Distance Learning Turf Diploma Course
"Do you want to work in greens management, sales or marketing? Learn more about the management of turf"." Thanks for the videos, they are great! I got a lot of information from them. The Turf Management video is practical and easy to understand. Plant Propagation is a video every student should watch because out here in the real world no-one would give out such information. The Rose Growing Tape was very beneficial to me as I have about 60 odd roses. I thought I knew a little about them but this tape is a real eye-opener."
- Kelvin
Duration: 1500 hours (approximately)
Content
You must successfully complete assignments and pass exams in 14 modules, and also attend 100 hours of Industry meetings.
Compulsory Modules
Elective Modules
Choose three additional modules from the following options:
CORE MODULES: Brief Outlines
Horticulture I
There are twelve lessons in this course, as follows:
- Plant Identification: Naming plants; distinguishing the taxonomic divisions of plants including family, genus, species and variety or hybrid; identifying the different parts of a flower; distinguishing the morphological characteristics of leaves.
- Planting: Planting methods used for different types of plants including annuals, perennials, evergreen and deciduous plants; influence of environmental factors on planting techniques.
- Soils: Classifying soils; sampling and testing soils; chemical and physical properties of soils; soil improvement techniques; composting; potting mixes.
- Nutrition: Major and micro elements necessary for plant growth; nutrient deficiencies and toxicities; fertilisers.
- Water Management: Irrigation systems – characteristics, advantages and disadvantages; drainage systems; water-wise gardening.
- Pruning: Pruning techniques; importance of pruning to growth, flowering and fruiting; pruning tools.
- Weeds: Identifying common weeds; characteristics of weeds; control techniques; herbicides.
- Pests and Diseases: Identifying common insect and disease problems; control methods; Integrated Pest Management; pesticides; hygiene procedures; chemical safety.
- Landscaping: Stages of landscaping; design procedures; collating pre-planning information; preparing plans; selecting plants for specified sites.
- Propagation: Asexual and sexual propagation; taking cuttings; sowing seeds; aftercare of propagated plants.
- Lawns: Turf grass varieties; laying a new lawn; cultural techniques including watering, fertilizing, topdressing, aerating, pest and disease control.
- Arboriculture: Tree management techniques including pruning, removal and tree surgery; identifying tree problems.
Turf Care
There are eleven lessons as follows:
- Introduction - Turf Varieties
- Turf Grass Physiology
- Turf Establishment
- Soils
- Turf Weed Problems
- Turf Pests & Diseases
- Turf Maintenance Techniques
- Irrigation - An Overview
- Playing Fields & Bowling Greens
- Managing Established Turf
- Establishing Ornamental Turf
Sports Turf Management
Ten lessons are as follows:
- Turf Variety Selection
- Mowing - selection, use and maintenance of equipment.
- Cultivation Techniques -spiking, coring, thatch removal and other techniques.
- Preparing for Play on Sports grounds - rolling, marking, etc.
- Preparing for Play of Greens - rolling, marking, etc.
- Turf Protection & Preservation
- Irrigation & Drainage
- Soil Treatment & Sprays - pesticides, fertilisers, etc.
- Evaluate Maintenance Facilities
- Develop a Management Plan.
Turf Repair and Renovation
Ten lessons are as follows:
- Understanding Turf Deterioration - physiological and biological responses.
- Repair & Renovation Equipment - use and repair of applicable equipment.
- Turf Cultivation Techniques
- Health Improvement Techniques -pest control, feeding, watering, etc.
- Optimising Turf Usage
- Replacing Damaged Turf - techniques for replacement.
- Renovation of Degraded Turf - techniques to repair and renovated turf.
- Eradicating Turf Weeds
- Treating Aeration & Drainage Problems - compaction, etc.
- Managing a Turf Nursery.
Irrigation (Gardens)
There are 10 lessons as follows:
- Introduction to Irrigation
- Soil Characteristics & Problems
- Estimating Plant Needs & Irrigation Scheduling
- Drainage
- Types of Irrigation Systems
- Trickle Systems
- Design Specifications
- Pumps & Filters
- Selecting the Right System for a Plant
- Design & Operation of Systems.
Plant Protection
There are 10 lessons as follows:
- Introduction: scientific names, terms, diagnosing problems
- Control Techniques: biological and chemical techniques, alternative methods
- Chemicals: characteristics of chemicals
- Identifying Diseases: symptoms, fungi and viruses and other pathogens
- Disease Control: life cycle of fungi
- Insect Classification: biology and insect classification
- Insect Control: how to control pests
- Non Insect Pests: nematodes, snails, centipedes, etc.
- Chemical Weed Control: weed identification
- Non‑chemical Weed Control: natural control methods
Weed Control
The course is divided into 8 lessons as follows:
- Weed Identification: review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of the weeds, further information, contacts, etc.
- Weed Control Methods: practical research on management of weeds, understanding terminology and the use of mulches
- Chemical Weed Control: review of commercial and domestic herbicides, determining what differentiates them, their availability and use.
- Weed Control In Specific Situations: understanding weed control strategies for particular situations, accessing first hand information about weed control from industry leaders and determining a weed control program for five different sites.
- Safe Chemical Application: reviewing what types of chemicals and application methods are used in the industry and the required safety procedures for the handling and administrating chemical herbicides.
- Non-Chemical Weed Control: determining any detrimental effects chemical herbicides have on the environment, reviewing non-chemical applications and their effectiveness.
- Dealing With Specific Weed Control Problems: looking at current industry practices for weed control and the effects on the environment, in relation to specific weed control problems.
- Developing A Major Weed Control Program: a practical lesson where the student can fully demonstrate their understanding of weed control by devising a weed management plan for a designated area.
Machinery and Equipment
There are eight lessons as follows:
- Engine Operation
- Hydraulics
- Machinery Components
- Hand Tools
- Power Tools
- Tractors
- Equipment Maintenance
- Specific Workplace Requirements
Horticultural Resource Management
There are ten lessons in this course as follows:
- Horticultural Business Structures
- Management Theories and Procedures
- Horticulture & The Law
- Supervision
- Financial Management
- Staff Management
- Improving Plant Varieties
- Productivity and Risk
- Managing Physical Resources
- Developing an Horticultural Business Plan
Event Management
There are 9 lessons as follows:
- Scope and Nature of Event Management
- Developing the Concept
- Physical an Human Resources
- Project Logistics
- Marketing an Event
- Financial Management
- Risk Management
- Staging the Event
- After the Event
Research Project I
There are 7 lessons as follows:
1. Determining Research Needs
2. Searching For Information
3. Research Methods
4. Using Statistics
5. Conducting Statistical Research
6. Research Reports
7. Reporting On A Research Project.
Industry Meetings
This is satisfied by submitting documentation to confirm you have attended/participated in 100 hours of events conducted withing or for the turf industry.
These may be events such as seminars, conferences, tours, visits, workshops, trade exhibitions or anything where you are able to network with other people who are involved with turf.
Proof may be in the form of a letter from an official or colleague, copies of receipts, a written report, or anything else that can indicate you have in fact attended something.
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
Home Study Turf Diploma Course
"Do you want to work in greens management, sales or marketing? Learn more about the management of turf".
This course gives you a sound foundation for a career in the turf industry.
Work as a superintendent, greens manager, sales or marketing representative, technician etc.
A useful qualification for anyone with an interest in working in turf.
