Who can apply for Science of Gardening?
The Science of Gardening unit is available to Australian citizens; and for NZ citizens, Permanent Residents and Humanitarian Visa Holders provided all studies are on-shore in Australia. You will need to have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection.
What are the dates for this unit?
The next session of the unit is in 12 Week Session December which runs from 2 December 2019 to 1 March 2020.
When do applications close for the next offering of this unit?
Applications are open now. Applications for the next offering of the Science of Gardening close on the 15th of November 2019.
Are there any pre-requisites for the unit?
There are no subject pre-requisites, although you must meet the General Entry Requirements of the University as you are enrolling in the Diploma of Sustainable Living in order to study this unit. If you require any further information, please see the Admission Requirements.
What will I be required to do when studying in this unit?
You should expect to spend approximately 4-5 hours/week undertaking study in this unit.
On successful completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to describe features of plants, pronounce scientific names with confidence, and identify important plant families.
- Understand the relationship between the internal structure of plants and their use of water and light to grow.
- Understand soil properties (pH, texture, structure) and soil chemistry that contribute to healthy growth of plants.
- Understand the controls of plant development: the signals for seed germination, flowering, and even senescence.
- Be able to manipulate plant growth to produce more flowers and fruit in your garden.
- Understand how vegetative propagation is possible and desirable in many garden plants.
- Understand that sexual reproduction can lead to diversity, and why an understanding of self-incompatibility and ploidy levels is essential in many cultivated plants.
- View gardening through a scientific lens.
I don't own a computer; can I still apply for the unit?
You will need to have access to a computer to complete this unit. If you don't have your own computer, perhaps someone in your family or a friend has one, or you could use a computer at your local library, on campus in student areas, or at the university library.
You also require a reliable internet connection. You should expect to download about 1-2 GB of data each month while studying the unit online.
Do I need to be available online at specific times?
Generally, you can complete the unit work in your own time. Please note that content is usually released on a weekly or fortnightly basis. The unit coordinators may choose to present some content in the form of a live web conference. You will be made aware of this via news items during the semester.
Are there exams or assignments?
There will be ongoing assessments throughout the semester. Assessments could include such items as online quizzes composed of multiple-choice and short answer questions (some of which may be time-limited), online discussion forums and/or presenting your gardening analysis. There are no exams for this unit.
Is there any face-to-face teaching?
No. The Science of Gardening unit is fully online.
Who would benefit from studying Science of Gardening?
Anyone who wants a healthy and productive garden, and is interested in sustainable living. The fundamental science knowledge in this unit will either expand what you already know about gardening, to take your patch of dirt to the next level, or give you a great foundation to build upon as you embark on your gardening journey.
What is the Diploma of Sustainable Living?
The Diploma of Sustainable Living brings together a wide range of topics from across the University, all structured around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Diploma aims to provide students with a range of exciting options to link their lived experiences as individuals, consumers, and citizens with sustainability oriented learning.
it is a flexible, interdisciplinary course that allows students to design their own pathway by choosing a combination of units within four specialisations based upon personal preference, experiences, and passions. Graduates of the Diploma of Sustainable Living will be able to practically apply their knowledge to their homes and in the community, or use it as a foundation for exciting initiatives a core in sustainability.
The Diploma is a potential pathway to further study at Bachelor’s level in a range of science, humanities and health related disciplines. The Science of Gardening is a unit that can be studied in the diploma.
How do I find out more about Science of Gardening units on offer?
Please contact us by email ASC.Contact@utas.edu.au or phone +61 3 6226 6365.
Why is the University offering these units with concession tuition fees?
From time to time the University of Tasmania offers some units with concession tuition fees. These are generally online units which help increase community awareness and skills in areas such as healthy living and social engagement.
For many potential students, the cost of university study is a significant barrier; and those who haven't studied for some time appreciate the opportunity to develop confidence in their ability to succeed at university without the pressure of tuition fees. In addition, we believe that the development of skills in these units is critical to community advancement and social cohesion – and these concessions are part of meeting our university's broad community obligation.
What do I need to do to enrol?
Students must apply for the Diploma of Sustainable Living to enrol in the Science of Gardening unit.
Scroll down to the 'Applying' section for instructions on the full process.
Is it a requirement that I complete a full course at the University of Tasmania?
We hope that you will be encouraged by the quality and flexibility of Science of Gardening, and the academic support available, to continue with further study and complete the Diploma of Sustainable Living. We are aware of the need to manage work-life balance, and we offer flexible learning plans that can help tailor a program to suit individual circumstances. We work closely with our students to support their progression through these learning opportunities.
The Diploma of Sustainable Living has been designed to be completed step by step as you build your enthusiasm for sustainability oriented learning. We realise that students' circumstances change due to financial and family commitments and there is no formal obligation to complete a course if your circumstances make that difficult. We are here to help you come up with a study plan based on your personal circumstances.
It is possible to have a break from study and return at a later date and to change course, if your interests change.
