Plants in their Habitats

Overview

During this module, students will learn to identify plant species and communities in wide range of habitats. This will extend from identification of individual species, to mixtures of species, vegetation forms and habitat types. The aim will be to identify and recognize the key species that define a plant community. This will enable students to become familiar with these associations and appreciate their relationship with their habitat and environmental conditions. This broad knowledge base of plants in their habitats will then allow the simple, rapid identification of key species to be used as a diagnostic tool in new areas.

The National Vegetation Classifications (NVC) will be discussed. We will also consider how species and habitat types relate to soils, climate and land management, with a focus upon changing climate, shifting species and habitat distributions and conservation actions.

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify key plant species using various methods (keys, online etc)
2. Interpret habitat types from key plant species and communities.
3. Understand the National Vegetation Classifications.
4. Apply the knowledge learnt to an in-depth assessment of a particular plant habitat.
5. Discuss the impacts of climate change and conservation implications on plants and their habitats.

Assessments

1. 70% - Written assessment - Submit a field study style notebook describing and discussing a particular habitat/s local to you ~1500 words.
2. 30% - mini-assessments - These will consist of various small discussions, quizzes and other activities throughout the module. 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.