Study the Foundation Diploma in Hydroponics - Gain Extensive Knowledge in Hydroponics for Professional Development.

• An in-depth qualification suitable for - growers, manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, consultants, teachers and writers.
• Develop your knowledge in hydroponics systems, designs, and applications.
• Learn about the management of systems and your crops.
• Study plant environments and nutrition.
• Understand the methods of irrigation.
• Learn about approaches to pest and weed control.
• Study the processes involved with harvesting and post-harvest management of crops.
• Select from a wide range of Elective Modules to tailor the qualification and your learning to your own specific areas of interest.
• The course duration is 1,000 hours of self-paced study and is available to start at any time.
• Learn with the support and guidance of our expert specialist tutors.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Course Duration: 1,000 hours.

Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.

Course Composition: The course comprises 6 Core Modules, plus 4 Elective Modules.

In planning a commercial or large scale hydroponic operation choosing a suitable site is probably the most important decision to be made. Obviously climatic factors and topography will vary depending on the area under consideration but there are some factors which are relevant to all locations:

• Choose a site which is relatively flat and preferably cleared.
• Choose a site which is close to markets or scrutinise cost of transporting crops to markets.
• Choose a site with good road access directly to the greenhouse and packhouse.
• Choose a site which is not surrounded by buildings or built up residential areas.
• Choose crops for which there is a demand.
• Check the availability of labour.
• Make sure there is a suitable water supply available.
• Make sure there is power to the site.
• Check to see if there is a local horticultural supplier of substrates, system equipment and nutrient fertilisers, if not estimate freight costs from the nearest supplier.
• Select equipment in accordance with the local climate e.g. greenhouses for cooler regions
• Check local regulations regarding allowable land use on the site – this includes waste management, noise, waste water and discharge regulations.

SITE APPRAISAL

All aspects of a site should be reviewed thoroughly before deciding whether to select it or not and pressing ahead with construction. The land could provide underground bore water which could be tapped into. It could be that the land is solid rock which would be too difficult and costly to manipulate if it needs amending. Perhaps the site is prone to high winds and has little shelter, thus being a risk to a greenhouse operation.  You need to carefully assess the pros and cons of any prospective site.  

Reasonably flat sites are preferable since they preclude the need for levelling. If the only options are hilly sites then it may be possible to terrace them but you would need to weigh up that expense. It is important to also consider the impact of nearby environmental pollutants such as smoke from factories or toxins leached into water sources from nearby industry. On smaller sites it may be possible to construct a rooftop hydroponics operation to save on space however these types of set ups are often expensive and not ideal situations unless land is extremely limited.   

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

You can start the course at any time.

It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

HOW THE FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IS ASSESSED

The Foundation Diploma In  Hydroponics requires approximately 1000 hours of study. It is made up of ten 100-hour modules.

To pass the course –

1. Pass all assignments on the ten 100-hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
2. Pass ten examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.

ACS - EXCELLENCE IN DISTANCE LEARNING

At ACS we provide you with more than just a set of course notes.

Your 'learning package' includes:

• Course notes.
• Self-assessment quizzes.
• Assignment feedback.
• You can interact one on one with a professional tutor with decades of experience - just email, phone or log on to chat to connect with them.
• Depending upon your course, your studies may involve independent research, interviews, practical exercises, assessments, Problem Based Learning projects, and more.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

"Having completed the Advanced Hydroponics Course, I have since gone on to open my own successful hydroponics retail shop, now in it's third year of trading."
Ted - Advanced Hydroponics Course

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