Develop a deeper understanding of plant ecology and apply that knowledge to horticulture and the cultivation of plants. You’ll discover a new view of the plant world, whether you’re a landscaper, farmer or environmental manager!
Certificate of Plant Ecology is an online professional development program that will provide you with an in-depth understanding of plant life and its relationship to other plants, animals and the physical world.
Throughout this plant ecology course, you will learn about ecosystems, ecological principles, how plants respond to environmental stressors, the importance of abiotic environmental factors, soil, geography, weather and climate in horticulture.
You will also learn to evaluate meteorological records in relation to plant growth and development, understand how xerophytes, hydrophytes and halophytes can be used in gardening and landscaping situations and how planning, environmental assessment and impact analysis contribute to conservation.
On completion of this course, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the important principles in plant ecology.
Course Structure
Unit - Plant Ecology
Unit 1 – Introductory Ecology
- The ecosystem
- Constituents of the ecosystem
- Ecological concepts
- Energy flow through an ecosystem
- The web of life
- The food web
- Habitat and niche
- Biomes
- Terminology
Unit 2 – Plant Communities
- Classification of plant communities
- Open and closed plant communities
- Habitat types
- Tropical rainforest biome example
- Location and characteristics of biomes
- Community structure
- Structure of layers
- Semi-natural vegetation
- Dominant species
- Competition
- Succession of plant communities
- Community stability and equilibrium
- Environmental stress
- Edge effects
- What can happen at “edges”
- Terminology
Unit 3 – Plants and Their Environment
- Development, structure and function
- Plant modifications
- Functional adaptations
- Environmental factors (climate, light, temperature, fires and wind)
- Monitoring of abiotic factors
- Introduction to environmental assessment
- Pre purchase inspection of a site
- Background data
- Flora and fauna surveys
- Open space management plans
- Compliance with specific license conditions
- Detection of pollutants
- Use of plants
- Remediation of a polluted site
Unit 4 – Plants, Soils and Climate
- Natural conditions and plants distribution
- Climate classification
- Climate of the Australia and British Isles
- Meteorological data
- Plant distribution
- Geographic location
- Rainfall
- Evaporation
- Effective rainfall
- Circulation features of the Pacific Ocean
- The walker circulation
- The southern oscillation (soi)
- El Niňo
- Global effects of El Niño
- El Niño climate clues
- La Niňa
- Gaia theory
- The carbon dioxide cycle
- Wind descriptions
- Soil fertility/nutrient availability
- Major types of soil problems
- Water and wind erosion
- Salinity (control methods)
- Soil structural decline
- Soil acidification and chemical residues
Unit 5 – Plant Adaptations to Extreme Environments
- Ecological groups of plants
- Hydrophyte and xerophyte
- Mesophyte and halophyte
- Horticultural application of ecological groups of plants
- The significance of xeromorphy
- Gardening in different environmental conditions
- Foliage burn (treatment)
- Pollution
- Lack of water
- Drainage problems
- Frost
- Cold weather checklist
- Hail and shade
- Protecting plants with shade cloth
- Humidity and temperature
- Managing temperature in a domestic garden
- Wind / windbreaks
- Mulching in winter
- Dry gardens
- Desert landscape
- Xeriscapes
- Coastal sites and growing plants
- Water plants
- What to plant in damp spots
- Creating a bog garden
- Selecting a greenhouse
- Managing temperature
- Avoiding problems in the greenhouse
Unit 6 – Manipulating Plant Environments
- Controlling environmental conditions
- Plants have varying tolerance levels
- Too much attention is not always a good thing
- Selecting the right plants
- Ways of providing protection to plants
- Managing light
- Managing water
- Protective structures
- Greenhouses and shade-houses
- Cold frames and cloches
- Choosing windbreak plants
- Quick windbreaks
- Staking/support
- Tree guards
Unit 7 – Environmental Conservation
- Water and soil pollution
- Effects of horticulture
- Pesticides and fertilisers
- Environmental problems
- Deforestation
- Loss of agricultural land
- The loss of biological diversity
- Endangered water supplies
- The exhaustion of non-renewable resources
- Environmental weeds
- The greenhouse effect
- Ozone depletion
- Greenhouse gases
- The actual and potential effects
- Introduction to recycling
- Dumps and recycling
- Recycling plastics and metals
- Recycling glass, paper and rubber
- What can individuals do to reduce waste?
- Reducing waste in the home
- Reusing waste and recycling waste
Unit 8 – Environmental Organisations, Assessment and Funding
- Plant conservation
- Conservation of individual species
- Ecosystems and communities conservation
- Conservation organisations
- Plant conservation funding
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. 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
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
Professional Development for:-
- Landscapers
- Permaculturists
- Farmers
- Environmental Managers
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