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foundation_course_students:whole_handbook [2024/08/20 15:32]
lisas [Payment of Course Fees] 		foundation_course_students:whole_handbook [2025/07/17 11:08] (current)
jake
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-====Foundation Course: Student Handbook====+==== Foundation Course: Student Handbook ==== 
 +//**<color #009bc1>Updated July 2025</color>**//
  
-{{ :foundation_course_students:hwfc.png?200 |}} 
-//**<color #009bc1>Updated December 2022</color>**// 
  
-=====Introduction=====+===== Introduction =====
 Heartwood online education courses bring together a wide and diverse community of learners and, like any community, we need regulations, policies and a code of conduct to ensure that everyone involved has the best possible learning experience.\\ Heartwood online education courses bring together a wide and diverse community of learners and, like any community, we need regulations, policies and a code of conduct to ensure that everyone involved has the best possible learning experience.\\
 The regulations described in this handbook are designed to protect and maintain two vital areas: The regulations described in this handbook are designed to protect and maintain two vital areas:
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 We encourage you to read this handbook carefully as it forms the basis of the learning contract between you and Heartwood.\\ We encourage you to read this handbook carefully as it forms the basis of the learning contract between you and Heartwood.\\
  
-The Heartwood Foundation Course is made up of 12 online Units offering a broad introduction to the field of herbal medicine, with an emphasis on the practical use of herbs to alleviate common ailments. The course is assessed using a variety of methods including online quizzes and projects tasks, and an award certificate and online badges are given to those who complete all 12 units within the deadlines. Learners who successfully finish all tasks, quizzes and assignments and achieves at least 60% for their monograph, may apply for a place on the Heartwood Professional Course.+The Heartwood Foundation Course is made up of 12 online Units offering a broad introduction to the field of herbal medicine, with an emphasis on the practical use of herbs to alleviate common ailments. The course is assessed using a variety of methods including online quizzes and projects tasks, and an award certificate and online badges are given to those who complete all 12 units within the deadlines and achieve a minimum of 40% grade for their monograph. Learners who successfully finish all tasks, quizzes and assignments and achieves at least 60% for their monograph, may apply for a place on the Heartwood Professional Course.
  
 All FC units are released on the **14th of the month** in the evening, we usually say by 6pm. If the 14th falls on a weekend then we release the Friday evening before.  All FC units are released on the **14th of the month** in the evening, we usually say by 6pm. If the 14th falls on a weekend then we release the Friday evening before. 
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 If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention, and should never delay seeking medical advice, nor disregard or discontinue medical treatment, because of information contained in the course. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention, and should never delay seeking medical advice, nor disregard or discontinue medical treatment, because of information contained in the course.
  
-====== About Heartwood ======+===== About Heartwood =====
  
 In April 1971, Fred Fletcher Hyde, George Smith, Nalda Gosling, Albert Priest, Arthur Jenner and Albert Orbell set up the National Institute of Medical Herbalists Limited Education Fund\\ In April 1971, Fred Fletcher Hyde, George Smith, Nalda Gosling, Albert Priest, Arthur Jenner and Albert Orbell set up the National Institute of Medical Herbalists Limited Education Fund\\
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 The value that comes from making a personal commitment of time, effort and intellectual investment is enormous, and it is important to be organised and to plan your work schedule carefully. Be aware of any special course dates or deadlines, and work to those, making sure you are adequately prepared for all tasks. The value that comes from making a personal commitment of time, effort and intellectual investment is enormous, and it is important to be organised and to plan your work schedule carefully. Be aware of any special course dates or deadlines, and work to those, making sure you are adequately prepared for all tasks.
  
- ===== Payment of Course Fees===== + ===== Payment of Course Fees ===== 
  
 Monthly Payments are due on 1st of each calendar month without a break until paid in full.  It is the students responsibly to notify [[accounts@heartwoodteam.net]] if you are experiencing any difficulties with your payment(s). Heartwood Education reserves the right to suspend access to your studies when payment has not been received and without prior notification.  If a student fails to make an agreed payment, the student may become immediately liable for payment of the full balance of their Fees. They will not normally be permitted to establish a new payment arrangement and may be subject to further action by Heartwood Education, such as termination of registration as a student and/or referral to a debt collection agency. A student whose debt is referred to a debt collection agency will become liable for Charges in addition to the balance of the debt owing to Heartwood Education. A student whose registration is terminated will not be permitted to continue studies on their course or receive any award certificate.. Heartwood Education is under no obligation to reinstate an individual’s registration for the current academic year or a subsequent academic year once it has been terminated, even after full payment of outstanding Fees and Charges.    Monthly Payments are due on 1st of each calendar month without a break until paid in full.  It is the students responsibly to notify [[accounts@heartwoodteam.net]] if you are experiencing any difficulties with your payment(s). Heartwood Education reserves the right to suspend access to your studies when payment has not been received and without prior notification.  If a student fails to make an agreed payment, the student may become immediately liable for payment of the full balance of their Fees. They will not normally be permitted to establish a new payment arrangement and may be subject to further action by Heartwood Education, such as termination of registration as a student and/or referral to a debt collection agency. A student whose debt is referred to a debt collection agency will become liable for Charges in addition to the balance of the debt owing to Heartwood Education. A student whose registration is terminated will not be permitted to continue studies on their course or receive any award certificate.. Heartwood Education is under no obligation to reinstate an individual’s registration for the current academic year or a subsequent academic year once it has been terminated, even after full payment of outstanding Fees and Charges.   
-===== At the end of the course ===== 
-The course will close 6 weeks after the release of the final unit, allowing time for completion of all course activities in order to qualify for a certificate of completion. But in order to enable you to spend more time reviewing topics of particular interest to you, we will maintain access to an archive of course materials including slides, documents and videos for up to a year after this.  
  
-Your course records will be held for one year after the close of the course, after which time we will not be able to issue a certificate for you as the records will no longer be on our system.  
 ===== Study Interruption and Withdrawal ===== ===== Study Interruption and Withdrawal =====
  
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 If you have chosen to pay by instalments we will stop your subscription, and in accordance with the withdrawal policy, will take into account the £50 administration fee. No refund will be given. If you have chosen to pay by instalments we will stop your subscription, and in accordance with the withdrawal policy, will take into account the £50 administration fee. No refund will be given.
-====== Feedback, Suggestions and Complaints ======+===== Feedback, Suggestions and Complaints =====
  
 All Units in the Heartwood Foundation Course contain a structured Feedback activity, and we encourage learners to use the Forums and the messaging system on the LMS to make suggestions and raise issues on all aspects of study.\\ All Units in the Heartwood Foundation Course contain a structured Feedback activity, and we encourage learners to use the Forums and the messaging system on the LMS to make suggestions and raise issues on all aspects of study.\\
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 If you have a particular complaint or grievance about any aspect of the course, please raise it with Nikki Harrison by emailing [[mailto:n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net|n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net]] in the first instance.  If you have a particular complaint or grievance about any aspect of the course, please raise it with Nikki Harrison by emailing [[mailto:n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net|n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net]] in the first instance. 
  
-====== Support ======+===== Support =====
  
 Academic support is available in a number of ways. General questions can be raised with the course tutors during regular online seminars and text-chat sessions, and in the Unit forums.\\  Academic support is available in a number of ways. General questions can be raised with the course tutors during regular online seminars and text-chat sessions, and in the Unit forums.\\ 
  
-Particular and individual issues can be raised via the LMS direct messaging system and also, where appropriate, via email. Any learner requiring specific learning support should contact Nikki Harrison at [[mailto:n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net|n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net]], who will organise appropriate referral and help to address support needs.\\ +Particular and individual issues can be raised via the LMS direct messaging system to their tutors.\\
- +
-Nikki can also advise on how to get help with any personal, health or pastoral issues that may arise during your studies.\\+
  
 If you have difficulties using the LMS, help is available and you are strongly encouraged to use it as early and often as you like by emailing [[mailto:support@heartwoodteam.net|support@heartwoodteam.net]]. If you have difficulties using the LMS, help is available and you are strongly encouraged to use it as early and often as you like by emailing [[mailto:support@heartwoodteam.net|support@heartwoodteam.net]].
  
-====== Quality Assurance ======+===== Accessibility for students with learning differences and disabilities =====
  
-Heartwood is committed to developing and maintaining quality assurance policies and procedures in line with the recommendations of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. +As part of our ongoing commitment to improving access for all Heartwood students we would like to make you aware of assistive technologies that are available on the LMS and externally. Assistive technologies are technologies that help to ensure accessibility for students with disabilities and specific learning differences but may be helpful to all students.  
-These may be summarised as follows:\\+
  
  
-===== 1: Internal quality assurance =====+**Assistive technology and resources available on the LMS available to all students:** 
  
-1.1 Institutions should commit themselves explicitly to the development of a culture which recognises the importance of quality, and quality assurance, in their work. To achieve this, institutions should develop and implement a strategy for the continuous enhancement of quality. The strategy, policy and procedures should have a formal status and be publicly available. They should also include a role for learners and other stakeholders.\\+Heartwood Accessibility Menu: available as a circular gold icon with a black figure, on the bottom left hand of your LMS screen. Please have a look at this to help customise your LMS experience. 
  
-1.2: Institutions should have formal mechanisms for the approval, periodic review and monitoring of their programmes and awards.
\\+Downloadable pdf documents: most of our videos that contain technical information have a downloadable pdf document to go alongside them. We are constantly building on this process to ensure there are both written and spoken forms of this type of content.  
  
-1.3 Assessment of learners: Learners should be assessed using published criteria, regulations and procedures which are applied consistently.
\\+BBB (Big Blue Button) Webinars: Please make sure you have read through the document about Big Blue Button, located on your Welcome Page, just below your Monthly Webinar dates.  If you would like us to switch on closed captions for webinars for you, this is something we can do and you would need to let us know about it before the webinar, so that the tutors are alerted to switch it on in advance. Please contact Delphine Sayre or Nikki Harrison to arrange this. 
  
-1.4 Institutions should have ways of satisfying themselves that staff involved with the teaching of students are qualified and competent to do so. They should be available to those undertaking external reviews, and commented upon in reports.
\\+**Externally Sourced Assistive Technology:** 
  
-1.5 Institutions should ensure that the resources available for the support of student learning are adequate and appropriate for the programme offered.
\\+Many devices now have built-in accessibility support and screen readers. It is worth exploring these.  
  
-1.6 Institutions should ensure that they collect, analyse and use relevant information for the effective management of their programmes of study and other activities.\\+Text to Speech Software:  
  
-1.7: Institutions should regularly publish up to date, impartial and objective information, both quantitative and qualitative, about the programmes they are offering.\\+Text-to-speech (TTS) is a type of assistive technology that reads digital text aloud. It's sometimes called “read aloud” technology.  With a click of a button or the touch of a finger, TTS can take words on a computer or other digital device and convert them into audio. 
  
-===== 2: External quality assurance procedures: =====+Examples of text-to-speech software: 
  
-2.1 External quality assurance procedures should take into account the effectiveness of the internal quality assurance processes described in Part 1\\+  *  Speechify  https://speechify.com/ has a (chrome extension) page for ADHD students (free - various payment options).   Speechify reads aloud and is compatible with iOS, Android, Chrome and Edge with web and Mac applications in a range of languages.
  
-2.2 The aims and objectives of quality assurance processes should be determined before the processes themselves are developed, by all those responsible, and should be published with a description of the procedures to be used.\\+  * ClaroRead for Microsoft  https://www.texthelp.com/en-gb/solutions/dsa/claroread/ (some free options).   ClaroRead is assistive software for Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and mobile, aiding reading, proofreading, editing and writing.  It reads text aloud from Word, emails and webpages in 25 languages, with visual tracking through colour and highlighting.  Features include spell check and a speaking dictionary.
  
-2.3 Any formal decisions made as a result of an external quality assurance activity should be based on explicit published criteria that are applied consistently.\\+  * Natural Reader  https://www.naturalreaders.com/webapp.html (free version).  Natural Reader has web and mobile apps and is a Chrome extension that can convert text, pdf, image, web pages and physical book pages into audio with a choice of voices and languages.
  
-2.4 All external quality assurance processes should be designed specifically to ensure their fitness to achieve the aims and objectives set for them.\\+  * Google TTS https://cloud.google.com/text-to-speech  (A free service) Google Text-to-Speech is a cloud service that converts written text into spoken audio with machine learning technology.  It works with Google Assistant, Google Translate, and accessibility tools, offering natural-sounding voices in multiple languages and accents; available on Android and other platforms.
  
-2.5 Reports should be published and should be written in a style, which is clear and readily accessible to its intended readership. Any decisions, commendations or recommendations contained in reports should be easy for a reader to find.\\+  * Panopreter:   https://www.panopreter.com/en/products/pb/index.php    (the basic version is free).  This is a great text-to-speech and text-to-MP3 program that reads text aloud with natural voices, converts it to WAV and MP3, highlights text, supports multiple languages, batch conversion, and has adjustable voice settings.
  
-2.6 Quality assurance processes which contain recommendations for action or which require a subsequent action plan, should have a predetermined follow-up procedure which is implemented consistently.\\+  * Murf  https://murf.ai/ (has a range of pricing options).  Murf studio is designed to make more realistic voiceover productions.  It has over two hundred voices and over fifteen speaking styles to make a more natural sounding tone, used for training videos and corporate communications.
  
-2.7 External quality assurance of institutions should be undertaken on a cyclical basis. The length of the cycle and the review procedures to be used should be clearly defined and published in advance.\\+  * Lovo https://lovo.ai/ (has a free option).  Lovo is a voice generator and text to speech software, which reportedly has 100 languages and more than five hundred voices to choose from. 
  
-2.8 Quality assurance agencies should produce from time to time summary reports describing and analysing the general findings of their reviews, evaluations, assessments etc. 
  
-====== Staff Policy======+Speech to Text Software:  
  
-All Heartwood staff recognise their ethical and professional responsibility to protect the interests of learners. In situations where a conflict of interest may arise, particularly where a learner and staff member have a family or close personal relationship, then that staff member should not take part in the following in relation to that student: +If you need to use speech to text software for your assessments, please let your tutors know. 
-  * Selection for any prize or bursary +
-  * Selection for any Heartwood programme +
-  * Selection/promotion for work placement opportunities +
-  * Supervision of theses/special projects +
-  * Complaints and disciplinary proceedings +
-  * Assessment or academic progress issues. +
-Staff members must declare to the Trustees of the Education Fund any personal interest with regard to a currently enrolled learner – whether the connection is through family, business or close personal relationship.+
  
-====== Disciplinary Procedures ======+Online Time Management Apps: 
 + 
 +These are software tools accessible via web browsers or mobile apps designed to help individuals and teams organize their time, track tasks and projects, and improve productivity.  
 + 
 +Examples of online time management apps (most are free):  
 + 
 +  * MyHomework https://myhomeworkapp.com/ (there is a free option).  This can set up a planner which then will track assignments, projects, tests etc; track webinars and other timed events and log due-date reminders. 
 + 
 +  * Trello https://trello.com/ (there is a free option).  Similarly this app allows you to organise your work, create a planner and set up to-do lists and reminders. 
 + 
 +  * Evernote: https://evernote.com/ With this app you can scan and securely store documents, such as assessments, and create audionotes to yourself. 
 + 
 +  * Pomodoro Technique: there are a variety of free apps that enable this time management method that uses a timer to break down work into focused intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. After four "pomodoros" (the 25-minute intervals), a longer break is taken. This technique aims to improve focus, reduce distractions, and prevent burnout .  Here is a link to explain it more: https://adhdandautismclinic.co.uk/unleashing-productivity-the-pomodoro- technique-for-adhd-management/  
 + 
 +  * Stayfocused https://www.stayfocusd.com/ .  An extension that helps to restrict the amount of time you spend on time-wasting websites. 
 + 
 +  * Antisocial: http://antisocial.io/ .  This helps you to control your smartphone usage.  
 + 
 +  * Remember the Milk: https://www.rememberthemilk.com/  .  An app that helps you set up to-do lists with reminders, synced to all devises. 
 + 
 +  * 2Do: https://www.2doapp.com/   Designed for Mac users there is a free version of this app which also helps you to organise your lists, set up reminders and will sync across Apple devices. 
 + 
 +Study Aids 
 + 
 +  * Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/  Master whatever you’re learning with Quizlet’s interactive flashcards, practice tests, and study activities. 
 + 
 +  * SimpleMind Mind Mapping: https://simplemind.eu/    Place topics anywhere you want in the free-form layout or use one of the various auto layouts - great for brainstorming.  Block out distractions with autofocus feature. 
 + 
 + 
 +Video Captions:  
 + 
 +Video captions are not currently available for our course content because it was created before the software existed. However, please consider the variety of free captioning software available. Google Chrome has recently released one. The captioning will appear when you watch a video or listen to a soundtrack in your browser. Here are some instructions (you need to download Chrome):to enable Live Caption on Google Chrome from your desktop, go to Chrome Settings:  
 + 
 +  * go to the Advanced section\\ 
 +  * then go to the Accessibility section\\  
 +  * Then click the toggle for Live Caption\\ 
 + 
 + The feature is currently available in English and is available worldwide on the latest version of Chrome on Windows, Mac and Linux devices. It will be available on ChromeOS soon.  
 + 
 +**A note on assistive technologies for those progressing to Professional Course** 
 + 
 +Please note that many assistive technologies now use AI. Students progressing to the Professional Course who have learning differences, disabilities and/or chronic health issues that impact on their studies are encouraged to apply for reasonable adjustments at the start of their first year on the PC. This will ensure that you can continue to use assistive technology to support your studies without this being flagged as AI. 
 +===== Academic Integrity =====  
 + 
 + 
 +Heartwood Education has a responsibility to promote academic integrity as well as to identify and penalise academic misconduct including plagiarism. Academic integrity is a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage. Heartwood and our tutors are committed to these values, and we ask the same of students. This is an important part of an individual’s and an institution’s reputation. Academic integrity is a positive and ethical approach to learning. It is not an offence to draw upon the work or ideas of another person where this is appropriately acknowledged. In fact, this is essential in developing good academic work.  
 + 
 +Academic misconduct is any type of cheating that occurs in relation to formal academic work and includes the following: 
 + 
 +  * Plagiarism: The use, within assessments, of others’ ideas or words of another without acknowledgement\\ 
 +  * Artificial Intelligence (AI): The use of generative AI in your assessments\\ 
 +  * Unordered List ItemContract cheating: the practice of students engaging a third-party individual or service to undertake their assessments\\ 
 +  * Falsification: The presentation of fictitious or distorted data, evidence, references\\ 
 + 
 + 
 +The following is a list, ranked in order of severity, of unoriginal work, adapted from Turnitin (the main tool used in marking Professional Course assignments to alert tutors to possible abuse of academic integrity): 
 + 
 +1.  Submitting someone else’s work, word for word, as one’s own.\\ 
 +2. Containing significant portions of text from a single source, without alterations.\\ 
 +3. Finding and replacing key words and phrases but retaining the essential content of sources.\\ 
 +4. Mixing paraphrased material from multiple sources.\\ 
 +5. Combining perfectly cited sources with copied pages without citation.\\ 
 +6. Copied material from multiple sources, made to fit together.\\ 
 +7. Citing non-existent sources or including inaccurate information, including proper citation of sources but containing almost no original work.\\ 
 +8. Including proper citation but relying too closely on the text’s original wording and/or structure.\\ 
 + 
 + 
 +None of the above are acceptable in your assessments on the Foundation Course.  
 + 
 + 
 +**Generative AI** 
 + 
 +There is much interest in and growing use of generative AI tools, especially ChatGPT, but also Google Bard, DALLE-2 and CoPilot. Generative AI is an AI technology that automatically generates content in response to written prompts. As these tools are developing rapidly and we are in the process of understanding their implications for education and assessment, we expect that students will avoid the use of such software in generating content for any of their submitted work.   
 + 
 + 
 +**Implications of academic misconduct for progression to the Professional Course** 
 + 
 +If a student’s monograph is suspected to have involved plagiarism or any other form of academic misconduct, we reserve the right to submit the work to plagiarism software, which will store the work securely, and mark the work minus the plagiarised content, which could bring the grade below the 60% needed to progress to the Professional Course. If the results point towards academic misconduct, this may also affect the student’s progression to the Professional Course. We will discuss the results with the student, with the aim being to promote academic integrity and reflection.  
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== Disciplinary Procedures =====
  
 Should a disciplinary issue arise, Heartwood normally adopts a 3-stage procedure with a warning email sent at each stage detailing the nature of the problem, and the steps required by the learner to resolve it. Failure to comply after the receipt of a third warning email may result in a learner being suspended or excluded from the course.\\ Should a disciplinary issue arise, Heartwood normally adopts a 3-stage procedure with a warning email sent at each stage detailing the nature of the problem, and the steps required by the learner to resolve it. Failure to comply after the receipt of a third warning email may result in a learner being suspended or excluded from the course.\\
  
-A member of Heartwood staff who identifies, or who is made aware of, the misconduct shall draw it to the attention of the learner. This interaction must be recorded and will be drawn to the attention of the Course Director in writing, and the learner informed that this is happening. A disciplinary meeting will be arranged and, if a written warning is issued, a report will be issued by the Course Director to the Trustees of the Education Fund.\\+A member of Heartwood staff who identifies, or who is made aware of, the misconduct shall draw it to the attention of the learner. This interaction must be recorded and will be drawn to the attention of the Course Leader in writing, and the learner informed that this is happening. A disciplinary meeting will be arranged and, if a written warning is issued, a report will be issued by the Course Leader to the General Manager.\\
  
 A learner who is the subject of a complaint of misconduct or against whom a criminal charge is pending or who is subject of a police investigation, may be suspended or excluded by Heartwood pending the disciplinary hearing or the trial.\\ A learner who is the subject of a complaint of misconduct or against whom a criminal charge is pending or who is subject of a police investigation, may be suspended or excluded by Heartwood pending the disciplinary hearing or the trial.\\
  
-No learner will be suspended or excluded unless she or he has been given an opportunity to make representation in person to the Course Director and a Trustee of the Education Fund. If for any reason it is not possible for a learner to attend in person, he or she will be allowed to make written representation.\\+No learner will be suspended or excluded unless they have been given an opportunity to make representation in person to the Course Leader and the General Mamanger. If for any reason it is not possible for a learner to attend in person, they will be allowed to make written representation.\\
  
-Notwithstanding the above, Heartwood reserves the right to summarily exclude students for acts of gross misconduct without the need to follow the above warning procedure.+Notwithstanding the above, Heartwood reserves the right to summarily exclude students for non-payment of fees or acts of gross misconduct without the need to follow the above warning procedure.
  
-====== Appeals Process ======+===== Appeals Process =====
  
 A student aggrieved by a decision to suspend or exclude shall have the right to appeal to Heartwood within 10 working days of such suspension or exclusion.\\ A student aggrieved by a decision to suspend or exclude shall have the right to appeal to Heartwood within 10 working days of such suspension or exclusion.\\
  
-Grounds for the appeal should be sent in writing to the Course Director who will convene an appeal panel comprising 2 Trustees of the Education Fund and a senior academic from another educational institution. The learner has the right to be accompanied by a person of their choosing.\\+Grounds for the appeal should be sent in writing to the Course Leader who will convene an appeal panel comprising of 2 other members of the Heartwood.\\
  
 Following the appeal meeting, a copy of minutes taken and a letter outlining the outcome of the appeal will be sent to the student in writing within 10 days. Following the appeal meeting, a copy of minutes taken and a letter outlining the outcome of the appeal will be sent to the student in writing within 10 days.
  
-====== Timeliness ====== 
  
-You should engage with all learning activities which form part of your course Units subject to medical issues or other personal reasons notified to the Course Administrator, [[mailto:n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net|n.harrison@heartwoodteam.net]]  +===== Intellectual Property =====
- +
-You should also be aware that some Units require specific attendance at live webinars and text chat sessions. These will be clearly stated on the LMS page for each Unit.\\ +
- +
-You are expected to become familiar with the use of the LMS as part of the course. If you have any problems in using the LMS, you should contact [[mailto:support@heartwoodteam.net|support@heartwoodteam.net]] at your earliest opportunity. +
- +
-====== Intellectual Property ======+
  
 Heartwood owns all rights, title and interest in any intellectual property created, devised and developed for it for the purposes of making and creating online courses in herbal medicine. Learners must not give permission to any third party to use any of Heartwood’s intellectual property without Heartwood’s express written permission, nor should any learner distribute or sell such intellectual property to any third party by any means whatsoever without Heartwood’s written authorisation. Heartwood owns all rights, title and interest in any intellectual property created, devised and developed for it for the purposes of making and creating online courses in herbal medicine. Learners must not give permission to any third party to use any of Heartwood’s intellectual property without Heartwood’s express written permission, nor should any learner distribute or sell such intellectual property to any third party by any means whatsoever without Heartwood’s written authorisation.
  
-====== Online Safety and Integrity ======+===== Online Safety and Integrity =====
  
 ===== Introduction ===== ===== Introduction =====
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 In doing so they must: In doing so they must:
   * Respect others' intellectual property.   * Respect others' intellectual property.
-  * Avoid activities which may lead to criminal liability, including use of pornographic material. +  * Avoid activities which may lead to criminal liability. 
-  * Avoid keeping of others' personal data unless registered to do so.+  * Avoid keeping of others' personal data unless registered to do so or, have explicit permission from the data owner.
   * Not produce or pass on any material which could be considered defamatory.   * Not produce or pass on any material which could be considered defamatory.
   * Understand that Heartwood will impose severe penalties – up to dismissal or even referral to the police – in order to protect the safety of learners and uphold the reputation of its courses.   * Understand that Heartwood will impose severe penalties – up to dismissal or even referral to the police – in order to protect the safety of learners and uphold the reputation of its courses.
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 ===== Access to the systems ===== ===== Access to the systems =====
  
-Learners are provided with access to the Heartwood Learning Management System by means of a username and password. Users must take all reasonable steps to keep their passwords confidential and not disclose them to anyone else. If an enrolled learner believes that his or her password has become known to anyone else, the password should be changed at the earliest opportunity.+Learners are provided with access to the Heartwood Learning Management System by means of a username and password. Users must take all reasonable steps to keep their passwords confidential and not disclose them to anyone else. If an enrolled learner believes that their password has become known to anyone else, the password should be changed at the earliest opportunity.
 Any user who, for whatever reason, comes to know the password of any other user must not attempt to obtain access to the Learning Management System using that password nor disclose it to any other person. Use of a password by anyone other than the authorised person will be treated as serious misconduct.\\ Any user who, for whatever reason, comes to know the password of any other user must not attempt to obtain access to the Learning Management System using that password nor disclose it to any other person. Use of a password by anyone other than the authorised person will be treated as serious misconduct.\\
  
-All reasonable efforts will be employed to ensure that Learning Management System will be made accessible to all learners, regardless of disability, who have a legitimate reason for using them. Heartwood seeks to explore the potential of information technology to assist disabled students to engage in their chosen course of studies and, in particular, to carry out any associated course requirements and academic tasks, so far as resources allow.+All reasonable efforts will be employed to ensure that Learning Management System will be made accessible to all learners, regardless of disability, who have a legitimate reason for using them. 
  
 ===== Penalties ===== ===== Penalties =====
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 Failure to observe these regulations and procedures will be considered a serious matter by Heartwood and may result in the learners right to access the IT facilities being withdrawn. Misuse of the Heartwood IT systems may also result in court proceedings. Learners will be held responsible for any claims brought against Heartwood for any legal action resulting from their unauthorised use of its IT systems. Failure to observe these regulations and procedures will be considered a serious matter by Heartwood and may result in the learners right to access the IT facilities being withdrawn. Misuse of the Heartwood IT systems may also result in court proceedings. Learners will be held responsible for any claims brought against Heartwood for any legal action resulting from their unauthorised use of its IT systems.
  
-====== Data Protection ======+===== Data Protection =====
  
 Heartwood is registered as a data controller with the Office of the Information Commissioner, and collects and processes information about students for various teaching, research and administrative purposes. All such activity is now governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that came into effect on the 25th May 2018 (replacing the Data Protection Act,1998). \\ Heartwood is registered as a data controller with the Office of the Information Commissioner, and collects and processes information about students for various teaching, research and administrative purposes. All such activity is now governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that came into effect on the 25th May 2018 (replacing the Data Protection Act,1998). \\
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 GDPR represents a major revision of data protection legislation, and introduces new requirements for how organisations process personal data. Students are entitled to have access to the records held about them to ensure accuracy and fairness. GDPR represents a major revision of data protection legislation, and introduces new requirements for how organisations process personal data. Students are entitled to have access to the records held about them to ensure accuracy and fairness.
  
-====== Foundation Course Access ======+===== Timeliness  &  Foundation Course Access ===== 
 + 
 +You should engage with all learning activities which form part of your course Units subject to medical issues or other personal reasons notified to the Administrative Coordinator, [[support@heartwoodteam.net|]]  
 + 
 +You are expected to become familiar with the use of the LMS as part of the course. If you have any problems in using the LMS, you should contact [[support@heartwoodteam.net]] at your earliest opportunity.
  
 The course remains available in its current form to learners for 6 weeks after the initial 12 month study period. The course remains available in its current form to learners for 6 weeks after the initial 12 month study period.
-  * Some activities have deadlines, and you are advised to check submission dates in advance as most are only open during the 12 months.+  * Some activities have deadlines, and you are advised to check submission dates in advance.
   * At the close of the course, students will have access to an archived version free of charge for one year.   * At the close of the course, students will have access to an archived version free of charge for one year.
   * That version will not contain interactive features such as glossaries, webinars or forums. It will include all the videos, slides, documents, pages and e-book material you would need to use for reference.   * That version will not contain interactive features such as glossaries, webinars or forums. It will include all the videos, slides, documents, pages and e-book material you would need to use for reference.
  
-====== Learning Agreement ======+ 
 + 
 + 
 +===== Learning Agreement =====
  
 By accessing the Foundation Course Welcome page you are confirming that you have read and understood this document in its entirety, and that you agree expressly to abide by all the regulations and policies it contains for the duration of your studies with us. By accessing the Foundation Course Welcome page you are confirming that you have read and understood this document in its entirety, and that you agree expressly to abide by all the regulations and policies it contains for the duration of your studies with us.
 +
 +===== Using Herbs in Pregnancy and during Breast-feeding =====
 +
 +As you are beginning to taste herbs on this course, some of them for the first time, we would like to say a little about the use of herbs in pregnancy.  
 +
 +There are many herbs that are completely gentle and safe to use in pregnancy in the form of teas, far too many to list here.  Google will come up with many over-cautious lists so it is better to look at some of the herbal textbooks you may be acquiring as the course develops (some of which have lists of herbs to avoid in pregnancy).  
 +
 +With the exception of one, all the herbs studied on the course are safe to use during pregnancy and whilst breast-feeding.  The one that we would suggest you refrain from (which is included in the tea samples you may have bought for the course) is **Yarrow, which is best to avoid in pregnancy.**
 +
 +Here is some extra guidance you may find helpful.  Women often respond to lower doses of herbs in pregnancy, perhaps because their organs and circulation are all enhanced to manage the extra demands of having another system to support.  We feel it’s fine to use alcohol tinctures in small doses but teas are lovely and provide the extra fluids needed. With any herb **listen to your body first**: smell the herb and roll a sip round your mouth to see if you like it and then, if so, drink in small quantities to see how your body responds.  **If you instinctively feel it is not right for you, then try something else.**
 +
 +It’s always good with herbs to start with one and develop a personal understanding of how it works for you.  For digestion you could try chamomile, fennel, lemon balm or peppermint for starters. Ginger tea is quite safe to use during the first trimester. Try boiling a piece of crushed fresh ginger.  It works well for indigestion, nausea and bloating and you can also just have ginger juice (just a teaspoonful) although it may taste quite strong.
 +
 +During the subsequent 6 months of a pregnancy, most things can be treated (eg pre-existing conditions, heartburn etc) but ideally under guidance of a herbalist. Many women opt to drink raspberry leaf tea in the last few months of a pregnancy which has a long tradition of being used safely as a uterine tonic.  For women who feel confident enough to self-medicate there are several herbals written specifically to guide you through, for example:
 +
 +The Herbal for Mother and Child by Anne McIntyre\\
 +The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Jill Romm\\
 +
 +Lastly, for those of you that are interested in this topic, there is a recording of a lovely webinar delivered to FC students in 2024 on the topic of pregnancy from herbalist and midwife Rosemary Umolu.  You will find this under the link "FC Information": https://heartwood-uk.net/lms/course/view.php?id=121
  
 ===== UNIT 1: The History, Scope and Philosophy of Plant-Based Medicine ===== ===== UNIT 1: The History, Scope and Philosophy of Plant-Based Medicine =====
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   * The importance of collaboration with other health care professionals for the benefit of patients.   * The importance of collaboration with other health care professionals for the benefit of patients.
   * The future of Phytotherapy.   * The future of Phytotherapy.
-==== Additional Information ====+=== Additional Information ===
 This Unit contains a **Glossary** of terms as well as a **References and Resources** list. This Unit contains a **Glossary** of terms as well as a **References and Resources** list.
  
 ===== UNIT 2: An Introduction to Plant Science ===== ===== UNIT 2: An Introduction to Plant Science =====
-=== Introduction ===+==== Introduction ====
 This unit explores plant classification and plant anatomy, and introduces the basic pharmacology of some important plant families used in Western herbal medicine. This unit explores plant classification and plant anatomy, and introduces the basic pharmacology of some important plant families used in Western herbal medicine.
  
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   * Some drawing materials and/or a camera or mobile phone.   * Some drawing materials and/or a camera or mobile phone.
  
-====== UNIT 3: An Introduction to Human Science ======+===== UNIT 3: An Introduction to Human Science =====
  
 This Unit presents a concise systematic review of the structure and function of the human body. This Unit presents a concise systematic review of the structure and function of the human body.
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 Includes references to articles, videos and recommended reading. Includes references to articles, videos and recommended reading.
  
-====== UNIT 4: Materia Medica 1 ======+===== UNIT 4: Materia Medica 1 =====
  
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
  
 This is the first of three Materia Medica units, the first of which contains a detailed consideration of five common medicinal plants: This is the first of three Materia Medica units, the first of which contains a detailed consideration of five common medicinal plants:
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   * Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.    * Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. 
  
-===== Overview =====+=== Overview ===
   * Get to know 5 important medicinal plants (particularly how and why they are used), and develop a strong affinity with each plant so that you can use them wisely and appropriately   * Get to know 5 important medicinal plants (particularly how and why they are used), and develop a strong affinity with each plant so that you can use them wisely and appropriately
   * Understand research into medicinal plants compounds and into the effects of whole plant extracts   * Understand research into medicinal plants compounds and into the effects of whole plant extracts
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 This Unit contains **Reference and Resources** lists as well as the tutor’s own tasting notes. This Unit contains **Reference and Resources** lists as well as the tutor’s own tasting notes.
  
-====== UNIT 5: Human Science 2 – Physiology and Comparative Nutrition ====== +===== UNIT 5: Human Science 2 – Physiology and Comparative Nutrition ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 In this Unit, we review of the main nutrient classes (carbohydrate, fat, protein, water soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and essential fatty acids), andconsider their relevance to human health. This unit does not present any specific approach to diet, but includes general reference to widely accepted principles of healthy eating. In this Unit, we review of the main nutrient classes (carbohydrate, fat, protein, water soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and essential fatty acids), andconsider their relevance to human health. This unit does not present any specific approach to diet, but includes general reference to widely accepted principles of healthy eating.
-====  Overview ==== +===  Overview ===
   * Introduction - why do we eat?   * Introduction - why do we eat?
   * The major food groups   * The major food groups
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   * Explored food sources of phyto-oestrogens.   * Explored food sources of phyto-oestrogens.
  
-====== UNIT 6: Materia Medica 2 ====== +===== UNIT 6: Materia Medica 2 ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 This is the second of three Materia Medica Units in which we consider 5 more valuable medicinal plants in the herbal materia medica: This is the second of three Materia Medica Units in which we consider 5 more valuable medicinal plants in the herbal materia medica:
   * Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna Jacq.   * Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna Jacq.
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   * Lavender, Lavendula angustifolia Mill.   * Lavender, Lavendula angustifolia Mill.
   * Nettle, Urtica dioica L.   * Nettle, Urtica dioica L.
-====  Overview ==== +===  Overview === 
   * Deepen your understanding of major plant compounds, research, safety and efficacy   * Deepen your understanding of major plant compounds, research, safety and efficacy
   * Explore case histories, plant tastings, simple home recipes and practical pharmacy   * Explore case histories, plant tastings, simple home recipes and practical pharmacy
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 This unit contains Reference and Resources lists as well as the tutor’s own tasting notes. This unit contains Reference and Resources lists as well as the tutor’s own tasting notes.
  
-====== UNIT 7: Human Science 3 ====== +===== UNIT 7: Human Science 3 ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 This unit reviews the changes that occur in healthy tissue when the body is exposed to factors that provoke illness, and investigates how various body systems, organs and tissues combine to mount a healing response. This unit reviews the changes that occur in healthy tissue when the body is exposed to factors that provoke illness, and investigates how various body systems, organs and tissues combine to mount a healing response.
-====  Overview ==== +===  Overview ===
 === In This unit you will === === In This unit you will ===
   * Be introduced to the senses   * Be introduced to the senses
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 This unit contains additional interviews with three consultant medical herbalists: Fi Taylor talking about migraine treatment; Anita Ralph on the menopause; and Aviva Romm, talking about the capacity of the body to heal, and about functional medicine. This unit contains additional interviews with three consultant medical herbalists: Fi Taylor talking about migraine treatment; Anita Ralph on the menopause; and Aviva Romm, talking about the capacity of the body to heal, and about functional medicine.
  
-====== UNIT 8: Materia Medica 3 ====== +===== UNIT 8: Materia Medica 3 ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 This is the third of three Materia Medica Units where we consider the importance and significance of five more medicinal plants, focusing on how and why they are in common use. We also look at some straightforward but effective home remedies including juices, powders, decoctions and syrups. This is the third of three Materia Medica Units where we consider the importance and significance of five more medicinal plants, focusing on how and why they are in common use. We also look at some straightforward but effective home remedies including juices, powders, decoctions and syrups.
   * Thyme, Thymus vulgaris L.   * Thyme, Thymus vulgaris L.
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 This unit contains Reference and Resources lists as well as the tutor’s own tasting notes. This unit contains Reference and Resources lists as well as the tutor’s own tasting notes.
  
-====== UNIT 9: Herbal Approaches to Common Conditions 1 ====== +===== UNIT 9: Herbal Approaches to Common Conditions 1 ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 This is the first of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers. This is the first of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers.
-==== Overview ====+=== Overview ===
   * An introduction to broad concepts of conventional pathophysiology relating to   * An introduction to broad concepts of conventional pathophysiology relating to
   upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, and gastro-oesophageal reflux.   upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, and gastro-oesophageal reflux.
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   * Understood the impact of sinusitis and the medicinal use of herbs in its treatment   * Understood the impact of sinusitis and the medicinal use of herbs in its treatment
  
-====== UNIT 10: Herbal Approaches to Common Conditions 2 ====== +===== UNIT 10: Herbal Approaches to Common Conditions 2 ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 This is the second of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers. This is the second of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers.
-==== Overview ==== +=== Overview ===
   * Investigate the pathophysiology of insomnia and osteoarthritis   * Investigate the pathophysiology of insomnia and osteoarthritis
   * Understand insomnia and osteoarthritis from a Western herbal viewpoint, with particular emphasis on how the approach of the phytotherapist differs from that of conventional medicine   * Understand insomnia and osteoarthritis from a Western herbal viewpoint, with particular emphasis on how the approach of the phytotherapist differs from that of conventional medicine
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   * Have made a fresh poultice for one of the major joints.   * Have made a fresh poultice for one of the major joints.
  
-====== UNIT 11: Herbal Approaches to Common Conditions 3 ====== +===== UNIT 11: Herbal Approaches to Common Conditions 3 ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 This is the last of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers. This is the last of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers.
-==== Overview ==== +=== Overview === 
   * Consider the patho-physiology of irritable bowel syndrome, and of some commonly encountered skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis   * Consider the patho-physiology of irritable bowel syndrome, and of some commonly encountered skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis
   * Review each condition from a Western herbal viewpoint, with particular emphasis on how the approach of the phytotherapist differs from that of conventional medicine   * Review each condition from a Western herbal viewpoint, with particular emphasis on how the approach of the phytotherapist differs from that of conventional medicine
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   * Be able to make an oatmeal compress or bath.   * Be able to make an oatmeal compress or bath.
  
-====== UNIT 12: Bringing in the Harvest ====== +===== UNIT 12: Bringing in the Harvest ===== 
-===== Introduction =====+==== Introduction ====
 In this final Unit, we draw together ideas and concepts from previous Units. In this final Unit, we draw together ideas and concepts from previous Units.
 ====  Overview ====  ====  Overview ==== 
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   * Have completed various extra monograph activities involving examining the leaf pattern and flower detail of your chosen plant; completing a drawing (with eyes closed) of your plant; and tasting your plant to identify your 5 key words   * Have completed various extra monograph activities involving examining the leaf pattern and flower detail of your chosen plant; completing a drawing (with eyes closed) of your plant; and tasting your plant to identify your 5 key words
   * Have written 300 words summarising what you feel is important about your chosen plant   * Have written 300 words summarising what you feel is important about your chosen plant
-  * Have completed your monograph. You have 6 weeks after the release of Unit 12 to submit your final assignment - the herb monograph.+  * Have completed your monograph. You have 6 weeks after the release of Unit 12 to complete all units and submit your final assignment - the herb monograph.
 ==== Additional Information ==== ==== Additional Information ====
 There is a reference and further reading list. There is a reference and further reading list.