Plant Use in the Landscape

In this module, students will learn the necessary skills to select appropriate plants and draw accurate scale plans to create attractive, sustainable planting schemes in different contexts.

Students will also appraise and assess the management of various planting designs and will be able to identify routine management practices for the successful establishment of planting design proposals.

Classification and Taxonomy

This module introduces students to the subjects of taxonomy and classification,   focusing on the plant kingdom, but also including wider horticulturally relevant taxonomic groups. Relationships between different groups are covered,   especially with regard to evolutionary biology. 

The history and background of taxonomic classification are covered and discussed in relation to wider social and cultural criteria. Basic identification and taxon characteristics are reviewed in relation to horticulturally significant plant groups.

Applied Horticulture in Practice

This module is designed to develop the students’ practical skills and is composed of a series of practical operations linking theoretical knowledge to horticultural practices.  Students will learn to demonstrate a range of relevant horticultural activities. 

As part of this module, students will undertake a work placement during which they will develop these skills further in an industry setting. 

Soil Science and Nutrition

This module focuses on the structure, chemistry and function of soil, its role as a rooting medium and the importance for mineral nutrition in plant growth. 

We will explore how natural soils form with a particular focus on soil organic matter (SOM) – its structure, function and dynamics. Using Eden and other field sites as case studies, we will also study the role of soil scientists in land restoration, soil creation and remediation.

Introduction to Botany

This module introduces students to the subject of botany, plant morphology and the principal physiological processes and pathways that are found in plants.

The module will also look at plants' interactions with their environment and relate aspects of plant growth to horticultural practice. Plant breeding and selection will also be covered in relation to expected and desirable plant characteristics in horticultural industries.

Research Skills

The Research Skills module has been designed to provide you with the knowledge needed to understand scientific study and to help you prepare for your research project in the second year of your Foundation Degree programme. 

You will learn about the important aspects of study design, data collection, organisation, input and analysis through a combination of delivery methods.

Academic and Professional Practice

The module will introduce and draw upon contemporary academic practice to help students prepare for higher education study. These skills will be contextualised through the introduction and review of the underpinning global sustainability goals and policy that will inform decisions on how society will build a better future for all. Professional and personal development are supported through tutorials and workshops focusing on transferable skills for study and employment.

Horticulture in Practice 2

This module investigates a range of appropriate methods of plant propagation.  Aspects of the genetics of plant improvement and seed production are discussed. 

The module contains a work placement during which propagation and production techniques are developed and assessed.

Research Project

The research module has been designed to allow you to engage in an autonomous manner.  This module will allow you to select a topic for investigation, to undertake a review of the literature on the subject and to conduct a detailed original investigation. 

You, albeit in consultation with your tutor, will decide how to run the module and organise a large proportion of the timetabled time for this module.

Plant Growth and Development

This module investigates the regulation of the growth and development of plants. The regulation of growth and development by both internal and external environmental factors is discussed. 

The different mechanisms by which signalling factors are recognised and signals are translocated are contrasted and compared. Physical adaptations of plants to different environments are investigated.

Plant Ecology

Plants play a key ecological role and form the primary producers of many ecosystems. Plant adaptations, distribution and responses to environmental stresses are investigated. 

Also considered are the interactions of plants with other organisms, with emphasis on interactions with potential pathogens, pests and symbionts.  The ecological impact of climate change on plants and their interactions with other organisms is discussed.

Plant Pathology

The disease-causing groups (bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses) and major invertebrate pest groups are investigated with reference to specific pathogens that cause important diseases of horticultural crops. 

The life cycles, environment and factors affecting the interaction of the pathogens/pests with the plant are discussed. Methods of monitoring and controlling diseases and pests are evaluated. The genetics of pathogenicity and resistance are explored, and the basis of breeding for resistance is discussed.

Ethnobotany

This module investigates historical and current plant use with a focus on important plant crops and a discussion of the sacred role of plants.

The interaction of humans with plants through use is assessed in relation to human social, economic and cultural developments, both historic and current.