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    Overview

    An introduction to botany, how the study of plants aids our understanding of Earth’s history and human society, and how plants will respond to future environmental change.

    Discover the World of Botany!

    Dive into the fascinating study of plants and uncover how they have shaped our planet's history, influence human society, and will adapt to future environmental changes.  This course is your gateway to understanding the incredible role of plants in our world!

    By the end of this paper, you will:

    • Explore the Past, Present, and Future: Learn how plants have been crucial for Earth and human welfare throughout history and into the future to unlock the potential of plants in our society.
    • Get to Know Major Plant Groups: Familiarize yourself with the diverse and amazing groups of plants and develop a key skill for a life sciences job.
    • Understand Plant Form and Function: Gain insights into how plants are structured and how they work. Knowledge is essential to underpin decision-making.
    • Develop Key Skills: Hone your abilities in observation, interpretation, and communication, which are transferrable to any graduate role.
    • Experience Cutting-Edge Research: Discover the excitement and potential of ground-breaking research in Plant Sciences and see where plants can take us.

    About this paper

    Paper title Plants: How They Shape the World
    Subject Biology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Restriction
    BIOL 113, PTWY 132
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact
    botany@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Tina Summerfield
    Lecturers: Professor David Orlovich
    Professor Janice Lord
    Associate Professor David Burritt
    Associate Professor Matt Larcombe
    And guest lecturers.

    Paper Structure

    This paper covers:

    • Evolution of plant diversity.
    • Energy metabolism.
    • Plant growth and development.
    • Marine flora: evolution and function.
    • Plant life on land.
    • Flowering plants.
    • Plants and the changing environment.
    Teaching Arrangements

    This paper is taught via lectures, laboratories, and a project.

    Textbooks
    Evert RF, Eichhorn AE 2013. Raven Biology of Plants, 8th edition. New York: WH Freeman and Company Publishers.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will demonstrate in-depth understanding of the central concepts, theories, and current areas of research.

    Assessment details

    Assessment comprises two multiple-choice exams, a project report and two lab experiments.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Aoroa

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 12:00-12:50 29-34, 37-42
    Wednesday 09:00-09:50 29-35, 37-42
    Friday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-16:50 30-35, 37-42
    A2 Wednesday 14:00-16:50 30-35, 37-42
    A3 Thursday 14:00-16:50 30-35, 37-42
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