This is an assessed Foundation Degree (FdSc) Unit validated by the University of Ulster, and delivered totally on-line.

The Unit is aimed at people who want to:

• Understand the concepts of organic production
• Learn about organic growing methods
• Grow more sustainably
• Understand the organic sector and organic certification

NOTE: Because this Unit uses practical exercises and requires application of local knowledge, applicants should live in a place where the climate is similar to that in the UK or Ireland.

Delivery method and venue

As the Unit is being delivered totally on-line students will require access to a computer with internet access and email, plus software to work with Microsoft Word documents and read PDF files.

The unit will be:

• Delivered from late January to end of April 2010
• Interactive
• Accessed using CAFRE’s ‘Blackboard’ virtual learning environment.

There will be no timetable, though the course will maintain a weekly routine with practical activities and assessments to be completed or submitted to a schedule.

The Unit content will include:

• Organic production in the UK
• Consumers’ interests in organic food production
• Organic standards, certification and conversion
• Integrated, soil-based systems approach
• Soil management and fertility
• Plant nutrition and plant protection methods
• Sustainability and environmental protection
• Adoption of appropriate technology

Closing date for applications

8 January 2010

Note:

There are a limited number of places on the course, and these will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. A reserve list will be retained in case of cancelations

Full guidance will be given on how to access the course.

To obtain a downloadable application form in Word or pdf format click on appropriate link.  Word format (248 kb) or pdf format (111 kb)

Adrian Saunders unit co-ordinator discusses with Claire Woods senior lecturer, and past students Taina Suonio and Alison Piggott the on-line Organic Horticulture module at CAFRE.