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PLANT ECOLOGY BSC305

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
Statement of Attainment

A HOME STUDY COURSE IN PLANT ECOLOGY

  • Learn about the nature and principles of plant ecology.
  • Use learned practices in plant cultivation.
  • Learn about ecology, soil, climate, plant adaptations, plant communities and more.
  • Open and flexible access to plant ecology study.  

Plant Ecology: 

  • Study plant ecology and plant communities.
  • Feel supported whilst you learn.
  • Work in plant science, environment agencies, agriculture and nature.

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COURSE STRUCTURE

This course consists of 8 lessons: 

1.  Introductory Ecology

  • Definitions for ecology, ecosystems
  • Constituents of an ecosystem
  • Ecological concepts
  • Interrelationships between climate, soil and living things (consumers, decomposers)
  • The food web
  • Habitat and niche
  • Biomes
  • Terminology

2.  Plant Communities

  • Open and closed plant communities
  • Habitat types
  • Location and characteristics of biomes
  • Semi natural vegetation
  • Competition
  • Succession of plant communities
  • Community stability and equilibrium
  • Environmental stress
  • Edge effects
  • Terminology

3.  Plants and their Environment

  • Development, structure and function
  • Plant modifications: functional adaptions
  • Environmental factors: light, temperature, fires, wind
  • Monitoring abiotic factors
  • Introduction to Environmental assessment
  • Pre purchase inspection of a site
  • Background data
  • Flora and fauna surveys
  • Open space management plans
  • Compliance with licencing conditions
  • Detection of pollutants
  • Use of plants
  • Remediation of a polluted site

4.  Plants, Soils and Climate

  • Natural conditions and plants distribution
  • Climate classification
  • Examples: climate in the UK, climate in Australia
  • Meteorological data
  • Plant distribution
  • Geographic location
  • Rainfall
  • Evaporation
  • Effective rainfall
  • Circulation features
  • The walker circulation
  • Southern oscillation
  • El nino
  • La Nina
  • GAIA theory
  • Carbon dioxide cycle
  • Wind descriptions
  • Soil problems
  • Erosion
  • Salinity
  • Soil structure decline and soil compaction
  • Soil acidification
  • Build up of dangerous chemicals

5.  Plant Adaptations to Extreme Environments

  • Ecological groups of plants: hydrophyte, xerophyte, mesophyte, halophyte
  • Xeromorphy
  • Common environmental problems when growing plants: foliage burn, pollution, lack of water, frost, shade, humidity, temperature, wind, etc
  • Desert landscapes
  • Xeriscapes
  • Coastal gardens
  • Water plant environments
  • Greenhouse plants

6.  Manipulating Plant Environments

  • Controlling environmental conditions
  • Tolerance levels for different plants
  • Matching plants with their environment
  • Managing light
  • Managing water
  • Protective structures
  • Windbreaks
  • Tree guards

7.  Environmental Conservation

  • Water pollution
  • Soil pollution
  • Atmospheric pollution
  • Effects of horticulture
  • Pesticides
  • Fertilisers
  • Deforestation problems
  • Loss of agricultural land
  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Environmental weeds
  • The greenhouse effect
  • Other environmental problems affecting plant communities
  • Greenhouse gases
  • Ozone depletion
  • Introduction to recycling

8.  Environmental Organisations, Assessment and Funding

  • Plant conservation
  • Conservation of individual species
  • Conservation organisations
  • Conservation funding

LEARNING AIMS

  • Define the term ecosystem.
  • Explain the importance of plants as energy producers within ecosystems.
  • Explain basic ecological principles.
  • Define the terms open and closed plant communities, semi-natural vegetation, dominant species, climax association.
  • Describe the effects of plant association and competition on the succession of plants.
  • Describe how plant communities respond to environmental stresses.
  • Explain how the development, structure and function of an organism depends on the interaction of that organism with its environment.
  • Describe the effects of a range of abiotic environmental factors on plant growth and development.
  • Explain the importance of monitoring abiotic environmental factors.
  • Describe plant modifications to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
  • Describe the weather and climate in a particular region. 
  • Relate plant distribution, growth and natural selection to soil, geography, weather and climate.
  • State how soil, geography, weather and climate affect the horticulturist’s selection of plants for any specific growing location.
  • Evaluate the use of meteorological records in relation to plant growth and development.
  • Define the terms xerophyte, hydrophyte and halophyte.
  • Describe the structure and function of xerophytes, hydrophytes and halophytes.
  • Describe how xerophytes, hydrophytes and halophytes can be utilised in garden or landscape situations.
  • Describe the significance of xeromorphy in temperate zone plants and its importance in the garden or landscape situation.
  • Evaluate the methods by which environmental conditions can be manipulated to improve the growth and development of plants.
  • State the factors affecting the choice of plants for garden or landscape sites with extreme conditions.
  • Assess the value of using protective structures to grow plants.
  • Describe the sources and nature of pollutants and possible effects on plants.
  • Describe how the environment may be affected by a range of horticultural practices.
  • Explain how planning, environmental assessment and impact analysis may contribute to the conservation process.
  • State the major sources of grant aide available to support environmental conservation on horticultural sites.
  • Review the role of national and international organisations in the conservation of plants and gardens.

Duration:   100 hours

WHAT SETS ACS APART?

At ACS we provide you with more than just a set of course notes.

Your 'learning package' includes:

  • Course notes.
  • Self-assessment quizzes.
  • Assignment feedback.
  • You can interact one on one with a professional tutor with decades of experience - just email, phone or log on to chat to connect with them.
  • Depending upon your course, your studies may involve independent research, interviews, practical exercises, assessments, Problem Based Learning projects, and more.

 

 

WHAT NEXT?

Register to Study - Go to “It’s Easy to Enrol” box at the top of the page and you can enrol now.

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Get Advice –  Email us at info@acsedu.co.uk  OR

Use our FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE to contact a tutor

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Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Marie Beerman B.Sc.,M.Hort.Marie has been involved in horticulture since 2003. She completed a Masters degree in Horticulture at Hannover University in Germany in 2007, and has worked with ACS since 2011 She has co-authored of several ebooks including one on Roses and has a very sound knowledge and experience with horticultural science and research ranging from plant taxonomy and plant breeding to pest, disease and soil management.,
Rosemary Davies (Horticulturist)A graduate of Burnley Horticultural College; Rosemary has over 30 years of experience in horticulture. Her training was extensive covering both amenity and production horticulture; developing pactical skills and a deep understanding of the sciences that underpin horticulture. She worked with the Agriculture Dept in Victoria as a consultant or advisor to both farmers and home gardeners. Over the years, her experience has been as broad as her training, working on radio with ABC radio, a garden editor (with several major publications) and as a teacher, writer, garden designer and consultant. Rosemary has led several garden tours to the UK and Europe. In 1999 Rosemary was BPW Bendigo Business Woman of the Year and is one of the founders and the Patron, of the Friends of the Bendigo Botanic gardens. She has written six gardening books and collaborated on many others. Rosemary brings a unique personality, knowledge base and passion to the school; an an infectious love of horticulture in support of our students. She holds a B.Sc Hort,, Dip.Hort.Sc., Dip. Advertising & Marketing and B.Ed.
John Mason (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Nurseryman, Landscaper, Garden Writer, Parks Manager and Consultant. Over 45 years experience; working in Australia and the UK. He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world; author of more than 100 books and editor for 4 different gardening magazines. John has been recognised by his peers being made a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture in the UK, as well as by the Australian Institute of Horticulture.
Dr. Lynette MorganBroad expertise in horticulture and crop production. She travels widely as a partner in Suntec Horticultural Consultants, and has clients in central America, the USA, Caribbean, South East Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.


Check out our eBooks

Growing & Knowing GrassesThe Growing & Knowing Grasses ebook will provide you with everything that you need to know about grass. Get to all about the botany of grasses, how to identify them, how to cultivate grasses, the different uses for grasses and also includes a detailed illustrated encyclopedia of grasses and grass-like plants.
Growing Palms and Palm Like PlantsPalms and palm-like plants are mostly grown as structural plants. They add stunning shapes into a garden that are different to other plants and for that reason alone, stand out and capture our attention, making a garden more interesting. Palms can be more than just architectural forms though; providing shade, colour and texture to a garden. If you choose an appropriate species, they are great indoor plants.
Landscaping & Gardening in the ShadeLandscaping and Gardening in the Shade will involve many considerations including buildings, plants and care of plants.
Water GardeningThis book is designed to inspire and educate presenting you with a wide range of possibilities and at the same time, raising your awareness and understanding of how water can be used in any size garden to add interest, coolness and life.