BIOL 3431: Plants and People
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
Students will receive the following:
Levetin, E., & McMahon, K. (2020). Plants & society (8th ed.). New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Type: Textbook: ISBN: 978-1-260-08511-2
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.
|
Coursework |
Assignment |
Total |
| Unit 1 | Assignment 1: Botany Quiz
|
10% |
| Unit 2 | Assignment 2: Food, Spice, and Dye
|
20% |
| Unit 3 | Assignment 3: Human Manipulation of Plants
|
20% |
| Unit 4 | Assignment 4: Plants as Sources of Bioactive Chemicals
|
20% |
| Final Project * | Includes 5% for Final Project Proposal (in Unit 2) | 30% |
|
Total |
100% |
* Mandatory
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.
