Online
Introduction
In this unit, we are going to explore the science underlying what you do in your garden, why your plants respond to your gardening, and how plants grow and reproduce. What we hope that you will gain, is a much clearer understanding of the fundamentals:
- how to identify plants - what the critical features are that enable you to recognise some of the more common plant families
- how plants grow - the relationship between the internal structure of plants and their use of water and light to grow
- what plants need from the soil – what are the properties of soil and its inhabitants that contribute to healthy growth of plants?
- how plants know when to grow – what are the signals that tell the plants when to germinate, when to flower, when to burst leaf buds and when to shed their leaves?
- how plants know ‘how’ to grow – what are the underlying controls that shape plants? How do plants respond to pruning, to espaliering, to cutting back and deadheading? and lastly
- how do we multiply plants – how does vegetative propagation work? How does grafting work? What are the differences between heirloom varieties and F1 seed? Why do some apple varieties need cross-pollination but others don’t, and why don’t fruit trees breed true from seed? And perhaps even more importantly, we hope that you will gain an appreciation of the role of science in testing gardening lore, to dispel myths, and to learn more about the plants that make our lives possible and more enjoyable.
Science of Gardening is a level 0 unit offered as an elective in the Diploma of Sustainable Living. This unit is for anyone seeking to cultivate not only plants but also a greener future, by integrating sustainable practices into their gardening.
Summary
| Unit name | Science of Gardening |
| Unit code | KPZ001 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Biological Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Bea Contreras Planesas |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Foundation or Enabling |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Online | Spring school (extended) |
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| Online | Winter school (late) |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring school (extended) | 2/11/2025 | 25/11/2025 | 29/12/2025 | 21/2/2026 |
| Winter school (late) | 22/6/2025 | 10/7/2025 | 3/8/2025 | 13/9/2025 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the scientific method to investigate gardening problems involving soil and plant health.
- Discuss how plant growth and development responds to environmental conditions
- Identify unknown plants through key characteristics
- Test, classify and adjust soil characteristics
- Identify the roles of different methods of plant propagation
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 050101 | $578.00 | $578.00 | not applicable | $4,354.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | The unit is delivered online during 12 weeks. There is a release of content (Module) every fortnight. |
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| Assessment | Assignment - Nutrient Deficiency Determination (15%)|Assignment - Soil Texture and Soil pH Analysis (20%)|Quizzes (x6) (30%)|Assignment - Experimental Design (35%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.