Plants and Society

Catalog description

This course considers the fundamental concepts of plant biology and how plants as living organisms have influenced society. Students will learn plant cell, molecular and tissue biology and examine the diversity that exist in the plant kingdom. Societal topics covered will include the ecology and evolution of plants, the role of plants in the carbon cycle, and human dependence on plants for food, shelter, fuel, medicine, and clothing. Student will read and discuss articles current to plant biology and interpret charts and graphs of agriculture and forest plants as aresult of climate change. Weekly labs include examination of plants for antimicrobial properties and making your own microscope slides of plant stomata.