Course CodeBSC305Fee CodeS3Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Understand the nature and principles of plant ecology, and apply that understanding to landscape design, and the cultivation of plants. Take it as a stand alone course to expand and deepen your perspective on how the world around you works. Take it as a module within a certificate or diploma in horticulture, environmental management or science Take is to complement studies in Garden Design, Permaculture or Plant Management When you better understand the interrelationships that can develop between plants, you have a foundation for using and managing them, far more effectively. Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Environmental Organisations, Assessment and Funding Plant conservation Conservation of individual species Conservation organisations Conservation funding 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. HOW THIS COURSE CAN HELP? You may choose to study this to fill in a 'gap' in your education; to complement something you already work at, or to improve your prospects in business or career, in the future. Maybe you would like to work in the environment, add to your horticultural and nature park studies, work in research or just improve your knowledge. An ecology unit is well favoured these days as an essential component of many qualifications including urban design, landscape design and architecture, amenity horticulture, nature park management and so on.