Learning with Experts

RHS Level 2: Plant Science I

Want to buy for a business or group?

You can buy this course through your business or organisation for individuals and groups up to 20. To find out more contact us

Course overview

RHS Level 2: Principles of Plant Growth and Development Plant Science I online course will develop your knowledge of plant structure and functions, along with teaching you about plant naming.

This course is part of the new RHS Level 2 syllabus, and is only available as part of the complete RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development collection of courses.

You’ll learn how to identify and describe plants, how to select the best plants for each garden project and how to ensure those plants survive and thrive.

You’ll learn how to use technical language to describe and classify plants.

You’ll look at how a plant is structured, understand plant tissues and grow your knowledge on plant and tissue functions and characteristics.

This module also includes an exploration of plant growth processes and how the environment can impact on plant function. You’ll also look at the impact of climate change on plants and their functions.

Lesson summary

Scientific and common plant names
In this lesson we’ll look at horticultural terminology and plant names, you’ll learn how to identify plant groups and plant families and the impact of a plant’s growth stage.
Lifecycle adaptations
This lesson includes how the plant lifecycle can have horticultural impact, including plant lifecycle adaptations and how to use these in garden and planting plans.
External parts of the plant
We’ll look at the professional horticultural terminology for the external characteristics of a plant including roots, stems, leaves and flowers.
Internal plant structures
We’ll look at the horticultural importance, characteristics and functions of a plant’s roots, stems and leaves.
Pollination and fertilisation
You’ll learn why pollination and plant fertilisation are important, and how the processes work. Plus develop your understanding of your role as a horticulturalist in pollination.
Photosynthesis and respiration
In this lesson we’ll look at the process, concept and importance of photosynthesis and respiration for plant growth.
Movement of water through the plant
We’ll learn the process of water uptake by a plant and how water moves through the plant.

Learn with Expert feedback

  • Learn directly from horticulture and RHS approved tutors Dr Noel Kingsbury, Tom Cole, Ki Tong, Dr Stephen Millan, and Chris Whitelock
  • Start your course at any time
  • Study at your own pace
  • Join a small friendly online classroom & interact with other students on your course
  • Complete mandatory assessments after each lesson and practice as you learn

meet the expert

Ki Tong

PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh and a chartered landscape architect with 8 years of experience.

Read more

Why choose Learning with Experts?

Start whenever it suits you, and immerse yourself in motivational lesson tutorials with expert guidance.
Enhance your learning and personal growth with lesson assignments. Each course includes an optional assignment at the end of every lesson.
Drop a friendly message or respond to your assignment feedback. Our world-class experts are just a click away, ready to help you!
Stay informed about your own progress and those of your peers, and take joy in celebrating achievements along the way.
Chat and share ideas with passionate communities of learners from around the world.

Frequently asked questions

What is an online classroom?

Our online classroom has been developed to allow you to learn from our experts in a sociable environment alongside up to 20 other students. After each video tutorial led by your expert, you will be encouraged to practice what you have learned with optional assignments - these can be seen by the other students in your class, who are free to share their own thoughts and questions with you.

You will be encouraged to take part in an ongoing class discussion where you can discuss ideas, post images or work, and comment on each other’s assignments. It’s a great way to learn from other like-minded people who share your passion from all over the world.

This means not only do you benefit from people who are outstanding in their field, but also from a close-knit group of like-minded people whom you can learn alongside. Group learning has shown to greatly improve not just the experience of studying, but also how well you retain the knowledge, and we have built our classroom experience around this fact.

When can I start my course and how long will it take?

You can start your course any time within 12 months after receipt of your purchase confirmation email. Once you start, you’ll have lifetime access — meaning you can revisit the lesson videos and notes whenever you want.

Our courses are designed so that you can study at your own pace, some prefer to binge learn while others like to spread their studying over a longer period of time - it’s completely up to you. To give you a rough time frame, each lesson video is approximately 30-40 minutes long, and we recommend that you spend around an hour on each assignment.

How often can I speak with the Expert?

If you opt for the Expert version of your course, the time you have to interact with your tutor is limited to course length. You will have one week per lesson to chat to your tutor and to have your assignments marked, and during this period you can ask them as many questions as you would like.

To find out the length of each course, head to the product page and look at the Course outline to see how many lessons it contains. e.g. a four lesson course assumes that you will have completed the assignments within four weeks.

Your tutor interaction period will start as soon as you enter the classroom. If you find that you are struggling to complete the assignments in the allocated time or you wish to put this function on hold, just get in contact with one of the team via the support button and we will help you out.

Support and full FAQs

If you need any help with a course, be it one you’ve started already, or one you are looking to purchase, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Support email address, or view the full FAQ’s here.

You can also use the orange speech bubble on your page to start a conversation with us.

For privacy or data questions, please contact us here.

Awards and accreditations