- Course Code
- BI 25P1
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr A Price
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
None
Overview
Life on earth depends on plants. Their unique ability to split oxygen from water has resulted in an atmosphere that is not only suitable to breathe, but which protects DNA from the lethal effects of UV irradiance. This ability to liberate oxygen from water has both set the stage for evolution and ensured life as we know it. Plants do other things as well: in addition to being the single most important converters of radiant energy into forms that can be used to sustain life, they make a vast array of complex products that are of great use to man, and which are central to the functioning of ecosystems.
This course explores the major aspects of modern plant biology, indicating their relevance to natural and managed ecosystems, man and the environment. It covers key products made by plants, and their uses; services provided by plants (such as cleaning air, water and soil); the ways in which plants are manipulated by man, and some of the problems faced by plants themselves.
Structure
12 weeks - 3 one-hour lectures per week, and one 3 hour practical per fortnight.
To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%), of 5 practical reports, 3 written in the practical and 2 handed in after one week. Each count 5%.
Resit: A 2 hour written exam for all candidates.