School of Agriculture Course Description
Course Level 2 Horticulture Certificate
Semesters 1: HORTC201, HORTC202, HORTC203, HORTC204, HORTC205, HORTC206, HORTC207
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| HORTC201 | Literacy and Numeracy skills in Horticulture Applies effectively the knowledge of literacy, numeracy, and digital skills while working in the field of horticulture and in their daily chores |
| HORTC202 | Introduction to Digital Literacy Applies effectively the knowledge of literacy, numeracy, and digital skills while working in the field of horticulture and in their daily chores |
| HORTC203 | How to Use, Maintain, and Store Agricultural Chemical Personnel Protective Equipment Demonstrates Health and Safety in handling agri-chemicals. |
| HORTC204 | Maintain Hand Tools and Service Small Engine Use in Horticulture Demonstrates knowledge and skills of how to maintain hand tools and service small engine use in horticulture. |
| HORTC205 | Introduction to Soils and Growing media Applies knowledge of characteristics of soils and soilless growing media to grow/plant flowers, vegetables and fruits. |
| HORTC206 | Introduction to Soils and Plant Nutrition Applies knowledge and skills of how to improve the soil condition and potting mix and what fertilizers required to maximize plant growth in horticulture. |
| HORTC207 | Introduction to Plant Classification, Structure and Functions of Plants Applies knowledge of plant taxonomy, structure and functions of plants to classify plants in horticulture. |
Semesters 2: HORTC208, HORTC209, HORTC210, HORTC211, HORTC212, HORTC213, HORTC214
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| HORTC208 | Introduction to Plant Selection Demonstrates understanding of horticulture, trees or herbaceous plants selections. |
| HORTC209 | Introduction to Plant Propagation Demonstrates understanding of how to grow plants from seeds, cutting, grafting, and propagating new plants. |
| HORTC210 | Introduction to Ground Preparation for Seeding and Planting Demonstrates understanding of ground preparation for seeding and planting in horticulture. |
| HORTC211 | Introduction to Establishment and Maintenance of Plants Outdoors Demonstrates an understanding of how to establish and maintain plants outdoors in horticulture. |
| HORTC212 | Introduction to the Cultivation of Decorative Plants Demonstrates an understanding of the cultivation of decorative plants in horticulture. |
| HORTC213 | Principles of Sustainability Horticulture Applies principles of sustainable horticulture and relate them to growing in horticulture system. |
| HORTC214 | Introduction to Principles of Plant Health and Protection Demonstrates an understanding of plant health and protection by identifying weeds, pests, diseases, disorders, and the most effective management techniques to rectify them. |
Course Level 3 Horticulture Certificate
Semester 1: HORTC301, HORTC302, HORTC303, HORTC304, HORTC305, HORTC306, HORTC307
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| HORTC301 | Horticultural Health and Safety Provides learners with knowledge of potential hazards and correct safely procedures as well as basic first aid training. |
| HORTC302 | Horticultural Numeracy Skills Provides students with skills in performing calculation required for agricultural operations, and in collection, presentation and analysis of data. |
| HORTC303 | Workplace Communication Develops an understanding of proper communication in workplace |
| HORTC304 | Introduction to Computer Literacy Provides an introduction to the world of technology and its many benefits and use. |
| HORTC305 | Plant Science Provides learners with an understanding of the principles of plant science and how these can be applied in practice. They developed understanding of how plants grow and develop, through knowledge of their structure and physiology. |
| HORTC306 | Soil Science Develops the learners understanding of soil characteristics, and their relationship to crop growth and development |
| HORTC307 | Soils and Growing Media Provides learners with the skills and knowledge to identify, and explain the characteristics of soil and soilless growing media; and explain the characteristics of soil as a growing medium |
Semester 2: HORTC308, HORTC309, HORTC310, HORTC311, HORTC312, HORTC313, HORTC314
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| HORTC308 | Plant Materials Provides learners with an understanding of planting materials used in horticulture |
| HORTC309 | Plant Propagation Provides learner’s knowledge and skills to propagate a diverse range of plants with particular emphasis on cutting and seeds and explain budding and grafting technique. |
| HORTC310 | Manage Soil Water Develops an understanding of how to manage soil water and how this can be applied in practice in horticultural situations and be able to maintain irrigation and drainage systems. |
| HORTC311 | Identification, Planting and Care of Trees Provides learners with an understanding of the identification, planting and care of trees and how this can be put into practice. The learner will be able to identify trees and shrubs by botanic name and specify woody plants that are suitable for the situation and site. In addition, learners will be able to plant a range of tree types and provide immediate aftercare. They will also be able to specify future maintenance need |
| HORTC312 | Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture Provides learners with an understanding of the principles of sustainability in horticulture |
| HORTC313 | Principles of Plant Health and Protection Provides learners with an understanding of the principles of plant health and protection and how this can be applied in practice. Identifies weeds, pests, diseases and disorders within a horticulture industry. They will also be able to review the range of control measures viable and specify integrated control |
| HORTC314 | Horticulture Business Planning Provides learners with and an understanding of developing business planning, budgeting, solve range of horticulture financial problems. |
Course Level 4 Horticulture Certificate
Semester 1: HORTC401, HORTC402, HORTC403, HORTC404, HORTC408, HORTC412
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| HORTC401 | Soils and Growing Media Designs to enable learners to develop an understanding of those soil properties and processes that are basic to the optimum utilization of soils now and in the future |
| HORTC402 | Plant Form and Identification Develops the context of the origins of Tongan plant diversity with special emphasis on selected and iconic Tongan plant groups. Native and introduced plant groups are emphasized in practical studies and some emphasis will be placed on understanding the status of rare, threatened and priority weed plant groups. |
| HORTC403 | Plant Structure and Functions Applies knowledge of plant sciences and their structure and functions to determine how plant grow in response to its environment and how to control plant diseases, pests and weeds in horticulture. |
| HORTC404 | Plant Growth and Environment Provide the student with a foundational understanding of environmental and physiological basis (mechanisms and principles) of the interactions between plants and their environment in relation to their survival and ecological distribution. |
| HORTC408 | Communication and Supervision Introduces the basic principles of communication and supervision roles as they relate to field of employment in horticulture. |
| HORTC412 | Horticultural Computing Develops learners to understand and be competent in using the internet for research and communication as it pertains to horticulture and: be competent in Microsoft Window 10, proficient in using Microsoft Word program and Microsoft Excel as well as Power Point presentation for communication. |
Semester 2: HORTC405, HORTC406, HORTC407, HORTC409, HORTC410, HORTC411
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| HORTC405 | Plant Propagation Develops knowledge and skills inplant the propagation of different plant species from:Seeds, using different seed propagation methods.Plan the propagation of different types of plants from cuttings, using different cutting propagation methods. |
| HORTC406 | Plant Culture and Garden Maintenance Designs as a foundation for people working as gardeners, and for some can be a stepping stone to developing a garden maintenance business, or to further studies leading to a career in horticultural management, education or media. |
| HORTC407 | Plant Protection Develops the student’s ability to identify, describe and control a variety of pests, diseases and weeds in horticultural situation, and to describe safety procedures when using agricultural chemicals. |
| HORTC409 | Small Business Management Provides the learners basic skill of how to plan for success, market products or services, find the right sources to finance a business, and write an effective business plan step by step in order to start your own small business or manage a small business for someone else. |
| HORTC410 | Business Planning and Marketing Introduces students to the basic concepts of marketing and demonstrate how these may be applied to small horticulture business. |
| HORTC411 | Horticulture Tools and Equipment Develops knowledge and skills necessary for use and maintenance of a range of horticulture tools equipment correctly and safely. The learner will also be capable of identifying possible hazards and safety precautions as required. The learner will also explore power hand tools use and maintenance including safety checks, mixing fuel, checking and fixing of leaks, use pedestrian machinery including mist blower, knapsack and rotovator, and horticultural machinery including tractor and mower. |
Course Level 4 Agriculture Science Cetificate
Semesters 1: AGC011, AGC012, AGC013, AGC014, AGC015
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| AGC011 | Agricultural System Introduces sustainable agriculture and to consider agriculture as part of a total dynamic system. It also aims to build their understanding of the inter-relationship of the factors that affect the systems within which agriculture exists. |
| AGC012 | Agricultural Maths and Statistics Develops students skills in performing calculation required for agricultural operations, and in collection, presentation and analysis of data. |
| AGC013 | Computing Develops skills in selecting, using and maintaining personal computer systems for personal, professional and study purposes. |
| AGC014 | Communication Skills Develops skills of effective communication in all situations including the workplace, and introduce students to scientific writing. |
| AGC015 | Farm Management Records Develops skills and knowledge to organize and maintain physical and financial records for the farm business in a format suitable for use by management |
Semester 2: AGC020, AGC021, AGC022, AGC023, AGC024
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| AGC020 | Plant Science Develops skills and knowledge of how plants function and the factors which effect plant and development. |
| AGC021 | Crop Production 1 Develops skills and knowledge on crop husbandry and management practices of field crops, root crops, and other crops of importance to Tonga. |
| AGC022 | Animal Production 1 Develops an understanding of the Animal Production systems of Tonga and an appreciation of the interaction with the environment on the integration of animal production into agricultural systems. Knowledge of the development of management and husbandry practices appropriate to the domestic market requirements and the facilities required to implement these management strategies. |
| AGC023 | Farm Workshop Practices Develops skills and knowledge in the fields of farm workshop practices, small engine workshop practices, fence construction and building construction. |
| AGC024 | Industry Based Work Experienced Provides students with an experience and opportunity of employment in an agricultural or related industry. Practices and enhances skills relevant to agricultural production and related activities. |
Course Level 5 Agriculture Science Diploma
Semester 1: AGD511, AGD512, AGD513, AGD514, AGD515
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| AGD511 | Entomology Provides students with an understanding of the biology of insects with particular reference to their activities which are significant for agricultural production |
| AGD512 | Animal Anatomy and Physiology Provides students with an understanding of the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive and immune systems of the animals of Agricultural significance |
| AGD513 | Crop and Horticultural Production Provides students with tools needed to assess the potential for diversifying crop production with various horticultural crops. It will provide information on basic production and marketing information that needs to be considered when assessing whether a horticultural crop will be a viable alternative to an existing or a new farming venture in Tonga. |
| AGD514 | Animal Production II Provides students with an understanding the current production and production practices and also discuss some of future opportunities that may occur in animal production in Tonga and the Pacific. |
| AGD515 | Agriculture Foods and Health Provides students with an understanding of the relationship between agricultural production, food consumption and health, with knowledge of human nutrition and the impact of food supply on the health of various population groups, and with an appreciation of, and skills to manage agricultural production with a view to improving human nutrition and health. |
Semester 2: AGD520, AGD521, AGD522, AGD523, AGD524, AGD525
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| AGD520 | Agricultural Chemistry Provides students with a basic understanding of the structure and properties of inorganic chemicals and components of cells in plants, animals and microorganisms and their functional significant to agricultural production, the nature of chemical change and the factors relevant to processes in agriculture, and knowledge and skills in the analytical techniques used for agricultural purposes. |
| AGD521 | Animal Nutrition and Breeding Develops an understanding of ruminant and monogastric digestive systems, composition of feeds, animal requirements and ration formulation. An understanding of the basic principles of genetics, their application in livestock breeding programs, breeding programs, artificial breeding and selection programs. |
| AGD522 | Agriculture Chemistry This subject aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the structure and properties of inorganic chemicals and components of cells in plants, animals and microorganisms and their functional significant to agricultural production, the nature of chemical change and the factors relevant to processes in agriculture, and knowledge and skills in the analytical techniques used for agricultural purposes. |
| AGD523 | Micro-Biology Provide students with a basic understanding of the structure and properties of inorganic chemicals and components of cells in plants, animals and microorganisms and their functional significant to agricultural production, the nature of chemical change and the factors relevant to processes in agriculture, and knowledge and skills in the analytical techniques used for agricultural purposes. |
| AGD524 | Agricultural Machinery Provides students with skills and knowledge in the management, maintenance, selection and safe operation of farm machinery. |
| AGD525 | Industry based Work Experience Provide students with an experience and opportunity of employment in an agricultural or related industry. Opportunities to practice and enhance skills relevant to agricultural production and related activities; develop new skills; take responsibility for their own and other’s actions; see the impact of their activities on the operation of an agricultural enterprise, and appreciate the nature of interactions which occur within organizations such as workplaces |
Course Level 6 Agriculture Science Diploma
Semester 1: AGD611, AGD612, AGD613,AGD614, AGD615
| Code | Course Name and Description |
| AGD611 | Animal Health Demonstrates an understanding of the causes of disease, the defense mechanisms both natural and artificial used by the animal to combat disease. Classifies the main animal diseases in Tonga, their identification, treatment and control. Reflects upon the importance of quarantine and hygiene in restricting the spread of disease. |
| AGD612 | Farm Business Management Provides students with knowledge and skills to operate an agricultural business and also introduces skills and techniques of managerial decision-making in the farm context. Using both production and business skills they should be able to evaluate the performance of a farm business and use recognized techniques to plan for its future. |
| AGD613 | Soil Science Provides students with a clear understanding of the role and function of soil as a natural resource and as a medium for plant growth, and to enable students to describe the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, and relate such to plant growth and land use patterns, after considering the major soil types in Tonga. |
| AGD614 | Agriculture Climatology and Climate Change Explores the relationship between climate and agriculture in order to appropriately make use of every given climatic conditions to maximize agricultural yield for maximum gains. |
| AGD615 | Plants and Animal Products and processing Provides students with knowledge and understanding of the methods and technologies available for processing agricultural products with a view to reducing spoilage and health risks and to encourage value in the form of quality food products. |
Semester 2: AGD621, AGD622, AGD623, AGD624, AGD625