School of Agriculture
Fatuimoana Langilangi
Head of school
Meet our Staff
SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE
The School of Agriculture has 5 programs of study; each has a Program Statement to demonstrate the intentions and expectations of the study.
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Program Statement: Provides basic operational knowledge of horticulture with moderate range of practical skills which enable the graduates to gain higher levels of study on the field or work in the horticulture industry under general supervision and quality control.
Program Name Semester Code Course Name and Description Horticulture - Certificate Level 2 1 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.
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.
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Program Statement Provides the horticulture sectors with graduates who have well developed skills and relevant theoretical knowledge of health and safety in the horticulture industry; plants and soil science, plants growing system and environments, to underpin practical capability in a range of horticulture sectors.
Program Name Semester Code Course Name and Description Horticulture - Certificate Level 3 2 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
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
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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 in plant 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.
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Program Statement: Designs for students to gain the core skills and knowledge required for working in an agriculture environment, especially that of crop production, livestock husbandry and management. The program provides sound practical skills that are relevant for work in the industry with animals, crops and machinery.
Program Name Semester Code Course Name and Description Agricultural Science Certificate Level 4 1 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
2 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 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.
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Program Statement: Designs for students who wish to pursue a career in Agriculture or Horticulture production, management, science of plant breeding, entomology, microbiology, agricultural machinery, and food and health. The program develops student’s ability to conduct research, plan, organize, conduct projects, solve problems, collect, organize and communicate information. It equips student with knowledge and skills of applying science and technology to the production, processing, marketing, and consumption of products.
Program Name Semester Code Course Name and Description Agricultural Science - Diploma Level 5 1 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.
2 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
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Program Statement: Develops theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in agriculture to ensure the relevance of the discipline in addressing agricultural sector development for food security and sustainable environment. Students will gain applied knowledge in agriculture that will enhance their employment prospects and provide a foundation for continued study and specialization in economics and business, animal management and production science, crop and pasture science, or Environmental and Soil Science.
Program Name Semester Code Course Name and Description Agricultural Science - Diploma Level 6 1 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 condition 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.
2 AGD621 Human Resources Management and Agricultural Extension
Deepens students’ knowledge of the principles and practice of human resource management, relevant to being an employee in an organization and also appropriate to those with supervisory responsibilities and also provide learners with the basic knowledge and skills to be a competent extension/rural development practitioner
AGD622 Crop Protection
Provides students with skills and knowledge about protection of plants from pest infestation, disease infection: importance, bio morphology, and ecology of plant pests; importance and concept of plant disease; classification of plant disease; symptom and the damage caused by plant pathogens; parasitism and disease development; the causal agents of plants disease; plant defense against infection plant disease; plant disease epidemy and the factors involved; principles of plant and disease management; and integrated pest management concept.
AGD623 Agricultural Economics and Marketing
Provides students with skills and knowledge of the basic theoretical concepts of agricultural economics and its application to the developing country economies, and also provide skills and knowledge of the marketing strategies and techniques appropriate to agricultural products and services, both locally and internationally
AGD624 Plant Health
Deepens students’ knowledge and skills providing for a common and clear understanding of correct and consistent implementation plat health management control In Tonga and the world.
AGD625 Agricultural Research Methodology
Provides students with skills and knowledge of experimental design and its application to agriculture, especially in relation to Crops and Animal Science. The aim of the course will be achieved by the following: Create an insight into statistical methods and presentation of research findings in tabular and graphical forms.
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Program Statement: Prepares students with specialized technical knowledge and skills for a professional career in agriculture, horticultural science and agri-business. Graduates will have a strong background in the area of agri-business and marketing, animal management and production science, crops and pasture science, and Environmental and Soil Science. They will gain applied knowledge and skills to create and participate in an agricultural system which can meet the world’s needs for food and fibre, and enhance their employment prospects and provide a foundation for continued post graduate study and specialization in economics and business, animal management and production science, crop and pasture science, or Environmental and Soil Science.
Program Name Semester Code Course Name and Description BA (Agricultural Science) – Level 7 1 & 2
(see course Options in 3rd Year)
BAE711 Agricultural Production Economics
Designs for students to use concepts, approaches, and methods from Agricultural Economics curricula in their career or future studies to understand and evaluate issues, plans, or projects. Develops a thorough understanding of the classical microeconomic theory of the firm under static certainty. Develops the ability to perform graphical and mathematical analyses using production economic theory. Provides experience in applying production economic theory to managerial and policy problems.
BAE712 Farm Business Management
Provides students with tools needed to measure management performance and financial condition of the farm business. It develops decision-making skills in planning, organizing, and directing and controlling farm business.
BAE713 Agriculture Marketing Management
Develops an understanding of the field of marketing. The focus will be on imparting knowledge of the basic concepts, tools, and functions of marketing.
BAE714 Consumer Behaviour
Deepens knowledge of behavioral perspectives in marketing that will provide a conceptual perspective to any participant working in retailing /advertising /brand management / sales management/ marketing research (appreciation of consumer behavior only and not marketing research tools)/ marketing strategy/ digital marketing in areas of consumer fast moving goods/ durable goods/services.
BAE715 Agribusiness Marketing and Value Chains
The course introduces students to the concepts and processes of agricultural supply chain management, framework for structuring supply chain drivers; network designs, demand forecasting, inventory planning, sourcing decisions and enablement of supply chain.
BAE716 Agricultural Policy
The course aims to examine domestic and international agricultural issues and the role of government in formulating agricultural policy. Students will become familiar with the role of agriculture in the national economy and how agricultural policy decisions affect the general public. Students will develop an understanding of the economic impact of the agricultural policies of individual nations on international trade.
BAA712 Farm Animal Growth and Development
Develops knowledge of the nutrients provided by foods and the factors that determine their digestive and metabolic use, in order to assess their efficiency of use. It also includes the definition and assessment of the needs of domestic animals in their different physiological phases and the analysis of the different feeding systems that allow them to be satisfied. It is intended that the achievement of these objectives will facilitate the understanding and construction of their own knowledge in the other disciplines of the degree
BAA713 Animal Health and Management
Develops understanding of animal health and disease management including: signs of good and poor animal health, principal causes of diseases; methods of disease transmission and diagnosis; mechanisms of disease prevention and management including biosecurity, host immune responses and vaccination; zoonotic diseases and public health; common diseases of farm animals and management. Open to animal sciences majors, pre-veterinary and related fields.
BAA714 Ruminant Animal Production
Designs and provides learner with a general concept and understanding of the husbandry and management principles of ruminant animals for production purposes.
BAA715 Pig Production
Equips learners an in-depth knowledge of the pig production aspect of the general livestock production. It is conceived as an elixir to the many challenges confronting the establishment and successful take off of swine enterprise in Tonga or other countries.
BAA716 Poultry Production
Provides learner with knowledge on principles for successful poultry production such as breeds and breeding, building and equipment, incubation of eggs, hatchery management, and different facets in the management of poultry.
BAC711 Forage and Pasture Crops
Provides the basic principles of pasture and forage crops production with emphasis on native pastures, improved pastures and forage crops in Tonga.
BAC712 Pasture Crops Management
Provides the learner with the scientific background that explains how to produce and manage forage crops and grazing systems that are economically profitable, meet goals for soils, plants and animals, and that are compatible with local natural resources.
BAC713 Horticulture Science
Provides learner with the scientific background of horticultural and botanical classification; climate and soil for horticultural crops; Plant propagation-methods and propagating structures of vegetables, fruits and flowers crops, outdoor and indoor crops, plant pests and fertilizer application in horticulture crops.
BAC714 Agronomy
Introduces students to basic agronomy and provides them with opportunities to develop interest in different aspects of agriculture.
BAC715 Plant Growth and Development Processes
Provides learner an understanding on the development processes of plant growth, and how environmental factors interact to affect and control plant growth and development.
BAC716 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Introduces students to the principles and practice of “sustainable agriculture” and “food security” from multiple perspectives, and able to succinctly summarize why sustainable agriculture is not merely desirable, but necessary in order to meet coming global challenges.
BAE711 Fundamental of Crop Protection
Provides learner with basic knowledge about protection of plants from pest infestation and disease infection, and explain its importance, bio-morphology, and ecology of plant pests; importance and concept of plant disease; classification of plant disease; symptom and the damage caused by plant pathogens; parasitism and disease development; the causal agents of plants disease; plant defense against infection plant disease; plant disease epidemy and the factors involved; principles of plant and disease management; and integrated pest management concept.
BAE712 Entomology and Palnt Diseases
Provides learner with basic knowledge of common insect pests and pathogens of crops, a review of the basic principles of entomology and plant pathology. Including taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, behavior, insect/human relationships, pesticides, biological control and the causes, nature and control of plant pathogens. A ‘least is best’ philosophy will be emphasized, regarding the use of pesticides in controlling the various competitions for plant health. Integrated plant management will be the basis for control strategy.
BAE713 Sustainable Agriculture
Provides the learners with theories, principles and techniques related to sustainable food production. It provides a foundation in plant and soil science, integrated pest management, and ecological agriculture.
BAE714 Fundamental of Soil Science
Provides the learners with basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, and develop an understanding of the origin, classification, and distribution of soils and their relationship to people and food production.
BAS715 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
Raises awareness of the role of essential plant nutrients in crop production and how these nutrients can be replenished in soil through application of organic and inorganic fertilizers.
BAE716 Sustainable Soil Management
Applies soil science principles in sustainable management of agricultural ecosystems to simulate a real-life evaluation of soil properties to establish the most appropriate management practice in a particular ecosystem.
AGRI711 Research Project
Develops skills and applying procedures and techniques of investigation and understand complexity, and apply an integrated understanding of the selected topic to the investigation of a supervised project that models professional practice.
AGRI712 Agriculture Internship
Provides professional agricultural experiences to students in the operation and management of agricultural businesses, or public or private agencies; thus, enhancing preparation for a career in agriculture.
Entry Requirements
For Certificate Level 2
Candidates must attain Tonga School Certificate (TSC) Examination. Those who didn’t attain TSC must sit and pass the School of Agriculture’s Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Test.
OR
Candidates have demonstrated competence at this level through recognition of prior learning (RPL). Evidence for RPL must submit including the following:
- Letters and references, including conformation from an employer, client or community groups.
- Reference from a paid or unpaid work experience.
- Samples of work, including reports.
For Certificate Level 3
Candidates must have completed the Certificate in General Horticulture Level 2
OR have passed their Tonga Form Six Certificate Examination or equivalent in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Agriculture, Biology and Chemistry.
For Certificate Level 4
Candidates should have:
- Passed Tonga Form Six Examination/Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate (PSSC), with aggregate 16 or higher with grade 5 or higher in English, Mathematics and the basic Sciences.
- Successfully completed the Certificate in Horticulture Science (Level 3) from any recogninsed institution.
Applicants who do not meet the above pre-requisites may be considered for enrolment on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration their qualifications and experinces.
For Diploma Level 5
Candidates should have the following:
- A pass in the Tonga Form Seven Examination OR South Pacific Form Seven Certificate with a pass mark in English, Mathematics and Sciences;
- Completion of a Certificate in Agricultural Science (Level 4) other recognized tertiary Institution;
- Completion of a qualification recognized for cross-credit;
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) especially to do with mature students who have had some qualification and experience in agriculture, and demonstrated competence at this level.
For Diploma Level 6
Students wishing to enrol in the Diploma in Agricultural Science Level 6:
- Completion of a Diploma in Agricultural Science (Level 5) from TNU or other recognized tertiary Institution.
- Completion of a qualification recognized with cross-credit arrangements.
For the BA Agricultural Science
Students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science Level 7:
- Completion of a Diploma in Agricultural Science (Level 6) from this institution or other recognized tertiary Institution.
- Submit a Research Proposal.
