BIOL 3991: People and Plants
This course analyzes the importance of plants and the role plants have in the local and global community. Through online research and discussion-based activities, students learn about plant biology and how humans have impacted the plant world. Students evaluate the importance of plants as sources of bioactive chemicals and examine the importance of plants as foods, spices and dyes. Students also have the opportunity to explore the relationships between First Nations people and plants.
Learning outcomes
After completing the work in this course, students should be able to:
- Explain basic plant biology and apply it to explain how humans have used different plant structures.
- Outline the importance of plants as foods, spices, and dyes.
- Identify how humans have shaped the plant world.
- Outline how plants are used and manipulated by people and conversely how plants have shaped human society.
- Evaluate the importance of plants as sources of bioactive chemicals such as drugs (including medicines) and beverages.
- Analyze the importance of plants and their role in the local and global community.
Course topics
Unit 1: Botany: An Introduction
Unit 2: Food, Spice, and Dye
Unit 3: Human Manipulation of Plants
Unit 4: Plants as Sources of Bioactive Chemicals
Required text and materials
The following material is required for this course:
- Levetin, E., & McMahon, K. (2020). Plants & society (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1-260-08511-2
OR
- Levetin, E., & McMahon, K. (2024). Plants & society ISE (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9781266281624
Note: Either edition is acceptable for this course.
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final madatory project.
| Assignment 1: Botany Quiz | 5% |
| Unit 1: Discussion | 5% |
| Assignment 2: Food, Spice, and Dye | 15% |
| Unit 2: Discussion | 5% |
| Assignment 3: Human Manipulation of Plants | 15% |
| Unit 3: Discussion | 5% |
| Assignment 4: Plants as Sources of Bioactive Chemicals - European Psychoactive Plants Written Assignment | 15% |
| Unit 4: Discussion | 5% |
| Mandatory Final Project | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
