Certificate of Botany

Did you know that plants have the potential to solve a variety of major world problems? They can be used to reduce global warming, to purify polluted soil and air, and to overcome food shortages. This course is ideal for anyone working with plants, from botanists, horticulturists, agriculturists and farmers to landscapers, nursery workers and even those in the ecotourism industry.

The Certificate of Botany is an online professional development program that explores the basics of plant science, including plant physiology, morphology and anatomy.

In this online botany course, you will study the taxonomic classification of plants, the specific vegetative parts of a plant, photosynthesis, respiration and the phytochrome and photoperiodism systems.

You will also learn about growth regulators, the effects of plant associations and growth manipulation, and how to harvest, store, transport and improve the shelf life of edible plants.

On completion of this course, you will better understand how plants grow and flower, how to grow and maintain them, and how your knowledge can be used to solve some of the issues of our rapidly changing world.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us.

Course Structure

Botany I

Unit 1 – Taxonomic Classification of Plants

Plant taxonomy
Botanical/horticultural nomenclature
The binomial system
Botanical classification
Plant families and species
Hybrids, varieties and cultivars
Botanical keys
Key to plant groups
Key to plant phyla
Key to lamiaceae
Plant taxonomy
Genre meanings
Species and variety names and meanings

Unit 2 – Cells and Tissues

Plant cells
Cell components
Plant growth
Types of plant cells
Plant tissues – primary and secondary

Unit 3 – Specific Vegetative Parts of a Plant

Stems
Leaf structure and arrangement
Root structure (tap root, adventitious roots)
Root modifications
Buds
Morphological changes due to maturation
Common botanical terms

Unit 4 – Flowers and Fruit

Flower structure – inflorescence
Fruits – simple, aggregate, multiple
Pollination and fertilisation
Fruit
Overcoming incompatibility
Terminology

Unit 5 – Seed and the Developing Embryo

Seed structure
Seed germination
Germination requirements
Stimulation
Inhibition
Propagation of Plants

Unit 6 – Photosynthesis and Growing Plants

Photosynthesis
Chloroplasts in photosynthesis
Photosynthesis in controlled growing conditions
Artificial light
Photosynthetic apparatus
Light transformation into energy
The photosynthetic process,
Gas exchange with the atmosphere

Unit 7 – Respiration

Stages of respiration
Rate of respiration
Mitochondria
Glycolysis
Citric acid cycle (krebs cycle)
Electron transport chain
Oxidative phosphorylation

Unit 8 – The Role of Water

Water and plant growth
Osmosis
Water movement from soil to root
Root pressure
The transpiration stream
Transpiration and environmental conditions

Unit 9 – Movement of Water and Assimilates through a Plant

Mechanisms of nutrient uptake
Absorption and transport of mineral nutrients
Translocation of photosynthetic products
Translocation of sugars
Adaptations for water storage
Food and water storage organs

Unit 10 – The Effects of Tropisms and Other Growth Movements

Plant hormones
Growth regulators
Auxins
Cytokinins
Giberellins
Ethylene
Tropisms
Growth movements
Chemical growth modifications
Hormone products

Estimated Duration

50 hours

Course Delivery and Start

Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online

Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Approval and Recognition

Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.

Career Outcomes

Horticulturalists
Agriculturists
Environmental managers
Plan scientists
Individuals who work with plants

Great experience, the workbook and exercises were engaging and I felt I learnt a lot. Thank you.

Jessica

Mt Pleasant, WA

Certificate of Botany

May 2026

It was a good experience, everyone was extremely helpful.

Kurt

Lavington, NSW

Certificate of Botany

February 2025

Another good course. I look forward to doing another one in the future. Thanks

Joshua

Mount Gambier, VIC

Certificate of Botany

January 2025

Easy to access and easy to understand. Quick response from tutors.

Jadna

Landers Shoot, QLD

Certificate of Botany

October 2024

It was a very good experience, very good study, really interesting

Yacine

Belgium

Certificate of Botany

July 2024

It was a fantastic experience; it kept me on the level for a full year, and the modules were very focused and informative.

Lisa

St Albans, VIC

Certificate of Botany

June 2024

Assignment requirements were clear and easy to follow. Information sheets summarised the issues clearly and concisely. Learning topics were relevant and gave me a good understanding on the basics of botany.

R. Laurent

Roseville, NSW

Certificate of Botany

October 2022

I have had a great experience. I have been able to find time to do the assignments and course work around my job – i signed up for the “taxonomy” section and was very interested in the rest as well. I have loved the flexible timing and course access – and I am grateful for the tutor support – knowing its there in case we need it. Very reasonably priced as well – so thank you to the team.

S. Stockwell

Derby, WA

Certificate of Botany

August 2021

A fantastic way to upskill while on maternity leave

C. Robertson

Lesmurdie, WA

Certificate of Botany

July 2021