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.