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Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness

Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness 1

About the Course

Singapore has set a “30 by 30” goal to produce 30 per cent of the country’s nutritional needs locally by 2030. This requires the transformation of the agri-food sector into one that is highly productive, climate-resilient and resource-efficient.

The Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness equips participants with the competencies to spearhead technological improvements and boost the development of hi-tech urban farming businesses in Singapore and beyond.

Upon completion of the specialist diploma, participants can take up roles ranging from agritech specialists to hi-tech farm managers.

Target Audience

  • Working professionals in the agricultural sector who are looking to upgrade their skills and qualifications, and those who are keen to join the agricultural industry.

What is so unique about this programme?

The Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness is the first post-diploma programme in Singapore jointly developed and offered by Republic Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic that focuses on urban farming. Through this programme, you will develop competencies in the following areas for the management of hi-tech urban farms.

  • Farm operations
  • Business development
  • Enhancement in productivity and profitability

How often do I need to attend the course?

Lessons will be held three times a week on weekday evenings via online learning. 

Day of Lessons Duration   
Weekday
 6.30pm - 10.30pm

Note: Practical lessons and hands-on sessions will be conducted at Republic Polytechnic, Woodlands campus. 

The Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness offers two Post-Diploma Certificates (PDCs). Participants will be awarded the PDC upon successful completion of all the modules in under each certificate. The Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness will be issued upon meeting 50% of attendance requirement and passing all coursework and assessment.

Post-Diploma Certificate Modules (45 hours per module)

Agricultural Production and Technology
  1. Agricultural Biology
  2. Plant Production Principles and Technologies
  3. Smart Farming Technologies

Agribusiness and Analytics
  1. Agricultural Analytics & Productivity
  2. Agribusiness and Financial Management
  3. Agricultural Supply Chain Management
 

Module Synopses 

Agricultural Biology

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge of the fundamental role of plants in nature and their application to agricultural management. Students will study plant biology that encompasses plant morphology, function, growth, and development as well as their relationships with other organisms and the physical environment. They will study plant physiology, post-harvest physiology, and examine how the plant responses to biotic stresses such as bacteria and pests, and abiotic stresses such as heat and flooding. Students will also study crop cultivar development through the application of crossbreeding and selection, and the use of advanced breeding technologies in the development of breeding that result in improved crop varieties and cultivars. They will be given an overview of the impacts of gene action, heritability, and genotype-environmental interactions on the outcomes from breeding and selection. This module will introduce students to the mechanisms for the interaction between plants and soil, nutrition from soil and symptoms of nutrient deficiency. The knowledge for plant tissue culture and its application, methods of producing genetically modified crops will be presented.

Plant Production Principles and Technologies

This module aims to equip students with the core principles underlying sustainable plant production, cropping systems and practices used in modern agriculture particularly in the plant factory or for vertical farming. An overview of the principles and concepts behind the role of modern technology in plant production, plant breeding and selection, crop modelling and soilless techniques will enable students to explore challenges facing agriculture, such as climate change and food security. Students will be introduced to crop physiology, soil management, crop nutrition, pest and diseases management, growing media, microorganisms and soil-plant biology to further enhance their understanding and concepts behind effective production of plant-based food. Furthermore, students will develop skills to assess plant production practices, analyse plant production data and architectural designs; and integrate these disciplines into identifying farming systems best suited for the built environment.

Smart Farming Technologies

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge in advancements in agricultural technologies and their integration into farming practices to increase production efficiency and quality of produce. Students will explore the use of engineering developments such as mechanisation and automation to replace human labour, sensor technology to better manage resources, and other advancements that enable precision farming. Students will be also be introduced to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the plethora of farming applications made possible, including connectivity of devices to the cloud via Internet-of-Things (IoT), and global positioning systems (GPS). The sheer amount of data collected also allows data-driven precision farming and smart agriculture. Smart farming technologies is driving the 4th agricultural revolution; however, it should not be pursued at expense of sustainability. Students will develop skills to assess and apply smart farming initiatives to support ecologically and economically sound agricultural management.

Agricultural Analytics & Productivity

This module aims to equip students with knowledge of the emerging phenomena of using data to achieve business objectives. Data analytics enables businesses to realize the full potential of data (generated from various business processes, primary and complementary sources), thus improving the effectiveness in generating business insights and intelligence for optimal decision-making purposes. The module will demonstrate how data can be prepared and used in the agricultural industry for productivity and decision-making. Students will learn to use data analytics to unlock the value of data and enacting decisions. This technology can be applied in areas such as predictive maintenance, sales forecasting or supply optimization. Students will also be equipped with the foundational skills and knowledge required to get started with data analytics. This includes, the ability to explain various data modelling techniques, data preparation techniques, perform modelling and prediction, and hands-on lab exercises on agriculture-related use-cases.

Agribusiness and Financial Management

This module aims to equip students with vital decision-making skills, leadership, and management qualities in the agri-business industry. Students will be introduced to fundamental business management principles and processes, including ethical and legal requirements, resource management and project management in agri-business. Students will also learn basic marketing principles such as customer behaviour, product, channels of distribution, promotion, and pricing. Core entrepreneurial know-how in setting up a business and the value creation process from generating and evaluating business ideas will also be incorporated. Students will also learn to apply cost-benefit analysis and business finance concepts for the management of an agri-business.

Agricultural Supply Chain Management

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skillsets required to handle perishable and time-sensitive products, keeping them fresh throughout the  entire supply chain. The areas of coverage range from warehousing to distribution of products based on the various Singapore Standards for cold chain management. Students will be introduced to quality management systems to ensure proper management of agricultural products  from post-harvesting to retail. Packaging and traceability technology as well as new retail technology will also be covered. The module provides the framework to understand and manage production, sourcing, supply chain risks and the distribution networks that bring foods to consumers locally and globally. It also introduces regulatory and funding frameworks that are relevant to agribusiness and new farming techniques.

Please click on the "Register" button to view the updated course schedule and fees on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal (STEP).

Applicants should have a relevant diploma or higher qualification.

 

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least 5 years of relevant working experience or supporting evidence of competency readiness. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted will have to go through an interview and/or entrance test. The Polytechnic reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.

 

Please click on the "Register" button to view the updated course schedule and fees on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal (STEP).
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Last updated on 28 Dec 2023

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