Natural Science 0224 - Practical Plant Biology

Through a series of guided explorations, and assuming no background in mathematics, chemistry or physics, we will study the ways different plants grow, adapt, flower and set seeds. After all, Charles Darwin had no formal science background and wrote some of the most interesting and penetrating studies of plant growth. We will learn what plants require to grow well and how they adapt to different temperature, water and light regimes. Topics will include seed saving for gardening and farming, propagation from seeds, cuttings and bulbs, plant nutrition, and trophic and nastic responses. We will work in the Hampshire College Bioshelter and students will be expected to work at least 3 hours a week outside of class growing and caring for plants.

Physical and Biological Sciences Independent Work Quantitative Skills In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.