FdSc Arboriculture (FT)

FdSc Arboriculture

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

Course Description

The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Arboriculture, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, is ideal for anyone who wants to work in this rewarding and exciting industry or for those people currently working in the industry who want to progress in to supervisory or management positions. Employers look for a combination of managerial and technical skills in the science and technology of tree care. This course integrates both these aspects to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skill set for work at management level.

Students learn how to survey and inspect trees, diagnose decay and integrate tree biology and soil science into tree care and management strategies. A focus is also given to tree production and establishment practices highlighting a range of current and innovative new practices to help meeting the challenge of planting trees in urban locations. The course will also introduce students to tree law, tree protection, safe working practices and the social, environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits of trees. A choice of option modules allows you to develop your skills in either research methods and data analysis or in business and entrepreneurship.

The development of work related practical skills and experiences is an integral part of the Foundation Degree course with a dedicated module covering work skills and an opportunity to carry out an investigative project related to the arboriculture industry.

Course Content

Year 1

Arboricultural Practices

Arboricultural contractors must have a thorough understanding of arboriculture equipment and their correct implementation in remedial tree care. This module provides the technical information including relevant management practices and safety issues to ensure personnel involved in the care of trees to offer a higher quality of arboricultural service.

Dendrology

Within this module the student will gain the necessary botany skills for the identification of trees, shrubs and herbs. Selection of species will be related to current issues such as climate change and prevalent diseases.

Tree Production and Establishment (half module)

Planting and establishing new trees is imperative for the sustainability of the arboricultural industry. This module will introduce the student to current and innovative practices in the production of tree nursery stock and its establishment, concentrating on the challenges of planting trees in urban locations.

Tree Survey Techniques (half module)

This module examines methods used to survey trees and collect tree and site data for inventories and management purposes. Skills taught will include manual surveying practices, data management, the use of geo-referenced data collection and basic computerised cartography.

Essential Plant Biology (half module)

This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of plant biology needed to allow successful management of their growth and development. Students will discover how plant form and function relates to their basic needs in terms of light, water, nutrients and reproduction.

Plant Cell Biology (half module)

Increasingly research into the biochemistry and intracellular functioning of plants is giving us insights into new management practices or allowing us to produce new and useful plant varieties. This module aims to give students a basic knowledge of plant biochemistry and cell function to allow them to start to interpret these new developments.

Essential Soil Science (half module)

The module provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding of soil science, sufficient for students to be able to recognise soil properties (in both soil samples and in the field) and their influence on plant growth and development.

Tree Biology (half module)

An understanding of tree structure and function is central to the management of trees. Students will learn the fundamentals of tree growth and development, discover how trees have adapted to different environments, gain insight into their interaction with other organisms and learn how to apply knowledge of tree biology to arboricultural practices.

Work Skills Development

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

For those students wishing to expand their practical experience this module provides opportunity for students to undertake training towards nationally recognised practical skills and competences, including Tree climbing and Aerial Rescue and Chainsaw Maintenance and Use (see also the note regarding personal protective equipment and practical competence tests in the section on additional information).

Year 2

Environmental Plant Physiology

The module extends the student's understanding of how plants interact with their environment and relates this to the management practices employed in their particular industry. The student will study the influence of the environment upon plants and how they are adapted to survive environmental stresses.

Trees and the Legal Framework (half module)

This module develops a working knowledge of the law as it relates to trees, tree protection and the environment. This will involve the study of the planning and development process and the role an arboriculturist can play in the legal framework.

Tree Inspections (half module)

This module will examine methodologies for the assessment of tree condition and the interpretation of biological, structural, site and other relevant factors. Current techniques in mapping and decay detection will be utilised to develop essential skills for inspecting trees and applying risk calculations

Pests, Diseases and Weeds

This module deals with important agents that can interfere with plant health and introduces principles of plant pathology. The module emphasises the importance of disease cycles in the development of control measures by the use of case-studies. The module will focus on current chronic and epidemic problems and potential solutions.

Tree and Woodland Management

This module considers how trees and woodlands may be best managed to deal with the many factors that affect them. Students will learn to assess trees and woodland as environmental, social and economic assets, as well as developing the decision making skills needed to manage conflicting uses and opinions.

Work Project

This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Work Skills Development module. It will utilise a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, develop and managing the project and report on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.

Research Methods (option module)

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment.

OR

Business and Entrepreneurism (option module)

This module will evaluate entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process to develop students’ business planning skills. This includes marketing and finance in order to aid the formulation of sustainable and enterprising business plans.

Course Documents:

Student Handbook (2015 Entry)

Programme Specification and Handbook (2016 Entry)

Myerscough College Policies and Procedures

Assessment:

This course is designed to ensure a wide variety of assessment types are undertaken, many of which directly reflect industry-related documentation and practices. These assessment methods will include technical reports, portfolios, exams, individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports, research posters and extended project work.

Links with Professional Body:

Arboriculture degree courses at Myerscough College have been accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and successful completion of the course provides entry points towards Professional Membership of the ICF.

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for this course include:

Chainsaw, Boots and Trousers - £240

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for this course include:

Assessments for Industry Certificate of Competence - £621

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on this course include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support taught sessions. Students will also have access to Myerscough's virtual learning environment.

Additional Information:

Many modules may include guest speakers of standing within the industry. Off-site day visits to facilities such as arboreta, trade fairs and areas of environmental significance may also be arranged.

There is also additional cost for students who wish to undertake training towards nationally recognised practical skills and competences through the Work Skills Development module. Chainsaw trousers and boots are required for students who wish to take advantage of this practical training and many students choose to purchase their own. Advice and guidance will be given within the early weeks to ensure correct personal protective equipment is purchased. Students who wish to undertake the external NPTC competence tests following the training will also incur an additional cost for the assessment.

Work Experience:

The Work Skills Development and Work Project modules will use a relevant working environment to provide the opportunity for students to develop technical skills and help prepare them for employment. There is no formal industry placement on this course.

What are our graduates doing now?

Previous students of this course have gone on to work as tree surveyors; as climbing arborists, as contract managers, or secured local authority positions that involve the assessment and management of trees. Some have continued in formal education and gone on to complete the BSc (Hons) course.

What international opportunities are available?

Myerscough College has long established relationships with arboricultural companies around the world. This has allowed many students to obtain international experience after graduation.

Progression:

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, students may have the opportunity to apply to progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Urban Forestry.

What careers can you follow:

There are significant opportunities in the arboriculture industry for students with a Foundation Degree. A significant demand for skilled professionals is driven by planning requirements, environmental issues and the growing understanding of the value of greenspace to urban populations.

Examples of possible careers include:

Assistant Arboricultural Consultant

Assistant Local Authority Tree Officer

Arboricultural Contracts Manager

Tree Surveyor

Climbing Arborist

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice. Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.