Course Title: Control weeds

Part A: Course Overview

Program: C5161 Diploma of Conservation and Land Management

Course Title: Control weeds

Portfolio: SEH Portfolio Office

Nominal Hours: 70

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

Course Contact: Nevil Schultz

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4221

Course Contact Email: nevil.schultz@rmit.edu.au

Course Description

This course allows identification of common weeds in the natural environment , industrial and landscape contexts. Students make assessments of weed infestation and recognise the economic costs and environmental harm weed infestation can cause. Control measures for weeds are introduced, and the methods of implementation are informed by contemporary Integrated Pest Management Principles. Mandatory weed control of noxious weeds required through government legislation is also important content. Satisfactory completion of this course, together with Transport & Handle Chemicals, Prepare and Apply Chemicals and Respond to Emergencies, is used to obtain an Australian Chemical User’s Permit.

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

This course will be run only in conjunction with Prepare & Handle Chemicals, Transport & Handle Chemicals and Respond to Emergencies

National Competency Codes and Titles

National Element Code & Title:	RTC3401A Control weeds
Elements:	Assess Weed Infestation Implement Control Measures Monitor Control Methods Plan the Implementation of Control Measures

Learning Outcomes

1.1 Scope and size of the infestation is assessed
1.2 Weeds and beneficial organisms are identified and reported or recorded in field notes
1.3 Levels of weed infestations tolerated by the client, market or environment are identified from the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy
1.4 Infestation levels, about which plant health or growth objectives are compromised are identified
1.5 Professional advice is obtained as required according to enterprise guidelines

2.1 Control measures suitable for the infestation are selected from Integrated Pest Management strategy
2.2 Tools, equipment and machinery are selected from Integrated Pest Management strategy
2.3 Occupational Health and Safety hazards are identified, risks assessed, controls implemented and reported to the supervisor
2.4 Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, used, maintained and stored
2.5 Control measures selected need to be in full consideration of environmental implications

3.1 Enterprise work team, contractors and Integrated Pest Management product suppliers are coordinated in a sequential, timely and effective manner in consultation with the supervisor
3.2 Control measures are implemented according to the Integrated Pest Management standards or industry Code of Practice
3.3 Implementation of Integrated Pest Management activities is undertaken according to Occupational Health and Safety requirements
3.4 A clean and safe work area is maintained throughout and on completion of each work activity
3.5 Records are maintained as required by legislation and enterprise guidelines

4.1 Control methods are monitored to identify side effects to other plants, animals or external environment
4.2 Effectiveness of control methods are assessed in reference to specified industry and enterprise standards
4.3 Adjustments to Integrated Pest Management control methods are implemented where necessary to meet enterprise specifications

Overview of Assessment

This Course is Competency-based only. All the following tasks must be assessed as competent to succeed in the course as a whole.

Risk Assessment Task, Legislation Task,  Weed Identification Task, Weed Collection, Weed Map, Fieldwork Exercise, Workbook Completion, Exam