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Work-Study Post-Diploma (Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness)

WSP leading to a SDAA 1

About the Course

This Work-Study Post-Diploma (WSPostDip) will provide opportunities for fresh polytechnic graduates to deepen their skills and knowledge needed for a career in the agriculture-related industries. Suitable candidates will be matched with a relevant job offered by a WSPostDip partner company, in opportunities such as:

  • Agriculture produce specialist
  • Supply chain specialist for vegetable produce
  • Production operations specialist
  • Farm supervisor / manager

The Work-Study Post-Diploma aims to provide a pathway for career development and further education through two (2) Post-Diploma Certificates (PDCs). Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness. Eligible participants who complete the WSPostDip will also receive $5,000 incentive*.

*Fresh diploma graduates who are Singapore Citizens and within three years of graduation or Operationally Ready Date for full-time National Servicemen only.

Target Audience

Fresh polytechnic graduates who are working in, or keen in joining agriculture-related  industries. 

What is so unique about this programme?

The Specialist Diploma in Agritechnology and Agribusiness is the first post-diploma programme in Singapore that focuses on urban farming. Through this programme, you will develop competencies in the following areas to manage hi-tech urban farms.

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

Under the Work-Study Post-Diploma programme, participants may enjoy additional benefits such as sign-on incentive with full-time employment, assigned company mentor, well-structured training, and career advancement opportunities.

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 productsfrom 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.

Commencement Date  Duration   Mode and Venue  Schedule
October 2022 12 months Online Learning/Face-to-face at RP ACE @ Woodlands
 Weekdays 6.30pm – 10.30pm
 

Where will the course be held? 

Lessons will be conducted via online learning. 
Practical and hands-on sessions will be conducted at Republic Polytechnic, Woodlands campus. 

WSPostDip Eligibility

Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents who are: 
- within three years of graduation from the Polytechnics or the Operational Ready Date (ORD) for full-time National Servicemen, or
- within five years of graduation from the Polytechnics, and if their employer is a participating company.

Course Entry Requirement

Applicants should preferably possess a relevant local polytechnic Diploma in one of the following disciplines:

  • Applied Sciences
  • Built Environment
  • Business & Management 
  • Engineering
  • Information and Digital Technology

Admission will be reviewed and approved by the polytechnic on a case-by-case basis.

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Last updated on 06 Apr 2023

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