BI1EG1-Plant Diversity, Structure and Utilisation

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Julie Hawkins
Email: j.a.hawkins@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module we'll discover the diversity of organisms that photosynthesise, then we'll focus in on the plants that we depend on most for food and even the air we breathe, the flowering plants (Angiosperms). We will explore the diversity of the plants in our supermarket trolleys, and in the gardens and wild places around us. Taking a walk or going shopping may never be the same again... We'll consider the value of plants from different perspectives, taking in ecosystem services, biofuels and drugs. Plants have always provided the materials for our basic needs; in this choosing this module will open up theÌý relationships of plants, people and planet.Ìý

Aims:
Students will discover the diversity of photosynthetic organisms, including green plants and land plants, and will become familiar with the major lineages of green plants. They will gain an appreciation and understanding of the diversity of vegetative and reproductive structures of flowering plants, their ecological and evolutionary significance and how plant domestication has changed these structures. They will gain a more sophisticated understanding of some issues relating to the exploitation of plants, such as issues relating to the ethics of palm oil production and plant breeding technologies.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Ability to identify the vegetative and reproductive parts of flowering plants, particularly those of crop plants.

Additional outcomes:
Increased understanding and appreciation of the diversity of plants; experience of reading primary scientific literature; familiarity with the School of Biological Sciences’ collections

Outline content:
Plant diversity:
What is a plant? An overview of photosynthetic organisms and the major lineages of green plants.
Plant structures:
Vegetative parts of the plant
Structure of flowers and fruits
Biology of flowers and fruits
Plant utilisation:
Plant domestication, the origins of agriculture and Plant Genetic Resources
Contemporary issues in the exploitation of plants.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Every week students will have a one hour lecture and either "free time" or a three hour practical class. Practical activities will include dissection, drawing and interpretation of plant material and annotation of drawings, quiz and plant hunting in the Harris Garden. Students will carry out a survey of fresh produce in a supermarket. Scientific reading is set for the "free time" and online quizzes will be used to test understanding of the reading and the practical classes. Students will have t he opportunity to participate on online discussion forums with topics such as "Can oil palm be sustainably produced?".