Ecology (Introductory)

Level: Personal Achievement

By successfully completing this course, you will:

  • Understand Ecology for personal interest or as a foundation for further study
  • Be awarded the BSY Certificate of Competence

You can study this course from the comfort of your own home; in your own time and at your own pace; with helpful support and encouragement from our friendly tutors.

Course overview

The word Ecology comes from the Greek word ‘oikos’, meaning home, and ‘ology’ denoting a science. Literally, the science of home.  However, we can be a little more precise than that, and define it as ‘the scientific study of the relationships of organisms, communities, the places in which they live, and how they interact.’  This course provides an introduction to the principles and disciplines involved leading on to the concept of ‘green’ policies, and pointing the way forward with opportunities for positive involvement.

Syllabus

  • Lesson One
    • What is Ecology?
      • Ecological Terms and Concepts
      • Pond-life Project
  • Lesson Two
    • Plant Ecology
      • Aspects of Plant-life
      • Form and Function of Plant Life
      • Plant Nutrition
      • Plant Communities
      • Project
  • Lesson Three
    • The Soil
      • Mineral Matter
      • Organic Matter
      • Air
      • Water
      • Living Organisms
    • Soil Analysis
      • Taking a Soil Sample
      • Preparation
      • Components
      • Project
  • Lesson Four
    • Surveying and Sampling
      • Surveying Equipment
      • Sampling Equipment
      • Project
  • Lesson Five
    • Surveying and Sampling (Continued)
      • Sampling Equipment (Continued)
    • Photography
    • Ornithology
    • Protective Clothing for Field Work
  • Lesson Six
    • Environmental Health and Safety
      • Environmental First-Aid
      • Aims of First-Aid
      • Priorities of First-Aid
      • First-Aid Kits
      • Project
    • Homeostasis and Related Environmental Disorders
      • Disorders
  • Lesson Seven
    • Environmental Health and Safety (Continued)
      • Environmental Chemistry
      • Ecological Information
      • Human Ecology
      • Clinical Ecology
  • Lesson Eight
    • Database Analysis and Reports
      • Statistical Analysis
      • Report Writing

Practical training

No practical training is required to complete this course.