US (AR): Grow your career with this 16-week course in the basics of greenhouse management

The University of Arkansas is again offering the 'Greenhouse Management Online' course. The course, that will begin August 25, offers the same content as a traditional university greenhouse management course without having to be admitted to the University of Arkansas or be at a university location. This non-credit course is intended for industry professionals. Admitted University of Arkansas students wishing to enrol in the Greenhouse Management course for academic credit should register using ISIS, the University's Student Information System.

All materials are online and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so material may be covered at any time, including evenings and weekends. There are no specific scheduled meeting dates, but the course follows a specific schedule and individuals may personally communicate with Dr. Michael Evans by e-mail, phone, video or Skype as often as desired.

Course is taught using the customized website "Greenhouse Management Online," which provides information to students using text, images, videos and video-based discovery presentations to accommodate different learning styles and to promote learning.

Subjects covered include basic greenhouse designs and construction materials, benching systems, glazing materials, lighting, heating systems, cooling systems, growing media, mineral nutrition, irrigation systems, water quality, plant growth regulators, atmospheres, and basic hydroponic systems.

All testing is conducted online and students receive immediate feedback and grading.

At the end of the class, students will have a basic understanding of greenhouse structures and materials, heating and cooling systems and hydroponic systems. Students will have an in-depth understanding of growing media, mineral nutrition water and irrigation and plant growth regulators.

Upon satisfactory completion of the class, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Arkansas. This certificate can be used to self-report professional development hours. Please consult the organization from which you wish to receive development credit to get instructions on how to convert contact hours to professional development hours. This course comprises 45 contact hours.