Lesson Structure: Advanced Certificate in Hydroponics VHT032

You will need to complete the following four modules:

1  Hydroponics l
 10 lessons

1. Introduction
2. How a Plant Grows
3. Hydroponic Systems
4. Nutrition & Nutrition management
5. Plant Culture
6. Hydroponic Vegetable Production
7. Hydroponic Cut Flower Production
8. Solid Media vs Nutrient Film
9. Greenhouse Operation & Management
10. Special Assignment

2  Hydroponic Management (Hydroponics II)

11 lessons

1. How the Crop Plant Grows
2. How to Run a Small Evaluation Trial
3. Harvest and Post Harvest
4. Tomatoes
5. Capsicum
6. Lettuce, Salad Greens and Foliage Herb Crops
7. Cucurbits (Cucumber and Melons)
8. Strawberries
9. Roses
10. Carnations
11. Orchids

3  Hydroponics lll
 8 lessons

1. Options for Managing Plant Culture
2. Planning a Hydroponic Operation
3. System Design Components
4. Managing a Hydroponic System in Hot, Humid Conditions
5. Water Management
6. Nutrient Formulation
7. Controlling Nutrient Levels
8. Pest & Disease Control

4  Agricultural Marketing
8 lessons

1. Agricultural Marketing Concepts
2. Farm Marketing Objectives and Strategies
3. Target Marketing
4. Market Segmentation
5. Customer Relations
6. Market Research
7. Promotions
8. Managing Marketing

Note:  Each module in this Advanced Certificate is a certificate in its own right, and may be studied separately for £325.00 and broken up into 2 monthly payments. Click on the course links to see a breakdown of what each lesson in a module will teach you.

Learning Goals: Advanced Certificate in Hydroponics VHT032

• Discuss the nature and scope of hydroponics systems
• Describe how plants grow and their nutrient requirements in a hydroponic system
• Compare a range of hydroponic systems
• Explain the basic management of nutrient solutions in a hydroponic system
• Understand the horticultural techniques used to maximise cropping in hydroponics, including treatment of plant disorders and the implementation of production schedules
• The ability to produce a hydroponic vegetable crop
• Understand the methods used to produce a cut flower crop hydroponically
• Compare growing media and systems and understand the differences
• Understand the operations and management of a greenhouse and hydroponic system
• Plan a hydroponic enterprise
• Determine and explain factors that influence the growth of a crop.
• Design and conduct a trial to evaluate the commercial prospect of growing a chosen  hydroponic crop
• Determine appropriate harvest and post harvest treatments for different types of hydroponic crops.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial tomato crop in any given location.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial capsicum crop in any given location.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial Lettuce,  Salad Greens and Foliage Herb Crops in any given location.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cucurbit crop in any given location.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial strawberry crop in any given location.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cut flower rose crop in any given location.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cut flower carnation crop in any given location.
• Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cut flower Orchid crop in any given location.
• Describe different approaches to cultural operations in hydroponics and demonstrate awareness of the similarities and differences between organic and hydroponic produce and techniques.
• Describe how to plan a hydroponic operation through site and crop selection, matching a system with a crop, materials, resources and services required, and site layout; for different specific crops
• Discuss system design components such as pumps, NFT channels, grow beds, solution tanks, media, pipes and irrigation fittings in terms of size, type, and material options, for different systems and specific crops
• Provide details of how to manage a hydroponic system in hot, humid conditions such as in tropical or subtropical areas or in summer in temperate areas, for different specific crops
• Explain options for water management such as water sources, quality, testing, treatments, and use in recirculating and non-recirculating systems
• Explain and recommend different types of nutrient formulations, and advanced methods of detecting toxicities and deficiencies for different specific crops
• Recommend methods of controlling nutrient level concentrations through taking EC, pH and temperature measurements; and maintaining nutrient levels for different specific crops
• Recommend awareness of natural and other methods of pest and disease control such as biological controls as part of IPM and nutrient and pH manipulation for different pests and diseases
• Explain the role of marketing in business and the importance of marketing in the business plan.
• Assess the relative importance of marketing planning and to determine marketing strategies in relation to farming.
• Identify target markets to select suitable marketing methods.
• Explain the physical handling of products in the marketing process, including packaging, labelling, presentation and transportation.
• Plan to maintain sound customer relations in an agricultural business.
• Conduct market research into a product or service in the agricultural industry.
• Plan to manage the promotional program for an agricultural business.
• Develop strategies to manage the marketing of an agricultural enterprise

Set Tasks – What Else You Will Do:

• Analyse story structures and arcs.
• Keep a daily writing journal.
• Revise significant portions of their work in conjunction with their assigned academic.
• Review feedback and implement notes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.