This syllabus lists the topics covered in this course. Links are provided for audio files and transcripts for each chapter below.
Overview
Instructor bio (Audio, transcript)
- Brief resume of course instructor
Origins of permaculture (Audio, transcript)
- Story of permaculture
- Definitions of permaculture
- Agro, industrial, digital
- Triangle social structures
- Cloud communication
Principles and Ethics (Audio, transcript)
- Fundamental principles of a permaculture site
- Permaculture ethics – people care, earth care and fair share
Permaculture design methodology (Audio, transcript)
- Permaculture design process
- Permaville project design
Maps (Audio, transcript)
- Site map basics
Holmgren’s principles (Audio, transcript)
- David Holmgren’s twelve design strategies
Zones and sectors (Audio, transcript)
- Permaculture zones
- Natural order of the land
- Natural sectors
Patterns in nature (Audio, transcript)
- Pattern in nature
- Phi proportion
- Using patterns in nature
Climates and microclimates (Audio, transcript)
- Climate
- Microclimates
- Climate zones
Urban design (Audio, transcript)
- Types of living settlements
- Urban design strategies
Areas of permaculture
Earthworks (Audio, transcript, book)
- What are earthworks
- Types of levels
- Earthworks elements – Swales, Bunds, Terraces
- Methods for lining ponds
- About bentonite clay liners
Paths and access (Audio, transcript)
- Footpaths – Types and specs
- Path drainage and erosion control techniques
- Types of fencing
Natural building (Audio, transcript, book)
- Building with earth
- Making mortar mix, adobe bricks
- Natural plastering, sealants and paints
- Building with cob, earthbags, rammed earth, bamboo, strawbale
Water (Audio, transcript, book)
- Properties of water and hydrological cycle
- Water sources, storage and filtration
- Water heating and conservation strategies
- Greywater systems
Sanitation (Audio, transcript, book)
- Community recycling strategies
- Types of composting toilets
- Bio-gas basics
Soil (Audio, transcript, book)
- Soil food web
- Elements in the soil
Compost (Audio, transcript, book)
- Building a compost pile
- Compost tea
- Mulching
Microorganisms (Audio, transcript, book)
- Indigenous and effective microorganisms
- Methods to grow mushrooms
- Bio-remediation
- Worm composting bins
Nursery (Audio, transcript, book)
- Potting soil
- Nursery design
- Plant propagation
- Choosing plants
- Seed saving
Garden (Audio, transcript, book)
- Choosing garden space
- Types of gardens
- Garden techniques
Trees (Audio, transcript, book)
- Tree planting methods
- Layers of a forest
- Forest succession
- Food forest design
Aquaculture (Audio, transcript, book)
- Pond design
- Stocking your pond with fish and plants
- Aquaponics basics
- Chinampas basics
Insects and animals (Audio, transcript, book (insects), book (animals))
- Attracting beneficial insects
- Keeping pests away
- Animal care basics
Kitchen (Audio, transcript, book)
- About added value
- Sustainable kitchen elements
- Fermentation basics
The Point (Audio)
Tools and technology (Audio, transcript, book)
- Making charcoal
- Simple machines
- Renewable energy basics
Economics (Audio, transcript, book)
- Village economics
- Alternative economics
Social Permaculture (Audio, transcript)
- Education
- Healthcare
For discussion questions for each area, sign up for the course and join the discussion.