Biology and Response of Plants in a Changing Environment

Learn more about this course:

What will I learn?

On this course you will learn about the complex area of plant biology exploring plant evolution, development, structure, and function, together with adaptations of plants to allow their survival in extreme and changing environments around the world.

You will gain awareness of why this understanding is essential in considering the services plants provide and will explore how we can support their continuation in provision of these services under changing environments. You will gain skills in experimental design together with evaluation and communication of plant biological responses to changing environment.

In essence, this course on plant biological responses in a changing environment will equip you with the knowledge to begin to tackle real-world problems related to plant production, sustainability, and environmental protection.

How will I learn?

The course will be delivered primarily through problem-based learning, with case-study analysis and simulation-based activities that are of contemporary relevance, providing you with an opportunity to apply your learning to your own and other real-world contexts.

As part of this, your learning will be supported by provision of several pre-recorded short videos and interactive learning activities such as quizzes, together with being provided with guidance on optional small experiments that can be conducted at home.

Additionally, you will be supported to develop your analytical and creative skills, developing viable, inclusive and equitable solutions to real world problems; you will also be supported to develop their communication and interactivity skills and will be asked to reflect on and track your progress across topics using a personal reflection grid.

The course will be delivered online via our virtual learning environment Moodle and will introduce you to Padlet to develop a portfolio of work for assessment but can then be used to showcase your work to current or potential employers.

How will I be assessed?

You will be required to create a portfolio of work to complete this course:

Create a portfolio using online portfolio software such as Padlet to include a short literature review on a topical research area in plant biology, a project proposal exploring impacts of environmental change on plant growth and development, and a 10-minute Vlog investigating how plants can mitigate climate change.

By the end of the course what will I be able to do?

• Design an experiment investigating the impacts of an aspect of environmental change on plant growth and development; 
  
  
• Review a range of plant eco-physiological adaptations to their environment and stressors; and 
• Critique the relative contributions of plants to mitigation of climate change. 

How long does the course last for and how much time will I need to spend on it each week?

Course duration:

• The course is self-paced, allowing you to progress at your own speed. 
• You have 52 weeks from the time of enrolment to complete the course. 

Typical completion time: The course is generally designed to be completed in 12 weeks. 

Weekly time commitment: To complete a course in 12 weeks, expect to spend 3 hours per week on directed online learning activities and at least one day per week dedicated to independent learning and assessment work. 

Why is SRUC a good place to study this micro-credential?

• Expertise: The course has been designed and delivered by experienced practitioners in plant biology in  relation to horticulture, agriculture, forestry and conservation.
  
  
• Theory and Practical Application: Our courses offer engaging and experiential online learning incorporating skills and knowledge that you can use in your personal or professional growth.
  
  
• Global context: Courses are designed to support learners in their individual endeavours to contribute to pressing global issues such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity conservation.

Who will be teaching me?

Dr Jennifer Carfrae

Jennifer has been a lecturer at SRUC for 17 years and is currently the Programme Director for the MSc in Soils and Sustainability.  Lecturing in environmental management with a particular research interest in soil and phytoremediation.  Prior to working with SRUC Jennifer worked with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology undertaking field research in plant ecophysiology following on from her PhD with this organisation in the same area.

Jennifer is committed to supporting learners to gain as much knowledge as possible through real world, authentic learning, so that they can be successful in their careers. She has supported numerous learners at degree, MSc and PhD in their research projects, and is passionate about delivering engaging and industry relevant experiences for learners whether they are studying remotely or on campus.