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BI25P4: PLANTS, PEOPLE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT (2026-2027)

Last modified: 08 Oct 2026 12:46


Course Overview

A course in which students explore both core and emerging issues in the plant sciences, focusing in particular on the inter-dependence of plants, people and environment.  The course content is informed by two sets of published ‘100 Important Questions to Facing Plant Science’. Students are encouraged to develop a range of important generic and applied skills, through lectures and practicals.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor M Pinard

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 2 or Programme Level 3

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The content reflects currently important topics in plants, particularly in relation to people who depend on them and the environment that affects them. The course focusses on numerous important questions in plant science research. Content builds on and integrates understanding about plants and soils from first year courses. Different teaching methods are used, on campus and online, to take students to the frontiers of our understanding of plant science research.

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
Students should possess a Howie laboratory coat and safety glasses. Further details of requirements can be found on the course's MyAberdeen page. The cost listed here is approximate.£30.00

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 21st September 2026 for Term 1 and Full Year courses and 8th January 2027 for Term 2 courses.

Summative Assessments

Report: self reflection on practical work

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Students engage in six practicals during the course - the concepts are assessed in the exam but the personal growth and skill development is not. This assessment will give students a chance to reflect and articulate their practical skill  development.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Closed book invigilated exam, in the May diet.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Oral Presentation: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed element(s)

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyApply knowledge to interpret information and data
FactualRememberDemonstrate a familiarity and understanding of some key principles
ProceduralAnalyseConduct analyses of plant material in lab, following instructions
ProceduralAnalyseUse class date to identify and interpret trends in data
ConceptualEvaluateDemonstrate an awareness of different and sometimes conflicting uses of plants in human society
ProceduralCreateWorking in a group, construct a persuasive presentation on a given topic

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