of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, berries, and more.

A great foundation for working in hydroponics (eg. a hydroponic shop, farm, consultant business, etc). Accredited through the International Accreditation & recognition Council

Drone Technology

Learn about Drones

Drones are increasingly being used in horticulture, from monitoring stock plants in nurseries, or surveying landscapes for planning and spot spraying pests and diseases.

Engineering Applications

This course complements Engineering I, developing skills to apply appropriate and innovative engineering solutions, to improve efficiency and productivity in agriculture and horticulture. It covers: surveying, earthworks, water management, environmental control (eg. heating, cooling, ventilation, etc.), fencing, chemical applications, mechanising manual tasks, improving engineering efficiency/operations and developing engineering solutions to different workplace tasks/problems.

Greenhouse Cut Flowers

Greenhouse Cut Flower Production is intensive horticulture. It requires less land but a greater investment in equipment (compared with production in the open).

This course is unique and ideal training for anyone looking to work in this exciting and rewarding field of horticulture.

Greenhouse Management

Learn Advanced Greenhouse Growing Skills

The greenhouse is a system for environmental modification that allows plants to grow in climates and seasons that they cannot otherwise grow in. The course is best suited to those who already have some experience or knowledge of greenhouse growing, though this is not a prerequisite.   

 

Home Hydroponics

Hydroponics for the gardener - learn the fundamentals

Hydroponics is an environmentally friendly and relatively fool proof way to garden at home. It can cost a little more to set up; but being largely automated, once established the hydroponic garden can in some respects involve less work for greater rewards. It doesn't involve the heavy lifting of other forms of gardening; and that aspect alone has made it particularly useful for disabled or less mobile home gardeners.

This is a good starting point for those who have little experience in horticulture or hydroponics; whose main interest is in growing AT HOME. Unlike our other courses, this course is NOT intended for commercial growing in any way. You will learn the theory behind hydroponic culture, as well as receive first hand practical experience as you set up your own basic hydroponic system.

Hydroponic Management - Hydroponics II

Take Your Hydroponic Knowledge to the Next Level

Develop your capacity to make informed decisions regarding the management of commercially significant hydroponic crops. This course was developed to cover key issues which have been identified as recurrent problems for many experienced growers. It is suitable for anyone who has either completed hydroponics I, or alternatively, has significant prior experience.

Hydroponics I

Get Serious about Hydroponics

The content of this course does overlap with the other two short hydroponic courses to some degree, but assumes you have a greater knowledge of hydroponics to start with, and therefore goes into greater depth than the Hydroponics or Home Hydroponics course. Emphasis is placed on the horticulturally valuable crops such as cut flowers and vegetables

Hydroponics III

Learn more about Managing Hydroponic Systems

This course has been developed to complement Hydroponics I and II; and is intended for people who already have some experience and understanding of hydroponics.

 
 
 
 

Machinery and Equipment

STUDY ENGINEERING FOR HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Start with the Basics of Machinery Used in Horticulture and Agriculture and be an asset to your employer or within your own business.

Save time and money by identifying and rectifying problems before they become a major expense. Be more efficient in the workplace by choosing the right tool for the job - every time.

An introductory subject which aims to develop an ability to manage the selection, operation and maintenance of tools and machinery, with particular reference to agriculture and horticulture. Learn the use and operation of tools, equipment and machines.

Mechanics

A Foundation Course for Working with Machines

Learn how motors and engines work, how they are used to drive machines and how to carry out the routine maintenance needed to keep machinery running. 

Protected Plant Production

Develop your broad understanding of practices and processes involved in successful plant cropping.

It will develop a clear understanding of environmental control and plant growth within a protective environment, together with a practical knowledge of plant husbandry techniques.

Robotics

Study robotics online.

Learn about the parts of a robot, how they are put together to create different types of robots, and explore the potential for using robotics in horticulture and beyond.