Objectives: This course for the non-major will examine structural, functional, economic, and practical aspects of plants. Historical insights concerning the impact plants have had on world exploration, colonization, etc will also be dealt with. One section of this course is typically offered in even numbered springs.

Prerequisites: None

Credit Value: 3

Contact Time: Three 50 minute lectures per week.

Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course a student should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of plant structure and function
• demonstrate an understanding of plant growth and cultivation
• explain the economic value of selected plant species
• demonstrate an understanding of the historical role plants have played in world exploration and economics

Assessment:

• Two hourly examinations
• Ten Quizzes
• Report
• Final Examination

Lecture Schedule:

• Introduction
• Basic structure and function of plant
• Reproduction, propogation, and growth
• Photosynthesis and respiration
• Fermentation and beverages (beer, wines, coffee, tea, chocolate, etc,)
• Economic importance of trees
• Plants as stimuli for world exploration
• Roles of necessities in early civilization: wheat, maize, sugar, etc.
• Plants as sources of medicines, folklore, and fact
• Plants as sources of drugs
• Common poisonous and edible wild plants
• Tannins, dyes, and other important plant extracts