Horticulture – Certificate Level 4 – Tonga National University

Certificate in Horticulture Level 4

Program Statement: Provides the practical skills and knowledge which will give students the relevant skills to seek employment or further learning and training within the Agricultural Industry.

Program Name	Semester	Code	Course Name and Description
Horticulture – Certificate Level 4	1	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.
	2	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.