About this course

This course introduces you to plants that can be used in urban and rural landscapes and how they can be used to develop sustainable green spaces. It teaches ecology, plant communities, and the functional and aesthetic properties of plants. The teaching will be a combination of outdoor and indoor learning activities in both natural vegetation and designed spaces. This will provide a better understanding of the connection between the designed and natural landscape.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The student will have knowledge of plant ecology, plant communities, plant systematics and nomenclature. The student will demonstrate knowledge of a basic palette of plants for use in planting design, the visual characteristics of plants and their uses.

Skills: The student should be able to describe and recognise different plant communities and their ecological factors, plant species and plant families. The student should be able to use their understanding of plants to analyse plant selection and maintenance in green spaces.

General competence: The student should be able to write and present research and critical assessments of green spaces over time.

  • Learning activities

    The course is a combination of outdoor and indoor teaching in both natural vegetation and designed green spaces. Fieldwork in August provides a foundation for understanding plant knowledge, plant communities, and ecological factors. The lecture series provides the theoretical framework for understanding ecology, plant communities, and the functional and aesthetic properties of plants. The lectures will also provide background information and suggestions for further reading. Workshops encourage a more student-led approach and active participation. Students are expected to work both independently and in groups to consolidate knowledge and skills.

  • Teaching support

    Student learning will be supported through a combination of direct contact with teachers and online resources on Canvas. Communication about planned teaching will take place via Canvas.

  • Syllabus

    Syllabus is published on Canvas at the start of the semester, except for the syllabus for the August block: Elven, R et al. 2022. Norsk Flora. Det norske samlaget. 1255 sider and Plantevalg.no

    Notes and presentations on Canvas are the syllabus. Required activities are the syllabus.

  • Assessment method

    Individual oral presentation in the exam period (A-F)

    Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddel: A2 No calculator, other aids as specified

  • About use of AI

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner will approve the assessment arrangements for the course. Internal examiners participate in the evaluations of the group assignments and the oral examination.

  • Mandatory activity

    Participation in field courses and campus activities in the August block.

    Mandatory preparation of a journal that must be approved.

    Mandatory plant knowledge test and winter dendrology test must be passed and approved.

    Group participation and presentations must be approved.

    Participation in an oral exam for a full day (the day you present).

  • Notes

    Do not conflict with PHG316, teaches both subjects.

    The subject is taught in both Norwegian and English.

  • Teaching hours

    August block: approximately 50 hours of fieldwork and follow-up work in the August block. Autumn parallel: 10 hours of lectures/workshops per week.

  • Preferential right

    Bachelor's degree students in Plant Science, Bachelor's degree students in Landscape Construction and Management, Master's degree students in Landscape Architecture and Master's degree students in Plant Science.

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)