ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE (PARKS AND RECREATION) VHT009

Open learning environment school -Online courses, certificates and education in biology, sustainability, ecology, marine studies, water, earth, animal, wilderness management, and environmental science.

COURSE STRUCTURE:

CORE MODULES (12)

1. Introduction
2. Lipids and Proteins
3. Enzymes
4. Nitrogen and the Nitrogen Cycle
5. Photosynthesis and Respiration
6. Assimilation and Transpiration
7. Acidity and Alkalinity
8. Chemical Analysis
9. Biochemical Applications
   

Business Studies

1. Establishment Procedures
2. Management Procedures
3. Communication in Business
4. Problem Solving
5. Staff Management
6. Productivity
7. Financial Management
8. Marketing Techniques
   

Instructional Skills

1. Introduction to Training and Communication
2. Understanding Learning
3. Determining Training Requirements in the Workplace
4. Commencing Training
5. Developing a Lesson Plan
6. Assessment and Evaluation of Training Programs
7. Training Aids
8. One-to-One Training
9. Motivation Skills and Techniques
10. Promoting Training
11. Assessor Training

Workplace Health & Safety

1. Introduction
2. Legislation
3. Protective Equipment
4. Handling Chemicals
5. Handling Equipment
6. Handling Objects
7. Using Computer Work Stations
8. Working Alone
9. Standards and Rules
10. Signs and Signals
    

Horticulture I

1. Plant Identification
2. Planting methods
3. Soils
4. Nutrition
5. Water Management
6. Pruning
7. Weeds
8. Pests & Diseases
9. Landscaping
10. Propagation
11. Lawns
12. Arboriculture

Arboriculture I

1. Introduction to Arboriculture
2. Tree Biology
3. Soils in Relation to Trees
4. Diagnosing Tree Problems
5. Tree Surgery
6. Pruning of Trees
7. Arboriculture Equipment
8. Workplace Health & Safety
   

Turf Care

1. Introduction to Turf Varieties
2. Turf Grass Physiology
3. Turf Establishment
4. Soils
5. Turf Weed Problems
6. Turf Pests & Diseases
7. Turf Maintenance Techniques
8. Irrigation
9. Playing Fields and Bowling Greens
10. Managing Established Turf
11. Establishing Ornamental Turf
    

Irrigation

1. Introduction
2. Soil Characteristics and Problems
3. Estimating Plant Needs & Irrigation Scheduling
4. Drainage
5. Types of Irrigation Systems
6. Trickle Systems
   
7. Design Specifications
8. Pumps & Filters
9. Selecting the Right System for a Plant
10. Design and Operation Systems

Playground Design I

1. Overview of Parks and Playgrounds
2. Playground Philosophy
3. Preparing a Concept Plan
4. Materials
5. Park and Playground Structures and Materials
6. Local and Neighbourhood Parks
7. Community Participation in Park Development
8. Special Assignment
   

Recreation Marketing

1. Introduction to Marketing
2. Marketing Strategy
3. Media Promotions
4. Promotional Materials
5. Complaints
6. Managing Membership Levels
7. Sponsorship and Fundraising
8. Managing Events
9. Managing Promotional Activities
10. Market-sensitive Recreation Services
    

Recreation Management - Human Resources

1. Work Schedules
2. Work Teams
3. Workplace Efficiency
4. Recruitment
5. Staff Performance
6. Workplace Communications
7. Staff Grievances
8. Developing a Staff Manual
   

1. Financial Analysis
2. Budget Control
3. Legal Requirements
4. Funding Opportunities
5. Workplace Communications
6. Managing Documents
7. Managing a Resource Library
8. Managing Information Technology
   

ELECTIVES (7)
Choices include:

• Landscaping I,
• Landscaping II,
• Introduction to Recreation Facilities,
• Recreation Facility Use,
• Recreation Management -Policies & Procedures,
• Plant Protection,
• Engineering I,
• Soil Management,
• Irrigation Management,
• Australian Native Plants I,

Horticulture II; and more

Outlines of these modules and other modules may be found throughout the handbook or at www.acs.edu.au/outlines

2. WORKSHOPS
2 X 100 hrs (or equivalent). These can be taken as 2 PBL based subjects (by distance education) or documentation that specifies what is required can be provided so that these requirements may be satisfied by working with a professional anywhere in the world. Ask for further information.

3. INDUSTRY CONFERENCES/SEMINARS
Attendance at conferences, seminars etc totalling 100 hrs

4. RESEARCH PROJECTS
Three projects (3 X 100 hrs), dealing with different aspects of the workplace.

STUDY SEQUENCE
The modules are divided into six stages. In stage 1, you study Biochemistry, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Instructional Skills, and Workplace Health & Safety. This stage is completed before workshops, research projects or other modules.Remaining core modules are then completed before commencing electives.

Note: Fees cover all tuition and "essential" texts.
They do not include fees for any Industry conferences or seminars which are attended).

Note: Course fee does not include exam fees

OTHER OPTIONS

• Design your own Associate Diploma, Diploma or Advanced Diploma
• Our system is very flexible.
• It is possible to choose any 15 modules (for example), to create an Associate Diploma; provided the combination is sensible and approved by one of our academic staff.
• Email the school for assistance with compiling a qualification that is unique, giving you a totally different mix of skills to graduates from other courses!
  

THE ACS TEAM APPROACH

ACS was founded by John Mason in 1979 as Australian Horticultural Correspondence School.

Right from these very early times, we've always believed that the best education only comes when the student is learning from the experience of a whole range of industry experts (rather than just a single teacher).

Every ACS course is a work in progress, continually evolving, with new information being added and old information being updated by our team of internationally renowned professional horticulturists.

Over the decades more than 100 horticulture experts from across the world have contributed to these courses, bringing their individual knowledge and experiences from as wide afield as England and Spain to Australia and America.

While may colleges and universities focus on providing courses that relate only to the country where they are based, ACS has always strived to make it's courses relevant to all parts of the world; any climate, economic or cultural situation. This has been achieved by involving a large number of professionals in the course development.

When it comes to tutoring, marking papers and mentoring students, the team approach is just as strong as with our writing. ACS students have the ability to obtain advice and support from staff across the world, with horticulture tutors located in the UK, Australia (both the north and south) and New Zealand.

The ACS team approach and global focus to both course content and student support, ensures our graduates have a unique and "real world" skills set. This unique approach is highly regarded by our colleagues in horticulture.