Would you like to learn how a landscape can influence the physical and mental health of people? Biophilia means ‘love of nature’, and biophilic design is a philosophy of combining natural elements and systems into a landscape to increase a sense of wellbeing.
Introduction to Biophilic Landscaping is an online course that will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to incorporate biophilic philosophy into your landscape design.
In this professional development course, you will learn how to evaluate how a landscape impacts on the physical and mental wellbeing of people who exist in a landscape. You will also determine how a landscape can be made more people-friendly.
You learn about the relationship between outdoor environments and human wellbeing. You will also discover essential landscaping techniques and methodologies that can be used to benefit human wellbeing and encourage the use of public spaces.
On completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation in understanding how biophilic design incorporates a connection with nature to promote positive health benefits.
Course Structure
Unit - Biophilic Landscaping
Unit 1 – Relationship Between Outdoor Environments and Human Wellbeing
- What is biophilia?
- Understanding biophobia
- Health problems of biophobic design
- Urban heat island effect
- Psychological and physiological stress
- Breakdown of ecosystems
- Environmental degradation
- Health benefits of biophilic design
- Theories of stress recovery
- The value of green space
- Terminology explained
Unit 2 – Design Considerations
- Learning from past mistakes
- Failure to involve the local community
- Isolation from nature
- Good biophilic design
- Connection with nature
- Sense of place
- Long term sustainability
- Beneficial user experience
- Practical considerations
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Town planning
- Consideration of outcomes
- Looking at the future
Unit 3 – Patterns and Principles in Urban Design
- Design principles
- Design patterns
- Terrapin bright green criteria
- Nature in the space patterns
- Natural analogue patterns
- Nature of the space patterns
- Relationship to health
- Strongest empirical support
- Application of patterns
Unit 4 – Components of the Landscape
- Biophilic components
- Hard landscape components
- Stone and brick surfaces
- Timber surfaces
- Soft landscape components
- The relationship between health and design components
- Direct experience of nature
- Air, water, plants animals and weather
- Natural landscapes and ecosystems
- Indirect experience of nature
- Experience of space and place
- Prospect and refuge
- Some natural components in more detail
- Vegetation and animals
- Water quality issues
Unit 5 – Providing Services to People
- Five principles of healthy places
- Improve air, water and soil quality,
- Overcome health inequalities and can promote healthy lifestyles.
- Increasing social interaction and reducing anti-social behaviour, isolation and stress.
- Opportunities for working, learning and development.
- Uplifting and healing for both physical and mental health conditions.
- Water harvesting, retention and reuse
- Stormwater, rainwater and urban runoff
- Integrated urban water management (IUWM)
Unit 6 – Affecting the Individual
- Biophilia in different environments
- Environmental stress
- General adaptation syndrome
- Physiological effects of stress
- Biophilia in the workplace
- Noise levels and temperature
- Conclusions for biophilic design
Unit 7 – Affecting Environmental and Climate Conditions
- Water contaminants and water chemical problems
- Microbiological problems
- Water quality for aquaria and ponds
- Legionnaires disease in soil and potting media
- Using plants to extract contamination
- Growing plants on contaminated soil
- Biological filters for water pollution and waste water
- Roof and wall gardens to improve air quality and aesthetics
- Accessibility and safety
- Roof gardens and vertical gardens
- Decorative plant supports
- Types of installations for roof gardens
- Wall gardens
- Design considerations and plant selection
- Building and components of a green roof
- Construction materials
- Dealing with heights
- Plants which cause damage
- Plants suited to roof and vertical gardens
- Bromeliads, succulents
- Hardy groundcovers
- Xerophytes
Unit 8 – Assessing and Analysing Existing Landscapes
- Assessing the landscape
- Measuring pollutants
- Creating buffer zones for pollution
- Using windbreaks, hedges and screens
- Creating and landscaping shaded areas
- Designing a home garden using biophilic design principles
- Considering priorities
- Create a natural approach to gardening
- Avoiding problem materials
- Disposing of waste
- How to make good compost
- Simple design procedure
Unit 9 – Integrating Biophilic Design into Existing Landscape
- Retrofitting green walls and roofs
- Using hydroponics for a vertical wall NFT system
- Redevelopment of public institutions
- Adding biophilic elements
- Water chemistry of runoff
- Quality of urban runoff
- Annual pollutant loadings from runoff
- Water quality in urban compared with non-urban (rural) areas
- Improving water quality of runoff and recycled water in the biophilic context
- Reducing the use of pest control chemicals in gardens
- Biocontrol
- Summary of chemical weedicides
Unit 10 – Working In/ Improving Urban Development
- Challenges for design
- Permaculture
- Hydroponics
- Using swales for water retention
- Working in urban development
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Excellent as well as thorough!
S. Kayellou, Lakemba, NSW | Certificate of Biophilic Landscaping
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Enrol Now (Credit Card) or Enrol Now (Internet Banking/BPAY)
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Landscape Designer
- Horticultural Therapist
- Parks Manager
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