Develop a foundation for applying plant science in commercial situations

• Develop your knowledge of applying plant science.
  
  
• Highly experienced tutors.
  
  
• Study in your own home at your own pace.
  
  
• Learn theoretical and skill based knowledge.
  

Many industries offer significant employment or business opportunities for people who have a moderate understanding of plant science, provided this knowledge is accompanied with a real sense of how it can be applied for commercial benefit in the real world. Unfortunately scientific training is often either too theoretical (lacking relevance to commerce), or too strongly skills based (i.e. how to perform tasks without a solid understanding of the science behind the task). This course is something between those extremes.

 
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Course Duration: 900 hours.

Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.

Content: The course requires the successful completion of eight modules (four Core Modules and four Elective Modules), plus a 100 hour Research Project.

The Core Modules are Botany I, Trees For Rehabilitation, Biochemistry I, Professional Practice For Consultants.

Students are to select four modules from the Elective Modules - Plant Ecology,
Tissue Culture, Plant Breeding, Botany II, Biochemistry II, Biochemistry III.


THE CORE MODULES
Click on module title listed below to view further details on each.


BOTANY I - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND TAXONOMY BSC104
This module is primarily an introduction to plant physiology and taxonomy, with some general botany including morphology and anatomy. It satisfies the learning criteria of the Royal Horticulture Society's Module B of the Advanced Certificate in Horticulture.

The 10 lessons cover:

1.    Taxonomic Classification of Plants.
2.    Cells and Tissues.
3.    Specific Vegetative Parts of a Plant.
4.    Flowers and Fruit.
5.    Seed and the Developing Embryo.
6.    Photosynthesis and Growing Plants.
7.    Respiration.
8.    The Role of Water.
9.    Movement of Water and Assimilates through a Plant.
10.  The Effects of Growth Movements.


TREES FOR REHABILITATION (LANDCARE REAFFORESTATION) BHT205
This module develops an understanding of environmental systems and the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes with an emphasis on trees.

The lessons are:

1.    Approaches to Land Rehabilitation.
2.    Ecology of Soils and Plant Health.
3.    Introduction to Seed Propagation Techniques.
4.    Propagation and Nursery Stock.
5.    Dealing with Chemical Problems.
6.    Physical Plant Effects on Degraded Sites.
7.    Plant Establishment Programs.
8.    Hostile Environments.
9.    Plant Establishment Care.
10.  Rehabilitating Degraded Sites.


BIOCHEMISTRY I - PLANTS BSC102
Biochemistry is the chemistry of living things. This introductory module concentrates on the chemistry of plants. Some secondary school chemistry will be helpful though it is not essential.

There are 9 lessons as follows:

1.    Introduction.
2.    Lipids and Proteins.
3.    Enzymes.
4.    Nitrogen and the Nitrogen Cycle.
5.    Photosynthesis and Respiration.
6.    Assimilation and Transpiration.
7.    Acidity and Alkalinity.
8.    Chemical Analysis.
9.    Biochemical Applications.


PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR CONSULTANTS BBS301
This module is a valuable guide to setting up and operating a consulting business in any profession. It has been developed to complement studies in the various disciplines taught by this school, including Psychology, Horticulture, Agriculture, Leisure Studies, Business Management and Environmental Management.

The 8 lessons are:

1.    Determining if a Consultancy Practice is for You.
2.    Planning a Consultancy Practice 1.
3.    Planning a Consultancy Practice 2.
4.    Knowing What to Charge.
5.    Setting up your Practice.
6.    Keeping Accounts & Records.
7.    How to Generate Business & Keep It.
8.    Maintaining your Consultancy Practice.


INDUSTRY MEETINGS (100 Hrs) or RESEARCH PROJECT I
Industry Meetings can be satisfied by showing documentary proof of attendance at a combination of seminars, conferences, trade shows and/or committee meetings.

RESEARCH PROJECT I
This module develops your ability to plan and conduct research into a current issue in your chosen discipline; and to complete a descriptive report based on that research.

There are 7 lessons as follows:

1.    Determining Research Needs.
2.    Research Methods.
3.    Using Statistics.
4.    Research Reports.
5.    Searching For Information.
6.    Conducting Statistical Research.
7.    Reporting On A Research Project.


ELECTIVE MODULES
Students are to select and complete four modules from the following (please click on the module title for further information in each):

Plant Ecology BSC302
Tissue Culture BHT306
Plant Breeding BHT236
Botany II - Applied Plant Physiology BSC204
Biochemistry II BSC203
Biochemistry III (Plant Biochemical Processes) BSC302

 
HOW THE ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IS ASSESSED
The Advanced Certificate In Applied Plant Science requires approximately 900 hours of study. It is made up of eight 100 hour modules and a research project lasting 100 hours

To pass the course –

1.    Pass all assignments on the eight 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
2.    Pass eight examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.
3.    Complete a Research Project.


If you are not ready to study for the Advanced Certificate In Applied Plant Science, then each of the modules are available to study as a course in their own right.


THE ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING WITH ACS

• You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace.
  
  
• Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying.
  
  
• Study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.