Urban Green Space Management (Horticulture) FdSc Course outline Module Outline Year 1 Module 1: Plant Development and Knowledge (20 credits) Develop applied knowledge and skills based on the principles of plant and soil science, plant knowledge and identification. It includes the taxonomy, nomenclature, anatomy, morphology, physiology, reproduction and lifecycles of horticulturally significant plants. Student will study the formation and development of the principal soil types in the UK including their physical, chemical and biological properties and the management of various soil types through investigation and experimentation and evaluate how research into plant and soil science is impacting on the industry including genetics and genetic modification, genome sequencing, plant growth regulators, GIS, mapping and satellite data, soil ecology and biotic. Module 2: Horticultural Knowledge (20 credits) The module includes hands on practical experience and underpinning theories associated with the use, care and maintenance of cultivated plants within green spaces. Practical horticulture skills will be developed through planting establishment and garden maintenance of herbaceous and woody plants. Consideration of the real-life issues relating to plant use and garden maintenance by appraisal of existing plantings and problem solving. Module 3: Social and Landscape Evolution (20 credits) Students will examine the range and development of gardens and parks through history with particular attention to the urban environment thought practical investigation and analysis of the impact of social history and demographics on green space use, design and importance including private gardens, parks movement, allotments, development of garden
cities and new towns, Planning Policy, National Policy Framework, International Agenda, Agenda 21, Sustainable Directives, Town and Country Planning Act and urban regeneration up to the present time. Evaluation of the current trends and practices occurring in green space management and potential impacts on crime, and the physical and mental wellbeing of society. Students will develop the skills necessary to work with Government and Local Authority and look forward to the future role and management of green spaces in the urban setting including the onthe-ground mitigation of global warming, flood prevention and urban cooling and social cohesion in modern multicultural Britain. Module 4 Bio-Diversity and Conservation Management (20 credits) Students will examine and analyse the importance of urban green spaces in relation to Biodiversity Action Plans and Land Designation (SSSI, LNR and NNR) for bio-diversity and conservation. The future role and management of green spaces in the urban setting to support bio-diversity and mitigation of the impacts of global warming, species extinction and migration will also be applied. Students will get practical experience and understanding of habitat creation, maintenance skills and the monitoring of bio-diversity. Understand the positive and negative ecological relationships between plants and other organisms such as invasive species, pest and diseases, biological control, predators, parasatoids, prey, pollinators, decomposers and symbiotic partnerships. Student will consider the role of monitoring and legislation such as Plant Passports to predict and manage potentially problematic species and understanding of the changing distribution and horticultural significance of new pests, disease and weed species as a result of international travel, trade and climate change will feature highly in this unit. Module 5: Community and Stakeholder working (10 credits) In this module, students will evaluate the importance of working with local communities and understanding their power and how to work with them. Students will develop the communication skills to engage and education the community to encourage understanding and a positive acceptance of urban green space projects. The importance of networking and forging links with outside agencies, co-development and the free economy will be covered and in so doing, student will further developing transferrable skills (such as listening skills and conflict resolution). Student will also understand the role of user groups, committees and funding agencies such as the London Enterprise Panel LEP and Transport For London TFL so as to be successful at applying for grants and the bidding process and develop academic skills through the evaluation of case studies from across Europe and other countries will develop an international perspective. 2
Module 6: Commercial and Events Management (10 credits) Students will use real-life scenarios to plan and organise events including legal requirements, insurance, risk assessment, health and safety awareness and incident management. Working with outside agencies such as the emergency services, highways authority and the council. Resource and people management and planning for access and services such as shelters, toilets, waste, accessibility, security and vehicles parking they will gain industry experience and further transferrable skills. Module 7: Business Marketing (10 credits) Students will create business and marketing plans to develop an awareness and knowledge of the use of marketing and tools such as social media to promote projects and events. They will use data to understand the target market using existing market research, statistical information and GIS data and evaluating previous marketing and promotion events to underpin decisions and create surveys, undertake data gathering and analyse new data. Module 8: Work Experience (10 credits) Year 2 An individual skills audit is used to design specific practical work experience or internship and active research amounting to 100 hours. To complement and develop existing personal skills with a relevant business appropriate to the design/horticulture industry, in agreement with the course tutor. An online learning module supported by tutorials and assessed by employer feedback and a portfolio of evidence. Module 1: Urban Landscapes (20 credits) Students will extend their planting palette to specialist plants and exotics and deepening the understanding of plant performance and growing technologies on the interface between the built and living environment. This will include new and emerging technologies in the protected growing environment, interior landscaping, green roofs, roof gardens, living walls, rain gardens and brown field reclamation, hard landscape materials and art installations. Students will use knowledge to create and integrate innovative plant solutions into specific urban landscapes. Module 2: Advanced Horticultural Management (20 credits) Investigate and develop on site experience of more advanced horticultural techniques and hard landscaping projects. Students will undertake extensive site visits to urban landscape will be used to evaluate and 3
deconstruct design solutions and develop skills to create collections databases, management plans and maintenance schedules. Students will also investigating the role of plant collections and evaluate the use of specialist plant and equipment. Module 3: Contract, Project and Financial Management (20 credits) Students will develop skills required to write, tender, monitor, measure and evaluate contracts and service level agreements. This will require financial control and budget management and students will gain techniques and tools to achieve this. Investigate the laws and legislation governing contracts. Students will critically evaluate case studies and use industry representatives and guest speakers to highlight and enhance the skills required for successful project management. Other skills developed include asset management, business management and strategic planning. Module 4: Urban Tree Management (10 credits) Students will explore the use of, benefits of, and conflicts resulting from, the use of trees in the urban landscapes. Students will undertake tree selection, establishment and examine maintenance to mitigate conflict resulting from use in the built environment. Student will carry out and monitor the health and maintenance needs of trees and investigate the laws and legislation governing trees in urban areas, TPO s, Risk Assessment and management of risk. They will perform practical tree surveys and valuations and explore and evaluate the future role of trees, woodland, and collections, ancient and champion trees in urban areas. Module 5: People and Volunteer Management (10 credits) Students will gain understanding the legal requirements associated with working with volunteers and employees; employment law, DBS checks, working with children and vulnerable adults. Understanding motivational theories and the pressures associated with volunteering and modern employment, flexible working patterns, part time work force, and conflict resolution. Module 6: Estates and Facilities Management (10 credits) Students will undertake an exploration of the management, health and safety and legal implications and responsibilities of the non-living resources and facilities associated with urban green spaces. This will include buildings associated with the landscape, memorials, art work, water parks, green gyms, sport equipment, play grounds, waste management, boundaries, access points, roads and pathways, water and drainage including SUDS, lighting and security. 4
Module 7: Advanced Work Experience (20 credits) A focused internship or work experience including active research amounting to 150 hours with a businesses based on maintaining and developing the urban landscape. Targets will be based on an evaluation of the students performance in year one. An online learning module supported by tutorials and assessed by employer feedback and a portfolio of evidence. Module 8: Entrepreneurship (10 credits) Developing coherent marketing strategies, business innovations and opportunities for entrepreneurialism within urban landscapes. Much of this module will be delivered using blended learning to develop independent learning skills and assessed by the creation/enhancement of a business or enterprise including design portfolio, a company website and a social networking presence. 5