Natural Science 0228 - Botanical Solutions

Plants productivity underlies most of life on Earth. In this three-part course, we will explore the role of plants in addressing some challenging problems, such as climate change, hunger, toxic environment, and social disintegration. First we will survey the use of plants in sustainable solutions. Then we will discover the structure and function of plants, the basis for growth, and the diversity of the plant kingdom. Finally students will design a botanical solution, one that is socially just, economically feasible, and ecologically sound. In this course students should demonstrate an understanding of the form and function of plants and an ability to apply that to developing sustainable botanical solutions to environmental and social problems. Weekly labs, both outdoors and in, will involve microscopy, experimental work in the greenhouse, and local field plant identification.

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.