Permaculture Advanced (IV)

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Overview of Permaculture
   • Definition of Permaculture, understanding plant names, environmentally safe pesticides, zones, sectors and cycles in Permaculture design
2. Buildings and Permaculture : The alternatives
   • Indoor/outdoor buildings, storage facilities, building materials
3. Buildings and Permaculture : Integration into the Environment
   • Essential elements for houses in different zones, energy conservation, alternative energy sources
4. Waste Disposal
   • Liquid waste, grey water, blackwater, waste disposal and recycling, nitrogen in waste
5. Recycling
   • Composting, waste water recycling, conservation and recycling, council recycling
6. Designing for Natural Disasters
   • Fire, flood, cyclone, tsunami, biotecture
7. Natural Watering
   • Water efficient gardens, mosquitoes, windmills
8. Indigenous Plants and Animals
   • Wildlife management, birds in the garden, suitable native plants
9. Preparing Management and Development Plans
   • Planning and managing a garden, Permaculture design, work schedules
10. Major Design Project
    • A in depth design project for both your own residence and another property

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Develop knowledge of the alternative materials and features available for buildings in permaculture systems.
• Understand the role of buildings in the permaculture environment.
• Develop knowledge of the range and function of waste disposal methods suitable for permaculture systems.
• Understand the role of recycling in modern society.
• Develop knowledge of how to design for natural disasters.
• Develop knowledge of water efficient irrigation techniques.
• Understand the role of indigenous plants and animals in permaculture systems.
• Develop skills in preparing management and development plans.
• Perform a major design project.

• Go to nurseries and agricultural supply companies and inquire about environmentally safe pesticides. Write a report on these products.
• Explain the methods available to someone who wishes to control pests, diseases and weeds without using potentially dangerous chemicals.
• Observe the construction process of a building or structure that involves some type of earthworks (eg, roads, dams, etc).
• Briefly write a short report on mud brick dwellings. What are the benefits of this in of structure? What are the disadvantages?
• Take a photograph of your home or residence. Discuss your residence in relation to designing with consideration to the environment (eg. does it efficiently utilize sun and shade, is it energy efficient).
• Describe the importance of house design in relation to location, eg. tropical region of Queensland or west coast of Tasmania.
• Contact the local council or health department and inquire about allowable use of waste material in your area. Consider asking about grey water, septic tanks, use of effluent and animal wastes, etc. Write a report to 250 words on the task.
• Contact and obtain information on composting toilets from a manufacturer. Compile this information and use it as a personal reference.
• Contact the local council or health department and inquire about recycling methods available for residents of your shire. How has the council encouraged recycling?