This certificate is designed to equip students with essential laboratory techniques in plant micropropagation. Participants will learn about methods of sterile culture maintenance, media preparation, and explant handling strategies vital for the aseptic propagation of plants. The course covers theoretical concepts such as tissue culture, plant productivity metrics, and cell death, alongside practical sessions that include explant selection, media sterilization, common lab calculations, and the management of in vitro environments.
Unique Features
Through hands-on training, students will gain proficiency in using micropropagation for conservation, research, and commercial purposes. The certificate also serves as an upskilling course for Horticulture graduates wishing to better understand the production of virus-free clonal plants in sterile environments.
Delivery
8 hours per week over 3 days
**Participants will require a white lab coat and lab safety glasses.
Lab Skills for Plant Micropropagation
Prior Qualifications
Students will be required to have formal horticultural education prior to admission. Evidence of such qualifications will be assessed by SETU Waterford prior to admission. The following table gives a list of horticultural qualifications to gain entry to these awards. Students presenting with suitable qualifications examined in English will be deemed to have demonstrated proficiency in English.
Title: FETAC Award in Horticulture 5M2586 and level 6 award 6M4334
Duration: 2 years
Programme: Any recognised FETAC provider of horticultural programme
Title: Teagasc – Certificate in Horticulture
Duration: 1 year full-time programme
Programme: Students must have attended a Teagasc Horticultural College – Kildalton College, Warrenstown or National Botanic Gardens. This original Certificate in Horticulture programme was more extensive than the current FETAC Award in horticulture 5M2586.
Title: Teagasc – Advanced Certificate in Hortitculture
Duration: An add on year to the Certificate in Horticulture
Programme: Students must have attended a Teagasc Horticultural College – Kildalton College, Warrenstown or National Botanic Gardens. 6.
Title: ACOT/Teagasc/FETAC Diploma in Horticulture
Duration: 3 year programme
Programme: Students must have attended an ACOT or Teagasc Horticultural programme
Title: Dept of Agriculture/ACOT Senior Certificate in Horticulture
Duration: 2 years
Programme: Department of Agriculture / ACOT Horticulture programme
Other horticultural qualifications, which meet or exceed the above standards e.g. the BSc. in Horticulture will be accepted and others such as those from Greenmount College NI or other UK, European Horticultural colleges, or foreign institutions will be considered and evaluated by SETU Waterford as to their appropriateness.
Progression, Employment, Transfer of Certificate Graduates
Students who subsequently choose to apply and enter into Year 1 of the BSc in Horticulture will receive exemptions for modules they have successfully passed at the appropriate year.
Students who wish to enter the BSc in Horticulture as transfer students into either Year 2 or Year 3 must meet the entry requirements as set out in the existing established transfer mechanism. Exemptions for modules students have successfully completed will be granted. Students wishing to transfer into Year 3, an award year, will be advised as to the appropriateness of accepting a record of educational achievement rather than a certificate.
These minor awards offer structured continuous professional development opportunities to those already working in the industry.
Contact
Course Leaders
Dr Cara Daly
Lecturer & Programme Leader for the BSc in Horticulture (Kildalton College) & the BSc in Horticulture (National Botanic Gardens) -
