Science Courses

This course concentrates on the chemistry of the plants.  Lessons cover: Biochemical substances and terms, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, metabolism, the nitrogen cycle, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, acidity and alkalinity, nutrition, hormones, chemical analysis and biochemical applications in industry.

Student Comment: 'Having not finished high school myself and never studied biochemistry my confidence is a little low but the encouragement I am receiving from Honor [tutor] is a tremendous help and making it easier for me as I go. [The course] is helping me realize what I am actually capable of and that I am smarter than I thought. Thank you for making it possible for me to study my passion while still being able to work.' Melissa Smith, Australia, Biochemistry 1 (Diploma in Horticulture).

Some secondary school chemistry will be helpful though it is not essential.

Learn about the many of the important building blocks of life including: Amino acids, proteins, sugars, polysaccharides, lipids, enzymes, vitamins, homones, RNA and DNA. This course focuses on biochemical molecules. Students would normally have completed Plant or Animal Biochemistry I, before attempting this module.

Expand your understanding of plant biochemical process.

Plant biochemistry unpins our understanding of horticultural processes including the use of plant hormones, growing conditions and propagation.  This course will help you understand this important principles.

Learn about a range of common biochemical processes in plants including: glycolysis, movement through membranes, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation, sugar and polysaccharide metabolism, lipid metabolism, photosynthesis, nucleotide metabolism, enzyme activity and reproductive processes in plants.

An introduction to plant physiology and taxonomy, including general botany; morphology and anatomy. 

It satisfies the Royal Horticulture Society’s Module B of the Advanced Certificate in Horticulture.

Learn the principles and practices of plant physiology for a deeper insight into how plants function,  their growth, factors that promote development and which hinder growth. This course is for people that work or wish to work with plants or as a scientis (eg. for nursery personnel, technicians and researchers and science students wishing to further their knowledge in plant physiology).

Pitcher Plant -How Does it Grow?

An understanding of cell biology is important in many areas of study, for the cell is the building block of all living forms. Learn about: chemical composition and processes in cells, genetics, membranes, the nucleus, protein structure and function, bioenergetics, cell signaling or communication; the cell cycle or lifespan and how cells combine to form different types ofr tissues.

Solve Problems in the garden or on the farm. Learn easier ways to do the job with the proper machinery and equipment.

This course complements Engineering I, developing skills to apply appropriate and innovative engineering solutions, to improve efficiency and productivity in agriculture and horticulture. It covers: surveying, earthworks, water management, environmental control (eg. heating, cooling, ventilation, etc.), fencing, chemical applications, mechanising manual tasks, improving engineering efficiency/operations and developing engineering solutions to different workplace tasks/problems.

An introductory subject which aims to develop an ability to manage the selection, operation and maintenance of tools and machinery, with particular reference to agriculture and horticulture. Learn the use and operation of tools, equipment and machines.

Understand the nature and principles of plant ecology and apply that understanding to the cultivation of plants.

• Take it as a stand alone course to expand and deepen your perspective on how the world around you works.
• Take it as a module within a certificate or diploma in horticulture, environmental managem,ent or science
• Take it as a component of the RHS Diploma in Horticulture (This module is accredited as part of that diploma in the UK).

This course assumes a basic knowledge of Statistics, at least to the level covered by our Research Project I course. A 100 hour course such as this will not make you into a statistician, but it will provide the most essential knowledge and skills required by consultants and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines taught by ACS.