View the Science of Gardening landing page for information on this unit and the Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Living for information on Sustainable Living study options.

Science of Gardening is for people who love plants and gardens, people with dirt under their fingernails; people who want to know how and why plants grow, and how to become better gardeners. Why are plants arranged into families, what features do they share? What are plants made of, and how do they grow? How do seeds know when to germinate, and how does the environment shape the way seedlings grow? What are the crucial factors determining when plants flower and set seed? We all know that soil type and nutrients affect plant health, but why? Let's look at the scientific basis of gardening.

The unit consists of 11 weekly modules, with each module delivered online as a short introductory video to raise topics for discussion in a number of short (10-15 minute) presentations.

These topics will include the questions listed above, which are essentially an introduction to: plant systematics and taxonomy, plant structure and function, and plant development; but all presented with a focus on familiar and applied aspects of gardening. Recommended reading and short online quizzes will support learning in each module.

Three additional assessment tasks will develop an understanding of: the scientific method (observation, experimental design, hypothesis testing, analysis of results); plant characteristics and classification; and soil characteristics and plant growth.

_{*Domestic students include Australian citizens or students holding Permanent Humanitarian Visas or with Permanent Resident Status. Citizens of countries outside of Australia, including New Zealand, are not eligible to study this unit.}