Turf Science Certificate

Intake: Fall

Delivery: Online

This certificate addresses general and specialized aspects of the science, current cultural systems and construction practices for the turf industry. Courses provide practical applications relevant to parks, sports turf, golf course, professional lawn care, sod production and turf-related sales/service sectors.

The cerfificate consists of Turf Science Level 1 and 2, as well as an elective. Participants will have two electives to choose from and must take one to complete the program.

Turf Science Level 1 Course: Turf Science Level 2 Course:

This course is an introduction to the science of turf establishment and maintenance practices for golf courses, sports fields, and parks. You will learn the basics of turfgrass biology and the physical properties of soils. Various methods of turfgrass establishment, basic cultural practices (mowing, irrigation, and fertilization), drainage systems, and integrated weed and wildlife pest management are also covered.

This course builds on Level 1, exploring the use of different grasses for parks, sports turf and golf course applications. You will learn selected aspects of turfgrass physiology, and soil chemistry as they relate to turf health. Fertilizer application and fertility programs, irrigation system operation, specialized cultural practices (thatch management, aeration and topdressing), the management of insect pests, and an overview of turf diseases are also covered.

Electives:

Turf Science for Golf Courses

This course focuses on turf for golf courses, including maintenance practices unique to cool season turf, related calculations and specialized mower operation.

Turf Science for Parks and Sports Turf

Focusing on turf for specialized sports and recreational use, this course addresses the design, construction and renovation of selected sports fields and park areas.

Did you know this program may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job grant?

Learn more about the Canada-Alberta job grant on Page 39.

Cannabis Production Certificate

Intake: Multiple Start Dates Throughout the Year

Delivery: Online with Optional Field Study

This program prepares graduates for employment in the growing cannabis production industry, or to support those already in the workplace. This program provides entry-level job-based training and is committed to providing graduates the skills needed to enter into employment with a range of cannabis producers, from medicinal to adult use. The program consists of 4 online courses to receive a certificate of completion (online) as well as 1 optional course – Practical Cannabis Field Study.

Online Course Overview: Practical Cannabis Production - Field Study

• Introduction to Horticulture Production

• Introduction to Crop Production and Facilities

• Cannabis Legislation and Documentation

• Horticulture for Cannabis Production

In this option course, you will apply the production practices from the Cannabis Production Program in a hands-on, face to face environment with a licensed cannabis producer in a one week short field study opportunity.

Advanced Cannabis Courses

Intake: Fall

Delivery: Online

Extraction and Purification for the Cannabis/Hemp Industry

You will learn about the processes involved for the extraction of cannabis oil and the process required to produce different qualities of refined and purified oil from cannabis and industrial hemp. This includes processes for industrial drying, milling and different extraction technologies with a focus on supercritical CO2 extraction, technologies for fractionation and purification. You will also learn basic physicochemical principles governing the extraction and purification processes for a clear understanding of the process sequence and the selection of the technology for extraction. At the end of the course, the students will be able to identify the main steps to produce cannabis oils at different concentrations and identify the main principles operating each of the processes.

Introduction to Quality Assurance in the Cannabis Industry

You will learn the role of the Quality Assurance/Control Person as it relates Good Production Practices and other responsibilities as defined under the Health Canada Cannabis Act. Key concepts include Introduction into Quality Assurance and Control, Standard Operating Procedure design and implementation, PCP Acts, PMRA , Type of Hazards, Integrated Pest Management, Quality control and testing, Packaging and storage, Labeling, Good Documentation Practices, and management of complaints and recalls.