The ACS Course "
The ACS Course "ADVANCED PERMACULTURE" is based upon the following curriculum documentation. It was originally written to cover everything you see here; but has over the years been revised and expanded beyond this on several occasions.
Click here to see an outline and enrolment details for this course.
ADVANCED PERMACULTURE DESIGN
Module code
Ht046
ASF Level
5
Discipline Group Code
1101610
Nominal duration
100 hours
Module Purpose
Successful completion of this module will develop the learner's skills to independently plan and manage the detailed development of a permaculture system.
Pre-requisites
Core units/modules need to be successfully completed before commencing this module.
Permaculture Systems (Ht045) or certificate level studies in permaculture such as the Certificate in Horticulture-Permaculture C12CN002).
Relationship to Competency Standards
All tasks shall comply with relevant practices and procedures set out by industrial awards and relevant Australian standards.
This module relates to sections from the Rural Training Council of Australia National Competency Standards for Amenities Horticulture -Landscape Industry; including: LSC113.
Content
Focus should be on the learning outcomes and not on content. Some topics may not require in-depth teaching in this module as they will be addressed fully elsewhere.
In achieving the learning outcomes, the following topics should be addressed:
* design strategies
* understanding patterns
* water
* earthworks
* humid tropics
* dry climates
* temperate to cold climates.
Assessment strategy
(refer to Document 1, section 5.1)
Assessment method
The learning outcome may be assessed through:
* essays;
* written assignments;
* definition of terminology;
* practical tasks;
* samples;
* plant collections;
* log book extracts;
* illustrations, photographs and plans;
* letters of verification;
* examination of 1.5 hrs.
Conditions of assessment
Assessment is based on successfully completing all set tasks, assignments and any other assessment methods listed above. An examination will consolidate lessons to assess the learning progress of students. It will also act as a method of ensuring students meet the outcomes.
Learning Outcome 1
Learning Outcome
Evaluate appropriate design strategies for a specific development site.
Assessment Criteria.1 Explain the evolution of a permaculture system which is at least five years old; selected and studied by the learner.
1.2 Compare the suitability of three different planning procedures, for development of a permaculture system on a specified site.
1.3 Develop a permaculture plan on a specified site, by using flow diagrams.
1.4 Illustrate the progressive development of one view of a permaculture system, over three years, with a series of four overlay drawings.
1.5 Prepare a "zone and sector" analysis for a proposed permaculture site.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to a site with an existing or developing permaculture system.
The learner is expected to visit a permaculture site, make observations and take notes on the evolution of that site in order to obtain the information necessary to satisfy the Assessment Criteria. The submission of photographs to support the assessment may be required.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* photographs;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 2
Learning Outcome
Explain the relationship between a permaculture system and natural patterns occurring in a local area.
Assessment Criteria
2.1 Explain the relevance of patterns which occur in nature, to permaculture design.
2.2 Explain the importance of observation skills in permaculture planning.
2.3 Analyse the weather patterns of a site in the learner's locality as a basis for planning a permaculture system.
2.4 Explain the compatibility of different types of borders for a permaculture system, using examples, such as: *pasture farm land *national park *residential property *market garden *industrial sites *ocean.
2.5 Explain the significance of timing in establishing a permaculture system, including: *the season *establishment sequence.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to a natural area with potential for permaculture development.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* drawings;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 3
Learning Outcome
Develop strategies for the management of water in a permaculture design.
Assessment Criteria
3.1 Compare different methods of water provision, including collection and storage for a
specified permaculture system.
3.2 Determine design measures to help minimise water usage, in a specified permaculture
system.
3.3 Determine design measures to maximise water supply, in a specified permaculture system.
3.4 Analyse the adequacy of two different specific permaculture system designs, in terms of:
*water requirements *water provision *water storage *water usage.
3.5 Describe multiple uses for water systems in an integrated permaculture system, including:
*power generation *fish culture *water-plant culture *sewerage treatment.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to two different permaculture systems for analyses, in order to satisfy assessment criteria 3.4. The learner may be required to photograph and illustrate parts of these systems.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* drawings;
* photographs;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 4
Learning Outcome
Determine earthworks for the development of a permaculture system.
Assessment Criteria
4.1 Explain, using labelled illustrations, the use of different survey equipment, including:
*a dumpy level for determining slopes; *a tape measure for triangulating a point; *a spirit level, line and tape for determining a slope.
4.2 Survey a site, between one and four thousand square metre in size, that has been selected for a proposed permaculture system, recording details, including: *topography *dimensions *location of features.
4.3 Prepare a site plan, to scale, of the site surveyed in 4.3, including contour lines and the location of all existing features.
4.4 Distinguish, using labelled drawings, between different types of earthworks, including: *banks *benching *terracing *mounds.
4.5 Explain the factors that affect the excavation of earth for a specified permaculture system, such as: *soil type *sub-soil *rock *site access *vegetation *in-ground services.
4.6 Compare two different methods for moving earth for a specific permaculture development.
4.7 Compare different methods for the provision of drainage on a site proposed as, or being developed as, a permaculture system.
4.8 Explain the different reasons for moving earth in two specified permaculture designs.
4.9 Determine the earthworks required for a proposed permaculture system, including: *quantity of earth to move *where to relocate earth to *method of moving the earth.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to:
* a natural area with potential for permaculture development.
* basic surveying equipment.
The learner is expected to visit a natural area, make observations, undertake survey measurements and record results for that area in order to obtain the information necessary to satisfy the Assessment Criteria. The submission of photographs to support the assessment may be required. Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* photographs;
* practical tasks.
Learning Outcome 5
Learning Outcome
Design a permaculture system for the humid tropics.
Assessment Criteria
5.1 Determine the factors unique to the design of permaculture systems in a humid, tropical climate.
5.2 Evaluate two different specified permaculture systems designed for the humid tropics.
5.3 Determine fifty plant species suited for inclusion in a permaculture system in the humid tropics.
5.4 Determine ten animal species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in the humid tropics.
5.5 Prepare a permaculture design for a humid tropical climate, including: *a plan *a materials list *plant and animal varieties lists.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* plans;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 6
Learning Outcome
Design a permaculture system for a dry climate.
Assessment Criteria
6.1 Explain the factors unique to the design of a permaculture system for a dry climate.
6.2 Evaluate on two different specified permaculture systems, designed for dry climates.
6.3 Determine fifty plant species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in dry areas.
6.4 Determine ten animal species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in dry areas.
6.5 Prepare a permaculture design for a dry climate, including:
*a plan *a materials list *plant and animal varieties lists.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* plans;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 7
Learning Outcome
Design a permaculture system for a temperate to cold climate.
Assessment Criteria
7.1 Explain factors unique to the design of permaculture system design in a temperate to cold climate.
7.2 Analyse two different, specified permaculture designs for temperate to cold climates.
7.3 Determine fifty plant species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in temperate to cold areas.
7.4 Determine ten animal species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in temperate to cold areas.
7.5 Prepare a permaculture design for a temperate to cold climate, including: *a plan *materials list *plant and animal varieties lists.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment will be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* plans;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 8
Learning Outcome
Determine planning strategies for the development of a permaculture system.
Assessment Criteria
8.1 Determine the types of materials required for specific permaculture plans supplied to the learner.
8.2 Calculate the quantities of materials, showing necessary calculations, required in 8.1.
8.3 Estimate the work-hours required, showing any necessary calculations, to complete each section of work.
8.4 Estimate the equipment required, showing any necessary calculations, to complete each section of work.
8.5 Analyse two different, new permaculture systems, to determine specific tasks which may need to undertaken over a period of years, until the system reaches maturity.
8.6 Determine when it is valid to perform work in a specific, mature/established permaculture system, visited by the learner.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to a building and landscape supplier.
The learner will be provided with:
* a real or hypothetical permaculture site plan.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* illustrations;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 9
Learning Outcome
Prepare cost estimates for a permaculture development plan.
Assessment Criteria
9.1 Determine suppliers for all materials, for a specified permaculture development, in accordance with specific plans supplied to the learner.
9.2 Determine the costs of five types of different materials, for a specified Permaculture development, from at least three different suppliers,
9.3 Determine the essential costs for services to establish a specified permaculture system, such as: *labour costs *sub contracting fees *equipment hire *permits and planning applications *technical reports *legal fees..
9.4 Compare the costs of establishing two different permaculture systems, visited and investigated by the learner.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to different suppliers of materials and services to determine costs, in order to satisfy assessment criteria. Samples of materials may be collected and submitted.
The learner may be provided with real or hypothetical permaculture site plans.
The learner will investigate costs involved in the establishment of two permaculture systems. This may involve visiting those systems, interviewing the developers of those systems, making estimates of costs involved, and analysing those costs. The learner may be required to submit photographs or plans of the systems studied.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* photographs;
* illustrations;
* samples of materials;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 10
Learning Outcome
Explain alternative sustainable systems practiced in various places, around the world.
Assessment Criteria
10.1 Explain three sustainable agricultural or horticultural systems, other than permaculture.
10.2 Differentiate permaculture from other sustainable systems, including:
*Biodynamics *Organic farming.
10.3 Compare specified sustainable agricultural or horticultural practices from three different countries.
10.4 Prepare a plan for developing a sustainable agricultural system, other than permaculture, on a specified site, including: *Concept site plan *Work schedule *Cost estimates.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* plans;
* illustrations;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Delivery of the Module
Delivery strategy
(refer to Document 1, section 6.1)
Resource requirements
(refer to Document 1, section 6.2)
Specific requirements for this module supplied to the student:
* all manuals to complete this module and to meet competencies;
* real or hypothetical permaculture development plans;
* notes appropriate to the topic of study.
Specific resources for this module the learner will provide:
* writing materials;
* drawing and drafting materials to perform set tasks.
Occupational Health & Safety Requirements
(refer to Document 1, section 11)
Learners must be aware of relevant Workplace Health and Safety issues in all situations and are required to demonstrate safe working practices at all times.
The work area must comply with current Workplace Health and Safety legislation.
" is based upon the following curriculum documentation. It was originally written to cover everything you see here; but has over the years been revised and expanded beyond this on several occasions.
Click here to see an outline and enrolment details for this course.
ADVANCED PERMACULTURE DESIGN
Module code
Ht046
ASF Level
5
Discipline Group Code
1101610
Nominal duration
100 hours
Module Purpose
Successful completion of this module will develop the learner's skills to independently plan and manage the detailed development of a permaculture system.
Pre-requisites
Core units/modules need to be successfully completed before commencing this module.
Permaculture Systems (Ht045) or certificate level studies in permaculture such as the Certificate in Horticulture-Permaculture C12CN002).
Relationship to Competency Standards
All tasks shall comply with relevant practices and procedures set out by industrial awards and relevant Australian standards.
This module relates to sections from the Rural Training Council of Australia National Competency Standards for Amenities Horticulture -Landscape Industry; including: LSC113.
Content
Focus should be on the learning outcomes and not on content. Some topics may not require in-depth teaching in this module as they will be addressed fully elsewhere.
In achieving the learning outcomes, the following topics should be addressed:
* design strategies
* understanding patterns
* water
* earthworks
* humid tropics
* dry climates
* temperate to cold climates.
Assessment strategy
(refer to Document 1, section 5.1)
Assessment method
The learning outcome may be assessed through:
* essays;
* written assignments;
* definition of terminology;
* practical tasks;
* samples;
* plant collections;
* log book extracts;
* illustrations, photographs and plans;
* letters of verification;
* examination of 1.5 hrs.
Conditions of assessment
Assessment is based on successfully completing all set tasks, assignments and any other assessment methods listed above. An examination will consolidate lessons to assess the learning progress of students. It will also act as a method of ensuring students meet the outcomes.
Learning Outcome 1
Learning Outcome
Evaluate appropriate design strategies for a specific development site.
Assessment Criteria.1 Explain the evolution of a permaculture system which is at least five years old; selected and studied by the learner.
1.2 Compare the suitability of three different planning procedures, for development of a permaculture system on a specified site.
1.3 Develop a permaculture plan on a specified site, by using flow diagrams.
1.4 Illustrate the progressive development of one view of a permaculture system, over three years, with a series of four overlay drawings.
1.5 Prepare a "zone and sector" analysis for a proposed permaculture site.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to a site with an existing or developing permaculture system.
The learner is expected to visit a permaculture site, make observations and take notes on the evolution of that site in order to obtain the information necessary to satisfy the Assessment Criteria. The submission of photographs to support the assessment may be required.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* photographs;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 2
Learning Outcome
Explain the relationship between a permaculture system and natural patterns occurring in a local area.
Assessment Criteria
2.1 Explain the relevance of patterns which occur in nature, to permaculture design.
2.2 Explain the importance of observation skills in permaculture planning.
2.3 Analyse the weather patterns of a site in the learner's locality as a basis for planning a permaculture system.
2.4 Explain the compatibility of different types of borders for a permaculture system, using examples, such as: *pasture farm land *national park *residential property *market garden *industrial sites *ocean.
2.5 Explain the significance of timing in establishing a permaculture system, including: *the season *establishment sequence.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to a natural area with potential for permaculture development.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* drawings;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 3
Learning Outcome
Develop strategies for the management of water in a permaculture design.
Assessment Criteria
3.1 Compare different methods of water provision, including collection and storage for a
specified permaculture system.
3.2 Determine design measures to help minimise water usage, in a specified permaculture
system.
3.3 Determine design measures to maximise water supply, in a specified permaculture system.
3.4 Analyse the adequacy of two different specific permaculture system designs, in terms of:
*water requirements *water provision *water storage *water usage.
3.5 Describe multiple uses for water systems in an integrated permaculture system, including:
*power generation *fish culture *water-plant culture *sewerage treatment.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to two different permaculture systems for analyses, in order to satisfy assessment criteria 3.4. The learner may be required to photograph and illustrate parts of these systems.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* drawings;
* photographs;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 4
Learning Outcome
Determine earthworks for the development of a permaculture system.
Assessment Criteria
4.1 Explain, using labelled illustrations, the use of different survey equipment, including:
*a dumpy level for determining slopes; *a tape measure for triangulating a point; *a spirit level, line and tape for determining a slope.
4.2 Survey a site, between one and four thousand square metre in size, that has been selected for a proposed permaculture system, recording details, including: *topography *dimensions *location of features.
4.3 Prepare a site plan, to scale, of the site surveyed in 4.3, including contour lines and the location of all existing features.
4.4 Distinguish, using labelled drawings, between different types of earthworks, including: *banks *benching *terracing *mounds.
4.5 Explain the factors that affect the excavation of earth for a specified permaculture system, such as: *soil type *sub-soil *rock *site access *vegetation *in-ground services.
4.6 Compare two different methods for moving earth for a specific permaculture development.
4.7 Compare different methods for the provision of drainage on a site proposed as, or being developed as, a permaculture system.
4.8 Explain the different reasons for moving earth in two specified permaculture designs.
4.9 Determine the earthworks required for a proposed permaculture system, including: *quantity of earth to move *where to relocate earth to *method of moving the earth.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to:
* a natural area with potential for permaculture development.
* basic surveying equipment.
The learner is expected to visit a natural area, make observations, undertake survey measurements and record results for that area in order to obtain the information necessary to satisfy the Assessment Criteria. The submission of photographs to support the assessment may be required. Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* photographs;
* practical tasks.
Learning Outcome 5
Learning Outcome
Design a permaculture system for the humid tropics.
Assessment Criteria
5.1 Determine the factors unique to the design of permaculture systems in a humid, tropical climate.
5.2 Evaluate two different specified permaculture systems designed for the humid tropics.
5.3 Determine fifty plant species suited for inclusion in a permaculture system in the humid tropics.
5.4 Determine ten animal species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in the humid tropics.
5.5 Prepare a permaculture design for a humid tropical climate, including: *a plan *a materials list *plant and animal varieties lists.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* plans;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 6
Learning Outcome
Design a permaculture system for a dry climate.
Assessment Criteria
6.1 Explain the factors unique to the design of a permaculture system for a dry climate.
6.2 Evaluate on two different specified permaculture systems, designed for dry climates.
6.3 Determine fifty plant species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in dry areas.
6.4 Determine ten animal species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in dry areas.
6.5 Prepare a permaculture design for a dry climate, including:
*a plan *a materials list *plant and animal varieties lists.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* plans;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 7
Learning Outcome
Design a permaculture system for a temperate to cold climate.
Assessment Criteria
7.1 Explain factors unique to the design of permaculture system design in a temperate to cold climate.
7.2 Analyse two different, specified permaculture designs for temperate to cold climates.
7.3 Determine fifty plant species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in temperate to cold areas.
7.4 Determine ten animal species suitable for inclusion in a permaculture system in temperate to cold areas.
7.5 Prepare a permaculture design for a temperate to cold climate, including: *a plan *materials list *plant and animal varieties lists.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment will be based on:
* written assignments;
* illustrations;
* plans;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 8
Learning Outcome
Determine planning strategies for the development of a permaculture system.
Assessment Criteria
8.1 Determine the types of materials required for specific permaculture plans supplied to the learner.
8.2 Calculate the quantities of materials, showing necessary calculations, required in 8.1.
8.3 Estimate the work-hours required, showing any necessary calculations, to complete each section of work.
8.4 Estimate the equipment required, showing any necessary calculations, to complete each section of work.
8.5 Analyse two different, new permaculture systems, to determine specific tasks which may need to undertaken over a period of years, until the system reaches maturity.
8.6 Determine when it is valid to perform work in a specific, mature/established permaculture system, visited by the learner.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to a building and landscape supplier.
The learner will be provided with:
* a real or hypothetical permaculture site plan.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* illustrations;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 9
Learning Outcome
Prepare cost estimates for a permaculture development plan.
Assessment Criteria
9.1 Determine suppliers for all materials, for a specified permaculture development, in accordance with specific plans supplied to the learner.
9.2 Determine the costs of five types of different materials, for a specified Permaculture development, from at least three different suppliers,
9.3 Determine the essential costs for services to establish a specified permaculture system, such as: *labour costs *sub contracting fees *equipment hire *permits and planning applications *technical reports *legal fees..
9.4 Compare the costs of establishing two different permaculture systems, visited and investigated by the learner.
Conditions and method of assessment
The learner will require access to different suppliers of materials and services to determine costs, in order to satisfy assessment criteria. Samples of materials may be collected and submitted.
The learner may be provided with real or hypothetical permaculture site plans.
The learner will investigate costs involved in the establishment of two permaculture systems. This may involve visiting those systems, interviewing the developers of those systems, making estimates of costs involved, and analysing those costs. The learner may be required to submit photographs or plans of the systems studied.
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* photographs;
* illustrations;
* samples of materials;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Learning Outcome 10
Learning Outcome
Explain alternative sustainable systems practiced in various places, around the world.
Assessment Criteria
10.1 Explain three sustainable agricultural or horticultural systems, other than permaculture.
10.2 Differentiate permaculture from other sustainable systems, including:
*Biodynamics *Organic farming.
10.3 Compare specified sustainable agricultural or horticultural practices from three different countries.
10.4 Prepare a plan for developing a sustainable agricultural system, other than permaculture, on a specified site, including: *Concept site plan *Work schedule *Cost estimates.
Conditions and method of assessment
Relevant standards or extracts will be made available to students for reference during lessons.
Assessment may be based on:
* plans;
* illustrations;
* written assignments;
* an examination.
Delivery of the Module
Delivery strategy
(refer to Document 1, section 6.1)
Resource requirements
(refer to Document 1, section 6.2)
Specific requirements for this module supplied to the student:
* all manuals to complete this module and to meet competencies;
* real or hypothetical permaculture development plans;
* notes appropriate to the topic of study.
Specific resources for this module the learner will provide:
* writing materials;
* drawing and drafting materials to perform set tasks.
Occupational Health & Safety Requirements
(refer to Document 1, section 11)
Learners must be aware of relevant Workplace Health and Safety issues in all situations and are required to demonstrate safe working practices at all times.
The work area must comply with current Workplace Health and Safety legislation.
