Botany Diploma Course

Course Level: 3


Always Free Shipping

Botany Diploma Course: This diploma course is aimed at providing a thorough introduction to the subject of Botany. It will particularly appeal to those who are interested in the world of plants but would like more scientific depth than that provided in popular media. It will particularly appeal to those wishing to study Botany or other sciences at a higher level in the future. Throughout the course reference is made to human-plant interactions so students are reminded of the relevance of botany in today's technical world.

The diploma consists of 10 units, upon completion of each unit the student is asked to complete an assignment. Following the completion of the 10 units and assignments there will be a 5000 word extended essay, which students will be required to pass in order to gain the Diploma. Recommended reading lists will be provided. The Module titles are as follows.

Module 1. Introduction to Botany
Module 2. Vegetative anatomy
Module 3. Plant Physiology part 1 Metabolism
Module 4. Plant physiology part 2.Growth and reproduction
Module 5. Genetics, evolution and classification
Module 6. Diversity part 1. Plant like organisms
Module 7. Diversity part 2. Simple green plants
Module 8. Diversity part 3. Seed plants
Module 9. Ecology and phytopathology
Module 10 Ethnobiology


Module 1. Introduction to Botany

The first module introduces botany as a subject, by discussing its scientific status and the various branches of botany. The second part of the module begins by defining the properties of life, before examining how life began on Earth. The discussion then moves on to look at the basic building blocks of life, the cell, including structure and function of cell components .

Module 2. Vegetative anatomy

This module examines the various tissues and structures found in plants. It begins with a overview of meristematic tissues. Topics include Roots: development ,r structure and specializations., Stem; structure, development and specializations. Finally leaves are discussed including structure, types, arrangement, specialization and seasonal leaf loss (abscission).

Module 3. Plant physiology part 1: Metabolism

The third module in the diploma examines how plants maintain life by obtaining nutrients. The first section deals with water and it’s the various ways in which it is moved about an organism, including the processes of osmosis, diffusion and transpiration. The second section deals with enzymes and energy transfer, including photosynthesis and respiration.

Module 4. Plant physiology Part 2: Reproduction and growth

This module examines how plants develop from the seed to the mature form. The large range of strategies used by plants to ensure reproductive success is summarised, including a discussion of flowers, fruits and seeds. The development of a plant from a seed/spore is then examined, including discussions of cell division, plant hormones, plant movements, photoperiodism, and the link between temperature and growth.

Module 5. Genetics, evolution and classification

The process by which individual plant species change is the focus of this section of the course. It examines plant genetics on a micro, individual cell level (meiosis) before going on to discuss the implications of these processes through time by examining the processes of evolution. The current system of classifying plants is discussed as an introduction the next part of the course, that of plant diversity.

Module 6. Diversity part 1. Plant like organisms

This module includes an odd collection of life forms, not quite animals, and not quite plants, although they are traditionally studies within the field of botany. A brief review of bacteria and viruses will be followed by a more in depth examination of algae, slime molds, Fungi and lichens.

Module 7. Diversity part 2 Simple green plants

The most ‘primitive’ of those organisms commonly considered plants are examined in this unit. Liverworts and mosses are plants with no vascular systems, and mosses are considered to be the most primitive vascular plants. Structure, reproduction, evolution and classification of these ‘primitive’ plants are examined, as well as their current importance to humans.

Module 8. Diversity part 3. Seed plants (Gymnosperms) and flowering plants (Angiosperms)

The non-flowering seed plants are discussed in terms of their evolutionary position within the plant kingdom, structure, life cycle and classification. The differences between gymnosperms and angiosperms will be examined as well as evolution, life cycles (including animal pollination) and classification of the flowering plants.

Module 9. Ecology and phytopathology

This final module in the diploma is in two parts, firstly plant ecology, defined as the relationships of living organisms to their organic and inorganic environment. This will include an examination of producer, consumer and decomposer relationships as well as discussion of the flow of energy and chemicals within the biosphere. The last topic in the course is a brief overview of phytopathology, (plant diseases), including its two main divisions, infectious organisms and physiological disorders.

Module 10. Ethnobotany

Ethnobotany studies the complex relationships between (uses of) plants and cultures. The focus of this module is how plants have been or are used, managed and perceived in human societies and includes plants used for food, medicine, divination, cosmetics, dyeing, textiles, for building, tools, currency, clothing, rituals social life and scientific study.

We recommend that students considering enrolment are educated to a minimum GCSE standard and at least 16 years of age.

OLQA Botany Diploma

Botany Course

This course is Quality Assured by OLQA in partnership with Oxford College. The course can be enrolled upon by students Internationally. There are no deadlines for enrolments.

See our
qualifications page for further details.

Prospects for experienced botanists can be extremely good with some fantastic salaries on offer.

Although Salaries and prospects vary greatly dependant on experience and location we have sourced an example of a typical vacancy below:

Senior Botanist
Area:
London
Salary: £28,000 - £37,000 P.A
Source: Redgoldfish.co.uk August 2010


All students have one year to complete this course from date of registration. Students are welcome to complete this course as quickly as they want to.

On average this course is completed in 200 hours (9/10 months).  Extensions can be arranged if students do not complete within the year and charges will apply. We would ask you to contact our office on 0800 0131030 for latest extension fees if required.

We recommend that students complete 4-6 hours per week as a minimum to get the most from this course. Remember to work out a study plan / timetable before you start and try and stick to it.


Hrs per weekEstimated Completion
5 Hours10 months
6 Hours9 months
8 Hours7 Months
10 Hours5 Months
15 Hours4 Months
20 hours3 Months
This course is completed online within the college webiste in PDF Format. Access details and password are emailed direct to students within 5 Working days of enrolment. Students are required to have one of the following packages on their PC to access the course online:  

  • Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
  • Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
All students on this course will be registered to a personal tutor who is contactable via telephone, email or post. We also have a team of dedicated advisors to help and advise with any course related queries. The tutors role is to help and support students for the entire duration of their studies. Please remember our tutors are here to help. Never be embarrassed to ask for help.

In addition to the traditional method of tutor support students on this course will be given access to a student common room which allows you to chat and gain invaulable advice from fellow students.

This course consists of ten modules overall containing a variety of self assessment exercises to confirm your understanding of the content. Upon completion of the ten modules students are required to complete an online multiple choice examination.

Q: When can I enrol?

The beauty of distance learning means that students can enrol at anytime they wish 365 days of the year. Enrolments and payment can be made online or by calling our office on 0800 0131030.

Q: How soon after enrolment can I start studying?

Students would normally receive course access and password within five working days of enrolment. Paper materials can take up to seven days for delivery.

Q: Is this course accredited?

No! This course is not accredited! See our qualifications page for full details.

Q: Is there any funding available towards the course fees?

UK Open College is a privately run college therefore we do not have access to funding

Q: Do you offer any discounts for the unemployed or low income households?

Unfortunately discounts are not available

Q: Can I pay monthly for my course?

Yes! We do offer payment plans for this course to students resident in the UK only.  See fees page for further details.

Q: How do I know whether this is the right course for me?

In truth we cannot be sure if this course or indeed home learning will meet every students needs. To help we have a money back guarantee scheme in place which allows students to receive and try the course materials for seven days to establish whether this course is the ideal course for them. If it's not simply notify us via email or telephone within the seven day period for a full refund. Please be aware this is a strict seven day scheme and no refunds are processed once this period has expired.

Q: Is this course available to International students?

Yes ! We currently have students all over the world studying with the college. Additional charges for delivery of paper course materials will apply if required.

Q: Are there any deadlines for course assignments?

No! You can submit course assignments at your own pace. The only deadline is for completion of the whole course which requires students to finish within one year of registration.

Q: What if I have questions relating to my course or have problems understanding some of the questions?

No problem! All students have access to a personal tutor for the duration of their course with whom they may correspond with. You are not on your own when you study with us! We really do want you to pass your course!

Q: Will I have to purchase any additional books or materials?

It will state clearly in the course detail if additional books are required. These are not included in the course fees. Students are required to purchase these independantly. They are not provided by the college.

If you require any further information on this course then please call our administration team on 0800 0131030 or 01827 283735 and we will be happy to help you as much as we can.

Course summary

ExamsOnline Multiple Choice
Pre RequisitesGCSE Standard / 16 yrs+
Duration200 Hours- Max One Year
ModulesTen
SupportEmail, Telephone or Post
FormatOnline
AccreditationOLQA

Course Fee: £419.00


Add to Basket: