Course Overview

Micro-Credential Course on Basics of Organic Agriculture

Instructor(s)

• Uswatun Hasana Hashi: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agricultural Science, DIU; expert in sustainable agriculture.
• Md. Hanif Uddin Abir: Head of Product Development, INTEFA; 12 years of experience in bio/synthetic pesticides.

⏱ Duration: 10 Weeks | 20 Contact Hours (2 Hours per Week) | Equivalent to 1 Credit Hour Mode of Delivery: Hybrid (online + in-person sessions) Class Size: 20-25 participants

Course Description 

Basics of Organic Agriculture (MC55002) addresses the global organic food market's growth to $437B by 2026 and Bangladesh's rising demand for organic products. With increasing consumer preference for sustainable produce and government support for organic farming, this course equips learners with practical skills in soil management, crop production, and certification processes. Through hands-on training and field visits, participants will contribute to sustainable food systems and tap into local/export markets.

Evidence of Demand

• The global organic market's 10% CAGR and a 30% rise in Bangladesh's organic product demand highlight the need for skilled professionals.
• BARI notes 65% of farmers seek organic training, with job postings on bdjobs.com for organic specialists at firms like ACI Agribusiness, underscoring the course's relevance.

Course Objectives

This course aims to:

• Understand organic agriculture principles and practices.
• Develop skills in soil management, crop, and livestock production.
• Learn certification standards and marketing strategies.
• Promote sustainable farming and environmental conservation.

Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)

• Week 1: Intro to Organic Agriculture - Principles, history, market trends.
• Week 2: Soil Health - Composting, green manure, erosion control.
• Week 3: Organic Crop Production - Crop selection, pest management.
• Week 4: Organic Livestock - Feed, housing, integration.
• Week 5: Certification & Standards - USDA, EU standards, labeling.
• Week 6: Sustainable Practices - Agroecology, permaculture, water conservation.
• Week 7: Economics & Marketing - Cost analysis, market strategies.
• Week 8: Case Studies - Successful organic farms.
• Week 9: Practical Applications - Organic farming plan development.
• Week 10: Final Project & Viva - Organic farm plan presentation.

Practical & Field Work

• Conducting soil analysis demonstrations.
• Performing seed treatment in a laboratory setting.
• Designing permaculture tasks.
• Participating in marketing plan workshops.
• Visiting demonstration plots for field experience.
• Presenting an organic farm plan and participating in a viva.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Apply organic agriculture principles effectively.
• Design and implement organic farming systems.
• Navigate certification processes and market organic products.
• Contribute to sustainable food systems and conservation.

Target Audience & Requirements

• Target Audience: Farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, agriculture students, researchers, and environmental/sustainability enthusiasts.
• Entry Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum age of 18 years. A basic understanding of agriculture or biology is optional but helpful.

Career Pathways

After completing this micro-credential, learners may:

• Pursue roles as an Organic farmer, Agri-entrepreneur, Certification consultant, or Organic market specialist (e.g., roles in ACI Agribusiness, government projects).
• Follow a pathway to advanced studies in organic crop production or soil science.

Tools & Resources

• Statista reports, BARI manuals, FAO resources, and export case studies.
• Soil analysis tools, demonstration plots, organic guidelines, and certification guides.

Assessment Criteria

• Quizzes: 20%.
• Assignments: 20%.
• Practical projects: 30%.
• Final project & viva: 30%.

Financial Information

• Tentative Course Fee: 2,000 BDT.

Course Overview

Agronomic Research Techniques 

Instructor(s):

• Uswatun Hasana Hashi : Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture Science, Daffodil International University

Duration: 2 weeks

Mode of Delivery: Blended learning 

Course Description

This course is designed to equip undergraduate and graduate students from agricultural and non-agriculture backgrounds with practical skills in designing, implementing, and managing field-based agronomic experiments. The course covers experimental layout, sampling protocols, use of field instruments, data collection, quality assurance, and preliminary data analysis to support evidence-based agricultural decision-making. 

Evidence of Demand

There is an increasing need for skilled field technicians in agricultural R&D. There is strong demand from public research institutes, private seed/agrochemical companies, and NGOs for professionals capable of data-driven crop management. 

Course Objectives

This course aims to:

• Teach practical skills in designing, implementing, and managing field-based agronomic experiments.

• Train participants in experimental layout and sampling protocols.

• Familiarize learners with the use of field instruments and proper data collection methods.

• Provide foundational knowledge in data quality assurance and preliminary data analysis to support evidence-based agricultural decision-making.

Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)

• Module 1: Principles of Experimental Design (RCBD, Split-Plot, Factorial Designs)

• Module 2: Field Plot Techniques (Land preparation, plot demarcation, treatment application)

• Module 3: Sampling Methods (Plant sample, Soil, plant tissue, pest/disease, and yield sampling)

• Module 4: Field Instrumentation (Use of different instruments used in agronomic research, soil probes, moisture meters, different sensors, etc.)

• Module 5: Data Collection Protocols (Paper-based vs. electronic data capture, field notebooks)

• Module 6: Data Quality Assurance

• Module 7: Explanation of Statistical Analysis (ANOVA, mean separation, interpretation)

• Module 8: Report Writing and Presentation of Field Results.

Practical & Field Work

• The course utilizes a blended delivery mode, with 60% of the training consisting of in-person field practical sessions at designated research farms.

• Practical elements include field assignments for layout and sampling, as well as compiling a Field Data Collection Portfolio with quality checks.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Design and lay out a statistically sound field experiment.

• Apply proper sampling techniques for soil, crops, and pests.

• Operate standard field data collection instruments and sensors.

• Collect, record, and manage field data with accuracy and integrity.

• Perform basic statistical analysis and interpret experimental results.

• Prepare a professional technical report on field research findings.

Target Audience & Requirements

Target Audience:

• Undergraduate and graduate students from agricultural and non-agriculture backgrounds.

• Early-career agronomists, agricultural extension officers, and research assistants.

• Graduate students in crop science and field technicians working in agricultural research stations or commercial farming operations.

Entry Requirements:

• A diploma or currently studying Undergraduate in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a related field.

• Minimum age of 18 years.

Tools & Resources

• Facilities & Locations: Access to experimental field plots.

• Instruments: Field instruments including lux meters, LAI, soil augers, moisture meters, GPS units, weighing scales, and canopy sensors.

• Technology: Laptops/tablets with spreadsheet software (MS Excel, R, or SPSS) and internet access for online modules.

• Materials: Printed field notebooks and data sheets.

Career Pathways

After completing this micro-credential, learners may:

• Proceed to advanced courses in Experimental Design and Data Analysis in Agronomy, Applied Field Research (Design, Data Management, Analysis and Reporting), or Advanced Agricultural Research Methods.

• Use this credential as a foundation for pursuing a Master's degree in Agronomy or Plant Sciences.

Assessment Criteria

• Practical Field Assignment (Layout & sampling) – 30%

• Field Data Collection Portfolio (with quality checks) – 30%

• Final Data Analysis Report (using real field data) – 30%

• Online Quiz (Theory & design principles) – 10% (Note: A pass mark of 60% is required out of the total 100%).

Certification

• Achieving the pass mark of 60% across the practical and theoretical assessments qualifies the participant for course completion.

Financial Information

• Tentative Course Fee: 1500 BDT

Course Overview

Hands-on Molecular Biology: Plant DNA Extraction, PCR Amplification and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis  

Instructors

• Dr. ATM Majharul Mannan, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Science, DIU.

• Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim, Professor and Chairman, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU).

• Dr. Mst. Hosne Ara, Manager, Laboratory Support and Customer Training, Central Dogma Lab, Invent Technologies Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh.

   ⏱ Duration: 5–6 Sessions | Total Hours: 16–18 Hours | Mode: Hybrid

Course Description 

This course provides participants with practical, hands-on skills in extracting genomic DNA from plant tissue using the CTAB method and performing PCR amplification, enabling them to apply foundational molecular biology techniques in research, diagnostics, and breeding programs. Delivered through hands-on workbench practicums, the training bridges the gap between academic theory and practical lab execution in agri-biotech and food safety.

Evidence of Demand 

There is a growing need for hands-on molecular biology skills among students in Agriculture, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, and Public Health Nutrition disciplines. DNA extraction and PCR are foundational techniques widely required in plant breeding, GMO detection, disease diagnostics, and research labs, yet many students lack practical, workbench-level exposure to these methods. The increasing use of molecular tools in the agri-biotech and food safety sectors reflects a clear and growing skills demand among students and early-career researchers.

Course Objectives

This course aims to:

• Equip participants with practical, hands-on skills in extracting genomic DNA from plant tissue using the CTAB method.

• Train learners to perform PCR amplification and verify target genes.

• Enable application of foundational molecular biology techniques in research, diagnostics, and breeding programs.

• Provide practical workbench-level laboratory training in quality and purity assessments.

Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)

• Module 1: Introduction to Plant Molecular Biology and Lab Safety (2 hrs)

• Module 2: DNA Extraction – Plant Sample Preparation and Cell Lysis (2–3 hrs)

• Module 3: DNA Purification and Precipitation (2–3 hrs)

• Module 4: DNA Resuspension & Quality/Quantity Assessment (2 hrs)

• Module 5: Principles of PCR (2 hrs)

• Module 6: PCR Setup and Thermal Cycling (2 hrs)

• Module 7: Agarose Gel Preparation, Gel Electrophoresis and Analysis (2 hrs)

• Module 8: Applications, Documentation and Capstone (2 hrs)

Practical & Field Work (60% of Course)

• Plant Sample Preparation & Cell Lysis using liquid nitrogen and CTAB extraction protocols.

• DNA Purification, Precipitation, and Resuspension in TE buffer.

• DNA Concentration and Purity Assessment via spectrophotometry ($A_{260}/A_{280}$).

• PCR Master Mix setup, primer addition, MgCl2 optimization, and thermal cycler operation.

• Casting agarose gels, loading samples, running electrophoresis, and documenting bands using gel imaging systems.

• Comprehensive Capstone: Complete extraction-to-gel workflow with results presentation.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Extract high-quality genomic DNA from plant tissue using the CTAB method.

• Determine DNA concentration and purity using spectrophotometry ($A_{260}/A_{280}$).

• Amplify a target gene through PCR and verify amplification by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Target Audience & Requirements

• Target Audience:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers in Agriculture, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Botany, Microbiology, and Public Health Nutrition.

• Laboratory technicians seeking molecular biology skills.

• Entry Requirements:

• Background in Agriculture, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, or related life science disciplines.

• Basic interest in molecular biology laboratory techniques (no prior advanced workbench certification required).

Career Pathways

After completing this micro-credential, learners may:

• Work as Research Assistant, Molecular Biology Lab Technician, Biotechnology Researcher, Plant Breeder/Geneticist, or Quality Control Analyst (Agri-Biotech/Food Safety).

• Progress to Advanced Micro-Credentials, Higher Study, or Professional Certifications in genomics and molecular diagnostics.

Tools & Resources

• Facilities & Equipment:

• Centrifuge, micropipettes, water bath/heating block.

• Thermal cycler (for PCR amplification).

• Agarose gel electrophoresis setup and gel documentation/imaging system.

• Tools, Instruments & Materials:

• Fresh plant leaf samples, liquid nitrogen, CTAB buffer, chloroform, isopropanol/ethanol, TE buffer.

• PCR master mix, primers, dNTPs, MgCl2, agarose gel reagents.

• Learning Materials:

• Laboratory manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), lecture presentations, and DIU LMS access.

Assessment Criteria

• In-session practical checkpoints on DNA extraction quality (LO1) – 40%

• Capstone complete extraction-to-gel workflow with results presentation and PCR setup accuracy (LO2 & LO3) – 40%

• Participation and lab technique evaluation (All LOs) – 20% (Recommended: Minimum 80% Attendance, Minimum 60% Pass Score)

Financial Information, Remuneration & Certification

• Tentative Course Fee: BDT 3,000

• Class Size: Maximum 30 participants per batch

• Instructor Remuneration: As per DIU-MCA Policy

• Certification: Micro-Credential Certificate / Certificate of Completion issued by DIU-MCA

Course Overview

Research Methodology: R-Based Statistical Analysis and Scientific Report Writing

Instructor

• Md. Istiak Hossain Joy, Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Science (AGS), Daffodil International University (DIU).

• Dr. Shihab Uddin, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).

• Atiqur Rahman, Scientific Officer, Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).

  ⏱ Duration: 06 Weeks | 16–18 Hours (10–12 Sessions) | Mode: Online (Google Meet) 

Course Description 

This micro-credential course equips agriculture and environmental science students with practical, workbench-level competencies in statistical data analysis, visualization using R and RStudio, academic thesis formulation, scientific report writing, and journal manuscript submission. Additionally, it provides structured coaching for agricultural research station job preparation, covering recruitment procedures, written technical assessments, and interview strategies.

Evidence of Demand 

Agriculture students often lack practical skills in advanced data analysis using RStudio, academic thesis writing, scientific report preparation, and journal article submission. They also have limited exposure to agricultural research station recruitment procedures, technical examinations, and interview preparation. These gaps reduce their readiness for higher education, research publication, and professional employment. Training in RStudio, data visualization, thesis composition, and job screening addresses this critical skill gap.

Purpose and Objectives 

The course aims to equip agriculture students with practical skills in advanced data analysis using RStudio, academic thesis writing, scientific report preparation, research article submission, and agricultural research station job preparation, enhancing their research competencies and career readiness.

Specific objectives include:

• Develop practical skills in statistical data analysis, interpretation, and visualization using R and RStudio.

• Equip learners with standard academic thesis writing, research organization, citation, and referencing conventions.

• Build competencies in scientific report writing, manuscript preparation, journal selection, and submission procedures.

• Prepare candidates for agricultural research station recruitment through guidance on written exams, technical assessments, and interview dynamics.

Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)

• Module 1: Introduction to Research Methodology and RStudio (2 hrs)

• Module 2: Statistical Data Analysis and Visualization Using R-Studio (4–5 hrs)

• Module 3: Academic Thesis Writing Guidelines (3–4 hrs)

• Module 4: Scientific Report Writing & Article Submission Guidelines (2 hrs)

• Module 5: Guidelines for Agricultural Research Station Job Preparation (2 hrs)

Practical

• Hands-on statistical analysis routines and scripting using RStudio via interactive Google Meet lab sessions.

• Data transformation, hypothesis testing, model interpretation, and graphic generation/data visualization exercises.

• Practical assignments structuring academic thesis chapters and reference lists.

• Manuscript drafting workshop: scientific report composition and mock journal submission workflows based on selected research topics.

Learning Outcomes 

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct statistical data analysis and data visualization using R and RStudio.

• Prepare academic theses following standard writing, structuring, and referencing guidelines.

• Write scientific reports and research articles and navigate formal journal submission procedures.

• Apply strategic guidelines for agricultural research station recruitment examinations and interviews.

Target Audience & Requirements

• Target Audience:

• Undergraduate students in Agricultural Science or Environmental Science.

• MS students and early-career scientists working in agricultural research sectors.

• Entry Requirements:

• Background in Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Genetics, or related biological disciplines.

• Basic computer literacy and fundamental knowledge of agricultural concepts.

• Access to a computer/laptop with R and RStudio installed and a stable internet connection.

• Minimum Age: 18 Years.

Career Pathways

 After completing this micro-credential, learners may:

• Work as Agricultural Research Assistant, Young/Undergraduate Researcher, or Quality Control Analyst (Agri-Tech).

• Successfully compete in recruitment examinations for national agricultural research stations (e.g., BRRI, BARI, BINA).

• Progress to Advanced Micro-Credentials, postgraduate higher studies (MS/PhD), or international research fellowships.

Tools & Resources

• Software & Digital Tools: R and RStudio software environment, Google Meet for live practical sessions.

• Facilities & Hardware: Personal computer or laptop with active internet connectivity.

• Learning Materials: Lecture slides, code scripts, demo agricultural datasets, thesis formatting guidelines, and job preparation briefs.

Assessment Criteria 

Aligned with Outcome-Based Education (OBE) frameworks:

• Practical Assignments (R-Studio Data Analysis & Visualization – LO1): 60%

• Report Writing Project based on Research Topic (Thesis & Article Writing – LO2 & LO3): 40% (Recommended Benchmarks: Minimum 80% attendance, minimum 60% pass score)

Financial Information & Certification

• Tentative Course Fee: BDT 1500/-

• Class Size: 30 to 60 participants (Maximum 60 per operational batch)

• Certification: Micro-Credential Certificate issued by DIU Micro-Credentials Academy upon successful assessment completion