Course Details

This course is designed as a botanical/herbal and horticulture primer for the nonscientist. The course introduces the student to basic botanical terminology, classification (how plants are named), and evolution of the major divisions and classes of plants. Once these basics have been reviewed, the course delves into more detail about plant structure beginning with a review of cells and cellular structure and then on to how plants grow and mature. Different types of plant organization, adaptation, function and reproduction are fully discussed and accompanied by color photographs and illustrations. Questions addressed include: What happens inside a seed after it is planted? How are plants structured? How do plants adapt to their environment? How is water transported from the soil to leaves? What are the essential elements needed to grow healthy plants? How do plants reproduce? After learning terminology and botanical basics the course then centers on learning how to use plant identification keys to identify plants and herbs. However, rather than to try and learn plants one-at-a-time the course teaches a pattern method of plant identification based upon shared features (e.g., flower structure and type, leaf and stem type). The pattern method when used in conjunction with Botany in a Day, which includes Herbal Field Guide to Plant Families of North America, can lead to the identification of over 45,000 species. Many of the species can be found in your backyard or in fields near your home. The course concludes with nutritional and medicinal uses of the common plant families. The beginning student will acquire a botanical foundation for future studies and an enhancement of personal interest in horticulture while the more advanced student may find their knowledge broadened with specific details better understood.

This course is applicable towards the following certificate(s):
*Basic Biology for the Classroom

Visit our Certificates page for more information.

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